Introduction to Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP ownership

Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP ownership guide — SUP Manual

This flyer arrives with your Red Paddle Co inflatable stand up paddle board. But for those interested in the finer details of inflatable SUP ownership and in particular a Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP, you can browse this info and know what to do when your board arrives! It covers the basics of inflation, deflation, storage, a few key SUPing tips and some surf ethics if you are going to be paddling in the waves.

This step by step, easy to follow basic guide will make sure you get as much enjoyment out of your Red Paddle Co SUP as possible.

Inflation

Roll out your board on a smooth surface free of loose material. Grass is ideal.
Screw the pump hose and pressure gauge into the pump handle.
Unscrew the valve cap on the board.
Make sure the valve head is in its outer most position. Experiment by pushing and twisting the valve head. Pushed fully in allows for deflation. The outer most position allows for inflation but keeps the air inside.
Attach the simple bayonet fitting (other end of the hose) to the board’s valve. This is a simple push and twist action.
Stand the pump on firm, level ground and place your feet on the foot rests and start to pump. The first inflation will be slightly more effort than subsequent inflations.
Make sure you keep your hands towards the center of the pump handles when pumping, your feet firmly on the foot rests and make sure you push directly down over the pump shaft.
Once inflated to desired pressure, replace valve cap and go for a paddle!

You will find that you reach 10PSI in about 3 minutes and a little more effort will get you to 15PSI.

The harder the board, the better it performs. For Red Paddle Co boards we recommend using the board at a pressure between 15-25PSI. Don’t worry, it is impossible to over inflate the board using the supplied pump. We don’t recommend using unlimited compressors to inflate the board.

Watch the “How to inflate your stand up paddle board” video and the “Inflating a 12’6″ Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP” video.

Deflation

When you are ready to deflate your board unscrew the valve cover.
Push down and twist the valve head. This will lock the valve open and allow air to escape rapidly from the board.
Roll up the board starting from the nose so the fins are on the outside.

Watch the “How to deflate your stand up paddle board” video and the “Deflating a Red Paddle Co inflatable SUP” video.

Storing the board

lt is fine to store the board inflated.
Try not to leave the board in direct sunlight as this may cause fading over a prolonged period.
You will find your board will be harder on hot days. This is normal and a great feature of inflatable boards.
When storing the board for prolonged periods in a deflated state, it will be best to keep it loosely rolled, or if possible unrolled completely.
You may experience some fin bend when travelling with the board in its bag. Fins can be easily straighten using either the natural heat from the sun or heat from a hair dryer or hot water. The longer the fins have been bent for, the longer it will take to straighten them.

General guidelines

Learn the basics in flat, calm water – your self esteem will thank you
Check the weather – always check the forecast before heading out on the water
Avoid offshore winds – they will blow you far from home
Check the tides – do you know how the currents and tides effect your location?
Don’t paddle alone – stay safe and paddle with a friend
Don’t use the board in surf until you are confident

Read our full knowledge base guides and 10 tips for beginner stand up paddle boarders.

Red Paddle Co surf code

Start slowly by going to places with easy, small waves where there are FEW people, if any, around you.
Always wear a leash — this will stop your board becoming a weapon when you fall off.
NEVER paddle out into a busy line up — the beauty of SUP is that you don’t need the most perfect wave to have fun. Paddle further down the beach, away from the crowds.
Never try and paddle on to a wave that somebody is already riding.
With an SUP board you can catch a lot of waves. This does not mean you should. Be nice and if you are surfing close to others let them have their fair share of waves. There is always another one coming. Don’t be a wave hog. You and SUP surfers in general won’t be welcomed back.

Know which leash you need by reading our SUP leash guide.