How To Inflate Your Starboard Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board

To get your session started, we are going to explain how to inflate your inflatable board.

Before you start getting any equipment out, you want to make sure there are no sharp objects around as they can easily damage your board.

Assembling The Pump

To start pumping, we need to assemble the tiki pump by connecting the hose to the inflate mode (INF), located on the body of the pump next to the gauge. Once the hose is connected we can attach the base by following the arrow markers, with which the first arrow will align with the joint of the base. The pump should fit perfectly into the base with those markers aligned, and now you can twist it clockwise to secure it into place. Now the second arrow should be aligned with the mark on the base. To start pumping in the double action mode, high volume mode, you need to turn the small lever just below the handle from the left side to the right. And that’s it, now the pump is ready to go!

Connecting The Pump

To connect the pump to the board, we start with removing the valve cap by rotating it counter-clockwise and checking that the pin in the centre is in the up position. You can check this by pressing the pin down, then releasing so it pops to the up position. To attach the hose, insert the end of the hose into the valve and turn clockwise to lock it into place.

Pump Technique

Now we’re ready to start pumping. For the most effective pump, you want to use the full range of the cylinder with long strokes. If you use short strokes with just your arms, it’s going to take a lot longer and you will tire much quicker. To make it easier, bend your knees slightly and use your whole body to lift the handle up, and push it back down using full strokes. When you start to feel yourself struggling, switch back to the single action mode by rotating the little lever underneath the handle that we used earlier, from the right side back to the left. Now you can keep pumping and using your full body weight to make it easier. Once the board is almost full, the pump will only inflate on the downward stroke, so as soon as the needle reaches the green area on the gauge, which is approximately 15-18 PSI, your are in the correct inflation zone.

Disconnecting The Pump

To disengage the hose, twist it counter-clockwise and you should feel a little air come out, which is completely normal. Now we can screw the valve cap back on and make sure it’s nice and tight. If you have a single chamber board, then you’re all ready to go!

Double Chamber Boards

If you have a double chamber board, you can now move on and inflate the internal chamber up to 10 PSI by following the same steps as the main chamber. Once you reach 10 PSI, you can remove the hose, screw the valve cap back on and you’re ready to have some fun!