You’ve just bought an inflatable paddle board and are ready to hit the waves. But then, disaster strikes! You get a small puncture in your board, and now it’s unusable.
Don’t worry; with some know-how, you can quickly patch up your board and get back to paddling in no time.
This blog post will show you how to repair and patch your inflatable paddle board so you can get back on the water as soon as possible.
What you will need
- PVC or PU glue
- A repair kit specific to your paddle board material
- A clean, dry surface to work on
- A sharp knife
- Sandpaper (optional)
If you’ve noticed a slow leak in your inflatable paddle board, or if it’s been punctured by something sharp, you’ll need to repair it.
The good news is that this is relatively easy to do at home, as long as you have the right supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:
PVC or PU glue: This will be used to attach the patch to your paddle board. Ensure you get the suitable adhesive for your particular paddleboard material.
A repair kit: These can be found online or at most sporting goods stores. They usually contain everything you need for a basic repair, including the patch and instructions.
A clean, dry surface: You’ll need a place to lay out your paddle board and make the repairs. A dining room table or countertop is ideal. Avoid working on concrete or rough surfaces, which can damage the material.
A sharp knife: This will be used to cut the patch to size. A box cutter or X-Acto knife ensures the blade is short, so you get a clean cut.
Sandpaper (optional): If the edges of the hole are jagged, you may want to sand
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Estimated repair time
If your inflatable paddle board has a small hole or leak, you can quickly repair it at home in just a few minutes.
You only need a patch kit, which you can purchase at most sporting goods stores.
To patch your board, clean the area around the hole with a mild soap and water solution. Then, dry the area thoroughly. Next, cut a piece of the included adhesive patch to fit over the hole.
Apply the patch to the board, smoothing out any wrinkles or bubbles. Finally, let the patch dry for 24 hours before using your paddle board again.
If your paddle board has a large hole or tear, you must take it to a professional repair shop.
They will be able to fix and reinforce the damaged area properly so that it is safe and sturdy again.
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Tools
One of the great things about paddle boarding is that it’s relatively easy and inexpensive to repair your board.
You don’t need many fancy tools; you just need a few essential items that you probably already have around the house.
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- A patched or unpatched tube of SUPFIX adhesive. This special glue is made for repairing inflatable paddle boards.
- A small hand pump or an electric air pump.
- A clean rag or towel.
- Scissors.
- Sandpaper (optional).
Once you have gathered your supplies, you can begin the repair process. Inflate your board to its total capacity to quickly identify the leak’s location.
Once you have found the leak, use the sandpaper to roughen the area around the puncture. This will help the SUPFIX adhesive to adhere better to the board.
Next, cut a small fabric from the clean rag or towel and place it over the hole outside the board.
Apply a generous amount of SUPFIX adhesive to both sides of the fabric patch and press it firmly into place over the hole. If using an electric air pump, plug it in and inflate your board until the patch is no longer visibly concave.
If you are using a hand pump, inflate your board until the patch is no longer visibly concave, and then hold the board under your arm while you finish growing it with the hand pump.
Once the board is fully inflated, ensure that the patch is secure and that there are no air leaks around the edges.
If everything looks good, allow the SUPFIX adhesive to dry for at least 24 hours before using your board again.
SEA DOG WATER SPORTS Inflatable Boat Repair Kit, 4 X PVC Patch, 2 X 30g Glue
$16.80 in stock
Inflatable Boat Repair Kit, 3 X PVC Patch, 1 X 30g Glue and 1 X Valve Wrench
Ding All Super Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Epoxy Repair Kit with a Superior, Eco-Friendly and Non Yellowing Formula for Small to Medium Ding Repairs
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Step-by-step instructions
Assuming your paddle board is already inflated and you have gathered the necessary tools, follow these steps to patch your board:
- Locate the leak. You can do this by running your hand along the board’s surface until you feel a stream of air. Alternatively, you can place the board in a tub of water and look for bubbles.
- Once you have found the leak, mark it with a pen or pencil to know where to place the patch.
- Cut a piece of repair material slightly larger than the hole or tear. Special repair kits with adhesive patches are available for inflatable paddle boards.
- Clean the area around the hole with rubbing alcohol to ensure proper adhesion.
- Place the patch over the hole and press down firmly. If using an adhesive patch, wait for it to dry completely before proceeding to step 6.
- Inflate the paddle board and check for leaks again. Repeat steps 3-5 until the leak is completely sealed.
- Once the leak is patched, apply a layer of clear nail polish or waterproof sealant around the patch to prevent future leaks.
- Allow the board to dry completely before using it again.
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Patching an Inflatable Paddle Board
If you have a hole or puncture in your inflatable paddle board, the good news is that it can be easily repaired with a patch kit.
To patch your board, clean the area around the hole with soap and water. Then, dry the area thoroughly. Most patch kits will have everything you need to repair, including adhesive and fabric patches.
Next, apply the adhesive to the area around the hole, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once the glue is dry, apply the fabric patch over the hole and press down firmly.
Allow the adhesive to cure for the time specified in the instructions before inflating your board and heading out on the water!
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Repairing an Inflatable Paddle Board
If you have a small puncture or hole in your inflatable paddle board, it can be repaired with a patch kit. You can purchase a patch kit from most sporting goods stores or online.
Before you begin, ensure the area around the hole is clean and dry. Apply the adhesive with the kit to both the board and the patches. If the hole is large, you may need more than one patch.
Place the patches over the hole and press down firmly. Allow the adhesive to dry according to the instructions on the package.
Once the adhesive is dry, inflate your paddle board and return to the water!
SEA DOG WATER SPORTS Inflatable Boat Repair Kit, 4 X PVC Patch, 2 X 30g Glue
$16.80 in stock
Inflatable Boat Repair Kit, 3 X PVC Patch, 1 X 30g Glue and 1 X Valve Wrench
Ding All Super Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) Epoxy Repair Kit with a Superior, Eco-Friendly and Non Yellowing Formula for Small to Medium Ding Repairs
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Conclusion
So, there you have it! These are the steps to repair and patch your inflatable paddle board.
We know dealing with a punctured or damaged board can be a pain, but we hope this guide has made the process easier for you.
With these tips, you’ll be back on the water soon!
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