Frequently Asked Questions - SUP:
How to choose between Hard Boards or Inflatable Boards?
Read our full guide to understand the key differences and find the right board for your paddling style - Inflatable vs Hard Paddle Board: How To Choose Your SUP.
Which fins can fit into my Starboard SUP?
FCS style fins will fit into the Starboard side fins for Quad and Thruster boards. And FCS Connect II and Connect fins will fit into the US8″ or US10″ centre box.
INFLATABLE SUP BOARDS FAQ
How to choose an Inflatable Paddle Board?
Discover what to look for in size, shape, and construction in our guide here.
How much air should I pump into my Inflatable Board?
The recommended pressure for Double Chamber board is 15 – 18 PSI for the outer chamber and 10 PSI for the inner chamber.
For the Single Chamber board is 15 – 18 PSI. Any higher you risk over inflating and damage. Depending on the size of your board it can take anywhere from 5-8 minutes.
How much pressure (PSI) should be pumped for inflatable boards at different weather or temperatures?
The recommended pressure for our inflatable boards is between 15 and 18 PSI.
If the temperature outside is above 25 degrees Celsius, we recommend inflating the board only up to 15 psi, since the pressure will increase naturally, due to the heat.
Is there a difference in what order you inflate the double chamber board ?
Yes, there is a difference. Because if you inflate the inner chamber first, it will have 10 PSI, but when you put 18 PSI on the outside, the inner one will increase to 14 or sometimes more, and you don’t want that to happen. If you do it the other way around, 18 outside first and then 10 inside, the outside might increase to 18.5 or so. Enjoy paddling!
When detaching the pump from the Inflatable board, the air starts to release from the valve. How do I stop this from happening?
There is a little spring pin inside that locks itself in two positions:
Deflating position (air coming out freely) and inflating position (100% Airtight). To switch from deflating to inflating, simply push the pin and the pin will lock itself in a up position and the air will not be able to come out unless you push the pin down again.
Difference between Single Chamber and Double Chamber?
When building the second chamber on our boards, two significant changes take place:
1. The inner chamber works as a safety flotation device for any emergency case.
2. The inner rails isolating the cambers work as I-Beam stringers which increase the stiffness of the board by approximately 10%.
What is the Welded Rail Technology for Inflatable Paddleboards?
Welding the rails is the only way to avoid a board leaking over long term. Starboard has pioneered the most advanced and reliable rail welding technology by mechanically bonding the rail layers. This makes the board more durable, longer lasting and better for the environment.
Why are we doing it on the rails? The rail of the board is the only area where 2 main components of the board; the deck and the bottom are connected, hence, it’s a critical area for air leaking.
Starboard has had a 0.38% warranty rate on all inflatable boards and a 0.1% warranty rate on Zen boards concerning leaking issues since Welded Rail Technology was first introduced, that’s only 1 out of 1000 boards. We offer this technology on all inflatable boards.
(Fusion Technology is used on the deck and bottom of the board. It creates a lighter, stronger, and stiffer board. Be aware that this is not critical for air leaking. Some brands call this Fusion Technology as heat welding, heat transfer or MSL. It is totally different from Starboard’s Welded Rail Technology.)
Which kind of glue should I use to repair my Inflatable Paddle Board?
Contact cement for laminated PVC plastics. We recommend using Henkel Loctite, Sikaflex or Dunlop.
Where can I purchase spare parts for my inflatable SUP?
(Spare parts & accessories includes fins, bags, pumps. Please find your nearest dealers on our shop finder map.
Which type of valves are used in Starboard's Inflatable Boards?
Halkey Roberts (HR) air valve. They are commonly available part and you can order this online from a local supplier.
How to replace the air valve on the Inflatable Paddle Board?
While replacing a valve on your Inflatable SUP is doable with basic equipment, we recocommed taking your board to a professional to prevent any leakage. However, if you prefer to go at here is a video on How to Replace the Air Valve on an Inflatable Board.
Can I use any of Starboard's pumps to inflate my paddleboard?
Yes, all our pumps are designed to fit all of our inflatable paddleboards.
How to take care of my Inflatable Paddle Board?
How To Take Care Of Your Inflatable Paddle Board make sure your gear lasts longer so you can enjoy your time out in the water!
Why does my inflatable paddle board have a round patch?
On some inflatable boards we printed QR codes which linked to the relevant product pages. Unfortunately the codes didn’t always work so we stopped this printing. However, many boards were produced by the factory with the patch that the QR code was supposed to be printed on, just near the carry handle in front of the deckpad as pictured.
HARD SUP BOARDS
If I ding (put a hole in) my board, should I stop using it?
Definitely. As soon as you notice you have a hole or crack thru the skin of your board, you should exit the water immediately. The inner core of your board (EPS) even though is water resistance to a certain extent, it can absorb water after a long soak, which will increase the weight of your board. If you do happen to absorb water from a crack or ding, it is possible to drain it by leaving it in the sun for extended periods, but it will never get back to its original weight.
SUP PADDLES
How do I choose the right paddle? What is the right length for my paddle?
Choosing the right paddle makes a big difference to your performance and comfort on the water.
We created this Paddle Setup Chart to help you choose the correct paddle type and set it up properly.
