How to Care for Your Inflatable Paddle Board (and Keep It Going for Years)

A Glide Inflatable Paddleboard is made to last with it's fusion technology, woven drop stitch and a 3 layers of PVC. 

That's quality you want to take care and we're here to tell you exactly how to do it!

An inflatable paddle board is more than gear—it’s your adventure partner. And just like any trusted companion, your iSUP deserves a little love if it’s going to last season after season.

The good news? With minimal maintenance, your Glide inflatable paddle board—built with premium woven drop-stitch and multi-layer fusion PVC—can easily last 5–10 years or longer.

In this complete care guide, you’ll learn how to clean, store, transport, and protect your inflatable SUP the right way.


How to Clean Your Inflatable Paddle Board

1. Rinse After Every Use

  • Use fresh water to rinse off sand, salt, algae, or dirt—especially after paddling in saltwater, which can dry out and damage PVC over time.

  • Rinse fins, fin boxes, and the valve area thoroughly.

Bonus Tip: A hose is great, but a bucket and sponge work just as well on the go.

2. Use Gentle, SUP-Safe Cleaners

  • Stick to natural, biodegradable soaps or a dedicated cleaner like Onit Pro Blue Goo.

  • Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or anything abrasive that could wear down your deck pad or seams.

For the deck pad, you can also try:

  • Onit Pro Deck Pad Cleaner

  • Revive Pro Cleaner

  • Or for stubborn grime: a light wire brush or 150-grit sandpaper (gently!)

3. Dry Before You Store

  • Towel dry or air-dry your board in the shade.

  • Never store your board wet, as that can lead to mold or mildew, especially on the traction pad or inside the valve.

 

deflating an inflatable paddle board

UV Protection: The “Sunscreen” Your Board Needs

Even though Glide boards are UV-resistant, sun exposure still adds wear over time. We recommend treating your iSUP with 303 Aerospace Protectant 1–2 times per year.

⚠️ More than that can cause buildup or affect materials—once in spring and once mid-season is plenty.


Check and Maintain Your Valve

A loose valve isn’t a defect—it’s normal over time. That’s why your Glide board comes with a valve wrench inside your orange repair canister.

  • Use the wrench to gently tighten the valve if you ever hear air escaping.

  • Don’t over-tighten—just a quarter-turn may be enough.

👉 Watch our quick tutorial on tightening your iSUP valve  

 shop inflatable paddle board

Smart Storage for All Seasons

DO:

  • Store dry, deflated, and loosely rolled.

  • Keep in a cool, dry place (room temp is ideal).

  • Remove fins and leash before rolling.

  • Use the included backpack or storage bag for best protection.

AVOID:

  • Tight rolls (which can stress seams)

  • Leaving inflated in direct sunlight

  • Stacking gear on top of your board—even lightweight items

💡 Pro Tip: If you need to store it inflated, lower the PSI to around 10 and keep it out of direct sun or extreme temps.

 how to fix your isup valve

How to Transport Your iSUP Safely

You can transport your board:

  • Inflated (roof racks, truck beds)

  • Deflated (in its bag)

If transporting inflated:

  • Lower the PSI slightly to allow for air expansion, especially in hot weather.

  • Place padding between the board and your car roof to avoid abrasion.

  • Strap it down deck pad side down to reduce wind resistance.

For long trips:

  • Pull over periodically to check pressure.

  • Never drag your board—it may be durable, but sharp pavement or gravel can still cause damage.

inflatable paddle board in a truck bed

What If Your iSUP Gets Damaged?

Minor scuffs are normal, but if your board gets a small puncture or leak, no worries. Every Glide iSUP comes with a repair kit, and most issues are fixable in under 24 hours.

  1. Find the leak (use soapy water—bubbles reveal air spots).

  2. Clean and dry the area thoroughly.

  3. Apply adhesive from the kit in 2–3 thin layers.

  4. Add the patch, press firmly, and weigh it down.

  5. Wait 24 hours before reinflating.

Want extra security? Keep Aquaseal FD on hand—it’s waterproof, tough, and perfect for field repairs.


Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Storing your board wet
🚫 Leaving it in a hot car or in direct sun
🚫 Dragging it on rocky shorelines
🚫 Rolling it too tightly
🚫 Using harsh cleaners or chemicals
🚫 Over-inflating (especially on hot days)


FAQs: Inflatable Paddle Board Maintenance

Q: Can I leave my board inflated all summer?
Yes, but keep it out of direct sunlight and reduce pressure when not in use.

Q: Can I use dish soap to clean my SUP?
Yes, mild dish soap works fine as long as it's free of harsh additives.

Q: Is mold on the deck pad a problem?
It can be—clean with a deck pad cleaner and always store dry.

Q: Can I keep it in my garage during winter?
Yes, as long as the temperature is moderate and it’s dry.

 

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