January 18, 2022 8 min read

A blow up SUP is a great way to introduce newcomers to the sport of paddleboarding. This article is a complete guide that will show you how to pump up an inflatable SUP properly and safely.

Find a smooth, flat surface. Before you start pumping, find a flat surface such as a garage floor. Make sure there are no obstructions such as debris or loose objects that could get in the way during the process. It is recommended that you remove the board from the bag it was shipped in and lay it flat on the floor before you begin inflating it. Make sure your hose and pump are high-quality.

Do You Need a Special Pump for Paddle Boards?

Paddle boards are becoming popular pieces of equipment for athletes of all ages. They look like traditional surfboards, but they are usually wider and shorter.They come in different styles and colors, and some are designed for more relaxing trips on the water. Paddle boards are made of high-grade materials that are resistant to wear and tear, but even the best material needs special care. A pump is something that every paddle board owner needs to have.

However, you do not need a special one. A good quality pump can be as beneficial as a single-use board as it can make maintenance, repairs, and other upkeep easier. Pumps make it easier to store and transport paddle boards as well as take them.

How Do You Pump up an Inflatable SUP?

Inflatable stand up paddleboards are a great way to have a more active lifestyle and it is a great way to practice balance. Inflatable SUPs are great for beginners because of their price and they are very stable, for those who have never been on a paddleboard before.

In order to inflate an inflatable SUP, you will need electric pump, a long, straight section of hose, and a reliable place to store the SUP. The first step is to ensure that the valve on the top of the SUP is closed. Next, attach one end of the hose to the valve and fit the other end over the nozzle of the pump. Once you are ready, simply pump air into it.

A Hand Pump for Inflating Your Paddle Board

Paddle Board Hand Pump A paddle board is very good for getting out on the water and enjoying the scenery, but if you don't have one, can you still enjoy that same enjoyment? Of course, the answer is yes. The only difference is that you will need to use a paddle board hand pump to inflate your paddle board. A hand pump will work just as well as the electric pumps. The only difference is that you are the one who is doing the work. This means you are putting all the effort into getting your paddle board inflated. This can be a workout for your arms, which will give you more strength to enjoy the rest of your day.

How Long Does it Take to Inflate an Inflatable Paddle Board?

woman standing on inflatable sup

An inflatable paddle board (also referred to as an inflatable SUP) comes in various sizes and thicknesses, and it is important to select the correct size and thickness for your needs.

Choosing the most appropriate size will allow the board to be inflated more quickly and with less effort. Pumping up an inflatable paddle board is not difficult task.

The large boards can be inflated in about 10 to 15 minutes with a pump, and small boards can be inflated in about 3 to 5 minutes. Inflatable paddle boards are great for people who lack the storage or transportation space required for a hardboard or rigid board.

What PSI Should My Paddleboard Be?

With summer just around the corner, many people are starting to consider what they will be doing this summer. When you hear the word summer, you may think of laying out in the sun, at the beach, or out on a boat. One of the most enjoyable activities to take part in during the summer months is to go out on the water.

The right paddleboard size and type depend on the user and the use. Typically, recreational and intermediate riders need a shorter and wider board than competitive surfers. A shorter and wider board helps the rider generate more power on each stroke. For more aggressive paddles, such as those used in surfing, racing, or water skiing, a narrower and shorter board is more appropriate.

Can I keep my inflatable SUP inflated?

The best way to keep your inflatable SUP inflated is to keep it out of hot direct sunlight. When inflatable SUPs get hot they can become less inflated and when you try to inflate them again later it can be difficult to get them back to their original size.

Unlike other watercraft, like kayaks or seaboard boats, you can't inflate an inflatable SUP in the water; you need to bring the board to shore before filling it with air.

Can you inflate a SUP with a compressor?

The SUP is a popular trend among folks who enjoy taking leisurely paddles on the water. It's a versatile board that can be used solo, tandem, and as a surfing board. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to inflate a SUP with a compressor.

A few things to keep in mind: The SUP needs at least 24 inches of clearance and a minimum of 46 inches of clearance on both the left and right sides. A compressor must meet the UL-1480 certification. A compressor should be at least 10 psi. In addition, it's crucial to remember to use a pressure gauge as well as a pressure-relief valve.

How Do I Know if My Paddle Board Is Fully Inflated? Is My Paddle Board Inflated?

An inflatable paddle board is a great way to enjoy the water, but you want to make sure it's fully inflated before hitting the waves.

Here are a few tips on how to know if your paddle board is fully inflated:

  • Look for the manufacturer's recommended paddle board PSI (pounds per square inch) on the inflatable board.
  • Inflate the board to the recommended PSI.
  • Look for the valve on the board and make sure the plug is tightly in place. If you're using a hand pump, inflate the board until it's hard to the touch.
  • If you're using a compressor, inflate the board until the compressor shuts off.
two persons on sup paddle boards

Here are a few tips on how to tell if your paddleboard is inflated properly:

  • If the paddleboard is inflated correctly, it will feel solid and sturdy when you stand on it.
  • If the paddleboard is not inflated correctly, you will feel the seams and flexible board.
  • If the paddleboard is not inflated correctly, you may also see tiny bubbles coming from the seams.

How hard is it to pump up Paddle Boards? Inflating Paddle Boards

SUPs, or stand-up paddleboards, have become a popular water activity in recent years. They are easy to pump up and can be used for various activities, such as cruising, racing, or surfing. It does take a little bit of time and effort to get your paddle board inflated, but it is not impossible. You will need a pump, and you will need to follow the instructions that come with the pump. Make sure that you have a SUP that is the correct size. Do not try to inflate a SUP that is too big or too small.

Safety Precautions While Inflating Paddle Board

 

4-Tips for Paddle Board Safety By Paddle Board Expert Before you ever inflate your paddle board there are certain precautions you should take. The first thing you should do is make sure the paddle board has the appropriate pressure. The pressure should be between 10-12 PSI for inflatable stand up paddle boards. You should also make sure your paddle board doesn't have any holes. Any holes should be fixed. The last thing you should do before inflating your board is make sure any sharp objects are removed, like shells. These objects can puncture the material. If you take these precautions, you'll have a safe time with your inflatable paddle board.

Conclusion

As summer winds to a close, you may start to think about doing activities that take place on the water. One of the more popular activities, especially for kids, is SUPing. This activity can provide a high-intensity workout, which can be great for those looking to stay active. If you are interested but have never taken on the challenge of inflating your board before, hope this guide helped.

First, you need to find a location that you feel comfortable taking your board to. You can use a dock or pier, or if you don't have that available, you can inflate it on the beach. Place the board on solid ground with no water underneath it and make sure it is on a level surface. Using a paddle board is fun and interesting activity. Follow mentioned above rules and enjoy your water journey using your inflatable paddle.

Commonly Asked Questions

dog on inflatable sup

How much should I pump up my paddle board?

Paddle boards are one of the best ways to cool down during the hot summer months. However, it can be difficult to decide how much to inflate the board. Too much inflation may cause the board to be too buoyant and cause your body to be unstable. To avoid this, you should inflate the board around 80-85% of the total capacity. Tip: If you're a beginner, don't inflate your paddle board too much.

Why does my paddle board sink in the middle?

Paddleboards are designed to be buoyant and it is possible that the problem is with the board rather than the water. It sounds like the board may be broken. If you are not able to use your board, please contact the manufacturer to ask about a warranty.

Are SUP pumps universal?

SUP pumps are a great way to get a workout and enjoy the outdoors simultaneously, but are they universal? In other words, will a SUP pump work with any SUP? The answer is no. Not all SUPs are created equal, and, as such, not all SUP pumps will work with every SUP. It is essential to check the specifications of both the SUP and the SUP pump to ensure compatibility.

pumped paddle boards

Is higher PSI better for SUP?

There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right SUP paddle. PSI, or pounds per square inch, is one of the most important. But what does PSI mean for SUP, and is it that important? PSI is the measure of how hard a material is. The higher the PSI, the harder the material.

For SUP, you want a paddle with a high PSI. This will make it easier to paddle and give you more power. There is no definitive answer when it comes to PSI and SUP. Some people believe that a higher PSI is better for SUP, while others think a lower PSI is better. In general, a higher PSI will mean a stiffer board and a more responsive ride.

However, this can also mean a more challenging board to control and less forgiving. Ultimately, it is up to the individual rider to decide what PSI they prefer.

Should I deflate my paddle board after use?

If it is summertime or if you are in any tropical climate, you will find that your SUP board will shrink in size after use, because it is made of an elastomer that will contract when cooled. For this reason, it is best to pump air out of the board after each use, to ensure that the board does not shrink.
Author - Fred Felton
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Fred Felton          

Content Creator / Editor

Fred Felton is a copywriter, editor and social media specialist based in Durban, South Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in creating high end content. He has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. Currently Fred specialises in the adventure watersports space, focussing on surf, kayak and rafting. He is also a keynote speaker and has presented talks and workshops in South Africa.


Sign up for our Newsletter

Spin to win Spinner icon