A hissing sound coming from your board can ruin a perfect beach day. But do not panic. Most damage to inflatable stand up paddle boards (SUPs) looks worse than it actually is. It is very easy and fast to do an inflatable paddle board repair at home. In fact, this job is done within 15 minutes. No special tools or skills are required. This article will guide you through the entire process of detecting and fixing your paddle board.
Step 0. Essential Tools for Paddle Board Repair
You do not need a garage full of heavy machinery. You likely have most of these items at home already. Here's your checklist to prepare for the journey ahead:
- High-Pressure Pump: The paddle board pump ensures the PSI (Pounds per Square Inch) level of your board, ideally ranging from 12 to 15 PSI. Quality pumps usually cost between $129 and $150.
- Pressure Gauge: The pressure gauge helps you measure the current pressure level in your paddle board. It costs around $9 to $25 and is often included in more advanced paddle board repair kits.
- Paddle Board Repair Kit: These kits commonly include patches, paddle board repair glue, and sometimes a valve wrench.
- Permanent Marker: Essential for marking leaky spots, a permanent marker is something you probably already have in your home.
- Soap Solution: Useful for identifying leaks. Combine a bit of dish soap and water in a spray bottle for an easy cleaning solution.
- Scissors or a Sharp Knife: To cut the repair patches to the right size, you'll need a pair of sharp scissors or a knife.
- Clean Cloth or Towels: It's essential to have these on hand for cleaning and drying the area you plan to repair.
- Hair Dryer or Heat Gun: Some repairs might require heat activation for the glue or patch, making a hair dryer or heat gun a helpful tool.
If you're investing in these tools separately, expect your total cost for a basic inflatable paddle board repair setup to be around $50 to $100. However, many SUP board repair kits come with some of these essentials, which could save you some money and effort.
Gather your gear: A simple repair kit, a pump, and a few household items are all you need to get the job done.
Step 1. How To Find A Leak In Your Paddle Board
Sometimes the damages are very obvious; other times the damages are hidden. When your board feels soft after a couple of hours, but you can't see any holes, you should try the "Soapy Water Method"
- Inflate the Board: Pump your board to about 10 PSI.
- Mix the Solution: Combine water and dish soap in a spray bottle.
- Spray the Board: Cover the board section by section. Pay close attention to the valve and the seams (the sides of the board).
- Watch for Bubbles: Air escaping will create large, growing soap bubbles. This reveals the exact location of your leak.
- Mark the Spot: Dry the area and circle the leak with a permanent marker so you do not lose it.
Step 2. Determine the Fix: 3 Most Common Paddle Board Issues
Most repair jobs fall into three categories. Identify your problem below to fix it correctly.
Patching Small Punctures
Punctures happen. Maybe you hit a sharp rock or a fishing hook. Here is the correct way to patch it.
- Deflate and Clean: Let the air out completely. Clean the area around the hole with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove dirt and oils.
- Cut the Patch: Cut a circle from your PVC repair patch. It should be large enough to cover the hole with at least 1 inch of overlap on all sides. Pro tip: Round the corners. Square corners peel off easily.
- Apply Glue: Apply a thin layer of PVC glue to the patch and the board.
- Wait (Crucial Step): Do not stick it on immediately. Wait 2-3 minutes until the glue looks dull and feels tacky (sticky), not wet.
- Press and Seal: Place the patch over the hole. Use the back of a metal spoon to press hard from the center outward. This removes air bubbles and bonds the glue.
- Let it Cure: Leave the board uninflated for 24 hours.
Tightening or Replacing a Leaky Valve
Many riders think their board has a hole, but the air is actually leaking from the valve. Over time, the valve can loosen.
The Fix:
- Pour soapy water around the valve. If bubbles form around the edge, it is loose.
- Open your iROCKER Repair Kit and find the gray or black plastic wrench (it looks like a crown).
- Insert the wrench into the valve while the board is deflated.
- Turn clockwise to tighten it. This usually stops the leak immediately.
A quick twist: Often, a loose valve is the culprit, and a simple clockwise turn with your repair wrench fixes it instantly
Fixing Seam Leaks
A leak along the rail (the side seam) is harder to fix because the surface is not flat.
- Deflate the board.
- Apply generous PVC glue inside the open seam.
- Press the layers together firmly.
- If possible, use a clamp or a heavy weight to hold the seam shut while it dries.
- For extra security, you can glue a patch over the seam after the inner glue dries.
When To Call The Professionals
You have the ability to complete most repair work but certain types of damage need professional assistance. If you attempt to fix major structural damage, you might void your warranty.
Do not attempt DIY repair if:
- The tear is longer than 4 inches (10 cm).
- The leak is coming from the fin box.
- The seam has blown open significantly (delamination).
In these cases, contact our [Warranty and Support Team]. We can assess the damage and recommend a professional repair shop or discuss replacement options.
Why iROCKER Boards Are Built To Last
The best repair strategy is prevention. At iROCKER, we build boards designed to resist damage in the first place. Our products include Quad-Layer Military Grade PVC, which we apply to various models in our product range. This material is incredibly tough. Our manufacturing process includes heat-welded seams, which replace the need for adhesive application. This creates a mechanical bond that makes the rails much stronger than standard inflatable boards. Our design enables you to paddle for extended periods because it minimizes the need for repair work after accidents occur.
FAQ
Can I use Super Glue for paddle board repair?
No. Don't use a cyanoacrylate adhesive; when dry, it will break when folded. Use an adhesive that says it bonds well with PVC.
How long does a patch take to dry?
Wait at least 24 hours to fully cure before inflating.
Can I patch a board while it is wet?
No. The surface must be completely dry and clean. Moisture prevents the glue from bonding.
What if the leak is under the deck pad?
This is tricky. Using a heat gun (low heat), gently remove the foam pad to uncover the PVC. After patching the PVC, you can re-glue the pad.
How often should I check for leaks?
Check your board at the beginning of each new season, as well as if your board is losing pressure more quickly than normal. A normal board loses a small amount of pressure overnight due to temperature changes, but if that is the case, you shouldn’t worry.
How can I make my paddle board last longer?
After each use, rinse your board with fresh water, dry it thoroughly, and store it in a cool, dry place.
