How to Take Care of Your Inflatable Paddle Board

Because we love paddleboarding, but mostly because we want you to enjoy it fully, here are a few tips and tricks that will help you keep your board in top shape for years to come!  

Our first recommendation for our #TAIGAclub is: take an “introduction to paddleboarding” lesson! Although it looks easy, SUP remains a water sport and it’s important to understand the basics to avoid injuries, dangerous situations, and damaging your board.

Because you can gain so much from learning from a pro, we suggest that you reach out to one of our demo centers: you’ll be sure to find passionate people who share the same love for SUP as we do! 

 

Extreme Temperatures

We love the sun, especially when we’re on the water. However, when a board is not in use, like us, it needs protection from UV rays and heat. By taking care of your board, you will avoid: 

• The glue that holds the pad to the board from melting.  
•  The color of the pad from fading.  
•  Bubbles from forming under the pad and under the fiberglass. It’s not dangerous, just less aesthetically pleasing.  
• Cracks or construction deformations. Yes, drastic temperature changes can affect the construction of your board adversely. 

 

What to Do:

• Store your board in the shade when it is not on the water. 
•  Use a board bag to carry your board. Our board bags are designed to protect your board from UV rays and bad weather. Why go without? 
• Avoid leaving your board in your vehicle. The temperature inside can reach 40 C in the summer!  

 

What Not to Do:

• Whether your board is on the shore, in your backyard or on top of your car, never leave it in the sun for a long period of time. 
•  Never leave your board in a place that could face drastic temperature changes. 
• Never leave your board in a car. 

 

Holes and Scratches

It's important to handle your board with care and carry it with awareness of its width as well as its length.  
 

What to Do:

• Handle your board with care and always put it down gently, even if it’s in a board bag.  
• Always lay your board down with the fin(s) facing upwards.  
• Avoid collisions at all costs.  
• Choose smooth surfaces like grass to lay your board on. 

 

What Not to Do: 

• Drop your board on the ground carelessly.  
• Lay your board with the fins facing downwards. The fins are the most fragile part of your board.  
• Lay your board on an abrasive surface: cement, asphalt and gravel can scratch and damage your board.  
• Use your board (top or sides) as a bench to sit on!  
• Put the nose of your board in the sand. 

 

Inspection, Repair and Cleaning :

Because you still have years of paddle board expeditions ahead of you, here are some tips for long-term care of your board. 
 

To-Do List

• Always inspect your board before and after each use. 
•  Make sure your fins and leash are properly installed.  
•  To prevent water infiltrations, repair or have your board repaired as soon as you see a ding or a crack in it. 
•  When picking up your board, pay special attention to its weight! If you feel a difference, examine it to see if any water has seeped in.  
•  Clean your board after each use.  
•  Disassemble the accessories after each use and rinse them with fresh water to remove sand, salt, and dirt deposits. 
•  Disassemble and clean your adjustable paddle after each use. 
•  Let your board, accessories, and paddle dry after cleaning and before storing everything away. 

 

What Not to Do:

• Avoid storing your board in a humid environment. Humidity can cause mold and mildew, which can damage your board.  
• Storing your wet board in a board bag for too long can create nasty odors. Always look for a place to dry your board before putting it in its bag.  
• An unrepaired hole can cause water to infiltrate in your board when paddling. To avoid this inconvenience, keep your board dry when out of the water. For best performance and efficiency, the inside of your board must stay dry.