How long does an inflated SUP last? On average, if a good quality SUP is used daily and maintained properly, it will last anywhere between 3 to 5 years. Factors such as material and frequency of use determine how long an iSUP lasts. If used once to two times a week, it will last for over five years. Boards used regularly but not taken good care of can last three years or less.
Inflated SUPs are a great way to have fun in the water. They can provide hours of entertainment for you and your family. But, how long do they last? Below, we comprehensively discuss this question and look at how best you should maintain your inflatable SUP, so it lasts as long as possible.
We will also go over a few ways to make your inflatable stand-up paddle board last long. Stick with us through the end and get to learn how best to take care of your iSUP and so it can give you years of service.
Factors that Determine Inflated SUP Longevity
Material
This is one of the major determinants of how long an inflatable SUP will last. In general, a good quality stand-up paddle board should be made from high-grade PVC and not the cheaper variety that can crack or tear easily.
Performance
Inflatable boards are designed for different purposes such as surfing, touring, racing, etc., which determines how well it floats on water and its paddling capabilities. The performance of a SUP also depends on factors like rider weight capacity and length, among others.
Boards with higher ratings for these features tend to have better performance than those rated lower in this regard, thus working out more durable.
Construction Quality
How well your inflatable SUP is constructed has much bearing on how long it lasts. Poorly assembled ones may work fine at first but wear down quickly after being used for some time.
For best results, look at the type of seams your SUP has and whether they are glued or heat-sealed together. Besides that, check if there is a similarly placed reinforcement patch on both sides of the board to further ensure its durability. If possible, choose boards with multiple reinforced layers for maximum inflatable SUP longevity.
Type of Board Usage
How often you use your stand-up paddle board will determine how long it lasts as well. For people who only use them once in a while (less than twice per week), an average quality inflatable SUP can last anywhere between three to five years depending on other factors like material quality and construction, among others discussed above. On the flip side, high-end inflatable SUPs will only last this long if used on a daily basis.
How the board is maintained has a lot to do with how long it will last. Make sure you clean the inflatable SUP after each use, including drying it out well before putting it away in storage for later use. Also, always make sure your board is completely dry and free of any water or dirt before storing it, as this can lead to fungal growth over time which may affect its performance, among other things.
To keep boards looking new longer, apply sunscreen at least once every three months when used often while also reapplying if needed during paddling sessions on particularly hot days where extra protection is required.
Again, don’t let pets like dogs and cats play on or near your inflatable SUP. They can damage the board, especially if it’s a cheaper variety that tends to tear easily under pressure from claws and teeth. Harsh chemicals like bleach used on dirt stains may also affect its performance over time so use only mild detergents when cleaning them out.
Inflatable SUP Maintenance and Proper Care
As noted earlier, a properly maintained iSUP will last longer than one that is not. To understand how to properly take care of your iSUP, you must first learn some key facts about the materials it’s made from and where it came from in the manufacturing process.
PVC vs. Silicone Inflatable SUP Material
Both PVC inflatable paddle boards are more durable than their silicone counterparts. Silicone boards are more expensive and will usually last for a shorter amount of time. In general, inflatable paddle boards made from PVC should be treated with sunscreen to add extra durability while keeping the board looking new longer.
Some cheaper boards are made from quality nylon and will also work well for a few years. However, nylon boards are not as durable and should be treated with extra care when in use to ensure the board is protected from damage or ripping.
Maintenance Tips
Always store your iSUP away from direct sunlight.
Sunlight weakens the material over time and can cause damage to your board if not properly protected. So be sure to store your board away from direct sunlight to ensure it remains in good condition.
Clean your SUP after each use with mild soap and warm water
Use a soft sponge or clean cloth when cleaning out dirt, sand, etc., from your iSUP so as not to scratch it while using aggressive cleaners that may harm the material.
Don’t allow pets to play on your iSUP
You should never allow pets to play on or near your inflatable SUP. Pets, especially dogs and cats with sharp nails can easily tear up an iSUP if there is any resistance at all against their claws/teeth. And even if the board doesn’t rip right away, it may weaken over time which could lead to a much quicker tear in the long run.
Don’t use harsh chemical cleaners.
Chemicals like bleach used to clean a dirty iSUP can also harm its construction over time if it is not rinsed off well enough before storage after use. So be sure to rinse out any soap or cleaner from your inflatable SUP with fresh water and dry thoroughly before storing it away for later use.
Don’t over-inflate your board when storing it away for later use.
Make sure you don’t inflate too much as this can cause the materials to break down faster if stored in an area where it is constantly being moved around or laid on.
Don’t use your inflatable SUP on rocky surfaces.
Sharp rocks can damage the surface of most iSUPs, so be sure to avoid them when paddling around in shallow areas.
Do not drag the iSUP over any surface.
Dragging the SUP on a surface will cause it to wear out faster and potentially damage the material.
When deflated for storage, fold it properly.
Proper folding is key to a long-lasting inflatable SUP. If you do not fold it properly or store it improperly, the material could weaken over time and cause damage later on, which will necessitate repairs.
Quality Material Increases Durability
As I pointed out earlier, the quality of your iSUP’s material greatly determines how long it is going to last. So when choosing an inflatable SUP, go for one with PVC construction which is more durable than its silicone counterpart.
Also, consider how many layers of the material there are and what they are made from. You should go for at least three layers of material, and the thicker, the better when it comes to inflatable SUPs, especially if you want a board that is going to last for many years.
How to Make Your Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board Last Longer
Here are some ways you can help make your inflatable SUP last longer:
Use it regularly but not too often.
You don’t want to use your inflatable SUP too often, as this can cause the materials to break down faster over time. But on the other hand, using it occasionally will not do much good either. So you should use your iSUP regularly but only enough so that you are still enjoying its full potential for performance and durability when it comes time to go out paddling again.
Store away from sharp objects
This is a no-brainer, but you should always store your iSUP away from sharp objects like rocks and other hard surfaces that can cause damage to the material.
Repair any punctures or tears immediately using an adhesive patch.
Repairing your iSUP as soon as it becomes damaged will help ensure that you get more life out of your board. A good adhesive patch should do the trick to fix up any small holes or tears so as not to cause further damage and prolonging its lifespan for years after.
Use a paddle leash.
Using a paddle leash is a great way to help ensure that you don’t accidentally lose your paddle in the water.
Final Thoughts On How long does an inflatable paddle board last
A good quality inflated SUP will last 3-5 years. How long your iSUP lasts depends on how well you maintain it. Proper cleaning and storage, as well as avoiding sharp objects, will all go a long way to increasing the life of your inflatable SUP. Hopefully, the tips discussed here will help you get the most out of your iSUP and make it last a long time.
