Paddleboard quick start guideUpdated a year ago

Use this quick start guide to get you on the water as quickly as possible.

Inflation

Inflating your board correctly to 15 PSI will allow it to perform at its best, but watch out on hot days. (We all know hot air expands.) Correct inflation means a stiffer, more responsive board.

First, grab the pump (On its first use, ensure you fit the handles and footplate). Attach the hose to the “inflate” outlet (there is also a deflate outlet, so be careful). You’ll then have an odd-looking connection that fits into the board with a half-turn.

STOP — Make sure the non-return valve in the board is in the correct position. If you get it wrong you’ll pump up the board, unscrew the valve, and a sharp escape of air will let everyone on the lakeside know you didn’t get it right.

The non-return valve has two positions: closed and open.

To inflate the board, make sure it is in its closed position.

When closed, the small release knob at the centre of the valve is at its highest position. You can pump up the SUP, and the air will not escape when you disconnect the pump.

If the release knob is in its lowest position, turn it anti-clockwise to pop it up.

Don’t worry, you’ll do it wrong a couple of times before you remember.

Once the pump is properly connected, there are two settings: single and double action. Select double action first and inflate using both up and down strokes. Switch to single action when this gets too difficult and keep pumping to 15 PSI. In the beginning, it will look like the pressure gauge isn’t working. Don’t worry; it starts to register when the board starts to take shape at 1 to 2 PSI.

It's ready once you hit 15 PSI, but remember to use the safety cover.

Care and storage

You are back from your first boarding session. It was a great session, but don’t relax just yet.

Don’t pack your board wet or unwashed.

Clean and rinse everything. You do this to stop the spread of waterborne diseases and weeds, such as the New Zealand Pygmy weed. It's also a good chance to inspect your equipment is good to go before its next use. Also, wash any salt or grime out of your board, leash, buoyancy aid clothing, and footwear. Make sure you take your paddle apart to clean and dry it.

Storage

We always think that companies say to store in a dry, dark place just to make it difficult for us. There is only so much room in the back of your wardrobe, and this isn’t going to fit. It can happily be stored, inflated around 5 PSI, or rolled away in its bag. We’d only avoid the damp bit at the back of your shed. It’s less of a problem for the SUP itself but more for the paddles and bag. Long-term storage in the sun will cause UV damage to the material.

Paddle assembly and use

There are three sections that clip together: the paddle on one end, the handle on the other end, and the middle section in the middle; we think it’s impossible to get this wrong.

What isn’t impossible to get wrong is using the paddle the wrong way around. Not only is this less efficient, but you’ll also lose your pro-looking status.

Grip the handle as you’d expect and fully extend the sections. The Alpkit on the blade should point backwards. It looks odd, but it makes paddling more efficient.

Attaching your fin

Your board has three fins. The single removable fin adds directional stability, which means it’s easy to go in a straight line. You also have two small booster fins. To attach the fin, you simply slot the fin into the rail at the bottom of the board and clip in the flat safety pin. This pin should click into place.

Attaching your leash

The springy wire thing is your leash. It is designed so that your board does not float away from you if you fall into the water. NOTE: Sometimes, a different leash or no leash at all is the correct choice.

Your leash attaches to the rearmost D ring. Thread the cord loop at one end of the leash through the D-ring and then pass the whole leash through the cord loop. The soft neoprene ankle loop can be attached to either leg.

Deflating your board

Twist and remove the valve cap and press the release knob. Be warned that the rushing air is quite loud, so be careful who is nearby, especially pets. Once there is no more air coming out, it’s time to roll. Firstly, do a quick messy roll and sit on it, then roll it back out flat. You’ve now got most of the air out, and it will be easier. Start to roll, aiming to make your first roll a bit smaller than the width of the bag.

Warnings

• The use of SUPs can be potentially dangerous.
• Dress appropriately. This can mean anything from a full wetsuit to board shorts. If you plan on getting in the water, you can't go wrong.
• Have a warm jumper and hot drink waiting for you at the end of the day.
• Winds and tides are your hidden dangers. Try to paddle against the wind at the start of the day, as the day will only get easier. Knowing the local tide dangers is vital. Make sure you find a local guide to help with that.
• Paddling alone is best avoided. Always find a friend to go with.
• Take a mobile phone and dry bag, and write your name on your board.
• Don’t put others in danger by paddling in locations and conditions beyond your experience.

Safety Equipment

• Buoyancy aids are always required. Just think of them as an essential part of paddling.
• Leashes - wear the appropriate leash:
  • Ankle leash (supplied): Most static water or shoreline where there are no trap hazards
  • Quick-release waist leash (Not Supplied): Flowing water or bodies of water with trap hazards such as submerged trees
  • No leash: White water