How to tell if your paddle surf board is leaking air

Checking if your paddle surf board is leaking air is part of a preventive maintenance that will allow you to check its condition and locate any possible leaks. Inflatable paddle surfboards are reinforced to avoid punctures or air leaks. But, in case it happens, it is important to know how to act to try to solve the problem. We explain below everything you need to know

Visible signs that your paddle surfboard is leaking air

The first thing to consider with inflatable paddle surfboards is that there is a risk of air leakage. It is not common, but a puncture in its structure or a leak in the inflation valve is possible. And this can result in a leak that, to a greater or lesser degree, will eventually deflate the paddle surfboard completely.

However, there are signs that there is an air leak in your board. If it is a large volume leak, you will notice it first by the noise generated by an air leak, followed by the SUP starting to lose stiffness as the pressure inside the board drops.

Conversely, a more subtle leak may go unnoticed to the ear. In this case, the visible signs that your paddle surfboard is leaking air are in the loss of stiffness and a worsening of its performance in the water. An inflatable paddle surf below the recommended pressure is more likely to sink in the water and does not respond as well to paddling or course changes.

Therefore, evidence that a paddle surf board leaks air can be found in:

• Air leakage noise (in large volume losses)
• Loss of structural rigidity
• Poorer buoyancy
• Less control over the board

Please note that all our boards are made of a super reinforced composite called "Dropstitch". This is an advanced technology with hermetic military grade PVC coating and high durability with double side layer, making them very strong and reliable.

Soap test: how to detect leaks

If you have come to the conclusion that your paddle surf board is leaking air, it is time to locate the leak. To do this, the first thing to do is to rinse your board. This is important if the air leak started during a Stand-Up Paddle session. In that case, clean and dry the entire area well to make it easier to locate the leak.

Next, prepare a mixture of water and neutral soap. This solution can be poured into a spray bottle and sprayed on the surface of the board. Do this in a well-lit and windless place, so that it is easier to identify the bubbles produced by the leak.

This mixture of water and soap should be sprayed on the board little by little. Pay attention and try to find a spot where bubbles are constantly being generated. If you have found it, try adding more water with the sprayer to check that there is indeed an air leak.

Clean the area well, remove the soap and dry the surface. To keep track of where the air leak is, you can mark it with a marker pen or some tape. To fix the puncture, here you will find a complete step-by-step guide with everything you need to know.

Air leakage in the valve: how to fix it

It is also possible that your paddle surfboard is not flat, even if it loses air after a few hours. In this case, it is most likely that there is an air leak in the inflation valve, a problem that has a quick and easy solution. To do this, you will need the wrench included in the repair kit and follow the steps below:

1. Remove the valve cap and open it to release all the air.
2. Once emptied, place the wrench on the valve and turn clockwise to tighten it.
3. Do not over-tighten, find the point where it has tightened and stops leaking air.

Most common areas where punctures appear

As we explained above, punctures are not frequent in inflatable paddle surfboards due to the reinforced compound with which they are made. However, there are areas where, due to use and exposure, they are more prone to punctures. Find out more about the parts of a paddle surf.

For example, the surface and the hull, as a general rule, are the areas that are most exposed to friction and shocks, and, therefore, to end up with a puncture. That is why it is important to take care of your board and avoid improper or non-recommended uses, such as paddle surfing with shoes or taking your dog on the board without having previously checked and trimmed his nails.

The edges are the strongest point of the paddle surfboards due to the double PVC side layer. This creates a reinforced area that prevents your SUP from being damaged, as this is the area most prone to being hit during transport or if you surf in rivers or rocky water areas.

The seals in the different PVC layers are a less frequent point to punctures or air leaks. In this case, they can also be fixed using the patches included in the repair kit that you will get with your paddle surfboard.

Finally, and to an even lesser extent, the inflation valve could be a point where air leaks occur. We have already explained how to tighten the valve to eliminate the leak, but it is still possible that they appear around it. In this case, it is important to check the area well to evaluate the air leakage and contact an expert for a proper repair.

If you want to access more content related to paddle surfing, don't forget to follow us on our social networks.

Life is a journey to be experienced!