Should You Roll or Fold Your Inflatable Paddle Board? (2026 UK Guide)
Always roll your inflatable paddle board rather than fold it. Rolling prevents permanent creases that can weaken the material over time. Most manufacturers strongly recommend this method to keep your iSUP in top condition for years.
New owners often ask this question after their first session on the water. Packing away a deflated board feels tricky, and nobody wants to damage an expensive bit of kit. Folding seems quicker, but it carries real risks. Rolling takes a couple of extra minutes and fits neatly into the bag.
Rolling vs Folding: The Key Differences
Rolling means starting from one end and tightly coiling the board towards the valve, pushing air out as you go. You end up with a long, sausage-like bundle that slides straight into the carry bag.
Folding – sometimes called concertina or book fold – involves laying the board flat and folding it back and forth like an accordion. People do this to make it compact fast, especially if short on space or in a rush.
The main difference comes down to stress on the material. Rolling spreads any bend across the whole board. Folding creates sharp crease lines in the same spots every time.
Why Manufacturers Recommend Rolling
Brands like Starboard, Red Paddle Co, and McConks all say roll your board. They design iSUPs with drop-stitch construction – thousands of tiny threads holding the top and bottom layers together inside layers of tough PVC.
Sharp folds put repeated pressure on those threads and seams. Over a season or two, you can get permanent crease lines. These weaken the structure, raise the chance of delamination, and shorten the board’s lifespan.
A typical all-round iSUP (10ft 6in to 12ft 6in) lasts 5–8 years with proper care. Regular folding can cut that noticeably. Rolling avoids fixed crease points entirely.
Fins suffer too. Folding over a fixed fin box crushes the surrounding material. Removable fins help, but many people still fold carelessly and regret it later.
How to Deflate Properly First
Never roll or fold until the board is completely flat and soft.
Open the valve fully. Most modern valves have a high-airflow setting – twist and push the pin down. Press around the board with your hands or knees to force air towards the valve.
Use the reverse function on an electric pump if you have one. This sucks the last air out quickly. A fully deflated board measures just 10–15cm thick, making rolling far easier.
Leave the valve open while rolling. This lets remaining air escape without building pressure inside.
Step-by-Step Guide to Rolling Your iSUP
- Rinse the board with fresh water and dry it off. Salt and sand speed up wear.
- Lay it flat on a clean surface, top side up (deck pad facing you).
- Remove any detachable fins.
- Open the valve fully and push air out from nose towards tail.
- Fold the sides inward slightly if your board is wide – this helps it fit the bag later.
- Start at the nose. Roll tightly and evenly towards the tail. Keep the edges aligned.
- Kneel on the roll as you go to squeeze out more air. Aim for a firm, compact cylinder.
- When you reach the tail, close the valve cap.
- Secure with the strap or bungee if supplied.
- Slide into the bag. A good tight roll on a 10ft 6in board ends up roughly 35–40cm in diameter and 90cm long.
Take your time the first few tries. It gets quicker with practice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Rushing the deflation leaves air pockets. The roll ends up bulky and won’t fit the bag properly.
Rolling too loosely makes storage harder and leaves the board vulnerable to knocks.
Folding the fins under happens a lot. Always remove them first or roll from the nose (fins at the tail end).
Storing in direct sunlight after packing heats trapped air and stresses seams. Keep it cool and shaded.
Leaving the board partially inflated for weeks seems kind to the material, but it invites slow leaks and mould in UK damp conditions.
Long-Term Storage Tips
In Britain, garages and sheds get cold and damp over winter. Store your rolled iSUP indoors if possible – a spare room or under the stairs works well.
Keep it in the bag to protect from dust, but loosen the roll slightly. A super-tight roll for months can create faint lines. Every few months, unroll, check for issues, and re-roll starting from a different point.
Avoid temperatures below 0°C or above 40°C. Extreme cold makes PVC brittle; heat softens glue on seams.
Hang the bag or lay it flat. Never stack heavy items on top.
Check the valve and seams once or twice during off-season. A quick inflate and soap-water test spots small leaks early.
When Folding Might Be Acceptable
Short-term folding once or twice won’t ruin a board. If you’re travelling light and need to cram it into a small car boot temporarily, go ahead – just don’t make it habit.
Some touring boards with stiff rails resist creases better, but even then manufacturers prefer rolling.
Emergency situations on the water (quick pack to escape weather) – fold if you must, but inspect carefully afterwards.
Conclusion
Roll your inflatable paddle board every time you pack it away. It takes minimal extra effort and protects your investment properly. Follow the deflation and rolling steps above, store sensibly through the UK seasons, and your iSUP will stay rigid, leak-free, and ready for the water year after year.
Simple habit, big difference.
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