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Congratulations on your new inflatable paddle board. We’re going to teach you the very basics of your new board: inflating and deflating your board. If this is your first inflatable sup, there are a few things you should know BEFORE trying to inflate or deflate your board. Use our simple guide to get you on the water in no time.
It takes most people less than 10 minutes to unload and inflate their iSUP. You’ll probably want to inflate your paddle board after you arrive at your destination – as our inflatables are much easier to transport in their carry backpack. Of course, you can elect to throw in on a rack or in your truck, but we think you’re better off transporting your board in one of our included GILI bags.
Follow these Seven Simple Steps to Inflate Your Board in Minutes
1. First, remove your iSUP and accessories from the bag. Unroll the board completely on a smooth surface free of rocks and other loose material. Grass is a great. Unscrew the valve cap. Important: before you start inflating, make sure that the valve pin is in the upright position – this ensures that the valve seal is closed and the seal will not leak air when removing the pump hose.
2. Insert the pump hose and twist the hose into the valve counter clockwise. Attach the other end of the hose to the “Out” port on the pump. If you are using an electric pump be sure to set to stop at 12 PSI. The PSI gauge will not read until you reach at least 7 PSI.
3. After you reach 9-10 PSI, remove the red cap on the hand pump to make it easier to inflate the remaining 2-5 PSI. Removing the cap on the pump converts the pump from dual action to single action.
4. Keep on pumping until your board reaches 12-15 PSI. Make sure you reach at least 12 PSI for maximum performance.
5. Carefully, twist off the pump’s hose. Replace the valve cap on your board.
6. Insert the snap-in rear fin and secure with the small thumb lever. Now you’re ready to paddle!
Deflating your paddle board is simple and easy. Do NOT use the valve wrench to deflate your paddle board under any circumstances. Doing so can cause severe injury.
1. Before deflation, rinse your board off with fresh water and dry it completely. To deflate, remove the valve cap and push down on the valve pin, and twist and lock it in the open position. A large hiss of air will rush out of the board – don’t be alarmed, this is normal!
2. After most of the air has been deflated from your board, start rolling the board up. Roll from the nose to the tail of the board with the fin box on the outside. Rolling from nose to tail makes getting all of the air out of your board easier. Use the included strap to keep your board tight.
3. Place your rolled up board, paddle, fin, pump and leash into your GILI Backpack. That’s it – time to go home!
What are the two black pieces that came with the pump? They look like they’re meant to go on either end of the deflate part of the pump handle. I don’t see them mentioned in the user guide. What is one supposed to do with those?
I inflated my board for the first time…it is very full and firm but the pump gauge has not moved at all – showing 0 PSI. Is this normal or is it indicating that the pump’ gauge isn’t working? THanks, Linda
Hi Annette,
You can use your pump to deflate your iSUP, but generally, it’s not necessary. What we use it for is getting that last little bit of air out, if we are trying to roll it as flat as possible.
Hi, Can I/should I be using my pump to deflate my board at all? I notice it says “inflate” next to the tube opening on one side and “deflate” on the other. Thanks!
Hey Bruce,
Yes, I have slated this article for an update with our triple stage pumps. Your pump gauge won’t rebister until after 7-8 PSI. If you’re still having an issue contact us and we will get you sorted out!
Loved reading the article on inflation and deflation. Can you update or offer an article on the 3 stage pump as well as the 3 fin insertion since the larger fin has a different locking system? We purchased 2 of your Memo SUPs and one pump gauge does not work. Are we doing something wrong?
Hi Victoria,
No – that’s not normal. Your inflatable SUP should remain inflated and lose almost no pressure. We keep our boards inflated in our garage nearly all summer. If you have a GILI board, please contact us and we’ll get you sorted out.
I inflated my board the night before and by morning it deflated. Is this normal? It was my first attempt at using it. Please advise
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Jay Regan
September 05, 2020
Hi Jane,
Yes, those pieces thread into the top of the pump – they’re the handles. If you need additional assistance, please contact us!
Linda,
You may have a faulty guage. Contact us for a replacement.