Repairing inflatable SUP boards: These are the techniques you need to know!

Aufblasbare SUP Boards reparieren: Diese Handgriffe musst du kennen!

Inflatable SUP boards are very robust and can usually handle contact with stones or the paddle without any damage. Nevertheless, you should handle your SUP board with care and check it for damage from time to time. Should you actually discover a small or large hole, or need to repair the valve, you can do it quickly and easily yourself.

When you buy a branded SUP board, you receive a repair kit that contains glue, patches (usually color-matched to the board), and a valve wrench. You can use this set to repair small damages yourself.

Repairing a leaking valve on an inflatable SUP board

Probably the most common repair for an inflatable SUP board is a leaking valve. The valve can loosen slightly due to temperature differences or simply through regular use. This is generally not a major problem and can be fixed quickly. Your repair kit includes a valve wrench that you can use to repair a leaking valve that has loosened yourself.

The board must be lying on the ground in a deflated state. You place the valve wrench on the valve and move the key counter-clockwise until the valve is tightly sealed again. Press the valve firmly against the ground with one hand so that the counterpart inside the board cannot twist. However, make sure that you do not turn with excessive force and damage the thread of the valve.

If this measure does not help, the valve may need to be replaced by a professional.

Hole in the SUP: How to patch small holes yourself

If you notice minor damage to your SUP board – the sides (rails) of the board are usually affected, as they most frequently come into contact with stones or sharp objects – you should repair it as quickly as possible so that the damage does not get worse.
Inflate the board and place it in the water. If small air bubbles rise, you have successfully located the small hole. It is best to mark the spot with a pen so that you can find it again when repairing. Now you can let the air out again.
Adhesives work best at room temperature, so you should repair the board in a room that is not too cold. Clean the area you want to repair with acetone and a clean cloth – any grease stains or other impurities must be removed so that the glue holds. From the provided repair kit, take the patch that matches the color of the area to be repaired. Cut out a generous patch and round off the corners. ("Square" corners peel off the material more easily)
Trace the patch onto the material where you will apply the glue. Apply the glue to the patch as well and let it dry briefly as specified on the tube. After that, press the patch onto the marked area. No bubbles or folds should form during this process! It is best to smooth it from one side to the other and press the material firmly and smoothly a few times with a small roller (from the paint department in a hardware store). The glue must dry for at least 24 hours, after which you should inflate the board and check the area.

Tips for the proper handling of your SUP board

To ensure a long life for your inflatable SUP board, you should always follow these points.
  • Do not leave the inflated board in direct sunlight for long periods; in the worst case, it could burst.
  • The board should always be completely dry before you roll it up and pack it away.
  • Remove stones and sand before rolling up, for example with a hand brush.
  • In winter, store the board slightly inflated in a dry room that is not too cool.
  • Do not leave the board in a car in direct sunlight.
Do you have a question about repairing your inflatable SUP board? Then feel free to send us a message and we will try to help you!

Gloryboards Blog

View all