SUP Interviews »Thomas from SUP-Clinic
Interview with Thomas from the SUP-Clinic
In my interview with Thomas, the SUP board expert explains how to “upgrade” the board, properly stores and gives practical tips on how to repair iSUPs.
Hello Thomas! Please let me introduce you to my readers first. How did you come to Stand Up Paddling?
I bought a SUP over 5 years ago and loved this sport. – Already one year later I started my current position as Product Manager at the largest SUP producer in Switzerland.
Winter is coming soon. How do I best prepare my board for storage?
It is important that the SUP is completely dry after the last use. Rolled up, the deckpad dries very slowly.
It would be most ideal, if the SUP with the basic volume (without pressure) inflated horizontally can be stored. Most owners of an inflatable SUP, however, are denied this opportunity.
What you can do
A quality SUP but can also be stored rolled up. We recommend loose rolled, not tied together and not packed in the bag. So no pressure points and any residual moisture can escape.
Which damages and repairs are the most common in your SUP clinic?
This summer, leaky or even burst side seams piled up. The high temperatures resulted in many inflatable SUP to an overpressure in the SUP of especially dark boards.
However, we are also able to repair ruptured rails if the remaining seams are still intact.
Can I change something on my board? Are any “upgrades” possible?
Frequently, additional fins or mounting rings are glued. With the so-called D-rings can be eg create an additional luggage net or assemble a seat
Many readers want to repair their SUP boards themselves. What repairs on the board you can still make yourself? And when should you really go to a professional service like yours?
Almost anyone can repair simple holes on the top or bottom. As a rule, a SUP repair kit with patches and glue is enclosed. For larger cracks and places at the seam or the replacement of fin boxes we recommend our specialist workshop.
How best to repair a (small) hole in the shell of an inflatable board?
Each SUP should be accompanied by a repair kit. This includes PVC material in the colors of the SUP, as well as PVC contact adhesive. If this is not included, then you will find this in the hardware store. When applying the glue, it is important that it is spread on both sides (SUP and patches) and dries completely before pressing the flick. Once pressed, the patch can not be repositioned. For a good grip, a high contact pressure is an advantage (screw clamp, etc.)
Thomas, thank you for the interesting conversation!
Experts from the SUP Clinic can be reached on the website www.sup-clinic.com . Currently the services are only available in Switzerland. Thomas and his team are currently examining whether another repair shop in Germany makes sense for them.
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Hi, I’m Manfred. For years I’ve written here on standup-experte.com about SUP and everything that goes with it.
