Don't Let the Sunshine Destroy Your Paddleboard!
Let's be honest... we all love a heatwave.
Blue skies, flat water, warm evenings, and absolutely no excuse not to get out for a paddle. Whether you're exploring the coastline on your drop stitch inflatable kayak or cruising across the lake on your inflatable SUP, summer is what we've all been waiting for.
But here's the thing...
While you might be loving the sunshine, your inflatable paddleboard or kayak probably isn't.
One of the biggest misconceptions about inflatable paddleboards and kayaks is that they're virtually indestructible. They're certainly incredibly tough (trust me, we put ours through plenty), hence our extremely long warranties, but extreme heat is one of the few things that can genuinely shorten the lifespan of any inflatable watercraft if you're not careful. It may not happen then and there, but repeated exposure to hot conditions if treated incorrectly can cause your board or kayaks lifespan to drastically shorten.
The good news?
Looking after your inflatable SUP or drop stitch kayak during a heatwave is actually incredibly simple.
So, let's dive into the biggest mistakes people make... and how you can avoid them.
Why Heat Can Damage an Inflatable SUP or Kayak
The biggest issue isn't actually the sun itself.
It's the air trapped inside your board or kayak.
As temperatures rise, the air inside naturally expands. It's exactly the same reason your car tyre pressure changes throughout the year.
Now imagine your paddleboard sitting on a beach...
It was inflated on a cool morning to 16 PSI.
Fast forward a couple of hours and it's lying in direct sunlight on scorching sand.
The internal pressure can increase dramatically without you touching a pump.
Too much pressure can place unnecessary stress on the seams, drop stitch fabric and PVC, potentially leading to seam failure, distortion or permanent damage.
Thankfully, it's incredibly easy to avoid.
Never Leave Your Inflatable Fully Pumped Up in Direct Sunlight
This is probably the number one rule.
If you're stopping for lunch, grabbing an ice cream or simply taking a break from paddling, don't leave your board or kayak baking in the sun at full pressure.
Instead:
Move it into the shade.
Stand it upright if possible.
Throw a light-coloured towel over it.
Or simply let a little air out.
It only takes a few seconds and could add years to the life of your inflatable.
Remember...
It's much easier to add a couple of PSI before paddling again than it is to repair damaged seams.
Should You Deflate Your Paddleboard in Hot Weather?
Absolutely... but only slightly.
You don't need to completely deflate it every time you come ashore.
Instead, if your inflatable SUP or kayak is going to be sitting in the sun for any length of time, simply release a little pressure.
Dropping the pressure by around 2-5 PSI gives the expanding air somewhere to go as temperatures rise.
Before heading back out onto the water, simply top it back up to your preferred paddling pressure.
It's a simple habit that makes a massive difference.
Never Leave Your Inflatable SUP or Kayak in a Hot Car
We've all done it...
"We'll just grab a coffee."
Two hours later your inflatable is still sitting in the boot of the car.
Unfortunately, temperatures inside vehicles can exceed 60°C during a heatwave.
That's significantly hotter than the air outside.
Even premium drop stitch construction isn't designed to sit under that sort of pressure for extended periods.
If you're transporting your paddleboard or kayak inflated:
Reduce the pressure first.
Avoid leaving it inside the car.
If possible, unpack it when you arrive home.
Your inflatable will thank you for it.
Rinse Off Salt, Sand and Sunscreen
Summer paddling usually means beaches.
Which also means:
Salt water.
Sand.
Sun cream.
Ice cream fingerprints...
Probably a few muddy dog paws too.
Although modern PVC is incredibly durable, leaving salt and grime on the surface over time isn't ideal.
After each paddle:
Rinse everything with fresh water.
Pay particular attention to the valve area.
Allow it to dry fully before packing away.
This helps prevent mould, keeps the material looking fresh and prolongs the life of your equipment.
Store Your Inflatable Somewhere Cool
Where you store your inflatable is just as important as how you use it.
The ideal storage location is:
Indoors.
Dry.
Well ventilated.
Away from direct sunlight.
Garages, spare rooms and cupboards are all great options.
Lofts, conservatories or metal sheds that become ovens during summer...
Not so much.
Consistent high temperatures can slowly age PVC materials and adhesives over time.
Check Your Valve Every Few Trips
Heat isn't always the culprit when an inflatable starts losing pressure.
Sometimes it's simply a loose valve.
Every few outings it's worth giving the valve a quick inspection to make sure:
It's clean.
There's no sand trapped inside.
It's tightened correctly.
A surprising number of slow leaks are solved in under a minute.
Just remember...
Only tighten the valve when the board or kayak is completely deflated, and remember the age old saying: 'righty tighty, lefty loosey'!!
Keep an Eye on Your PSI
Every inflatable paddleboard and drop stitch kayak has a recommended operating pressure.
It's there for a reason.
More pressure doesn't necessarily mean better performance.
When the heat arrives, we highly recommend only inflating your board or kayak to a few PSI under the lowest recommended pressure.
Especially during a heatwave.
Never go above the recommended PSI and remember that the hotter it gets, the more important it becomes not to overinflate.
Sandbanks Style Inflatable Paddlebaords: 18/20PSI
Sandbanks Style Inflatable Kayaks:10/12PSI
Quick Heatwave Care Checklist
If you only remember a few things this summer, make them these:
✔ Don't leave your inflatable sitting in direct sunlight.
✔ Release a little air if it's out of the water (drop it by 3/PSI).
✔ Never leave it fully inflated inside a hot car.
✔ Rinse off salt and sand after every paddle.
✔ Store it somewhere cool and out of direct sunlight.
✔ Never inflate above the recommended PSI.
Why the Pro X Paddleboards Are Built for Summer Adventures
Now, I'm not saying you need to spend every sunny day worrying about your paddleboard... after all, they're designed to be used and enjoyed!
That said, not all inflatable SUPs are built the same.
One of the standout features of our Pro X Paddleboards is their heat-welded rail construction. Unlike traditional boards that rely solely on adhesive to bond the rails together, the Pro X range uses a welded seam that creates an incredibly strong, consistent join around the edge of the board.
Why does that matter?
Well, heat is one of the biggest factors that can accelerate the ageing of adhesives over time. By using welded rails, we've significantly reduced that potential weak point, resulting in a board that's exceptionally durable and better equipped to handle years of paddling in the British summer... and hopefully the occasional Mediterranean adventure too!
Of course, that doesn't mean your board is indestructible.
Even with premium welded construction, the air inside your paddleboard will still expand as temperatures rise. Leaving any inflatable SUP fully inflated on a scorching beach or inside a hot car can place unnecessary stress on the materials and internal pressure, regardless of how well it's built.
Think of welded rails as giving your board an extra level of durability, not a free pass to ignore the basics.
A little common sense goes a long way. Keep your board out of direct sunlight where possible, release a little pressure if it's going to be sitting in the heat, rinse it after use and store it somewhere cool and dry.
Do that, and your Pro X will reward you with years of adventures on the water.
My Final Thoughts
Modern inflatable SUPs and drop stitch kayaks are incredibly tough pieces of kit.
They're built to handle adventures, bumps, beaches and plenty of miles on the water.
But like any piece of quality equipment, a little care goes a long way.
By making a few simple habits part of your paddling routine, especially during a summer heatwave, you'll keep your inflatable performing exactly as it should for years to come.
After all, the last thing you want is to cut a paddle short because your board has spent all afternoon roasting on the beach while you were enjoying an ice cream...
So, keep it cool, look after your gear, and enjoy making the most of the sunshine.
Hopefully I'll see you out on the water... preferably somewhere with a nice sea breeze!
