With large numbers of new stand up paddlers hearing the call to action this last couple of years the amount who have no watersports experience background is staggering. Whilst this plays into the SUP safety camp it also knocks on to equipment care and maintenance. If you don’t know how to look after your gear, and aren’t told how to achieve this, then you may end up with SUP kit that doesn’t stand the test of time.
Taking good care of any piece of watersports equipment is good practice as it means when you go afloat it’s not as likely to fail. Accidents do still happen but you can significantly narrow the variables with regular maintenance and checks.
Inflatable stand up paddle boards, by their very nature of being air filled toys, have their own nuances of care. The bottom line, however, is water – particularly salty brine – isn’t the best for materails stand up paddle boards are made from. The corrosive nature of saline liquid requires the rider/paddler deal with it accordingly post-session.
Rinse it down!
You main job as a SUPer having been in the sea is wash down your inflatable stand up paddle board with fresh water. Removing all that Sally Salt moisture from your iSUP Is good practice as it means there’s less time for the brine to evaporate and leave just the salt behind. And it’s the salt that can weaken and/or corrode materials.
It’s best to have your inflatable board slightly full of air when you do this as it means the fresh water run off can be more efficient.
Release and rinse all moving parts.
As with the board itself, your iSUP’s moving parts – such as fin(s), leashes, bungee and deck fixtures/fittings can be susceptible to corrosion. When rinsing it’s a good idea to wash behind all these small nooks and crannies to get the clog and dirt removed. Fin bolts and tracks, for instance, can store all manner of crud so should be cleaned thoroughly.
O’Shea SUP paddle – three piece fully adjustable aluminium
O’Shea fully adjustable (slide adjuster) 3 piece aluminum SUP paddle. Great all round paddle and ideal for begginers.
Adjustable length means it’s very versatile for family use if you are all different heights. Works great for children too as the smallest height is just 66″ paddle length.
Call 01208-880839 or email info@northcoastwetsuits.co.uk
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If you have such fittings as action cam mounts on your board then best practice dictates these also be cleaned. Leash lines, D-rings and anything else affixed to your SUP also needs care and attention. And don’t forget your paddle! Especially if it’s a two or three piece. Remove any extension from its associated partner tubing and rinse. Adjustable SUP paddles are extremely prone to fusing having gotten a bit of grit or sand stuck in the internal part of the shaft.
Dry your SUP gear.
Following any prolonged immersion in water your inflatable stand up paddle board needs to thoroughly dry before popping back in its bag. If not, mould and spores can form both on the board and inside your carry all – the latter being a real breeding ground for bacteria.
Like it or not there are some nasties that lurk in our seas and rivers and simply chucking your kit in a wet lump means these ‘orribles thrive. Humid atmospheres only add to the mix so it’s worth drying everything off – including your transport! And don’t leave in direct sunlight to achieve this as harmful UV can break down the board’s PVC layers, impact the adhesive and cause the internal Dropstitch weave to separate and balloon up. Once this happens there’s no repairing your toy…
Deflate your iSUP (at least once or twice).
How many of you (us) leave inflatable SUPs full of air for lengthy periods of time? (Hands up, we do it as well!). Did you know that chucking an iSUP on the roof of your car, inflated, could void any warranty? It’s worth checking your paperwork so you’re aware.
But the fact remains so many of us do it. A well manufactured iSUP, produced with good quality materials and manufacturing should be able to cope with continued inflation. Every now and again though it’s worth packing down and checking things like the board’s valve is in good working order.
Don’t forget your peripheral SUP kit as well!
It’s not just your iSUP hardware that need regular care and attention. Any equipment you use to paddle – such as wetsuit and such – also needs time spent looking after it. Your wetsuit (or drysuit) should be rinsed, washed and dried thoroughly. And it’s the same if you’re using paddling layers like wicking fleeces and tops. Put them through the wash to make sure they’re fresh and stink free.
McNett Zipcare (cleans and lubricates all types of zip)
Ever had a sticking zip ? really annoying isn’t it ! well we recommend McNett Zip Care…..
If you’re trying to get out of your wetsuit or into your gear bag, you need a zipper that works. The elements may be conspiring against you, by jamming your zippers with dirt, sand and debris. But luckily, there is McNett Zip Care Liquid Zipper Cleaner & Lubricant. It’s the ultimate in zipper care, designed to remove sand, dirt and salt deposits that can make a zipper stick—and keep you inside your wetsuit long after you want out. Zip Care’s handy brush top removes debris and delivers its advanced cleaning formula right between the zipper teeth. Plus, it leaves behind a clear, protective and lubricating film. Use it regularly, and experience the joy of no more stuck zippers.
There’s nothing more frustrating than a zipper slider that sticks when you least expect it. Protect and lubricate your zippers to make them last a whole lot longer with Zip Care.
Comes with a built in brush on the bottle top (60ml bottle)
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Keeping your stand up paddle board kit in tip top working order is a little time consuming but worth it to ensure you prolong your gear’s life, avoid unwanted (and unnecessary) kit malfunctions and enjoy many long hours of paddling fun into the future.
For more SUP related knowledge and info head to the following page –