Many paddlers hardly go with their paddle boards on vacation. Unfortunately, it means that the majority might not be knowing how to deflate and pack these items. This post will outline the proper procedures for folding and filling your boards.
Being inflatable, this will be pretty easy to tackle around. Try this when going out next time, and share with us your experience.
How to Deflate an Inflatable Paddleboard?
Step 1: Locate the Deflating Valve
Identify where the deflating or inflating valve is. Most paddleboards come with one to work for both purposes. After that, rotate it anti-clockwise to release it.
Step 2: Further Deflating Your Board
Press its pin down, then lock it in a downward position. Thus, it will aid in emptying your board. In addition, pressing down the hook allows the air to start exiting the board.
In the beginning, it might be louder. That's because of the high air pressure inside the paddleboard.
As you continue to release the pressure, the sound goes down. It is because air pressure will have reduced, and the process becomes quieter.
Step 3: Double Chamber Option
Those with the double chamber can follow the above steps just like the main chambers. Turn the valve anti-clockwise. That removes it. Then, press down to start deflating your paddleboard.
To deflate the board faster, you can use the pump that comes with the paddleboard. Besides, most of the manufacturers include this as part of the package.
Others could be 2-in-1 designs for inflation and deflation. Likewise, others could only be one way, and that is fine. If your paddleboard didn't come with a pump, you must be having one that you use.
Step 4: Using the Pump
Set the hose on deflating mode and connect it to the handle of the pump. Ensure that the pin remains down. Next, connect your hose to the deflation valve and begin pumping.
Remember, the pumping is different here. Don't pump air into your board. The pump will be pulling all the air out of your board. That makes paddleboard deflation quicker.
How to Store an Inflatable Paddleboard?
You may start deflating your board by now. But, first, ensure that you remove all the air out. That will make it easier to fold and pack it.
If there is still excess air left in the board, repeat the procedure until the paddleboard is flaccid.
Step 1: Fold Your Board
Begin at the nose of your board. Fold it starting from this point, heading to the tail. Do this in smaller increments. If you don't want to redo the deflation procedure if all air didn't escape outside, there is a solution.
Folding your paddleboard in this manner will help with expelling the remaining air. While folding, ensure you press down on every fold. Thus, it helps to maintain a smaller and compact board.
Once you get to the valve area, ensure that you position the pin in the middle of the valve looking up. Screw the top back on it. That's because it prevents the entry of dust into your board. So, now you should be approaching the tail.
If there already, this is the time to pack the paddleboard.
Step 2: Packing the Board
Most inflatable paddle boards come with carrying backs. The designs vary from one product to another. Others are the backpack design, while some are like tubes.
Depending on the bag you are using, you need to ensure that the last fold has the board's fin box at the top of the rest of the folds. So consider this before packing your board.
Grab the board from the two sides and ensure the fin box is facing upwards. Then, place it inside the bag. But, if your bag has a compression belt, use it to secure the board.
Once you confirm the paddleboard is secure, you can close the zippers. After that, secure your compression belt again to minimize strain on your zipper.
Using the handle, lift the bag and start moving.
How to Transport an Inflatable Paddleboard?
First, inflatable paddle boards are excellent because they are lightweight and very portable. Thus, that makes transportation less hectic than hard paddleboards.
But, if you aren't careful, you could ruin yours while on transit. Here is how to can move with your board without risking damage.
1. Use Its Storage Bag
Most SUPs come with storage bags. It should fit your board and the accessories it comes with while buying. The storage bag could be a backpack or travel bag.
Every SUP storage bag has a different design, and low-quality ones also exist. If you are buying a storage bag for your board, ensure it is of the correct size.
A good one should have several carrying handles. They should be in different locations to lug and load your board in any place. Shoulder straps will distribute the weight of your boars and make transportation easier.
If you get an airport-style bag, this will be more convenient as it has wheels. In addition, you can drag the load and relieve the pressure of carrying it.
2. Transporting an Inflated Paddleboard
It is for those who often use their boards and don't have time to keep inflating and deflating them. It should save you time and energy.
Be careful as leaving the air in your paddleboard could expand it with too much atmospheric heat. To be safe, expel some air from your board. Also, ensure the board isn't in the sun.
If it is, cover the deck pad to avoid fading. Use tie-down straps to secure the board to the roof rack. There are spring-loaded buckles that you can also use.
Secure it correctly on the crossbars to avoid moving. Also, this allows you to stack several boards on the roof rack to save space.
3. Carrying the Board Inside a Motor Vehicle
It will depend on the size of your motor vehicle. Minis will not fit inflated paddleboards. Anything from a van upwards will do. You need a car with a good length to allow you to stash it in the back.
Let the board sit on the side. If your board is long, ensure the nose fits between the seats in your console.
Those with smaller vehicles but need to transport inflated boards should expel some air. Fold or bend it slightly to fit in your car. For the SUP to turn well, it should have a pressure of below 1PSI.
But if you can deflate it until slack, this will be ideal to avoid any risks of damage. For faster operation in this situation, using a pump will be excellent.
The pump draws air out of the board in seconds, and the chances of leaving some air inside are minimal unless you want it half-inflated.
4. Using a Truck Bed to Transport Your Paddleboard
It is one of the most typical methods of transporting paddleboards nowadays. You will have everything wet on the outside. Ensure that you start on a clean truck bed.
You want to avoid anything that can damage your board from abrasion or piercing. Your board shouldn't be obstructing the driver's view.
If there is an overhanging section, tie a flag to it to notify motorists from behind. Then, use tie-downs and straps to secure the board.
Inflatable SUPs are lightweight and can bounce around in the truck bed. It ensures minimum movement.
Those on more extended trips should opt for the deflating option. It saves you the stress of stopping to check the condition of your board.
Final Thoughts!
You can agree that packing and transporting your inflatable paddleboard doesn't have to be daunting. There are various options to do this. Choose one that will be the most effective and convenient for you.
While at it, ensure you maintain safety. There is no need to put money on a high-quality SUP then ruin it during transportation.
