Got a brand new inflatable SUP and not sure where to start?
Inflating your board correctly is the very first skill to nail and once you've done it a couple of times, it takes less than 10 minutes. Here's the complete step-by-step guide to inflating your Aqua Marina iSUP.
What You'll Need
• Your inflatable SUP board
• The hand pump included with your board (or an optional electric pump)
• A pressure gauge - most Aqua Marina pumps have one built in
• About 10 minutes of your time
Step-by-Step: Inflating Your iSUP
Step 1: Unroll and Lay Out Your Board
Find a flat, clean surface — grass, sand, or a smooth deck all work well. Unroll your board and lay it flat with the deck pad facing up. Make sure there's nothing sharp underneath that could puncture the material.
💡 Tip: Give the board a quick visual inspection before inflating, check for any damage from storage or transport before you start pumping.
Step 2: Locate and Open the Valve
The inflation valve is usually located near the tail of the board. Remove the valve cap by unscrewing it counterclockwise and set it somewhere safe — you'll need it again at the end.
Check that the valve pin is in the UP (open) position before attaching your pump. The valve pin should be raised, not depressed. If it's pushed down, press it in and turn clockwise to lock it in the open position.
⚠️ Important: Always confirm the valve is in the open/inflate position before pumping. Pumping against a closed valve can damage the valve mechanism.
Step 3: Attach the Pump Hose
Connect the pump hose to the valve by pressing the hose connector firmly onto the valve and turning clockwise until it locks in place. Give it a gentle tug to confirm it's secure, a loose connection means wasted effort and air.
Step 4: Start Pumping
Begin pumping with steady, even strokes. Most Aqua Marina hand pumps are dual-action, meaning they pump air on both the push AND the pull stroke, which is much more efficient. Use your body weight and legs rather than just your arms to reduce fatigue.
• Use both hands on the pump handles for control
• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart for stability
• Keep a steady rhythm - don't rush
💡 Tip: The first half of inflation is easy. The last few PSI feel much harder, this is normal! Use your bodyweight to push through the resistance.
Step 5: Inflate to the Correct Pressure
Most Aqua Marina SUP boards are designed to be inflated to 15 PSI (pounds per square inch) for optimal rigidity and performance. Check your specific board's manual for its recommended pressure.
• 10 PSI - Board will float but feel soft and flexible - not recommended for paddling
• 12–13 PSI - Acceptable but not optimal
• 15 PSI - Ideal for most Aqua Marina boards - firm, rigid, performant
• Above 15 PSI - Do not exceed maximum rated pressure
⚠️ Never over-inflate: Exceeding the maximum pressure can cause seam failure and will void your warranty. Always use a pump with a gauge and stop at 15 PSI.
Step 6: Detach the Pump and Replace the Valve Cap
Once you've reached the correct pressure, disconnect the pump hose by pressing the release lever or turning counterclockwise. Air loss during disconnection is completely normal — you may hear a brief hiss. This is the hose venting, not your board deflating.
Screw the valve cap back on firmly to keep out water and debris.
Step 7: Attach Your Fins
Most Aqua Marina boards use a slide-in fin system. Slide the fin into the fin box from the front and lock it with the provided clip or screw. Your board is now ready to hit the water!
Electric Pump Option
If you paddle regularly or find hand pumping too strenuous, an electric pump is a game-changer. Aqua Fun stocks Aqua Marina electric pumps that automatically stop at your target pressure - just set it, switch it on, and let it do the work.
🔌 Note: Electric pumps require a 12V car power outlet or a compatible power bank. Always supervise an electric pump and never leave it unattended.
How Long Does Inflation Take?
• Hand pump (dual action): 8–12 minutes
• Electric pump: 5–8 minutes
Inflation time depends on board volume, larger touring and all-round boards take longer than smaller boards.
