Inflatable Paddle Board Care & Maintenance Guide

Need to keep your inflatable stand-up paddle board ready for the water? Browse our full selection of inflatable paddle boards for durable options that hold up well with basic care.

An inflatable paddle board stands up to regular use if you handle it right. Rinse off salt or sand after trips, store it away from heat, and check for wear now and then. These steps cut down on problems like leaks or fading. Most boards last 5 to 10 years with steady upkeep. Follow along for straightforward ways to clean, inflate, store, and fix your board.

Rinse and Wipe Down After Use

Salt from the sea or grit from rivers builds up fast. Fresh water flushes it away before it scratches the surface. Lay the board flat on grass or a towel. Start with the underside to clear out trapped bits.

Use a garden hose on low pressure. For tougher spots, mix dish soap with water and scrub with a soft sponge. Skip stiff brushes—they mark the PVC layer. Pay attention to fin boxes and the deck pad, where dirt hides. Rinse everything twice to clear soap traces.

Let the board air dry in the open. Wipe the valve dry to stop rust inside. This routine keeps the material smooth and stops mold from starting.

Hit the Right Air Level Each Time

Boards work best at 12 to 15 PSI. Too low, and it bends underfoot; too high, and seams pull tight. Check your model's label—most from our lineup, like the Amigo Air, top out around 15 PSI.

Hook up a pump with a gauge. Start slow until 8 PSI, then push harder for the rest. Stop at the mark and bounce the board—it should feel firm, not spongy. Cold days call for a bit less air; heat means check again before launch.

To let air out, open the valve and press gently. Roll from nose to tail while folding to push out the last bits. Quick pumps with a hand tool get you back on the water fast.

Pack It Away Without Strain

A dry, cool spot saves your board from creases or sun fade. Deflate fully for long hauls, but leave it at 5 PSI for short breaks to hold shape.

Roll it loosely from tail to nose, with the deck inside out. Slide into the backpack it came with—the Loco Scout Air packs neat this way. Stash in a garage or closet, off concrete floors. Rodents chew stored gear, so elevate it.

Skip attics or sheds that hit 30°C or more. Heat warps the PVC over months. For beach days, drape a towel over it between runs.

Fix Small Holes Before They Grow

A pinprick from rocks happens. Most kits have patches; grab Clifton glue if yours ran out—it's made for PVC bonds.

Pump up the board and spray soapy water over spots. Bubbles point to the leak. Mark it with tape, then let air out. Rub the area with alcohol to clean, and let dry.

Cut a patch bigger than the hole by an inch all around. Spread thin glue on both sides, wait 5 minutes until tacky, then press firm. Weigh it down for 24 hours. Test with air before the next float.

For scrapes without holes, dab on a UV sealant like 303 Protectant twice a year. The Loco Motion Air holds patches well thanks to its tough build.

Haul It Without Dents

Deflated fits anywhere, but straps matter on car trips. Roll tight for the Loco Shred Air and strap to the roof rack with soft ties.

Use padded bars to dodge rail scratches. For trunks, wrap in a towel. Bikes or buses? Shoulder the bag—it's under 10kg packed. Avoid sharp edges in storage racks.

Check ties after 10 miles; loose ones flap and rub.

Spot Trouble Early with Quick Looks

Once a month, blow it up and roll it around. Listen for hisses near seams or valves. Rub hands over the deck for rough patches.

Pull at D-rings and handles—they loosen over time. Wipe valves with a cloth dipped in protectant to clear grit. Note any color shifts; that's sun wear.

Boards like the Aztec Air show wear slow if you stay on top of it.

Block Sun Fade and Heat

PVC yellows under long sun hits. Spray on 303 Aerospace once a season—it soaks in and shields rays. Mist the top and sides, let dry an hour.

Covers like lycra socks slip on for beach waits—they drop temps 10°C. The Loco S Wave stays bright longer with this.

Park in tree shade or under awnings when not paddling.

Why Steady Care Pays Off

A checked board glides straight and holds air. You skip big fixes that cost hundreds. Plus, it floats true, so you stay upright in light chop.

Clean gear means fewer slips on deck slime. Over years, it saves trips to shops.

Quick Close

These habits keep your board solid season after season. Start with a rinse today. Got a tip that works for you? Share in the comments.