An inflatable SUP is a proper investment and with the right care, a quality board from Aqua Marina can last you a decade of adventures.
The good news is that iSUP maintenance isn't complicated. A few simple habits after each session will keep your board performing at its best and protect your investment.
Here's everything you need to know about looking after your inflatable paddleboard.
The DO's of iSUP Care
Clean It After Every Session
Salt water, sunscreen, and algae build up quickly on a board and can degrade the PVC material over time. After each session, rinse your board thoroughly with fresh water and a mild soap if needed.
• Use fresh water from a hose or bucket
• Mild dish soap works perfectly - nothing harsh or abrasive
• Pay attention to the valve area, fins, and deck pad
Dry It Before You Store It
Storing a wet board is one of the most common causes of mould and adhesive failure. Always dry your board completely before rolling it up and putting it away.
• Leave it in the shade to air dry (not direct sun - more on that below)
• Wipe down with a dry cloth to speed up the process
• Check under the fin boxes and around the valve - moisture hides there
Use It Frequently
This might surprise you, but regular use is actually better for your board than leaving it in the bag for months on end. Long-term storage in a rolled-up state can cause the adhesive seams to weaken over time.
💡 Storage tip: If you're not using the board for an extended period, store it partially inflated (about 5–8 PSI) in a cool, dry place rather than fully rolled.
Check It Regularly
Give your board a once-over before and after sessions. Look for:
• Any signs of delamination or seam lifting
• Scratches, scuffs or punctures (small ones are easily repairable with the repair kit included with Aqua Marina boards)
• Valve condition - ensure it seals properly and isn't damaged
• Fin box screws and fin condition
The DON'Ts of iSUP Care
Don't Use an Air Compressor
A standard garage air compressor can over-inflate your board within seconds, far beyond its safe working pressure. This can cause catastrophic seam failure and will void your warranty.
Always use the hand pump or electric pump that came with your Aqua Marina board. These are designed to stop inflating at the correct pressure range (10–15 PSI for most Aqua Marina boards).
⚠️ Warning: Over-inflation is one of the most common causes of board damage and it's not covered under warranty. Never use a compressor.
Don't Drag It
It's tempting to drag your board across the beach to the water, but sand and sharp debris can puncture or scratch the underside quickly. Always carry it.
• Carry using the centre handle for short distances
• Use a board bag with shoulder straps for longer carries
• If you need to rest it on the ground, lay it on a smooth, clean surface
Don't Leave It in Direct Sunlight
UV light degrades PVC material over time and can fade the graphics. More importantly, a board left inflated in direct sun will expand significantly as the air inside heats up and potentially exceeding safe pressure.
• Store in shade or a board bag when not in use
• If the board must be left outside, reduce pressure to 60–70% of max
• Never leave an inflated board in a hot car
Avoid Temperature Extremes
iSUP boards are designed to operate in normal outdoor temperatures. Extreme heat or cold can affect the adhesives and material integrity.
• Ideal storage temperature: 0°C to 40°C
• Don't store in a shed that gets to 50°C+ in summer
• In winter, allow the board to warm up before inflating to full pressure
Repairing Small Punctures
Every Aqua Marina board from Aqua Fun comes with a repair kit. Small punctures are easy to fix at home:
1. Deflate the board fully
2. Find the leak (soapy water works well, bubbles will appear at the puncture site)
3. Clean and dry the area thoroughly
4. Apply the PVC patch from your repair kit with adhesive, following the included instructions
5. Allow to cure for at least 24 hours before re-inflating
🔧 Tip: For larger damage or seam issues, contact Aqua Fun we can advise on professional repair options.
Storage Checklist
• Board rinsed with fresh water
• Board completely dry - no moisture in valve or fin areas
• Deflated and loosely rolled (not overly tight)
• Stored in board bag in cool, dry, shaded location
• Fins removed and stored separately
• Leash rinsed and coiled loosely
Take care of your board and it'll take care of you, season after season of epic NZ water adventures. Shop the full Aqua Marina iSUP range at Aqua Fun with fast nationwide delivery.
