You have seen those paddle boarders from afar, enjoying the waves, paddling, sitting, riding. You’ve admired their moves and imagined yourself in their position. So you learn everything about paddle boarding, how to balance yourself, how to ride, how to paddle, how to climb back when you fall in the water.
And then the day finally arrives – your paddle board arrives, and you are ready to head out to the water. You inflate the board, put on your sunscreen, and start riding – the wind in your hair, the sea in your senses. You have the time of your life.
And then the time comes to pack your stuff back, head back home to wait for another day to ride the waves. But wait a minute: did you ever check up on how to pack this stuff when you are done? I can bet anything that you haven’t!
Most paddle boarders spend a lot of time on understanding the sport, but not enough on how to open, inflate, deflate and maintain their boards. That’s why they lose their boards far too quickly and have to give up on the sport or spend a lot of money to get another one.
So in this article, I will discuss deflating your paddle board. And I will also answer the question you came here to know about: how long does it take to deflate a paddle board?
Well, it is not a complex process. It takes just a few minutes to deflate a paddle board. So, you should not worry about it. It requires a bit of practice which you can quickly master if you follow my tips and tricks below.
How to Deflate a Paddle Board?
#1. Wash With Water
Before deflating your board, your first job should be to wash it with normal water. This will remove the dust, debris, and salts that are sticking onto the board after the day’s activities.
If you haven’t done this in a while, then you should clean it with soap water. Use a gentle soap that does not have any harsh chemicals. It will be enough to remove all the stains.
After rinsing with soap water, clean your board again with fresh water.
#2. Allow Your Board to Dry
You should completely dry your paddle board. Even a little water can promote molds, algae, and bacteria that can damage your paddle board.
#3. Find a Flat Surface
Now find a flat surface for deflating your paddle board.
#4. Remove the Valve Cap
Remove the valve of your paddle board by rotating in a clockwise direction.
#5. Press the Yellow Pin
After removing the valve, you will see a yellow pin. Just press it down, and your paddleboard will start deflating.
#6. Roll Your Board
Now roll your board from the board’s nose to the tail, which will help you release the remaining air from the paddle board. You need to cover the valve cap while rolling your board so that dust and dirt will not enter your board.
#7. Pack Your Board in the Bag
The last step is to pack your rolled paddle board into your bag. Just place it along with a few essential accessories like fins, leash, and others.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)
#1. How Long Does It Take To Deflate a Paddle Board?
It really takes just a few minutes to deflate a paddle board. You just need to know the right way to do it, which I have shared with you above. After deflating a paddle board, it is easy for you to store it anywhere or carry it with you.
#2. Is It Easy to Deflate a Paddle Board?
It is super easy to deflate a paddleboard. Even a child can do it. You have to remove the valve cap and press the pin to remove all the air from the board. But don’t use a valve wrench to remove the air; that can be dangerous.
#3. Should I Deflate My Paddle Board After Use?
You don’t have to deflate your board each time after use. You can keep it inflated and use it as it is the next time too. But you should remember to store it in a place where it is not exposed to direct sunlight. The sun can cause a lot of harm to the board’s surface, it can increase the air pressure inside the board, causing the seams to burst, and it can also cause your board to lose color.
Another important thing you should remember is that you should not keep your paddle board in a warm place or near a heater. It can quickly damage your board.
#4. How Do You Deflate a Paddle Board With a Pump?
You can use a tiki pump to release the air from the paddle board. You have to connect the pump’s hose in deflate mode (you can see it on the handle of the tiki pump).
Next, connect the other end of the hose with the valve of the board. But make sure that the pin is in a down position. Now start pumping the same way you do while inflating the board. The only difference is that this time, you are deflating the board instead.
However, deflating the board takes hardly a few minutes by hand, so I have never found it necessary to use this method.
#5. How Do You Maintain a Paddle board?
- If you have used your board in salty water, then make sure to wash it with normal water immediately. Salt eats away the material of your board
- Wash occasionally with soap water to remove stains
- You should always keep your board in a cool, safe place.
- Always keep your board away from sunlight as it can delaminate your board very soon.
- Try to cover your board with a towel when you are not using your board on the beach.
- Never keep your board in warm areas, especially on the deck of your house or near the water heater.
#6. Should You Wax the Bottom of Your Paddle board?
You should never use wax on the bottom of your board. Wax increases the friction between the lower portion of your board and the water. As a result, your board cannot properly propel forward. You will have to paddle very hard to move your board forward.
#7. How to Inflate Your Paddle board?
- Lay your paddle board on a flat surface. Make sure there is no rock or stone to damage the board.
- Attach the hose to the out position of the pump
- Locate the valve on the board. Remove the valve cover and make sure the yellow pin is in an upright position.
- Now attach the hose to the valve by turning 90 degrees in a clockwise direction.
- Start pumping. You need to bend your knees while pumping, which will not make you tired.
- The PSI gauge will show the reading once you reach seven psi. You need to fill the air into your board to 12 psi
- Once you reach 10 PSI, you need to remove the cap of your hand pump.
- Now pump till 12PSI. Then remove the hose from both ends.
- Insert the valve cover of your board.
- Attach the fins.
- You are ready to go.
Conclusion
Deflating a paddle board is not difficult at all and hardly takes a few minutes. But it’s important to do it correctly. I hope this article has helped in giving basic ideas about deflating a paddle board.
Do share your comments and suggestions for this article in the comment box below!
