Your Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) is more than just a watercraft; it's an investment. However, regular exposure to saltwater, sunlight, and outdoor elements can impact its lifespan.
Thus, to ensure your paddleboard remains a reliable companion through countless adventures, it deserves tender loving care. This article will guide you through essential maintenance tips to take care of your paddleboard.
Keep reading, and we'll show you that SUP maintenance doesn't have to be a hassle, and the outcome will be a board that looks fantastic and lasts for many years.
Regular Cleaning: Keeping Your Paddleboard in Top Condition.
Rinse After Use
After every paddle, it's essential to rinse your SUP with fresh water to prevent salt and bacteria buildup. This quick and easy step helps maintain your board's condition.
Occasional Deep Clean
For a thorough cleaning, use a biodegradable mild soap suitable for your board's materials. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasives, or regular dishwashing detergent, as they can damage the board.
Use a soft cloth or brush to gently clean the board and pay attention to the traction pad. This prevents salt deposits and protects against mildew or bacteria stains. After cleaning, ensure giving your SUP an additional thorough wash and meticulously rinse out any hard-to-reach areas, such as the fin boxes.
Dry Your Board
A simple dry-down with a microfiber towel after each use helps prevent bacterial growth. Ensure a thorough dry-down if storing your board for an extended period.
Lubricate Metal Parts
Periodically lubricate metal components like D-rings and fin box parts to protect against rust and keep them working smoothly. Be cautious not to get oil on the board; apply it to a cloth first.
Maintenance Tips for Your Paddle Board
Shield From The Sun
Sunlight can severely damage your board’s core, which is composed of an expanded polystyrene (DPS) water-resistant foam. This foam, holding gas and air, can overheat and expand, putting pressure on the fiberglass and epoxy skin, resulting in bubbles, cracks, and splits on the board's exterior.
On the other hand, inflatable SUPs may experience increased air pressure in hot weather. Your SUP performs optimally in temperatures between 4 and 40 degrees Celsius.
Therefore, to ensure the well-being of your paddle board, store it in a place with a consistent temperature, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or proximity to a heat source.
Protect from Extreme or Freezing Temperature
Avoid exposing your paddle board to freezing temperatures and avoid environments with drastic air temperature changes. Storing hard boards in places prone to significant temperature fluctuations may result in delamination, making it advisable to avoid such conditions.
Avoid Dragging
We know it sounds tough, but still, you need to protect your SUP as much as possible. Thus, try to carry your SUP to avoid dragging it on rocks or sharp debris, preventing sand and moisture from causing internal issues.
Watch Out for Sharp Objects
Though modern paddle boards are durable enough, it's crucial to handle them with care to avoid damage. Never place your paddle board on anything sharp, and when carrying your SUP, move slowly, being mindful of your surroundings due to its large size.
Check For Debris
Regularly inspect fin boxes and valve seals for sand or debris. Use a vacuum, canned air, or a warm cloth to address the issue.
Check The Valve
Over time, the inflation valve of your SUP can loosen up. So, it's important to periodically check and tighten the inflation valve using the included valve wrench in a clockwise motion.
Think of Your Fins
Lie your board down with the fin facing upwards to avoid damaging the fins. Consider fitting removable fins to prevent damage while carrying the SUP.
Storing the SUP
Cover your board with a tarpaulin when storing it outdoors to shield it from debris and the elements, and regularly check air pressure. While storing indoors, keep your board dry and clean, avoiding humid conditions conducive to bacteria growth. If storing inflated, refrain from placing items on top to prevent pressure dings.
Top Tip: When storing your inflatable SUP, avoid placing any items on top of it, even seemingly lighter objects. If you keep your inflatable board inflated during storage, consider releasing a few PSI to prevent damage to the seals in warmer conditions.
Maintaining SUP Accessories
- Deflate the SUP and locate your wrench tool.
- Unscrew the valve cap and use the tool to remove the valve.
- Replace the valve, ensuring proper alignment and avoiding over-tightening
- Disassemble and clean the pump.
- Re-lubricate with oil or grease.
- Reassemble, ensuring all o-rings and gaskets are in place.
Conclusion
By adhering to these maintenance tips, you not only prolong the life of your paddleboard but also enhance your overall paddleboarding experience. From meticulous storage practices to regular seasonal upkeep, ensuring proper care guarantees your SUP board is always ready for the next exciting adventure.