An inflatable paddle board isn’t just a piece of gear — it’s your adventure partner. Whether you’re gliding across a glassy lake or navigating coastal waves, your board carries every memory and adventure with you. And like any trusted companion, it deserves some attention to stay in peak condition.

With minimal care, your Glide inflatable paddle board — built with woven drop-stitch cores and multi-layer fusion PVC — can easily last 5–10 years or more. In this article we'll describe best practices in inflatable paddle board care: how to clean, store, transport, and maintain your board so it performs like new season after season.

After every paddle session, rinse your board thoroughly with fresh water. Saltwater, sand, and algae can wear down the PVC and seams over time.

• Focus on the fins, fin boxes, leash plug, and valve area.

• If you’ve paddled in saltwater, rinse twice — salt crystals can dry inside the valve and cause leaks.

• A bucket and sponge work great when you’re away from a hose.

💡 Tip: Never use a pressure washer. The high PSI can force water into seams or under the deck pad.

Skip harsh soaps and bleach. Instead, use eco-friendly or SUP-specific cleaners like:

• Onit Pro Blue Goo

• Revive Pro Cleaner

• 303 Multi-Surface Cleaner

A biodegradable dish soap also works in a pinch. For stubborn marks, gently scrub with a soft brush or 150-grit sandpaper — always with light pressure to avoid damaging the pad.

Moisture is your board’s enemy.

• Air-dry your iSUP in the shade or towel dry completely.

• Avoid direct sun — UV rays heat the surface and fade colors.

• Pay attention to seams, the valve, and the traction pad — they hold water longer than you think.

Even a small bit of trapped moisture can lead to mildew, mold, or odor.

Glide’s boards use UV-resistant coatings, but prolonged exposure still causes wear. Think of UV protectant as sunscreen for your SUP.

Apply 303 Aerospace Protectant once in spring and once mid-summer.

• Wipe the board clean before applying.

• Spray a light mist and buff with a microfiber towel.

• Avoid overuse — too much can make the surface slick.

💡 Pro Tip: Don’t leave your inflated board baking on the beach between paddles. Shade is your best protection.

If your board hisses or loses air slowly, your valve might be slightly loose — this happens naturally over time.

Here’s how to fix it:

1. Deflate your board.

2. Press down around the valve to stabilize it.

3. Insert the black valve wrench (found in your orange repair kit).

4. While pressing down, twist clockwise about a quarter-turn.

Reinflate and listen. If it’s quiet — you’re all set. Over-tightening can cause damage, so just snug is enough.

Proper storage extends your iSUP’s life more than anything else.

• Store your board dry, deflated, and loosely rolled.

• Keep it at room temperature — basements and closets work great.

• Remove the fins, leash, and paddle before rolling.

• Use your Glide backpack or storage bag for protection.

• Tight rolls (can stress seams)

• Leaving inflated in the sun

• Storing in hot cars or damp garages

• Stacking heavy gear on top

💡 If storing inflated: Lower PSI to around 10 and keep it shaded.

You can travel with your board inflated or deflated depending on your setup.

Inflated Transport (roof rack or truck bed):

• Lower PSI slightly for temperature changes.

• Strap deck pad side down for less wind resistance.

• Add a soft towel or foam between your car and the board.

• Stop periodically on long trips to check straps and PSI.

Deflated Transport (in bag):

• Roll loosely, never tight.

• Keep accessories separate.

• Avoid packing sharp objects with your board.

Never drag your iSUP across pavement — even ultra-tough PVC can scuff or puncture on rough surfaces.

Small leaks or punctures happen — especially around rocks, docks, or fins. Luckily, they’re easy to fix:

1. Inflate slightly and spray soapy water to find the leak (look for bubbles).

2. Clean and dry the area.

3. Apply adhesive from your repair kit in 2–3 thin coats.

4. Add the patch, press firmly, and place a weight on top.

5. Wait 24 hours before reinflating.

For tough field repairs, keep Aquaseal FD or Tear-Aid Type B in your gear bag — they’re waterproof, flexible, and strong.

Do this once a month during peak season:

• ✅ Check PSI before each use (15–20 PSI ideal).

• ✅ Inspect seams and deck pad for peeling.

• ✅ Test the valve for leaks.

• ✅ Clean fins and fin boxes.

• ✅ Rinse leash plug and D-rings.

A five-minute check can save you a costly repair later.

If you’re putting your board away for winter:

• Clean it thoroughly and dry completely.

• Apply UV protectant before storage.

• Store it partially inflated (8–10 PSI) in a temperature-stable area, or loosely rolled in its bag.

• Avoid freezing temperatures — PVC stiffens and seams can weaken.

• Storing your board wet

• Leaving it inflated in direct sunlight

• Rolling it too tightly

• Using harsh cleaners

• Over-inflating on hot days

• Dragging it on gravel or docks

A little care goes a long way. By keeping your inflatable paddle board clean, dry, and protected from UV and pressure extremes, you’ll extend its life dramatically.

Glide boards are designed for rigid performance, long-term durability, and real-world adventure, but they still need routine TLC. Think of maintenance not as a chore, but as part of the journey — because every season your board lasts is another season of memories waiting to happen.