How To Care For Your Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

Inflatable SUP care and repair

Over time inflatable SUP’s can get dinged, scratched, stained and dirty. To keep your board strong, clean, looking good and functioning as it should there are a few simple steps to follow.

Below we will take a look at how to properly clean your paddle board, store it and repair any minor leaks or tears.

PROPER CLEANING

STEP 1: RINSE

rinse paddle board to clean

Rinse the entire board with fresh water to remove dirt, gravel and debris.

You do not need to rinse your board after using it each time if you are paddling in fresh water, unless you want to quickly clean off debris.

However if you are paddling in salt water it is important to rinse your board with fresh water to remove the salt. Salt can corrode the material and weaken the seams over time. Rinsing with fresh water will prolong the life of your board.

STEP 2: CLEAN

natural cleaners for inflatable paddle boards

To clean the PVC material on your ISUP you can use any natural biodegradable cleaner.  I often simply use the natural soap that I use to clean my home.  Anything without chemicals should be fine to use.

However if your cleaner is not doing the trick one that is quite effective plus environmentally friendly is Onit Pro Blue Goo.  Blue Goo also helps protect the material from UV rays.

To help remove stains on the traction pad there are a few options. Again any natural soap can be used or either of the two products below will help remove stubborn stains.

  1. Onitpro Deck Pad Cleaner
  2. Revive Pro Cleaner

Pro Tip: When cleaning the traction pad be sure to scrub very gently so as not to shred the pad.

STEP 3: RINSE AGAIN

cleaning paddle board with fresh water

Then rinse thoroughly with fresh water after cleaning to remove all soap residue.

DRY COMPLETELY

Dry paddle board with old towel

After cleaning your board or after paddling let the board dry completely. I always bring an old towel along with me so I can give the board a quick towel dry.

It is best to let your board dry off as much as possible before packing away. That being said if I am paddling regularly I don’t worry too much about making sure it is completely dry.

I dry the board with a towel as best I can then deflate it and pack it away.

HOWEVER if your board is going to be stored away for a longer period of time then definitely make sure the board dries properly.

Leaving it wet will promote the growth of bacteria and mold as well as weaken the seams.

STORAGE

rolling backpack for inflatable stand up paddle board

One of the most awesome things about inflatable stand up paddle boards is that they can pack away into a storage bag or backpack and be stored in a small space.

When the board is dry, deflate it, take off the fins and the leash, roll it up and pack it away inside the storage bag.

Keep the bag stored away from the elements and out of direct sunlight.

ROLLING TECHNIQUE

One word of caution is not to roll the board too tightly when packing it away. I often see people rolling the board as tight as possible in order to put it into the backpack storage bag.

However it is actually better for the seams if the board is rolled ‘loosely’ as opposed to really tight.

LEAVING THE BOARD INFLATED

Nixy paddle board

Many people ask whether they can leave their board inflated instead of deflating it after each use.

The answer is yes you can BUT please store it away from the elements, in a cool area out of direct sunlight and ideally off the ground.

All inflatable paddle boards will lose some air pressure over time if the board is left inflated day after day.

Therefore before taking the board out again it would be wise to quickly check the air pressure with the gauge on your pump as you may need to top it up.

AIR EXPANSION

In extreme heat the air pressure will expand. Therefore if your board is left inflated in very hot weather let out a little air pressure to leave room for expansion.

REPAIR TIPS

inflatable SUP repairs

Scratches and scuffs are very common and considered normal wear and tear. They are rarely a big issue.

Deeper tears or leaks can happen when your board comes in contact with sharp objects such as rocks, corals, nails, or sharp sticks.

If a leak does occur don’t panic! Follow these few simple steps to solve the problem:

STEP1: Check for leaks by applying fresh water over the area. If you see bubbles that means air is escaping.

STEP 2: Deflate the board and clean the area properly.

STEP 3: Let dry completely.

STEP 4: Apply glue from your repair kit to the leak liberally.

STEP 5:  Wait 20 minutes then apply another layer of glue.

STEP 6:  Wait another 20 minutes then apply third layer of glue.

STEP 7:  Take a PVC patch from your repair kit and cut it in a rounded shape a little larger than the area with the leak.

STEP 8: Apply a little more glue to the patch and press it down over the leak.

STEP 9: Keep pressing it for 2 minutes then wipe away any excess glue.  Apply something heavy like a weight or a clamp.

STEP 10: Wait 24 hours before inflating your SUP again.

Another option besides the glue in your repair kit is using Aquaseal.  That stuff works great, is extremely wear resistant and totally waterproof.

TRACTION PAD REPAIRS

traction pad repairs

If a section of your traction pad begins to peel off it is simply a matter of gluing it back down.

Add glue from your repair kit under the section that has come loose. Press down for two minutes then leave it for 24 hours.

SHOW SOME LOVE

Last but not least show your inflatable SUP a little extra love! Don’t drag it over gravel, drop it on the ground, sit on the board when the fin is on land – this is a quick way to break your fin.

Of course stuff happens and for the most part these boards can withstand a fair amount of abuse. With a little extra care your inflatable SUP should last for many adventures!!

Need a new board? Check out our top 5 favourite inflatable SUP here!

Comments

  1. Mikayla says:

    I’m adding some extra D-rings for extra attach points. In the past, I’ve always stayed in the drop-stitched area. Is there anything precautionary to take into consideration for gluing them on the siderail or having the disc overlap or straddle a seam?

    • Allison says:

      Hi Mikayla, It should be fine for the D-ring patches to overlap the seam area. I’ve seen them placed there before and it hasn’t caused any issues.

  2. I have an Aquamarina hyper tourist double chamber board an it’s leakin some air through the handle little “Sewing holes” and I can’t find any help on how to repair it.
    Please!

    • Allison says:

      Hi Matias, A little late replying here but if you still need help you could try adding some waterproof glue around the area specifically over the little holes. It’s unusual to leak air around the handle area but try some Aquaseal glue and see if that helps.

  3. I have had my inflatable SUP for a couple years. The blue dye started bleeding off last summer and is getting worse. Any suggestions?

  4. Karoly Makk says:

    I have an ISUP and unfortunately I punctured over the deck area/traction pad. I have no idea how to repair the puncture, because I should remove the pad aesthetically. No video or information available about this topic, I spent hours to find any how-to. Colud you please help me out?

  5. Carole Meldrum says:

    What would cause my board to become bowed? The nose is up very high

    • Allison says:

      Hi Carole, I’m actually not sure. Some paddle boards just have an upturned bowed nose but I don’t think I’ve seen one that has become more bowed as time goes on. I’m not sure what would cause that.

  6. Hi! I purchased an Aquatone (Aztron) Wave 11ft iSUP recently. The day after purchasing it I inflated it up to 14 Psi (15 PSI max) and used it at my local lagoon. I left the sup inflated overnight stored on its side in my garden as I intended to use it the next day. The next day the sup was in the sun during a 23° degree day for around 4 hours and subsequently burst.
    Is this a manufacturing fault or my own?
    Cheers, John

    • Hi John, Wow I’m sorry to hear that. In my opinion it shouldn’t have burst. It’s no problem to leave it inflated overnight although it’s better to store it inside or out of the elements. The air can expand in the heat so if it’s left in very hot sun for hours that can cause it to burst. It would have been smart to check the air pressure before heading out the next day. However that being said 23 degrees isn’t that hot and I’m surprised that the air expanded so much. If it was my board that I just bought I would not be happy.

      • My SUP board burst after leaving it in the sun to dry for 15 minutes. With a blow-out is it possible to fix or would I be wasting effort?

  7. Hi There… lot’s of helpful info. here… read all of it, but haven’t found an answer to my question anywhere on the internet… question is: can I partially deflate my Performer 11 sup to get it into my apartment for safe storage (so it gets down to 9 or 10 ft instead of the 11 that it is) — so I don’t have to completely deflate and inflate each time I take it outside (I am right near the oceanside and want to make quick trips with it many times a week)?

    • Hi Yvette, Yes you can definitely leave it just partially inflated, that should be no problem. Then just top it up each time you go out.

  8. Nicholas Cosmany says:

    I have a Gili board and when its deflated there is about a 1″ long by 1/4″ wide bubble on the sidewall. Mfg has not responded to my requests for info. When it FULLY inflates it disappears. Something to worry about? I was thinking about using a thin syringe to inject some glue into it, then pump it up to let it set.

    Thoughts?

    • Probably nothing to worry about, bubbles can happen especially along the side of a board. If it keeps getting larger though you might want to get it looked at. If you try the syringe let me know if that helps!

    • I have a Gili board and I noticed the same thing (bubbles). They go totally away once the board is fully inflated. I love my GILI board! I hope you are enjoying yours!

  9. Hi the coiled coloured TUP part of my sup leash has completely cracked and deteriorated into many small pieces. The SUP is only 2 years old and everything had been stored together in its bag in the garage. There was no other damage. Has anyone seen anything like this before?

    • Hi Patsy, Sorry to hear that, I haven’t personally seen that before. Have you been using it in salt water a lot? Maybe the salt water ate away at it? Hard to say but definitely strange.

    • I also have had the same issue, and found out the hard way salt water quickly deteriorated the tether. Key is to rinse with fresh water, before storing after using in the ocean.

  10. Hello everyone, my glan is arched, someone will tell me how to be?

  11. What glue can be used on a runwave Isup? I ask as the repair kit that came with it, didn’t have any glue.

    • Allison says:

      Hi Kent, I’ve been using Aquaseal lately for any leaks or repairs. That stuff works great, dries clear and is totally waterproof and wear resistant plus it’s quite cheap.

  12. I have an inflatable board and the deck pad is loosening and peeling away from the board. What type of adhesive would you recommend for a large surface area? I’ve seen other posts that recommend using the patch kit glue, however I will need more than a patch size. The glue that came with the patch kit is labeled as ‘repair adhesive’ and does not state what type of glue it is. Any suggestions? Thank you.

    • Allison says:

      Hi Denise, I’ve actually used the glue in the repair kit to fix a peeling deck pad before and it worked really well, but it was a small area. If you’re dealing with quite a large area Clifton Urethane Adhesive is a good option. That stuff works great for just about any inflatable SUP repair. I also use Aquaseal sometimes and that stuff works really well also and is highly resistant to wear – also great for leaks in the seams.

  13. Hi, I have a problem with a main sup handle. When all board is dry it is still wet. It is made of material and cannot be dried by a towel. Is it ok to fold sup with a wet handle if it is used twice a month?

    • That is quite common, the handle takes forever to dry out. I’ve folded mine up often when the handle was still wet and never had an issue. I would say if you will be storing the board for several months then make sure the handle is dry but if you’re using it a couple times a month it should be fine.

  14. Hi, the diamond pad on my board has become quit dirty. I was wondering what kind of product I could use to clean it? Thanks

    • Hey Lola, I normally use a natural cleaner but I just ordered ONITPRO from Amazon – heard it works well with some of the more stubborn dirty spots on the traction pad so going to give it a go myself.

  15. Hi,
    I have a question about the Pump. Where would you suggest to put it if you don’t want to leave it at the beach and don’t have a car to put it in. Is it fine for the pump if it gets wet/drops in a lake/sea.
    Thanks in advance.

    • That’s a good question. I have left mine on the beach many times and just hoped it would still be there when I got back, luckily never any issues. If you bring it on the board I wouldn’t worry too much about it if you are paddling on calm water, I think it’s fine to get a few splashes. However I wouldn’t think it would be good to get water inside the pump. I’d be inclined to put it inside a dry bag or maybe even just put it inside a plastic bag or garbage bag to keep any water from getting inside the pump.

  16. Hi! I just brought my board out on a reservoir for the 2nd time, I went 1st just 2 days ago. I didn’t wipe the excess water off which made for a little bit of temporary discoloration- it washed off with fresh water when I hosed it down after today. Question is, do I have to hose it down with clean water after every time I go out? Or was this Just because I didn’t wipe the excess water off before I rolled it up? Thanks!!!

    • Hi Beth! I’ve had slight discoloration happen many times when I didn’t wipe my board off properly. It usually disappears if I unroll the board and let it fully dry out over a few hours. If you are paddling in salt water then it’s highly recommended to rinse it off with fresh water. However if you’re not in salt water you don’t have to bother, just bring an old towel and give it a good wipe down. 🙂

  17. I just used my new inflatable sub & it is 6″ think. While using it, I fell in & because it is 6″ inches thick, I found it difficult to get back on instead of other ones I have used that are 4″ think. Do you have any suggestions…besides getting a 4″ thick board?

    • Allison says:

      Most inflatable SUP’s are 6″ thick these days because they are typically more stable. I think as far as getting back on from the water it’s just practice. I basically just hoist myself up as best I can, swing my leg over and grab the other side to slide my way on. It takes a bit of effort for sure but gets easier with practice.

      • Kim Beggs says:

        I just bought an inflatable SUP. I’ve always had a regular one and just sold it. Since this is my first time with an inflatable, can you leave them inflated if you are going to use agin the next few days or do you have to deflate them?

        • Allison says:

          Hi Kim, You can totally leave it inflated that’s no problem. Just store it somewhere out of direct sunlight and you might want to double check the air pressure after a couple days as it will lose a bit of pressure over time so you might need to top it up. Or on the flip side if you live somewhere really warm the air pressure can expand in the heat, so in that case you may need to let a little air out.

  18. peter Haines says:

    Hi this is our first winter with the paddle board. I plan to leave it inflated and stored inside my camp over the winter time. Is there any risk to leaving it inflated over the winter time?

  19. Hi. Just bought my 1st SUP – an inflatable. Apartment and vehicle much too small to have a hard board. I find it surprisingly trickier to use and balance on than a hard board. Are there any tips [or websites] specific to mounting, using, balancing on inflatables? Also, you don’t mention rinsing off the board after use, but leaflet that came with it says it should be rinsed each time esp if used in ocean water. But even lake water has minerals and microbes that should be rinsed off. Yes? Or is towel drying enough? Pls advise.

    • Hi Mel, With an inflatable make sure it is inflated to 15 PSI so it is rigid enough to hold the weight and help you balance. I normally recommend people start on their knees until they feel comfortable and then slowly stand up. It can take a few times out to lose the shaky SUP legs – we’ve all had them! 🙂
      It is definitely a good idea to rinse off the board with fresh water if you have been in the ocean as the salt water can eat away at the material and weaken it over time. I almost never rinse my board after paddling in lake water and haven’t had any issues. If the board looks particularly dirty you can give it a rinse but otherwise I normally just towel dry after lake use.

  20. Unfortunately I didn’t find your sight until my board was left in direct sun after a great day on the ocean. It now has a big blister on the top probably 15” or so in diameter. I have found some sights that will fix it but I am curious what that entails. Is there any way to fix it myself? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

    • Oh that’s really too bad. I’ve never had a giant blister like that on any of my boards. Has it actually ruptured? If it has then you could simply patch it up with the repair kit, which shouldn’t be that big of a deal. If it hasn’t ruptured I’m not exactly sure how you should deal with it. I would suggest contacting the SUP company to see if they have any insight. Good luck, hope it’s an easy fix!!

  21. 303-Protectant. Safe, when used as directed.

  22. Jason M says:

    Greetings from Ottawa,
    Just ordered my first iSUP. Question for you. What does one usually do with the carry bag when riding out in the water if you have to carry it a certain distance before inflation? Is there a trick to strap it to the board??

    • Hey Jason, I missed your comment.. Sorry for the late response! Does your board have bungee tie downs? Just fold up the bag and secure it under the bungees. Even if the bungee section is fairly small you can usually get a good portion of the bag underneath. That’s what I usually do, works well. If you don’t have bungees you can tie the bag to any of the D-rings or add bungees yourself. Enjoy!!

  23. Matias from Argentina says:

    Hello, Is the “Mothers” (brand) protectant similar to 303 aerospace? It is hard to find 303 in Argentina. Thanks anyone.

  24. Hi there. Is it normal that my sup loses air pressure over night when it was fully inflated before? I have to inflate it again and again every day

    • Allison says:

      Hi Pavlos, It is common for inflatable SUP’s to lose a little air when they are left inflated. Some tend to lose it faster than others and it can also depend on the air temperature. It shouldn’t be losing too much overnight though. It usually just needs a quick top up.

  25. I was thinking of taking my iSUP with me to the British Virgin Islands for a 12 day trip, but it will need to be tied to the yacht when not in use, and will be in direct sunlight most of the trip. Do you think that will be too hard on the materials? Thanks

    • Allison says:

      Hi Amy, Sounds like an epic trip! I think it should be okay for 12 days, I would probably do it. It would be even better if you can keep it stored in the bag when tied up to the yacht as opposed to leaving it inflated. However if you have to leave the board tied up when inflated and fully exposed I would suggest covering it with something if you can – even a couple of towels would help. Also when the board is not in use let a little air out. The heat will make the air expand and could pop the board if it goes over the max air pressure. Last thing, I would definitely suggest spraying the board with some 303 UV Protectant before you leave for some added protection. Have a fantastic time. If you get any great SUP pics out there we’d love to see them!!

  26. Hi there! I live in southern Florida and was considering leaving my iSUPs inflated and keeping them on an outdoor rack. The rack is on the west side of the house, so it gets less intense sun but we do live on the inter coastal…Would leaving them inflated and coated with 303 be ok? I plan on getting hard sided SUPs eventually, but until then was thinking of doing the above. Thanks!

    • Hi Jeanie, I would be hesitant to leave them outside. I left a board out inflated for a good 8 months once (under cover and away from the elements) and the handle more or less disintegrated (it is very wet where I live with lots of moisture in the air)… however the PVC material was fine. It might be okay especially with the 303 on it but I can’t say for sure. With the heat the air pressure will rise so if you do store them inflated make sure to let a little air pressure out over time.

  27. Donna Harland says:

    I just got an ISUP for Christmas. I have a regular SUP but my car is too small to carry it on the top so I don’t use it much. The inflatable is perfect to take it to different places inland on canals when the wind is blowing and the ocean is too choppy. I will have to deflate it each time I go somewhere in order for it to fit in the car. My question is, should I take it out of the bag and partially re-inflate when I get home where I will store it in my house? Most of these posts sound like people keep their boards inflated all the time. The purpose of mine is flexibility in where I use it and I don’t have to give up my sports car. But what is the best way to store it if it may be a month between uses?

    • Hey Donna, sorry I’m a little late answering your comment. I deflate mine after each use. Just dry it off well with a towel before storing it away in the bag and keep it in a dry cool place. Mine stays that way most of the winter and it is always fine.

  28. Hi,
    Thanks for the tips but I’m still wondering if I can apply side tapes on an hinchable Sup?
    I spot that, after a day teaching sup to a friend that the paddle made fue scratches on the sides :/

  29. Hi Allison, thanks for these tips. I’ll be getting my first board in a few days. I also got the 303 protectant. How often do you apply it? Btw I went with a the Ten Toes Globetrotter instead of the Jetsetter which I mentioned on your Weekender board review page.

    • Awesome! The Globetrotter looks like a great board! I only apply the 303 protectant like once a year. However we don’t get a whole lot of hot sun here so if you live in a warmer climate I would definitely suggest applying it more often.

      • Hi Allison I got the board today. Really excited to try it out. I’m on the opposite coast of you in Halifax ( you’re in BC right?) so it doesn’t get too warm here either. That’s actually one of the reasons i’m not too worried about my new black/red board. Thanks again for the reply, info and your very informative website!

  30. Hi!

    I just purchased an inflatable sup. I would like to know Is ti bad to constantly inflate and deflate the board? I find when I travel its easier to take from place to place. However I imagine this creates alot of wear and tear on the board. What are your thoughts?

    • Hi Jordan, Definitely no problem constantly inflating and deflating your board. I deflate mine after every use and it gets used often. They are designed to withstand it. The most important thing is just making sure you towel dry it before rolling it back up when deflated.. and store it in a dry cool place.

  31. I’m making hammock like hook with pulley on my garage ceiling to store my isup. Away from windows. Mesh Any suggestions?
    I live in PA. So ga rage is dry usually 50-85 degrees
    Ps grear site..

    • Thanks Joan! That sounds like a great idea. I always store my ISUP’s deflated and in their carry bag so I have never attempted to make anything like that. However I don’t see any issue with it as long as it is kept out of the elements. They’re not heavy so mesh is probably just fine. Or else you could even just use two or three straps attached to the hooks.

  32. Hi there – I’m wondering if it’s OK to leave my SUP inflated and store it under my deck over the summer – I don’t really have any space indoors and am getting sick of inflating it every time I want to go for a paddle. Any advice would be appreciated!

    • It will lose some air pressure over time if left inflated over the whole summer. How fast it loses air seems to depend on the board. However you can definitely leave it inflated – especially if it is stored out of the elements. Just do a quick pressure check before going out as you may need to top it up with a couple pumps of air.

  33. This is a great resource!

    What do you think I should do if I am a little late in reading all of this (i.e. already have some discoloring (mildew/mold?) on my isup?

    Thanks 🙂

    • Hey Joe, Try a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda. Scrub it with the mixture then rinse. You may have to repeat a few times depending on how bad it is. The vinegar should kill the mold. I’ve heard it can sometimes help to just spray some vinegar on it and leave it for a bit first, then scrub with the mixture. Avoid any harsh cleaners that are too abrasive. Hope that helps!

  34. I bought an inflatable SUP this summer. We have extremely cold temperatures in MN (-50 below at times). How should I store my iSUP? Should I deflate it and put it in warm storage or leave it inflated and keep it in our non-heated shed? Thanks in advance for ur reply.

    • Normally I would say deflate it and store it in the shed but in your case I would probably bring it inside to room temperature. -50 is extremely cold… I’m not 100% sure of the effects of temperature that cold on an inflatable SUP. I’d say deflate it and store it somewhere warmer to be safe.

  35. Hi Allison,

    Congratulations on the great job and information you provide through this blog.

    Regarding the application of the 303-Protectant, how often do you reckon i should apply it?

    Thank you in advance!

    • Thanks Jim! It is recommended to apply the 303 Protectant roughly every 45 days. However I think it really depends how often you are using your board. I actually only apply it about twice a year – although I should probably be doing it far more often.

  36. Steve Taft says:

    Hi Allison,

    I am a newbie to the ISUP world with a 12′ Saturn inflatable. I was hoping to take it with me to CA but not sure if there are any extra precautions I should take before sending it with the luggage on the plane. Have you flown with one before and does the carry bag protect ok?

    Any suggestions?
    Thanks Steve

    • Hi Steve, I have flown with my ISUP before. The first couple times I checked it on the plane in the regular carry bag that the SUP came with. I taped the straps down so they wouldn’t get caught or torn. The board was totally fine but I did find after flying with it like that a couple of times the bag started to get marked up. It was actually one time in particular that it ended up with black marks all over it. So I then purchased one of those large rolling duffle bags and I put my SUP in there the next time I flew with it. It worked great. Another option is to put that plastic wrap around the carry bag to protect it a little and keep the straps tucked in. Just a little bit of that wrap around the body would help. That being said I know people who fly with their boards all the time and just check it as is in the regular carry bag… depends how cautious you want to be and how strong your SUP bag is… they tend to all differ.

  37. Hi Allison,

    I paddle a 12.6 shubu raven. Have you tested any electric pumps for ISUPS?

    • Hi Steve, I’ve tried several electric pumps over the years. The two I found that actually worked well for ISUP’s are the BTP two-stage electric turbo pump and the Airhead high-pressure electric pump. The BTP pump is more expensive but I prefer it. It inflates the board faster and feels more solid to me. I feel like it will last longer than the Airhead pump. It also comes with a carry bag. The Airhead pump works great, it just takes a slight bit longer to inflate. It feels a little flimsier to me and there is no carry bag. However I’ve never had an issue with it and for the price I think it’s a good deal. Hope that helps. Your question made me realize that I never actually did a review on the BTP electric pump so that is now next on my to-do list 🙂

  38. Dave Keegan says:

    Hi Allison,
    Love your site!
    We are considering these two isup’s boards. I can’t seem to find any info on them. Do you have any reviews or ratings on them?
    Aquaglide Cascade 10’6” and the Astro Blend 11’2″ Fun – Starboard
    Thank You,
    Dave

    • Hi Dave, Unfortunately I haven’t tested either of those boards yet. I have no experience with the Aquaglide board however I have tried a few of the Starboard’s. Just from past experience with Starboard I would have no hesitation in purchasing the Astro Blend. Their boards are typically excellent with added features that really make them worth the price. I think the Astro Blend Fun is a great looking board. Sorry I couldn’t help you with the Aquaglide, I am hoping to review that one within this next year.

  39. Do you have any tips for storing your inflatable bored during the winter?

    • Make sure it’s totally dry, then roll it up and store it in it’s carry bag. I keep mine either in my crawlspace or my garage for part of the winter… as long as it’s stored in a dry, cool place, it’ll be fine. You just don’t want to leave it out exposed to the elements.

      • The storage directions on my isup was to not store it for long periods of time in the bag. That never made sense to me since that was where it was stored until I purchased it. It sounds like you know a lot about them and I just wanted to know what you thought about that? Thanks

  40. William says:

    I’m looking at the sea eagle 126 and have noticed on several sites that they have a very poor review. Is the quality of workmanship alot worse than that of the Red sups? Do you think that they are a good buy or is the Red that much better?

    • Allison says:

      I have the Needlenose 116 and my boyfriend has the 126. We both love them and have never had an issue with either of them. They get used a lot and although we are conscious of being careful with them, I would say they take a fair amount of abuse. I know that the Red boards are extremely well made and their price reflects that. I still however prefer my Needlenose over the majority of other boards that I’ve tried. I’m not sure in the long run which one would last longer but I can say that I find the quality of the Sea Eagle to be perfectly fine. In my opinion they’re a good buy. Hope that helps.

  41. I wonder if anyone has the sea eagle 114 sup but the older 4 inch thick model with the bungies front and back? I just ordered this one from sea eagle and wonder if there is much difference between this older model and the newer 114 sup that is 6 inchesa thick

    • Allison says:

      Hi Kathy, I have both the older 114 and the newer model. Performance wise I don’t notice a huge difference. The extra 2″ thickness on the new model makes it more stable and rigid for anyone over 160 lbs. in my opinion. The newer one is a little more versatile for a range of different people but I still think the older version is a great board.

  42. Hi, great tips there and i love your site.
    I’ve been looking ways to protect my new purchase isup… newbie here.
    I have one thing to concern which is not covered in this article, i’m staying in condo which i do not have space for the isup or intent to carry up so i keep it in my car and travel from my condo to office basement parking, but i do go to lake with it every weekend. If my country is cool then is fine but it’s always hot in Malaysia which i’m start worry now days. So, does it ok to keep in the car? Thanks.

    • Hey Alex, yes the kayak will hold up for years in extreme heat. You shouldn’t have any problems. Make sure it’s dry when you store it in your car so it doesn’t grow any mold.

Speak Your Mind

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.