Stand up paddle boards have become more affordable in recent years, but they\u2019re still a significant investment. Learning to paddle board safely and enjoyably is essential. However, unless you want to be buying a new SUP every season, you also need to know about paddle board maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This article is going to show you the vital maintenance tips you need to look after your paddle board. Read on, and I\u2019ll demonstrate that SUP maintenance needn\u2019t be a chore, and the result will be a board that will look great and lasts you for many years to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is the vital maintenance you need to do to look after your paddle board. It doesn\u2019t have to take a long time. Try not to skip it after you\u2019ve been out, and your board will be in perfect condition for your next adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Washing your board after every trip will help it look good and protect the board\u2019s structure and components. Let\u2019s look at the essential steps for cleaning your paddle board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At a minimum, always try to hose your paddle board with fresh water after using it<\/strong>. It\u2019s a good idea to do this even if you\u2019ve been paddling in a freshwater lake or river. This water often contains dirt and algae that will decompose to discolor your board and make it smell bad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019ve been out in salt water, you should consider washing your board as essential<\/strong>. The salt water can cause corrosion to metal components and may make materials and seams degrade over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hose your paddle board down with plenty of water, and pay particular attention to thoroughly washing crevices like the fin boxes<\/strong>. It\u2019s easy for sand and dirt to collect here. Your deck pad can also collect grime, so give this an intense rinsing too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your board was pretty dirt-free, then rinsing it might be enough, and you can move on to drying and storage. If not, then let\u2019s look at giving it a proper clean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your SUP is a bit dirty, or you want to give it some extra care, you can use a biodegradable mild soap cleaner to give it with a proper wash.<\/strong> Check before you start that the cleaner is suitable for use with your board\u2019s materials. It must not have any harsh chemicals or abrasives. You shouldn\u2019t use harsh cleaners or regular dishwashing detergent. They can contain salt amongst other damaging chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Follow the instructions for your particular cleaner.<\/strong> There are some that you spray directly onto your board, while others will need to be diluted in a bucket with warm water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a soft microfiber cloth or a soft bristled brush to gently rub the cleaner onto your paddle board to remove dirt. If your traction pad is especially mucky, you can use mild soap or baking soda in a paste with water. Special cleaners are available to remove stains from the EVA foam. Whichever you use, make sure that you don\u2019t aggressively scrub the deck pad as it is easily damaged.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cleaning your board with a mild detergent will remove salt deposits. It will also help to prevent stains from mildew or bacteria appearing on the surface. <\/p>\n\n\n\n After cleaning, give your SUP another complete wash with a hose or several buckets of clean water to remove all the detergent.<\/strong> Again, make sure that you thoroughly rinse out any hard-to-reach areas like the fin boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After rinsing, you should dry your board. It\u2019s good to keep some clean old towels around for the job. Try and dry your board as fully as possible<\/strong>, particularly if you\u2019re going to be packing it away for a long time. If you use your board in strong sunlight most of the time you can apply a coating of UV resistant spray for added protection from the sun’s rays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a good idea to periodically use a lubricant to clean and protect the metal components<\/strong>, including the D-Rings and fin box parts. Properly made stainless steel compartments shouldn\u2019t rust. However, lubricating now and again will keep them looking shiny and working smoothly for a longer period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, you need to take care not to get the oil onto your board.<\/strong> So if you are using a spray, apply it to a cloth and then carefully rub it onto the components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hard boards often vent plugs built in to release gasses from inside their foam core. Some boards have self-regulating vent plugs, and you need to make sure that these are free from debris when you clean your board before you store it. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Other boards have screw cap vent plugs that are closed during use but that you need to open for transportation and storage. Before washing your board, ensure that a screw cap vent is closed and when it\u2019s dry check the plug isn\u2019t blocked with sand or similar dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an inflatable, you should always wash and dry the SUP with it fully inflated. Ensure that the valve is completely clean outside. When it comes time to deflate it, check that no sand has managed to get into the valve stem<\/strong> before you close it for storage. Luckily the air pressure release will clear most dirt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2. Clean With Soap<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
3. Rinse The Board<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
4. Dry Thoroughly<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
5. Lubricate Metal Parts<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6 a. Clean a Hard Boards Vent Plug<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
6 b. Clean an Inflatable Boards Air Valve<\/h4>\n\n\n\n