A great day on the water ends the same way every time: getting your board or float back into its bag. Find your board or float below for a quick step-by-step guide, then scroll down for tips that make packing easier and help your gear stay in great shape season after season.
Step-by-Step Guides
iROCKER, BLACKFIN and ULTRA™ boards (single roll)
ULTRA™ boards (double fold)
iLAND® floats
Tips for Easier Packing
1. Rinse It Off First
Give your board or iLAND® a rinse with fresh water before you pack it up. If you paddled in salt water, go one step further and wash it with mild soap and water. Salt left on the surface can dry out and wear on the materials over time.
Pay extra attention to the handles. They're more sensitive to the combination of salt and sun than the PVC body, so a good rinse there goes a long way.
2. Let It Dry Completely
Never pack it away wet. Trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew. Let your board or float dry fully, top and bottom, before you fold it. Rinsing and drying every time is one of the easiest ways to help your gear last longer.
3. Get All the Air Out
Folding is always easier when the air is fully out. The quickest way is a pump in deflate mode:
- Electric pump: gets the most air out and makes packing easiest.
- Hand pump: works too, just set it to deflate.
Check the valve position. Make sure the valve pin is in the UP position so air can flow out. In the DOWN position, the valve locks the air in.
If you're pushing the last bit of air out by hand, leave the valve open while you fold. Once all the air is out, you can close the valve cap.
4. Fold Away From the Valve
Always start folding or rolling at the end opposite the valve and work toward it. That way any leftover air has somewhere to go instead of getting trapped inside.
- Paddle boards: remove the fins, then roll from the nose toward the tail (where the valve is).
- ULTRA™ boards: roll them the same way, or fold the board in half lengthwise along the deckpad seam first for a double fold.
- iLAND® floats: fold the two pointed ends in toward the middle, then roll it up toward the valve.
5. Roll or Fold? Both Work
Everyone has their own style, and both approaches get the job done:
- Rolling (a round, circular bundle) is the gentlest option. It's easier on the PVC and helps prevent creases in both the PVC and the EVA deckpad.
- Folding (a flatter, rectangular bundle) can be easier to stack and fit into tight spaces.
Single or double? A single fold is the better choice for long-term storage, like over the off-season. A double fold makes a more compact bundle, which is handy when you're taking your board to and from the water.
6. Strap It
Once it's folded, secure the bundle with the included strap. You can also wrap the carry strap around it to help it hold its shape, which makes sliding it into the bag much easier.
7. Grab a Buddy (Optional)
Packing up is a one-person job, but if you've got a paddling partner with you, team up. One person rolls while the other keeps it straight and presses out the air, and it goes even faster.
Quick Checklist
- Rinse with fresh water (soap and water after salt water)
- Dry it completely, handles included
- Deflate with your pump, valve pin UP
- Fold from the end opposite the valve (single for storage, double for travel)
- Strap it and slide it into the bag
A few extra minutes after each session means your board or float is ready to go the next time the water calls. We're happy to have you as part of the iROCKER family. See you out there!
