The inflation valve is a small but critical component of your inflatable SUP and understanding how it works will save you a lot of frustration on the beach. Aqua Marina boards use a high-pressure Halkey-Roberts style valve, which is durable, reliable, and easy to use once you know how.
Here's everything you need to know about your iSUP's high pressure valve.
Understanding the Valve: Two Positions
Your SUP valve has two positions, controlled by the valve pin in the centre:
Position 1: INFLATE (Pin UP)
When the valve pin is in the raised (up) position, the valve is in inflate mode. Air can enter freely from your pump but won't escape when you remove the pump hose. This is the correct position for inflation.
✅ How to set: Press the pin down, then turn clockwise until it pops back up and locks. The pin should sit proud of the valve body.
Position 2: DEFLATE (Pin DOWN)
When the pin is pressed down and locked in the lowered position, the valve is open for deflation. Air escapes freely through the valve. This is the position you use when packing the board away.
✅ How to set: Press the pin down and turn counterclockwise until it locks in the down position. You'll hear and feel air escaping immediately.
Attaching and Detaching the Pump Hose
Attaching:
1. Ensure the valve is in the INFLATE (pin up) position
2. Press the pump hose connector firmly onto the valve
3. Turn clockwise until it clicks and locks securely
4. Give it a gentle pull to confirm it won't pop off mid-pump
Detaching:
1. Squeeze or press the release tab on the hose connector (varies by pump model)
2. Turn counterclockwise and pull away
3. You'll hear a brief hiss of air, this is the hose depressurising, not the board deflating
4. Replace the valve cap immediately to keep water and grit out
Common Valve Issues & Fixes
Air escaping when pump is attached
If air rushes out when you connect your pump, the valve pin is likely in the DOWN (deflate) position. Disconnect the pump, reset the pin to UP (inflate), and reconnect.
Board slowly losing pressure after inflation
A small amount of pressure drop (1–2 PSI) as the board cools after inflation is completely normal. If pressure drops significantly:
• Check the valve cap is screwed on firmly
• Apply soapy water around the valve, bubbles indicate an air leak
• Check the valve pin is fully locked in the up position
• If the valve itself is leaking, contact us and we'll look into this for you
Valve cap is lost or damaged
Always replace a missing valve cap before taking your board out. Water and sand in the valve mechanism can cause damage over time.
Valve Maintenance Tips
• Rinse the valve area with fresh water after every saltwater session
• Apply a small amount of silicone grease to the valve O-ring once or twice per season
• Never use petroleum-based lubricants, these degrade rubber O-rings
• Inspect the valve for cracks or damage before each session
• Always store with the valve cap on
Is My Valve Compatible with Third-Party Pumps?
Aqua Marina boards use the industry-standard Halkey-Roberts valve, which is compatible with most quality SUP pumps on the market. If you're using a third-party electric pump, check that it comes with a Halkey-Roberts adapter, most do
