How to Clean an Inflatable SUP

Proper cleaning and maintenance of your inflatable stand up paddleboards or SUPs is key to its outstanding performance and longevity. With this, it is vital that you clean off the SUP before you transport and store it, or whenever it needs cleaning. Doing so will help prevent premature wear on the inflatable SUP. In fact, the task is very easy – you just need to clean it off using fresh water or if you need to, use a specific inflatable boat cleaner. In case you’re using salt water to clean your inflatable SUP, be sure to wash it again using fresh water.

In this post, we will be talking about everything that you need to know about how to clean an inflatable SUP. Not only that, but we also would be discussing the common mistakes people make that damages a SUP. Having the knowledge about what and what not to do gives you an advantage, as well as long life to your SUPs. Now, let’s proceed with the discussions.

How to Properly Clean an Inflatable SUP

As with any other water sports gear, SUPs tend to get moldy if they are not cleaned or stored properly. As mentioned above, proper maintenance is key to its long life and high performance. In fact, an inflatable SUP could last years if it has been maintained properly and if the owners diligently follow the instructions of the manufacturer, in terms of using the SUP. To be able to add more years to your inflatable SUP, here’s what you should do:

1. Clean your inflatable SUP after use

Harsh weather such as water, sun, and chemicals including chlorine, can potentially damage your inflatable SUP. To effectively prevent wear and tear, take a few minutes to thoroughly clean your SUP after you use it. Keep it inflated and have it rinsed with fresh water by using a hose. You may also opt to use an inflatable boat cleaner or a mild soap to effectively get rid of lasting dirt. If you use your inflatable SUP on salt water, then, it’s imperative that you wash it after each use.

2. Eliminate moisture found inside the SUP

Moisture left inside the inflatable SUP could only lead to mildew or mold. To eliminate it, you may need to unlock the board’s air valve and then place it in an open position. Then, blow air with a vacuum or an electric pump.

3. Thoroughly check the valve seal for debris and dirt

Leaks are likely caused by dirty valve seals. This air can then be removed by opening the seal when the SUP is still fully inflated. Doing so will cause a burst of air, which should do the job of removing the debris. In addition, you may opt using a q-tip, as well as warm water to thoroughly clean the seal and the valve.

4. Make sure that the inflatable SUP has dried before you store it

Once you’re done cleaning the inflatable SUP, dry it using a soft towel. Doing so removes all excess water. To be sure that it has dried completely, you may continue air drying it for another 15 to 30 minutes. It is essential that you dry it first before you place it back to storage. Once it has dried, make sure that you store it fully inflated and in a dry place. If you want, you can also deflate it and fold it according to the manufacturer’s instructions and then store it inside an approved carrying case or backpack. In fact, most carrying cases by manufacturers have been specifically engineered for inflatable SUPs.

Inflatable SUP Don’ts

This fact no longer needs further explanation – it is important to take care of your inflatable SUP to make sure it lives a long and reliable life. SUPs are somewhat a big investment so you need to know the do’s and don’ts of taking care of your inflatable SUP, which is as follows:

Don’t leave your inflatable SUP out under direct sunlight

The sun’s ultraviolet rays fade your SUP’s colors quickly. Prolonged exposure to the sun overheats your inflatable SUP, resulting in cracking and delamination. You shouldn’t worry about using the inflatable SUP on a sunny and hot day, as it will not directly affect your SUP. To be safe, we do recommend that you find a shady spot for your inflatable SUP if you’re planning to spend the day at a lake or a beach.

Don’t forget to clean your inflatable SUP

After you’re done with paddle boarding, it’s essential that you wash the board off using freshwater and dry it using a soft towel. It’s crucial that you clean the board after every use, especially if you use it in salt water. In case you don’t know, salt water could potentially dry out your board, as well as eat away the SUP’s materials. Think of it as your vehicle, which you would always want to give it a good clean occasionally.

Don’t neglect proper storage

Once you return home after a day of paddling, it’s vital that you store your inflatable SUP somewhere safe. Your options may include a shed, your garage, or your house. In fact, insulated areas in your home prove to be the best for storing inflatable SUPs. However, you should be informed that keeping your inflatable SUP next to the water heater may cause delamination. Simply put, you shouldn’t store your inflatable SUPs next to places that are hot. Additionally, we do not recommend that you store your inflatable SUP under the deck, as it’s vulnerable to direct sun, especially on a sunny day. Lastly, cold temperatures should not affect your inflatable SUP directly.

Don’t transport your SUP while it’s inflated

Your inflatable SUP is likely to be vulnerable to damage, especially during transportation. A carrying case or a bag from the manufacturer protects your inflatable SUP from the threatening elements when traveling. With this, we do recommend that you transport your deflated SUP in a travel bag.

Don’t paddle in shallow and rocky waters

Be very mindful of where you’re paddling using your inflatable SUP. Rocks are likely the cause of permanent damages to your SUP and you should stay away from it. In addition, rocks can scratch the fins, as well as the bottom of the SUP.

Conclusion

Properly taking care and cleaning your inflatable SUP extends its lifespan and makes it high-performance as if it’s brand new. Lucky for you, we have provided you with an informative guide on how to clean an inflatable SUP. You just need to refer to this guide if you feel like you don’t know what to do.