Written by Alex Clasper /
Fortunately, the process of how to deflate a paddle board is pretty straightforward. This prevents faff when packing up after a session on the water, or when preparing your SUP for storage. However, knowing Red’s best tricks for how to deflate a paddle board quickly and efficiently will help to make the process even smoother. Here’s how it’s done:
Before you start deflating your paddle board, if you can, it’s always best to give it a rinse with some freshwater and let it dry. This is to remove any saltwater residue, dirt or muck that could cause scratches or decay whilst the board is in storage. Dirt tends to accumulate easily around the valve and fins, so make sure to pay a little extra attention to these areas. It’s important that your SUP is completely dry if you’re going to be storing it for a while, otherwise damp and mildew can build up, which can be difficult to remove.
Now for the easy part! The next step in how to deflate a paddle board is to take off the valve cap then twist the lock into the open position until you can hear the air being released. If you are in a busy area or it’s early in the morning then you could use our Red’s silent air remover to prevent any awkward moments and pack up in peace. Simply, connect the adapter in the same way that you would attach the pump, push the button down on the top and wait for 60 seconds to allow the initial rush of air to flood out silently. You can then remove the adapter and enable the rest of the air to deflate. Next, all that’s left to do is wait for a couple of minutes until all the air has been let out - the perfect amount of time to make a quick brew or crack open a beer!
Once all, or at least most of the air has been deflated, you can start rolling the board up. The twin fin system on Red Paddle Co boards makes this nice and easy, and we have a special trick for rolling your SUP up using your Titan Pump. Start by placing the pump at the nose of the board then start rolling the board tightly around the pump. Any remaining air will be released as you're doing this. Once the SUP has been fully rolled up, use the board strap to secure the board and keep it in position.
So, we’ve gone through the process of how to deflate a paddle board and roll it up, but how should you keep it stored? The best way to protect your inflatable SUP from dirt, dust, grime and the risk of damage is to store it in a board bag. Our ATB Transformer Board Bag features an interior paddle blade pocket and velcro securing system for paddle pieces, so that you can keep all your gear in one place. The ergonomic design is fully customisable to your requirements, making it easy and lightweight to carry as a comfortable backpack as well.
If you’re leaving your SUP fully or partially inflated for short periods of time then make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. This is important as high levels of exposure to UV, can over time cause damage to the PVC and cause the surface colour to fade. It’s also essential to avoid storing the SUP in extreme hot or cold temperatures to protect its longevity.
For more paddle board storage tips make sure to check out our previous blog, and for any more guidance on how to deflate a paddle board, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
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