Inflatable stand-up paddle boards are great for those of us who don't have a lot of storage at home or who likes to go SUP-ping at destinations that are not easily accessable by car. When depflated the SUP easily fits in the trunk of a car and can be carried like a backpack to those more inaccessable paddle spots.
Inflatable stand up boards are usually made from a heavy-duty PVC or urethane for rigidity and durability. They should come with a removable fin, a pump and a leash. Paddlers should always wear a personal flotation device for safety.
Assembly
First find a flat surface free from sharp objects that could damage your board. Roll out board and attach the pump nozzle securely.
Inflate the board to the recommended pressure. This is usually between 10-20PSI, but all boards are different so check with the manufacturer. Your pump should have a pressure gauge to assist in getting the pressure right. Do not overinflate as this might cause damage to the seams, result in leaks and shorten the life of your board. Next, attach the leash to the appropriate attchement.
Remember: Correct pressure = proper performance.
Once correctly inflated, flip the board over, insert the fin and assemble the paddle. You are now ready to enjoy some time out on the water with your inflatable stand up paddle board.
Packing up
When you are done paddling and are ready to deflate your board, find a flat surface free of sharp objects and set the board down with the finn side up. Remove the fin, then turn the board over. To deflate the board, open the air valve to release the air. After the board has deflated a little, start from the end fathest from the valve and start rolling it up. This will force all the air out and by the time you get to the other end it should be almost entirely deflated. Remember to replace the valve cap to keep dirt out and pack the board back into its carry bag.
That's it. Hopefully you had a great time paddling and are ready to hit the road.
