Blog

I’ll never forget the first time I bought a used paddleboard.

It was a sunny Saturday morning, and I was feeling bold. You know the type of energy that makes you think, “Yep, I totally know what I’m doing”? That was me. I’d seen a slick-looking SUP on Facebook Marketplace, and the guy selling it used words like “practically new” and “only used twice.” Plus, it was priced like a thrift store T-shirt. I was sold.

Fast-forward 48 hours: I’m standing in ankle-deep water, watching my so-called “practically new” board slowly inhale the lake. Yep—hairline cracks. Leaky seams. Soft spots. It was like paddling a waterbed.

Lesson learned, my friend.

So let’s talk about what to actually look for in a used paddleboard, because unless you enjoy sinking in front of judgmental ducks, you’ll want to know this stuff.

1. Check the Hull Like You’d Check a Used Car’s Bumper

The hull is the belly of the beast—aka the underside of the board. Run your hands along it like you’re polishing a surfboard in a shampoo commercial. You’re feeling for:

• Cracks or soft spots (the board’s version of bruised ribs)

• Delamination – when the outer skin is bubbling or peeling. Not good. That means water’s getting in.

• Warping or dents – especially near the nose or rails. If it’s shaped more like a banana than a board, walk away.

And if the seller starts explaining how “it doesn’t affect performance”? Just smile and nod—then leave.

2. Inflatables Need Extra TLC (and Air Pressure)

If you’re looking at an inflatable paddleboard, don’t assume it’s automatically the lightweight champ. Used iSUPs can have all kinds of weird baggage, especially if the owner stored it rolled up in a hot garage for two years.

Here’s your quick inflatable checklist:

• Pump it up fully—don’t skip this. Listen for leaks like it’s a balloon at a toddler’s birthday.

• Check the seams—those suckers are glue-heavy and prone to peeling with age.

• Valves should not hiss or wobble. If they do, you’re buying a future repair job.

Bonus tip: If the board smells like burnt plastic or moldy basement, run. That thing’s been through it.

3. Inspect the Fins (Because They Actually Matter)

I used to think fins were just… accessories. You know, like earrings for your board. Turns out, they’re critical for tracking and stability.

Look for:

• Cracked or chipped fins

• Bent fin boxes (especially on hardboards)

• Missing screws or wobbly bases

If a fin is duct-taped on, please—for the love of Poseidon—walk away. Or swim away, if necessary.

4. Deck Pad Drama Is Real

Ever stepped barefoot on a board only to feel like you’re standing on soggy toast? Yeah. That’s a worn-out deck pad. It’s supposed to be your traction zone, not a slip-n-slide.

Here’s what to check:

• Discoloration—faded = sun damage = dry rot.

• Peeling edges—those will curl faster than gas station pizza.

• Squish test—step on it. If your toes sink into goo, it’s seen better days.

5. Know the Brand and the Story

This one’s less tactile and more detective work.

Ask the seller:

• “How long have you owned it?”

• “Where did you store it?”

• “Ever had to repair it?”

• “Did you name it?” (If they did, they probably took care of it.)

Also, Google the brand and model. Some paddleboards are made by legit companies that back their stuff. Others are off-brand Frankenstein boards made from leftover pool noodles and hope. Know what you’re buying.

6. Bring a Paddle (Or Don’t Assume One’s Included)

Little surprise here: a paddleboard without a paddle is just… a board. Ask the seller upfront, because sometimes they “forgot where they put it” (translation: they sold it separately for an extra $50).

If they do include a paddle, check for:

• Cracks or bends

• Locking mechanism (if it’s adjustable)

• Water damage or warping

Because a janky paddle turns a chill lake cruise into a very weird arm workout.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Buy a Lemon That Floats

Buying a used paddleboard is a lot like dating in your 30s—everyone says they’re in “great condition,” but you’ve gotta check for red flags.

I’ve since bought another used board (yes, I’m still a sucker for a deal), but I knew what to look for the second time around. I inspected every inch, haggled like I was on an episode of Pawn Stars, and even made the guy inflate it on the spot. Guess what? That board’s still with me three seasons later, cruising quiet lakes like a champ.

So go find your board. Just bring this checklist, your common sense, and maybe a buddy who’s brutally honest. Trust me, it’ll save you from a whole lot of wet regrets.

Paddle Smart. Shop Smarter. Stay Dry.

Let me know if you’ve ever scored a great (or terrible) used paddleboard in the comments—I’ll trade horror stories over paddle wax.

Okay, picture this.

It’s a Sunday. I’ve got my shades on, a smoothie in hand (pineapple-ginger, don’t sleep on it), and my trusty paddle board strapped to the roof of my sun-faded Jeep. Life is good. I’m humming Bob Marley tunes like I’m the opening act at a beach festival, driving straight toward the horizon… and then I see it. A crack. Not in the sky. Not in the universe. But in my board.

My heart drops like a rock in saltwater.

Turns out, this wasn’t just any crack—it was the “you-left-me-in-the-sun-too-long-and-I-hate-you-now” kind of crack. And just like that, my mellow Sunday took a nosedive into “paddle board triage.”

That’s when I realized something painfully obvious: if you want your paddle board to love you back, you’ve gotta show it a little TLC.

The Harsh Truth I Was Avoiding

Now, I’ll be real with you—I used to treat my SUP like it was indestructible. Saltwater? Rinse it next time. Sun exposure? Eh, what’s a few rays, right? Storage? I left it leaning against the side of my garage like a forgotten surfboard tombstone.

Spoiler alert: paddle boards do not take kindly to being neglected.

The damage had been creeping in slowly. A little discoloration here, a couple of soft spots there. And then came the crack that made me Google:
“how to fix paddle board that looks like it’s mad at me”

Step One: Learn What Your Board’s Made Of

First off, every SUP has a personality—and I’m not just saying that because I talk to mine when no one’s around. Is it an epoxy board? Inflatable? A soft top? Each one has its own maintenance routine.

Mine’s an epoxy board, which means it’s basically a foam core wrapped in fiberglass and resin—lightweight, strong, and prone to dramatic breakdowns if ignored. It’s like the Ferrari of the paddle board world: sleek, fast, and high-maintenance.

Inflatables are a bit more chill, like the reggae version of epoxy—soft, flexible, easygoing. But they’ve got their own drama (more on that in a sec).

My Redemption Arc: A Maintenance Routine That Stuck

So, I made a vow. No more flaky paddle parenting. I sketched out a weekly maintenance ritual that I now treat with the reverence of Sunday football or meal prep. Here’s my (slightly obsessive) checklist:

✅ After Every Paddle Session:

• Rinse it down. I use a gentle hose spray, not a pressure washer like I used that one time (RIP the paint job).

• Dry it off. Saltwater and moisture are low-key villains, especially if you store your board damp. Mold is real, and it smells like feet.

• Check for dings. If I spot one, I slap some epoxy putty on it like I’m icing a cake. The waterproof kind, not the Betty Crocker kind.

☀️ Weekly Sunshine Detox:

• UV Protection. I started using this marine-safe UV spray that smells like coconuts and regret. Keeps the board from sunburning (yes, that’s a thing).

• Inspect the fin box. Sand loves hiding there like it pays rent. I keep a toothbrush handy (not mine—I swear).

Monthly “Paddle Spa Day”:

• Deflate if it’s inflatable. Let that baby breathe.

• Check PSI. Inflatable friends, don’t skip this. Low pressure = sad performance.

• Tighten screws. Because your fin falling off mid-paddle is a core memory I don’t want you to have.

Lessons from the Ocean (And My Own Laziness)

The ocean is humbling, man. It doesn’t care if you spent $1,200 on your board or got it used off Craigslist from a guy named Cliff who smelled suspiciously like bait. It will mess up your gear equally if you’re careless.

Paddle board maintenance taught me to slow down. Not everything has to be a rush to the next Instagram-worthy cove. Sometimes, the rhythm of washing your board, checking your gear, and soaking in that pre-sunset light is the experience.

Plus, taking care of your SUP means it’ll take care of you. Fewer surprise repairs. Better glide. Longer life. Win-win.

Bonus Tip: Name Your Board

Look, I get it. Naming your board sounds silly. But the moment I started calling mine “Big Blue” (even though it’s mostly green, but whatever), I started treating it with more respect. It wasn’t just gear—it was a sidekick.

Treat your gear like a partner in crime, and it’ll return the love. Unless it’s inflatable, then treat it like a toddler with asthma. Still love, just… carefully.

Final Thoughts: Paddle With Purpose, Store With Love ‍♂️

I used to think maintenance was for the Type A paddlers—the ones who catalog their GoPro footage and have matching neoprene water shoes. But honestly? It’s for everyone who wants to paddle more and repair less.

So whether you’re riding waves, floating lazily down a river, or racing your cousin to that sandbar (and winning, obviously), take care of your board like it’s part of the adventure. Because it is.

Now if you’ll excuse me, Big Blue and I have a date with the ocean—and this time, I’m bringing sunscreen for both of us

Stay salty. But keep your board clean.

Let me tell you something they don’t print on the glossy cardboard insert when you crack open that box with your shiny new inflatable paddle board: these suckers are tougher than they look—but they’re not invincible.

Now, before you start imagining some crystal-clear lake with yoga moms doing warrior poses on pastel-colored SUPs, let me paint a different picture. I’m talking about late-season paddling in cold mountain runoff. I’m talking about throwing a half-deflated board in the back of a rusted-out pickup that still smells like bait from last summer. If you’re like me—someone who treats gear more like a loyal dog than a precious artifact—you’re gonna want the truth, not the marketing.

So… how long do inflatable paddle boards actually last? Buckle in. I’ve got stories, bruises, and a few lessons carved into the vinyl to share.

That One Board That Wouldn’t Die

I bought my first inflatable paddle board from some no-name brand off a sketchy site. Probably wasn’t even legal tender I used to pay for it. This was… let’s say 2017. It showed up with a manual in broken English, a hand pump that looked like it had already seen combat, and a warranty card I used to scrape resin off my workbench.

I paddled that board through every bad idea you can imagine: oyster beds, rocky creeks, beach parties with bonfires too close to the shore… and somehow it lasted five full seasons before the seams started hissing like a pissed-off snake. Five years! That’s like 35 in paddle board years.

Not bad, right?

What Really Affects a Board’s Lifespan?

Now I’ve mellowed out a bit. Swapped whiskey for kombucha. Got a board from a more reputable brand (ISLE, I think—don’t @ me, they had a sale). Started paying attention to stuff like PSI ratings and UV protection.

Here’s the real deal: an inflatable paddle board can last you 5 to 10 years, easy, if—and that’s a fat if—you treat it like a piece of gear you respect, not like an ex you’re still mad at.

Here’s what’ll make your SUP last longer than most celebrity marriages:

• Keep it inflated or rolled properly. Crumpling it up like a tortilla? Yeah, that’ll weaken the seams.

• Rinse it after saltwater use. Salt doesn’t mess around. It’ll eat your valves like termites in a log cabin.

• Don’t over-inflate it. Going past the recommended PSI is a rookie move. Not only will it mess up the internal drop-stitch, but one hot day and POP—you’re swimming.

• Watch the sun exposure. UV rays are no joke. Think sunscreen for your board, or at least some shade when it’s not in use.

• Store it smart. I once left a half-wet board in my car in August. Opened the door a week later and the smell punched me in the throat. Mold’s a silent killer, y’all.

The Turning Point: When I Got Sent Through the Air Like a Cartoon

Okay, picture this: Lake Havasu. Wind picks up. I’m standing on this newer board—feeling cocky. I’ve got a drink in one hand, phone in the other (don’t ask why), and I hit a cross-wave sideways.

Suddenly, the board flexes. Like, bends in half. Not broken, but definitely feeling the strain. I hit the water in a perfect front-flip-meets-bellyflop and surface to find the board intact but wheezing. A slow leak started right along the rail.

Moral of the story? Even a good board starts to go after enough punishment. Especially if you’re treating it like a stage for your circus act.

What I Recommend (From a Guy Who’s Been Through a Few)

If you’re wondering if inflatable paddle boards are worth it—hell yes, they are. They’re portable, affordable, and sturdy as long as you don’t treat them like disposable party balloons.

But do yourself a favor:

• Invest in a board that’s military-grade PVC—not that paper-thin junk.

• Aim for triple-layer construction if you’re the rough-and-tumble type.

• If your budget allows, buy from a brand that actually has customer support. You’ll thank me when you need a replacement valve three summers in.

Final Thought: What Lasts Is What You Take Care Of

My old man once told me, “The difference between a tool and trash is whether you know when to fix it.” Same goes for paddle boards. Take care of your board, and it’ll ride with you through years of sunrise paddles, lazy afternoons, and maybe a couple of adrenaline-fueled wipeouts.

Ignore it, and you’ll be back on that sketchy site ordering a replacement with a side of regret.

Anyway—whether you’re new to the SUP life or a salty vet like me—just know this:

Your inflatable paddle board will last as long as your habits allow.

And if you ever hear a faint hissing sound? Maybe don’t ignore it like I did.

Let me take you back to the summer of my first paddleboarding experience. It was the kind of afternoon that smells like lake water, sunscreen, and poorly made decisions.

Picture this: I’m standing on the edge of a dock, feeling like a cowboy about to ride something wild. Except instead of a horse, it’s a brand-new inflatable paddleboard that I bought online at 2AM after watching one too many YouTube reviews. I’d never paddled anything in my life except maybe a kayak once on a class trip where I capsized within six minutes.

But I figured—hey, if some travel influencer can paddle through turquoise waters while sipping coconut water, I could, too. Right?

Wrong.

The Inflatable: Love at First Pump (Sorta)

First, let’s talk about inflatables. These things are like the blow-up mattresses of the paddleboarding world—except much sexier. Mine came in a backpack, which immediately made me feel like some kind of gearhead ninja. Lightweight, easy to transport, and you don’t need a roof rack. Sweet.

Until it came time to inflate it.

I was sweating like I owed someone money by the time that thing hit the recommended 15 PSI. My dog was judging me. Neighbors were judging me. Heck, I was judging me. But after twenty minutes and a pulled back muscle, it was ready.

And once I got on the water… wow. I won’t lie—it was smooth. Forgiving. Bouncy in a fun way. Like walking on a firm trampoline. It wasn’t too fast, but I wasn’t racing anyone. I just wanted to stay upright and not embarrass myself in front of the paddleboard yoga people nearby (spoiler: I failed).

But here’s the thing no one tells you about inflatables: they’re not great in wind. One gust, and I was drifting toward a pontoon party like a sad little water balloon. I paddled so hard I pulled something in my shoulder—and got offered a margarita by a woman named Denise. So it wasn’t all bad.

The Solid Board: Built Like a Tank, Rides Like a Dream

Fast-forward two weeks. I borrowed a friend’s solid board for Round Two—this one was fiberglass, sleek as a shark tooth, and heavy enough to be used as a battering ram if society ever collapses.

It didn’t fit in my trunk, obviously. I had to strap it to my car roof using bungee cords that looked like they’d been through a war. Drove 35 mph the whole way, terrified it’d go flying and decapitate a cyclist.

But once we hit the water? Man, oh man.

This thing glided.

It cut through the chop like it was born for it. Stable as hell, even when a speedboat flew by and tried to knock me into the afterlife. The board just laughed at the wake. Like, literally—I could hear it chuckling.

Solid boards are stiffer, which means better performance. Translation: you feel cool. Faster turns, more control, and none of that “boing-boing” bounce that comes with inflatables. I could actually build up speed and feel the water react underneath me, not cushion me like a pool float.

Downside? Carrying it to and from the water was like dragging a stubborn goat through sand. I nearly gave myself a hernia. And if you’re clumsy (hi, it me), these things can crack, ding, or chip.

The Ugly Truth: What I Learned (and What I Wish I Knew)

Let me give it to you straight, like your brutally honest uncle after two beers.

Inflatable Paddle Boards:

✅ Portable — fits in a closet, backseat, even a duffel bag
✅ Durable — you can bump rocks and survive
✅ Forgiving for beginners — more cushion, less bruises
❌ Wind = not your friend
❌ Slower and less responsive
❌ Pumping it up is basically cardio

Solid Paddle Boards:

✅ Better performance — faster, smoother, more control
✅ More stable in chop and wind
✅ Feels “real” — like you’re part of the water
❌ Storage sucks unless you own a garage
❌ Heavy — don’t drop it on your foot (ask me how I know)
❌ Expensive — entry-level options still sting a little

So… Which One Should You Get?

If you’re the kind of person who lives for road trips, hikes to hidden lakes, or just doesn’t want your apartment to look like a surf shop exploded — go inflatable. It’s the Swiss Army knife of paddleboards. Super versatile, forgiving, and great for chilling.

But if you’ve got a garage, some upper body strength, and you care more about glide than convenience? Solid board, hands down. Especially if you’re doing long-distance paddles or want to level up your game.

Me? I ended up keeping both. (Because of course I did. I also own three coffee makers and two guitars I can’t play.)

Now I use the inflatable for casual mornings on the lake or tossing in the trunk for a beach weekend. But when I want to feel like Poseidon himself, carving through the water like a pro—I bring out the solid.

Final Thoughts from a Guy Who Fell In Twice

Here’s the thing nobody tells you: your perfect board isn’t just about specs or reviews or even price. It’s about your lifestyle. Your vibe. Your vehicle situation. Are you going on adventures or staying local? Are you solo, or do you need something your kids (or clumsy friends) can use too?

Choose based on how you live, not just how cool something looks online. (Because I promise you, nothing is less cool than trying to look cool and wiping out in front of a bachelorette party on a booze cruise.)

Anyway, that’s my paddleboarding journey. Two boards, one back injury, and a lot of bruised ego later—I still suck at paddleboarding, but man, I love it.

See you out on the water. I’ll be the guy half-standing, half-sitting, fully grinning.