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    How to Inflate and Deflate a Paddle Board

    by Coastal Paddle Boards

    Getting your inflatable paddle board ready for the water is straightforward once you know the steps. Here is a simple guide to inflating and deflating your SUP, whether it is your first time or you just want to make sure you are doing it right.

    What You Need

    • Your inflatable paddle board
    • A pump (dual-action is much easier than single-action)
    • A pressure gauge if your pump does not have one built in

    Most of our boards come with a dual-action pump included. If you are paddling regularly and want to save time and effort, an electric pump is worth considering. Browse our accessories range for options.

    How to Inflate Your Paddle Board

    Step 1: Unroll the Board

    Lay your board out flat on a clean surface. Unroll it fully and make sure there are no kinks or folds. If you are on a beach, try to keep it off sharp stones or shells.

    Step 2: Attach the Pump Hose

    Locate the valve on your board. It will have a pin in the centre. Make sure the pin is in the up position (this is the inflate position). Attach the pump hose to the valve and twist to lock it in place.

    Step 3: Inflate to the Right Pressure

    Start pumping. With a dual-action pump, both the push and pull strokes add air, so it is much faster than a single-action pump. Most boards should be inflated to between 12 and 15 PSI. Check your board's manual for the recommended pressure.

    The board will feel firm long before it reaches the right pressure. Keep going until your gauge reads the correct PSI. An under-inflated board will feel soft and unstable on the water.

    Step 4: Lock the Valve

    Once inflated, disconnect the pump hose and press the valve pin down to lock it in the closed position. Give the board a quick check to make sure it feels firm and even.

    Step 5: Attach Your Fins

    If your board has a removable centre fin, slot it into the fin box and secure it before you head to the water. Check that any fixed side fins are undamaged.

    How to Deflate Your Paddle Board

    Step 1: Rinse the Board

    After your session, rinse the board with fresh water if possible, especially if you have been in the sea. Salt water left on the board can degrade the material over time.

    Step 2: Open the Valve

    Press the valve pin down and turn it to lock it in the open position. Air will start to escape. You can speed this up by rolling the board from the nose towards the valve end.

    Step 3: Roll and Pack

    Once most of the air is out, fold the board in thirds lengthways, then roll it tightly from the nose end towards the valve. Rolling tightly makes it easier to fit back into the bag and helps push out any remaining air.

    Step 4: Pack into the Bag

    Slide the rolled board into your carry bag. Pack the pump, paddle, leash, and any other accessories around it. Most bags have external pockets for smaller items.

    Tips for Looking After Your Board

    • Never leave your board inflated in direct sunlight for long periods. Heat causes the air inside to expand and can damage the seams.
    • Store your board deflated and loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.
    • Check the valve and seams regularly for any signs of wear or slow leaks.
    • If you get a puncture, most boards come with a repair kit. Small punctures are straightforward to fix with the included patches.

    Get the Right Pump

    If inflating your board feels like hard work, upgrading your pump makes a big difference. Browse our range of SUP pumps and accessories to find the right option for how often you paddle.

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