Finding a little bit of peace and tranquillity inside a world that is full of go-go-go and not much stop, can be very hard to do. A lot of people take part in a wide range of hobbies to keep their minds ticking over, to find some sort of release, especially at the end of a big week. Aside from the weekend wind-down of sitting on the lounge, getting adventurous over the long weekends or during school holidays, can also be a great way to recharge the batteries, and spend some quality time with family to keep smiles on everyone’s faces, even just for a while. One hobby that can span in many directions, but it is a super cool way to shed the baggage from a long week, or even a long school term, is to get out on the water and find some inner release while you’re there. Being on the water can mean a lot of things, like swimming, fishing, boating, or kayaking, but another that takes the cake for levels of tranquility would have to be paddling around on your very own SUP while watching the sunset across whatever patch of water you’re floating above. Inflatable Stand up paddle boards are relatively new in terms of ingenuity and progress, but there really isn’t much to it. It’s a board which keeps you afloat and can easily be manoeuvred around with a small oar while seated or standing on top in a fashion similar to a Gondola being gently drawn down a river in Venice, with the major difference being you don’t have to travel to Venice and you can go at your own pace.

 When it comes to setting up your Paddle Board each time, there are some helpful tips you should follow to ensure your inflatable board stays in good shape and you don’t find yourself struggling to stay afloat on board it.
Firstly, you want to make sure you are in a spacious area where inflating your iSUP is not going to cause damage to property or injure anyone in any way. Finding a clear space outside is a great option, just ensure its free from large sticks and sharp rocks. You also want to make sure that your Stand Up Paddle Board value is free from dust, debris, and sand where possible, as you do not want to get any tiny bits of grit inside the valve mechanism as it may cause some premature deflation or even trouble you when trying to get it inflated. Once you’ve removed the cap, you can attach your choice of pump, and you can actually purchase ones that are specifically designed for your board. Like the Adventure Kings Essential Single-Action Paddleboard Pump or if you’re keen to hit the water even faster then pick yourself up an Adventure Kings Premium Triple-Action Inflatable Paddleboard Pump. Ensuring everything is done in the correct order, and properly replaced at the end, make sure you don’t lose any air during or after the inflation process, which can simply be annoying and cause you to use up valuable relaxation time. Once you’ve successfully connected to the inflation nozzle you want to pump air into your stand up paddle board using small bursts at a time, this will allow the air to make its way around the inside of the board and won’t become overfilled. Try to top it off at around 15psi depending on your requirements and desire but try not to exceed it by much as it will eventually cause strain on the bladder of your board and cause it to deteriorate over time. Also exceeding this may not actually make your board feel any stiffer, as they are designed to be a little spongey in stature to help keep you afloat! As mentioned above, be sure to put everything back in place correctly and you’ll keep as much air inside your freshly inflated stand up paddle board as you need to get moving.

Once this process is complete, you are ready to hit the water! But one last check before you hit the water.. Be sure to check the integrity of all valve caps and nozzles and check the seams of your board for any noticeable damage or stress. If you do miss something, it may have the potential to cause an air leakage while you are far from the shallows, that’s why if in deep water it’s always a good idea to wear a life jacket. Once everything is tightened up, if you gently push on the middle of your inflatable board, you will notice it sort of springs back when you remove the force, and this means it is perfectly ready to go. If you notice it is a little bit too tight, or slightly on the deflated side, then now would be a good time to adjust the amount of air inside your board. Over inflation and under inflation can both make it much harder for you manoeuvre your board and to paddle. Under inflation may be worse as it will affect the buoyancy of your board and cause that struggle to stay above the water.

Okay… now you’re ready to hit the water, so ensure you have enough sunscreen on to keep your skin safe and are well hydrated for a long session on the water, grab your oar and Stand Up Paddle Board and make your way into the surf, lake, river or any body of water you can find and enjoy the rest of your day with nothing but peace and quiet. Try to remember that the point of this exercise is to relax in peace and quiet or simply hit the waves and have an absolute blast if that’s more your style! Now just happily head towards the sunset and take in a completely different view of the water from above, then have a go at taking some time to sit down and gently paddle around with your feet as well, trust me it will all bring you a nice sense of calm.