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July 02, 2019 2 min read

Congratulations on your new inflatable paddle board. We’re going to teach you the very basics of your new board: inflating and deflating your board. If this is your first inflatable sup, there are a few things you should know BEFORE trying to inflate or deflate your board. Use our simple guide to get you on the water in no time.

Inflating Your Paddle Board

It takes most people less than 10 minutes to unload and inflate their iSUP. You’ll probably want to inflate your paddle board after you arrive at your destination – as our inflatables are much easier to transport in their carry backpack. Of course, you can elect to throw in on a rack or in your truck, but we think you’re better off transporting your board in one of our included GILI bags.

Follow these Seven Simple Steps to Inflate Your Board in Minutes

1. First, remove your iSUP and accessories from the bag. Unroll the board completely on a smooth surface free of rocks and other loose material. Grass is a great. Unscrew the valve cap. Important: before you start inflating, make sure that the valve pin is in the upright position – this ensures that the valve seal is closed and the seal will not leak air when removing the pump hose.

Paddle Board Valve and Valve Cap

2. Insert the pump hose and twist the hose into the valve counter clockwise. Attach the other end of the hose to the “Out” port on the pump. If you are using an electric pump be sure to set to stop at 12 PSI. The PSI gauge will not read until you reach at least 7 PSI.

Inserted Pump Hose

3. After you reach 9-10 PSI, remove the red cap on the hand pump to make it easier to inflate the remaining 2-5 PSI. Removing the cap on the pump converts the pump from dual action to single action.

Dual Action iSUP Pump Cap

4. Keep on pumping until your board reaches 12-15 PSI. Make sure you reach at least 12 PSI for maximum performance.

Pump until 12-15 PSI

5. Carefully, twist off the pump’s hose. Replace the valve cap on your board.

GILI iSUP Paddle Boar Valve Cap

6. Insert the snap-in rear fin and secure with the small thumb lever. Now you’re ready to paddle!

GILI iSUP Snap In Rear Fin

Deflating Your Paddle Board

Deflating your paddle board is simple and easy. Do NOT use the valve wrench to deflate your paddle board under any circumstances. Doing so can cause severe injury.

1. Before deflation, rinse your board off with fresh water and dry it completely. To deflate, remove the valve cap and push down on the valve pin, and twist and lock it in the open position. A large hiss of air will rush out of the board – don’t be alarmed, this is normal!

Valve Pin Down for Deflation

2. After most of the air has been deflated from your board, start rolling the board up. Roll from the nose to the tail of the board with the fin box on the outside. Rolling from nose to tail makes getting all of the air out of your board easier. Use the included strap to keep your board tight.

Rolling your iSUP Up

3. Place your rolled up board, paddle, fin, pump and leash into your GILI Backpack. That’s it – time to go home!

Time to Go Home - iSUP Backpack

Jay Regan
Jay Regan


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