Jul 07, 2026

Your Paddle Board Doesn't Enjoy Sunbathing

We've all done it.

You've had an awesome paddle, you're chatting with friends, someone open the snacks, and your board gets left lying on the beach, baking away like it's on holiday in the Med.

The problem is...your inflatable board didn't actually sign up for a sun tan.

"It's Only A Bit Of Sunshine..."

If only it were that simple.

Inflatable paddle boards are incredibly tough. They're designed to cope with knocks, bumps, scrapes and plenty of adventures.

What they don't particularly enjoy is sitting fully inflated in direct sunlight for long periods.

Here's why...

Air expands when it gets warm.

Your board is basically a large sealed chamber full of air, so as the temperature rises, so does the pressure inside the board. Add in the fact that heat also softens the PVC and adhesives over time, and you've suddenly got a board that's under far more stress than it was designed for.

Most of the time...absolutely nothing happens.

But sometimes, it does!

Trust us, if you've never heard an inflatable paddle board let go, it'll definitely make you jump.

"My Mate Leaves His Out All Day..."

There's always one on the chat groups...you know the person.

"I've left mine on the beach for six summers and it's been absolutely fine."

Brilliant!

Someone also once wrestled a crocodile and survived, but we probably wouldn't recommend making it part of your holiday plans.

Just because it can survive doesn't mean it's good for it.

Every hour your board sits in direct sunshine, especially on those hotter days, you're asking more and more from the materials.

Think of it as giving your board an unnecessary stress test.

What Should You Do?

Fortunately, it's simple.

If it's a hot day, drop the pressure by a couple of PSI before leaving it on the beach.
Throw a towel, blanket or SUP Sock over it.
Better still...leave it floating in the water while you grab that ice cream.
And if you're finished for the day, pack it away rather than letting it roast in the afternoon sun.

Your board will thank you for it.

Worst Case Scenario?

Let's say the worst happens.

Your board decides it's had enough and one of the seams gives way.

Firstly...don't panic.

Secondly...don't bin it.

We've seen plenty of people assume their board is destined for landfill, when actually it can often be professionally repaired.

That's where Paul at SUP Services comes in.

Paul has rescued countless inflatable paddle boards that many people would have written off. From seam repairs to valve issues and everything in between, he's helped get paddlers back on the water and saved plenty of boards from an early retirement.

So if your board has had an unfortunate encounter with the summer sun, all isn't lost.