Is your SUP slowly losing air, or has a large puncture? Is it losing pressure but you don’t know where the hole is? A leaky SUP is a major bummer and not something anyone wants to deal with.
Inflatable paddleboards are already a big investment, and the last thing you want to do is shell out even more cash for a repair, not to mention the time you’re not spending paddling your SUP.
Luckily, inflatable SUP air leaks are easy, and cheap, to repair!
All you need are a patch, Clifton Urethane Adhesive, and couple household items.
This is the step-by-step process on how to repair an air leak in your inflatable SUP: the repair takes less than an hour and once the glue sets 24 hours later, your SUP will be good to go!
Inflatable SUP Repair Checklist
- Patch
- Clifton Urethane Adhesive
- MET (methyl ethyl ketone)/rubbing alcohol/acteone
- Scissors
- Marker
- 18 Grit Sandpaper
- Soapy Water
Clifton Urethane Adhesive
$37.95
Clifton Urethane Adhesive Excellent one-part contact adhesive for PVC and urethane. The 4 oz. size comes with brush applicator built into the lid. *Sales on this product are final. It is non-refundable and cannot be returned. *Full Year Shelf Life can… Read More
NRS SUP Board PVC Fabric Pieces - 1000d 6" x 18"
$14.95
This PVC-coated material can be used for repairs on NRS SUP boards and other PVC inflatables. 25 oz/1000 denier PVC used in NRS SUP Boards. Specifications Material: 25 oz Dimensions: 1000-denier PVC Category: Repair Materials PVC … Read More
How to Fix an Air Leak in Your Paddleboard
1. Find the Air Leak in Your SUP
If you already know where the leak is, then you can skip this step!
But if you need to find where the air is escaping from, get yourself some soapy water and start pumping up your SUP.
If you’re able to build pressure, then you might hear the leak. But if not, pour the soapy water/spread it with a brush all over your SUP until bubbles start forming. Your leak is wherever these bubbles are.
Wipe the water off your SUP, dry it, then mark the leak with your marker so you don’t lose track of it.
2. Make the Patch
Take your PVC fabric/patch, and measure out/mark a circle that is big enough to cover the leak at least 3” in every direction.
Circles/ovals are best, as straight lines have a higher tendency to catch and snag on things.
3. Buff the Patch and Paddleboard
Take your sandpaper and gently rub/buff both the area of your SUP around the leak, and the patch itself. This provides a better bonding surface.
4. Chemically Clean the Patch and the Paddleboard
MEK (methyl ethyl ketone) is preferable for this step, but acetone or rubbing alcohol will work as well. Clean the patch and your SUP with the cleaning agent of your choice. Once the surface is clean, apply the glue within 30 minutes.
5. Watch for Strings Poking Out
If any of the internal strings are hanging out of the hole, be sure to push them back in. You don’t want the glue to contact any of this string material
6. Gluing Using Cliftons Urethane Adhesive
Apply 3 thin coats of Clifton’s to both the patch and your SUP. Wait at least 3-5minutes between coats.
7. Knuckle Test
After the last layer of Clifton’s is applied, wait until glue is tacky before applying patch. For this step, use the knuckle test – your knuckle should stick to the surface but come away clean without leaving a dent in the glue.
8. Apply the Patch
When you apply the patch to your SUP, roll it down from one side to the other, making sure not to trap any air bubbles.
If you have a small roller, use it to roll out the patch in at least 4 different directions. This meshes the glue together and helps remove any air bubbles.
9. Let Your Paddleboard Sit
Be sure to let your SUP sit for at least 24 hours before pumping it up.
10. Clean it Up
After the patch is rolled out, you can clean off any excess glue with MEK.
And that’s all there is to it! Be sure to pump your SUP up and let it sit to make sure it holds air before you head back out on the water.
You can pick up Clifton’s, and patches at AQ Outdoors. If you have any more questions, feel free to contact us or visit us in store!
Clifton Urethane Adhesive
$37.95
Clifton Urethane Adhesive Excellent one-part contact adhesive for PVC and urethane. The 4 oz. size comes with brush applicator built into the lid. *Sales on this product are final. It is non-refundable and cannot be returned. *Full Year Shelf Life can… Read More
NRS SUP Board PVC Fabric Pieces - 1000d 6" x 18"
$14.95
This PVC-coated material can be used for repairs on NRS SUP boards and other PVC inflatables. 25 oz/1000 denier PVC used in NRS SUP Boards. Specifications Material: 25 oz Dimensions: 1000-denier PVC Category: Repair Materials PVC … Read More
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AQ Outdoors Contact
Edmonton: (p) 780 463-4892 (e) info@aquabaticsedmonton.com
Calgary: (p) 403 288-9283 (e) info@aqoutdoors.com
