Many people wonder why their inflatable paddle boards deteriorate after some years of usage, with seams coming undone and colors losing their vibrancy. The question then arises: How can one keep their paddle board in good condition for an extended period?
It's simple, and you can make the difference if you understand those 3 factors affecting your board during it's lifespan!
Heat Exposure, Maintenance and storage, External Dangers.
HEAT EXPOSURE
Even if an inflatable paddle board is your best friend on a hot summer day at the beach. Just like you, sun and heat can hurt him! Being careful with the heat can avoid such damage :
- Weakening of the adhesive and glue
- Material discoloration
- Bubbles forming between PVC layers or Foam Pad
- Slow leaks and deformation of the board
Best Practices :
- Hide your inflatable paddle board in the shades when not in the water.
- Inflate the board at the recommended lower PSI on hot and sunny days.
- Monitor the air pressure in your board on hot days.
- When taking a break of paddle boarding on the beach or any other place, remove some air pressure from your board (Heat makes air pressure raise).
- Use your board bag as often as you can to protect the board from UV rays.
- Never leave your inflatable paddle board into your car. It gets extremely hot in there 🥵.
- Avoid drastic temperature changes that can impact the consistency of the materials.
MAINTENANCE & STORAGE
How you take care of your inflatable paddle board will make a huge impact on it's lifespan and to avoid damage to it.
Best Practices :
- Verify your board for damage before using it.
- Keep your board clean after each usage by washing it with a eco-friendly Ph neutral (7) soap and clear water. Use a soft fabric or leave it in the air to dry it after the clean up.
- Store your board in a dry and tempered place. Avoid humidity, cold temperature and hot temperature.
- Do not store your board where vermin can reach it. (We have repaired inflatable paddle board bitten by mouses).
- Use your board bag when carrying your bag.
- Verify your accessories are well installed and your board to avoid loosing them in the water.
- Never put your board on the ground standing on it's fins.
- When carrying your board inflated, always hold it with the fins in front of you to have an eye on them.
- Repair any damage to prevent worsening the damage.
EXTERNAL DANGERS
Even if our The Wild Tribe Inflatable paddle boards are extremely though with our layering and PVC thickness. It remains sensible to sharp object and scrubbing on rough surfaces.
It is also good to consider other materials on your board such as the Eva Foam, colors, etc.
Best Practices:
- Always be careful with your inflatable paddle board. Handling long boards increase the risk of bumping into objects around you that could be sharp!
- Aim to lay your inflatable paddle board on soft ground surface.
- When paddling, do not bump on decks, rocks, wood, water edges, etc.
- Do not use your board as a seat on the ground.
- Lay your board with your fins facing down on the ground.
- Your paddle is not a spear.
- Do not carry your inflatable paddle board inflated on the top of your car at high speed.
