How to deflate a paddle surf board

Basic maintenance and care ensures that inflatable paddle surfboards are always in perfect condition. The process of deflating a paddle surfboard is also part of that essential maintenance. In this post we explain everything you need to know about deflating, rolling and storing your SUP so you can enjoy it to the fullest in every session.

When and why deflate a board?

One of the advantages of inflatable paddle surfboards is their easy storage. They can be stored in small spaces, such as a storage room or a simple closet, and, unlike rigid boards, they are also more comfortable to carry in the car. However, to enjoy this benefit it is necessary to deflate the board first.

There are several reasons why inflatable paddle surfboards deflate. One of them has to do precisely with storage. Once deflated and inside the backpack, the SUP takes up much less space, making it easier to store even in tight or crowded places.

Another reason is related to transportation. Carrying the board deflated and in the backpack is much more comfortable than carrying it inflated. Although the paddle board has a handle in the center to hold it and a carrying strap with which you can carry it from one place to another, carrying it deflated is easier and takes up less space.

The last reason why it is best to deflate an inflatable paddle surfboard is in the frequency of use. Many are those who only use the SUP in the summer, so the rest of the year it stays in storage. In the case of inflatable boards, it is better to store it deflated, protecting it from dirt during all those months when it is not going to be in the water.

However, if you are going to use it tomorrow or in the next few days and you have space to leave it, you can keep it inflated to save time and enjoy the experience to the fullest.

And if you want to learn how to paddle surf, here you will find a complete step-by-step guide.

Steps to deflate an inflatable paddle surfboard

Here we explain step by step what to do to deflate a paddle surf board correctly before rolling it up and storing it in your backpack:

Step 1: Pre-cleaning

The process of sweetening the board is key to ensure proper preservation. Sweetening means cleaning the board and accessories to remove any salt, sand or dirt. In this way, you avoid staining, deterioration or corrosion that could end up spoiling your SUP.

It is therefore important that, after each use, both the board and the accessories are sweetened. This process prior to deflating a paddle surf board can be done at home or at the beach, using a shower or footbath:

1. Rinse both the surface of the board and the accessories you have used with fresh water.
2. Try to remove any visible salt or sand using your hand and water pressure. If you do this at home, you can use a brush to reach hard-to-reach areas, such as the valve or keel boxes.
3. Wash the accessories, including the paddle, the leash and the three keels.
4. Using microfiber cloths, completely dry the board and accessories after sweetening. The goal is to remove moisture completely before storage.
5. To dry the EVA rubber area, the grip handle and the leash, as they are elements that retain much more water, you can leave them in a ventilated place away from sunlight. About 24 hours is enough.

We recommend that you do not skip any of these steps so that your board and accessories are always in good condition. It is important to dry all parts thoroughly to avoid the appearance of mold and mildew due to the presence of moisture.

Here we explain in detail how to do a thorough cleaning of your inflatable paddle surfboard and some basic maintenance tips.

Step 2: valve opening and safety

Once the first step has been completed, it is time to start deflating an inflatable paddle surfboard. To do this, you must first locate the inflation valve, which is located in the tail area of the board. It is the same one you have already used to inflate the SUP, so the process is similar, but in reverse.

First you must unscrew the plug that covers the valve and protects it from unintentional knocks or dirt. The plug is attached to a string so that it will fall off or get lost. Here is the valve, which can be opened by pressing it to release the air.

Keep in mind that the board has been inflated to 15 PSI of pressure, so the first few seconds of deflation a larger amount of air will come out. A safety tip is to press the valve lightly for a few seconds to relieve some of the pressure. Once the pressure has decreased, press the valve all the way down to leave it in the open position and release all the air.

Step 3: deflation process

The process of deflating a paddle surf board consists of two phases. The first one is done naturally, that is, the air is released by its own means once the valve is left in the open position. This phase will allow you to remove most of the air, relieving the pressure inside the SUP.

The second phase is to expel the remaining air which, precisely because of the lack of pressure, cannot be released to the outside. To do this, use the double action manual inflator. Put it in the "Deflate" position, connect the hose to the valve and start pumping to expel the air. This way, you will get a better result and you will be able to fold the board properly.

In case you don't have the inflator at hand, you can emulate a similar result with your hands. Start from the nose and push the air with your hands towards the valve area. By pressing on the surface of the SUP, you will push the air out. If you resort to this method, it will take longer and you will not get the same 'sealing' effect as with the manual inflator.

How to wind it correctly

We have already seen how to deflate a paddle surfboard. Now it's time to roll it up. The goal is to achieve a folding that is natural for the SUP, protecting the keel box area and achieving a compact package that is easier to store in the backpack.

From the opposite side to the fins, start folding the board, trying to get the result to a size that allows you to store it in your backpack. Once you get to the area of the keel boxes, do not fold them to avoid breaking them. Instead, this part should be folded in the opposite direction so that they are inside the package, thus protecting them from bumps during transport.

Keep in mind, moreover, that the winding of the board itself helps to release any air that may have remained inside. Therefore, it is very important that the valve is open and does not have the plug. Before you finish folding the SUP, close the valve and cover it. To keep it folded, use the strap included in the pack.

How to store it to make it last longer

The last step in the process of deflating a paddle surfboard is to store it in the backpack. Insert the SUP inside and use the tether strap inside the backpack to keep it in place. Larger accessories can be stored in the main compartment, while smaller accessories, such as fins or leashes, can be placed in the inner pocket.

If you are going to store the backpack with the board and accessories at home, find a place that is clean, dry, ventilated and away from sunlight. Make sure that, where you place it, there is no risk of it falling, as a bump on the floor can cause damage.

Common errors when deflating the board

Both when sweetening and deflating a paddle surfboard and storing it, mistakes can be made that affect the preservation of the SUP. These are the most frequent:

• Failure to properly sweeten the board and accessories after each use.
• Storing parts of the board such as the EVA rubber or the leash that are still damp, which promotes the appearance of mold and mildew.
• Dry the board and accessories directly in the sun.
• Do not let all the air out of the board during the deflation process.
• Roll the board so that the keel area is bent or exposed.
• Storing the board in the backpack without having compacted it properly, leaving insufficient space for the rest of the accessories.
• Leaving the backpack in a place where there is humidity or high temperatures.
• Store the backpack in a place where it is likely to fall or be hit.

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