FAQ’s for iSUP’s

by | Feb 5, 2019

  FAQ’s for iSUP’s

  • Are inflatable paddle boards durable? inflatables are in fact more durable than hard paddle boards. New age inflatable paddle boards are super rugged and can take a serious beating without any major damage occurring. Do the same with a hard paddle board and you will need repairs immediately. Same goes for rocks in the water.
  • How long does it take to inflate my paddle board? The length of time it takes to inflate your SUP will depend on the type of pump you are using and of course the person doing it. With a regular single chamber hand pump, it will take anywhere from 10-15 mins, with a double chamber pump like the Red Paddle can speed things up to 8-12 mins. With a good electric pump, it can shorten by half. Of course, all this can vary depending on the size and brand of the board.

What is the recommended and max PSI for my inflatable paddle board?

  • That can depend on the brand. Red Paddle Co. has the highest PSI level up to 16- 25, you will probably never pump it up to that. Due to the Torsion Stiffness and their MSL technology. The heavier the person the more PSI you should have.
  • MSL is the technology they use on all Red boards. MSL involves fusing a second layer of hard-wearing polymer to the drop stitch core at the raw material stage, rather than hand gluing it. This completely removes hand gluing errors and cosmetic blemishes. The high-tech industrial process also saves almost 2kg in weight and makes the boards stiffer at lower pressures. Red Paddle Co. boards are stiffer at lower pressures compared to other products on the market. We recommend a pressure of between 16-25psi. Less pumping and more paddling.

Different Brands different PSI.

  • Kahuna Paddleboard max 14-18 PSI. KAHUNA iSUP’s are constructed using a Reinforced Drop Stitch (RDS) technology which is the most advanced method available today. For 2018, they increased the stiffness in the standing zone even more by adding a 3K “Twill” side rail reinforcement. This also puts 3 layers of material in the paddle strike zone which adds to our renowned quality and durability.

            I have a Bump on the bottom of my iSUP?


  • This is normal, not warranty. The bump is there because the factory must cut the treads that connect the top and bottom so they can install the Valve.

Here are a few tips for storing your inflatable paddle board whilst still inflated:

  • Make sure you store your iSUP out of direct sunlight. Over time hot direct sun can potentially causing damage to your paddleboard. Same goes for any hard board. Turn on its side or find a bit of shade while you are at the beach.  The paddleboard will stay inflated but may slightly decrease in pressure over time.
  • You can keep your board inflated all year but if you are not using for long periods of time you should slightly deflate. Keep it loosely rolled if you are storing back in the bag. 
  • Yes, you can leave inflated all summer, but you will have to increase the pressure depending on the hot days, cool water and cool nights.
  • Be careful when driving up mountain passes and you have the board at full pressure, back off the pressure to allow for expansion or deflate all together. Remember those bags of chips you brought up to the ski hill, well same thing can happen to your board.

Warranty or Warranty claim?

  • Warranty is done through your dealer where you purchased the board. All KAHUNA boards come with a one-year warranty against manufactures defects. 
  • Red Paddle Co. has a 2-year warranty if you register your new board on their website. They look after the customer and they look after us.
  •  It is up to Kahuna and Red Paddle Co. to determine if it is a manufactures defect, NOT the retail store. Both are amazing companies with offices Squamish and Whistler. They have always looked after us as the retailer and gone above and beyond to the customer.

Can I clean my inflatable paddle board?

  •  Keep the board inflated and rinse it with fresh water on both sides using a hose. Use a mild soap and a soft cloth if necessary, to remove any lasting dirt. An inflatable paddle board should be washed after each use especially when used in salt water. This goes for your adjustable paddle too. Both will most likely with have stainless steel rings on board and or screws on the paddle which you don’t want to get rusty.