How to Pack a Paddle Board: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Packing an inflatable paddle board takes 10-15 minutes when done correctly. This guide walks you through the exact process, from deflation to final bag closure, plus tips for air travel and storage.

What You’ll Need

• Deflated paddle board
• Board bag or backpack
• Retention straps
• Pump
• 3-piece paddle
• Fins and fin pouch
• Leash
• Repair kit
• Optional: towel, PFD, protective wrap

Clean your board before packing. Dirt and moisture cause mold during storage. For international travel, biosecurity inspectors check for organic debris that could harbor pests.

Step 1: Deflate the Board Properly

Remove the valve cap. Press down on the valve pin and twist it slightly to lock it open. Air releases fast, so keep your face away from the valve.

The board deflates in 3-5 minutes. Don’t force it. Let air pressure do the work.

 

Step 2: Remove All Accessories

Take off removable fins. Check that fin bolts and screws stay attached to the fins, not loose in the bag.

Remove GoPro mounts from paddles. These cause damage when packed.

Flip the board over if needed to access fin boxes.

Step 3: Fold the Board

Start at the nose. Fold the board like a tortilla, working toward the tail.

When you reach the tail section, press down on the valve area. This forces out remaining air trapped in the board.

Avoid folding over molded fins. Route your folds around fixed fin areas to prevent creasing.

Some paddlers prefer rolling instead of folding. Rolling works but takes more bag space. Folding creates a flatter package.

 

Step 4: Secure with Retention Strap

Wrap the retention strap around your folded board. Pull it tight but not excessive.

This compression serves two purposes. It keeps the board compact for bag fitting. It also creates a carry handle for moving the board to your bag.

Step 5: Place Board in Bag

Position the board with fin boxes facing up. This protects the valve and fin attachment points from pressure damage.

If you fold the board slightly loose, you create a gap in the middle. Use this space for small items like toiletry bags. Place these items in a sealed plastic bag first in case they leak from rough handling.

Step 6: Add the Pump

The pump breaks easier than any other component. Position it carefully.

Place the pump with its base at the bottom of the board bag. If your pump has angled feet, tuck them under the board. This prevents the feet from snapping off during transport.

Wrap a beach towel or PFD around the pump for extra cushioning. For air travel, bubble wrap adds protection without much weight.

Step 7: Insert Paddle Pieces

Your 3-piece paddle goes between the layers of the folded board.

Put the blade section in first with the blade angled backward. This positions it as close to the board as possible.

Place the handle section blade-side up in the bag. The middle section fits wherever space allows.

Remove paddle attachments before packing. GoPro mounts jab into your board during transport.

 

Step 8: Pack Accessories in Order

Fins go in the front pocket. Most board bags have a dedicated fin pouch. Count your fins before packing. Verify bolts haven’t fallen out.

Pump hose, paddle leashes, and repair kit fit in the side pocket. These smaller items stay organized better in exterior pockets than loose in the main compartment.

For air travel, verify your repair kit glue meets airline regulations. Rules change frequently. Check before your flight.

Step 9: Add Extra Items for Travel

Board bags hold more than just paddle equipment. Use the space efficiently.

Pack clothing in cloth bags or pillowcases. These act as extra padding while maximizing your checked luggage allowance.

Shoes fit along the sides. Wetsuits wrap around the pump for protection.

For international flights, put as much weight as possible in checked luggage. Save delicate items for carry-on.

Weigh your packed bag. A handheld luggage scale works well. Most airlines allow 50 pounds for checked bags. These scales cost $15 and prevent overweight fees.

Step 10: Close and Secure

Fasten internal retention belts if your bag has them. These keep contents from shifting during transport.

Close the main zipper. Position the zipper pull at the top of the bag. This prevents accessories from falling out when you open the bag later.

Double-check all pockets are closed. Side pockets with loose zippers spill contents during baggage handling.

Packing for Air Travel

Airlines treat paddle boards like sporting equipment. Most charge $50-100 each way for oversized baggage.

Clean your board thoroughly before international flights. Australia and New Zealand enforce strict biosecurity rules. Inspectors check outdoor gear for soil, plant matter, and organic residue. Dirty equipment gets held for deep cleaning or refused entry.

Wipe down bag wheels. Soil accumulates in wheel treads and triggers inspection delays.

Pack strategically for maximum protection. Pump and paddle face the highest breakage risk. Wrap them in soft items like jackets, rain gear, and extra clothing.

Remove pump hoses and pack them separately. Hoses survive transport better when not attached to the pump body.

Consider your return flight when packing. If you buy souvenirs, leave room in your board bag or pack lighter initially.

Long-Term Storage Tips

Dry your board completely before packing for storage. Even small amounts of moisture cause mildew in closed bags.

Store in a cool, dry location. Heat degrades board materials over time. Avoid garages in summer or unheated spaces in winter.

Don’t store boards fully deflated for months. Leave a small amount of air to prevent material creasing. Not full inflation—just enough to maintain shape.

Common Packing Mistakes

Packing wet boards: Moisture trapped in bags creates mold within days. Always dry completely first.

Wrong valve position: Set the valve pin back to “up” position after deflating. This prevents accidental opening during transport.

Forcing oversized items: If something doesn’t fit easily, repack. Forcing zippers causes breakage.

Ignoring weight limits: Overweight bags cost $100+ in fees. Weigh before heading to the airport.

Forgetting fin bolts: Small screws fall out easily. Keep fins assembled with all hardware attached.

Troubleshooting Guide

Board won’t fit in bag: You likely have too much air remaining. Remove the board and press out additional air, especially near the valve area. Some boards need 15 minutes for complete deflation.

Broken retention strap: Use a bungee cord or ratchet strap as a temporary replacement. Most outdoor stores sell universal replacement straps.

Damaged zipper: Zipper pulls break during rough handling. Attach a small carabiner or key ring through the zipper pull hole for emergency repairs.

Pump won’t fit: Remove the hose and base if your pump separates. Pack components individually in available spaces.

Pro Time-Saving Tips

Pack in reverse order of use. Items you need first when you arrive should go in last.

Keep a permanent packing checklist in your bag’s front pocket. Check off items as you pack to avoid forgetting pieces.

Store fins in their pouch between uses, not loose. This saves time and prevents lost hardware.

For frequent travelers, pack a dedicated toiletry bag that lives in your board bag. Include sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and small first-aid items.

Roll clothing tightly instead of folding. Rolled items pack tighter and create fewer wrinkles.

Choosing the Right Inflatable Paddle Board

Proper packing matters most when you own quality equipment worth protecting. Inflatable stand up paddle boards come in various designs for different activities.

For beginners, the Loco Amigo Air offers stability and easy packing. Its all-around shape fits standard board bags without struggle.

Families traveling with children should consider the Loco Kids Amigo Air, designed specifically for younger paddlers and smaller bag sizes.

Surf enthusiasts who pack boards frequently benefit from the Loco Shred Air, which folds compact despite its surf-specific shape.

Adventure paddlers heading to remote locations appreciate the Loco Scout Air touring board. Its expedition build withstands repeated packing and rough transport.

For white water paddling, specialized boards like the Loco S-Wave require extra care during packing due to their reinforced construction.

Essential Accessories for Packing

Quality SUP accessories make packing easier and protect your investment.

A carbon SUP paddle weighs less than fiberglass options, leaving more weight allowance for other gear when flying.

Rail saver tape protects board edges during transport. Apply it before packing if your board lacks factory rail guards.

Final Thoughts

Proper packing extends equipment life and prevents damage during transport. The first few times take 20 minutes. With practice, you’ll pack in under 10 minutes.

The key is following the same sequence every time. Deflate, fold, secure, pack accessories in order. This routine becomes automatic after a few repetitions.

Whether you paddle kids boards, surf SUPs, or white water designs, the packing process remains consistent across all inflatable models.

Bookmark this guide for reference until the process becomes second nature. Your board and wallet will thank you when equipment survives years of travel without damage.Share