A lot of our wholesale customers and individual riders ask me, “Do I really have to deflate my SUP after every use?”
The short answer is no.
You can technically keep a high-quality inflatable stand-up paddle board (iSUP) inflated forever. In our factory showroom, I’ve seen boards stay inflated for more than six months without any problems. But just because you can doesn’t mean you should throw it in the yard and forget about it.
As a company that has been making drop-stitch products for more than 15 years, I will explain exactly what happens to your board when it stays inflated and the five Golden Rules to keep it from getting damaged.
The Science: Why Boards Lose Pressure Over Time
Let’s get rid of a myth first. It doesn’t indicate your board has a hole in it if it feels a little softer after a few weeks.
Inflatable SUPs are not completely sealed up like a space station. Over time, things like how easily water may pass through and changes in temperature are quite important.
- Temperature Drop: Charles’s Law in physics says that the volume of gas reduces as the temperature drops. It will feel softer if you blow up your board on a hot afternoon and examine it on a cool morning. This isn’t a flaw; it’s physics.
- Micro-Seepage: Even the best military-grade PVC can let tiny amounts of water through over time.
So, if you keep your board inflated for a month, you’ll need to pump it up a few times before you can use it.
The Real Enemy: Heat and Sunlight (UV)
This is the most important thing I can tell you: The sun, not time, kills inflatable boards.
If you ask me, “How long can I leave a board inflated in the sun?” my answer goes from “indefinitely” to “less than an hour.”
Air expands when it gets hot. If you blow up your board to its maximum (for example, 15 PSI) then leave it in the sun on the beach, the pressure inside can quickly rise to 18 or 20 PSI.
- The Risk: This extra pressure puts a lot of stress on the seams. Our Fusion MSL construction is quite sturdy, however frequent over-pressurization and UV rays breaking down the adhesive can cause a blowout.
- If you want to keep your board inflated on the beach throughout lunch, let some air out. Bring it down to around 10 PSI. It preserves its shape but takes away the stress.
3 Scenarios: When to Store It Inflated
The “Daily Rider” or Rental Shop
Don’t let it go flat if you or your customers are paddling more than once a week. Inflating and deflating all the time is much worse for the valve and your back than just leaving it inflated.
- Best Practice: Keep it inflated but store it in the shade. If you have a rack system, that’s perfect. Just ensure it’s out of direct sunlight.
The Weekend Warrior
If you paddle every weekend, keep it inflated. But I think you should drop the pressure to about 10–12 PSI. This lowers the stress on the drop-stitch threads and seams while they are in your garage. It only takes 30 seconds to pump it back up to full rigidity on Saturday.
Long-Term Winter Storage
This is where the argument takes place. Is it possible to keep it inflated all winter? Yes. In fact, keeping it loosely inflated (approximately 5 PSI) stops permanent creases from forming, which can happen if a board is folded up too tightly for months.
- The Caveat: You need space. If you don’t have a climate-controlled garage, rolling it up might be better to protect it from freezing temperatures or rodents.
For more details on proper maintenance, check out this guide on how to store a stand up paddle board regarding temperature control and rack systems.
5 Golden Rules for Storing an Inflated Board
- Never leave an inflated board in a hot car or in full sunlight. A garage, shed, or basement is the best place.
- Let some air out: If you’re not using it tomorrow, lower the PSI a little bit. It doesn’t need to stay at rock-hard race pressure (15–18 PSI) while it’s resting.
- Rinse off the saltwater. Salt crystals are rough. If you leave a board with seawater on it outside, the sun can dry it off and take it off.
- Keep it off the ground: If you can, put it on a rack or lean it against a wall on a soft mat. Over time, concrete can wear down the rails.
- Check the Valve: Always make sure the valve pin is in the “up” position and the cap is snug before you leave.
Conclusion
How long can I keep a board inflated? You can keep it as long as you wish, just keep it out of the light and heat.
We make our All-Round SUPs and Touring Boards at Huale with strengthened seams so they can handle being inflated for a long time. It’s entirely safe to leave your board inflated as long as you take care of it, whether you rent it out or just like to paddle after work.
Looking for a board that holds its pressure longer? Check out our latest collection of All-Round SUP Boards designed for durability and ease of use.
