How to Inflate and Deflate Your Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board
Key Highlights
- Preparation: Start by unrolling your iSUP on a flat, preferably soft surface. Remove the valve cap and ensure the valve stem is engaged for inflation.
- Inflation Process: Attach the pump, selecting between dual or single action pumping modes. Begin with dual action for rapid inflation up to 8-10 PSI, then switch to single action to reach your desired PSI, ideally around 15 for most users.
- Efficient Pumping: Utilize your legs for the pumping motion to conserve arm strength and avoid back strain. Consider an electric pump for an easier inflation process.
- Final Steps: Once inflated to the desired PSI, detach the pump and secure the valve cap. Attach your fin, and you're ready to paddle.
- Deflation: Remove the fin, open the valve stem to let air escape, and roll the board from the opposite end towards the valve to expel air. Secure the valve stem, replace the valve cap, and store the board in its backpack.
The first time you inflate and deflate you inflatable paddle board you might feel a bit stressed, but we promise that will practice will come peace and the pumping will become easier.
We've set up so many times now that it is second nature, and it'll be that way for you too.
We have a YouTube video that outlines the process of inflating and deflating your Glide inflatable stand up paddle board (iSUP) and we will also outline the steps here.
You are typically looking at 5-10 minutes to inflate your paddle board.
Inflating your iSUP
First, find an open, flat (preferably soft) area and unroll your board.
Remove the valve cap by turning it counterclockwise and then check to make sure the valve stem is engaged by pushing on it and turning it clockwise until it pops up.
Now attach the end of the pump by pushing it down over the valve stem and turning it clockwise until you feel it lock.
It’s time to get pumping. The pump that is included is a “dual action pump” which means that you can choose between either single action pumping whereby air is only pushed into the SUP on the downstroke or dual action pumping which pumps air into the SUP on both the downstroke and the upstroke.
We recommend that you start in dual pump mode until you board is pretty well inflated which will occur when the gauge reads 8 to 10 PSI (Pounds Per Square Inch).
Then it is best to switch to single mode to get those last PSI into your iSUP. To put the pump into dual pump mode, move the lever at the top of the pump canister to the right and begin pumping.
The gauge won’t start registering until you have inflated some shape into your iSUP. When you are ready to move to single action pumping, simply move the lever to the left.
Pro Tip – use your legs as much as possible to pump up and down to save your back and arms. Glide does also offer and electric pump if you want to save more of your energy for your paddle.
Even though your Glide SUP is rated for 25 PSI, most people find that 15 PSI will work just fine for them.
Take breaks as you pump so that you don’t use up all of your energy. Once you hit a PSI that works for you, remove the pump end by turning it counterclockwise and screw the cap back on clockwise.
There is no need to touch the valve stem itself during this process. Once you install your fin, you will be ready to paddle!
Deflating your ISUP
To deflate your iSUP, first remove your fin.
Then remove the valve cap and push the valve stem down and twist it clockwise until it holds in place as air escapes.
Then go to the other end of the board and start rolling it towards the valve stem, press your knees down on the rolled-up portion at various points to push extra air out of the paddle board.
Once you get to the end of the board, re-engage the valve stem into the locked inflation position and close the valve cap. Put the deflated, rolled up iSUP back into the backpack and you’re ready to head home.
Conclusion
The first time you inflate and deflate you inflatable paddle board you might feel a bit stressed, but we promise that will practice will come peace and the pumping will become easier.
We've set up so many times now that it is second nature, and it'll be that way for you too.
Related Topics
What to Consider Before Buying an Inflatable SUP?
