Repair SUP
A guide for repairing iSUPs and hardboards
The repair of SUP boards can be done to a certain extent and cost effectively. In this post I introduce the correct procedure for different damages on iSUP boards and hardboards.
iSUP board repair made easy
Inflatable boards are now very robust, tear-resistant and can withstand even small sharp objects. The thick skin as a result of modern production technologies can not harm stones, dog paws, quay walls or blunt objects.
A more dangerous place are the side walls. The sidewalls are made of slightly thinner and more flexible material to allow the boards to roll up well. If you scratch the board with sharp edges or corners, the likelihood of leaks is slightly higher than on the bottom or top of the board.
A leak is certainly not a typical event in the life of an inflatable board. However, many manufacturers offer repair services in this case. Either there is this as a separate service or service for the buyers of their own brand. Just write to your seller.
At least temporarily or in need, you can also repair your iSUP yourself. Most boards come with repair kits. With this repair kit and my instructions, your SUP can be repaired relatively easily by yourself. If you do not have a set to hand, you can order this one here *
The right repair of inflatable SUP boards
My guide here I do not have a solution for the fastest possible repair. Take your time and follow all the steps properly. Only then is the result satisfactory in the end.
That's what you need for the iSUP repair
The repair itself takes around 20 to 30 minutes. After you have glued your patch on the hole, the board must rest for 24 hours until the next use.
- PVC patches
- PVC glue *
- acetone
- dull pencil
- clean rag
- Adhesive pad
- scissors
- Spoon or other solid object to squeeze out the bubbles
The repair should be done at room temperature. For the board and the glue a temperature between 20 ° C and 30 ° C is ideal
In 10 steps mend a hole in an inflatable SUP board
- Find the hole: The old bicycle tube method with a water tank is not exactly the best idea for a SUP. It is better to brush the inflated board generously with soapy water and watch where bubbles form.
- Mark the spot of the leak with the pencil and let the air out of the SUP.
- Lay the cover so that the area around the leak is flat and wrinkle-free on the ground.
- Thoroughly clean the level around the marked leak with acetone and a clean cloth.
- Cut a patch from the PVC material of your set. The patch should be round or at least have rounded corners. Then this one keeps better. The diameter of the patch is ideally more than 6 cm.
- Put the patch on the iSUP and frame the measurements with the pencil.
- Also clean the underside of the PVC patch with acetone.
- Apply a thin layer of the PVC adhesive to the patch and the marked area on your board.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes and let the glue dry.
- Put the patch on the mark. You should not move anything now. With the stroking from the center outwards you press the patch correctly. You also reduce the wrinkles with these movements. With the spoon you can push out the last trapped air.
Done!
You have to wait 24 hours before the next water use. Store the board at this time, uninflated in a room at room temperature with no excessive humidity.
repair iSUP shown in the video
The individual steps are also very well presented in the English manual of BoardRidersReview.
More tips for mending
- Before the next use, you can do the soapy water test again.
- Make sure that the glue zone has been thoroughly cleaned. After each finger contact you have to clean it again. Otherwise the whole patch can come off later.
- Inflatable SUP boards should not be exposed to direct sunlight anyway (unless it’s in the water). For patched boards, this is especially important because the increased internal pressure during exposure to the sun solves the patches more easily from the board.
- The second time to apply the patch in the same place, often does not work as well as the first time. You probably need to send in the board on this controller for professional repair.
Repair a hardboard
Hardboards and especially carbon boards are sensitive. Do you have a dent in the board or will you (as seen in the picture above) carve a dent into the board, only a repair helps. For hardboards, this is a bit more difficult than the „Bicycle tire mending in big“ inflatables. The pro Klaus Wiedenbauer in sup magazine has published a small guide that can be a first aid.
Repair hardboards – in 10 steps
- For the repair board must be absolutely dry.
- In the first step, the indented point must be raised. First of all, you have to drill a hole in the indented area with a drill. Then you can gently lift the case, for example, with a screw.
- Carefully sand the spot with a sanding drill.
- Stir in a container of epoxy with hardener and spread as a thin layer on the damaged area.
- Cut out a glass strand in the shape of a triangle from a fiberglass mat and place it on the scene of the accident.
- Repeat step 4 and apply the second layer.
- Repeat step 5 and place another piece of fiberglass on the spot.
- Repeat step 4 and record the third and last layer.
- Now turn the board over to dry.
- With the grinder you can now work the top and the edges.
More tips for repairing a hardboard
- For the optics you can repaint the repair site additionally with paint spray.
- The last edges after the repair you get best with wet sandpaper and water away. (I recommend this wet sandpaper * )
FAQ
What should I do if the SUP seam has burst?
Repairing the iSUP suture is not easy. If you’ve torn up all the seam of a SUP board, you should put your board in professional hands.
Where can I get a SUP repair kit?
An SUP repair kit was probably included with your SUP board. So you can search again or order a new one. I recommend this repair kit * .
Which SUP board PVC adhesive should I buy?
I recommend the PVC glue from fishingglue.de * . This is particularly suitable for use in water sports equipment. Watch on Amazon * .
-150 € SUP Sale
Smaller discount offer many manufacturers from time to time, but at supboard-99.dethere are currently up to 150 € discount on selected SUP boards.
If you do not hit, it’s your own fault!
-> To the reduced boards
Contents
Author
Hi, I’m Manfred. For years I’ve written here on standup-experte.com about SUP and everything that goes with it.
Comment by the author
2019 is a great year to enter Stand Up Paddling. Sure the summer will be just as great as last year. And the selection of boards has never been so great!
My favorites for this SUP season are:
- For newcomers without accessories: WOWSEA AN17 305cm (quality, low priced complete set)
- For families: Aqua Marina Atlas * (large board with space for several people)
- For experienced paddlers: Bluefin Cruise 330 cm / 365 cm (wonderful Touring Board)