iSUP Care Guide

Essential Guide: Caring for Your New Loco Inflatable Paddle Board

Thank you for purchasing your inflatable paddle board (iSUP) from Loco Surfing. To ensure your board performs beautifully and lasts for many seasons, please read and follow this essential safety and maintenance guide before your first launch.

📋 Before Your First Trip

  • Check the valve tightness. Valves can loosen slightly during transit or storage.

  • Locate your valve key. This is the plastic wrench found inside your orange repair kit.

  • Tighten the valve. Insert the key and turn it clockwise to ensure a completely airtight seal.

  • Do not over-tighten. Turn until snug; using excessive force can damage the valve threads.

💨 Inflation & PSI Guidelines

Getting your board to the correct pressure ensures optimal stability and performance on the water.

  • 15 PSI is the recommended target for most standard paddlers and everyday conditions.

  • 17 PSI is ideal for heavier riders or if you are taking your board out into the surf.

  • Always use a gauge. Keep pumping even when the board feels solid; pressure gauges rarely register until the board hits about 7 PSI.

☀️ Summer Heat & Sunlight Protection

Direct sunlight and extreme heat cause the air inside the board to expand rapidly, which can over-pressurise the seams.

  • Shave off 2–3 PSI on hot days. Drop your target inflation pressure slightly to leave room for natural air expansion.

  • Never leave it fully inflated on land. If your board is left standing outside—even in the shade—you must half-deflate it or deflate it completely.

  • Keep it out of the sun. Do not leave your board to bake on hot sand, grass, car roofs or boat decks when not in use.

🛠️ Heat, Waterways & Minor Glue Repairs

Some aggressive chemicals present in specific waterways, combined with excessive summer heat, can occasionally cause minor aesthetic trim or D-ring patches to unglue.

  • Don't panic. While this can be annoying, it does not affect the structural integrity of your board and is easily fixed.

  • Fix it with a dab of glue. A quick application of PVC adhesive will secure the part back down immediately.

  • Check your kit. Glue may already be provided inside your orange repair kit.

  • Get free glue sent out. If you don't have any, we will ship some out to you ASAP.

  • Contact us to request glue. Email us at shop@locosurfing.com or message our team. Please include your name, order number, shipping address, email, and contact number so we can process it quickly.

🧼 Environmental Care & Cleaning

To protect local waterways, you must prevent the transfer of invasive species, diseases, and microorganisms between different bodies of water.

  • Check, Clean, Dry. Follow this rule every time you move between different lakes, rivers, or coastal areas.

  • Wash down with fresh water. Rinse the entire board, paddle, and leash after every session to remove salt, sand, mud, and organic matter.

  • Dry completely. Wipe the board down with a towel before rolling it up to prevent mold, mildew, and odor.

🏄♂️ Fin Installation & Deflation Sequence

We use premium US Box centre fins across our entire inflatable range, alongside FCS side fins on select models. Following the correct assembly sequence protects your tracking fins from accidental damage.

  • Go from inflated to fins. Always fully inflate your board to your target pressure first before screwing or slotting your fins into place.

  • Go from fins to deflated. Always remove your US Box and FCS fins first before tapping the valve to deflate and pack down the board.

🚫 Quick Do's and Don'ts Summary

Do

Don't

Do pump to 17 PSI if you are hitting the surf.

Don't leave a fully inflated board cooking on the beach.

Do text us on WhatsApp if you need quick repair advice.

Don't forget to pull the fins off before rolling up the PVC.

Do rinse off salt water to prevent corrosion.

Don't use harsh chemical solvents to clean the deck pad.

📞 Need Help? Contact Loco Surfing

If you have any questions about your board setup, transport, or maintenance, reach out to us directly:

  • 📧 Email: shop@locosurfing.com

  • 📱 WhatsApp / Text: 07779 127230