As we look to the new year, we can’t help but to be excited about all our upcoming paddles! While we love our cool, crisp, and chilly winter adventures, there’s nothing quite like the first warm paddle of the new year. As exciting as all of this can be, please be sure to do your homework first. Trust us, the last thing you want to do is to go out on the water—especially for the first time this year—and realize you made a few mistakes that could have easily been avoided. As always, our team at Atoll Boards has everything you need to know, so keep on reading below; and then, before you know it, you’ll be an expert on how to prepare for spring paddle boarding.
Take a Good, Long Look at Your Board
We know it sounds a little bit obvious, but you would be amazed by how many people skip this simple step, so, alas, here we are. First things first, take a good, long look at your board. Whether you’re using an inflatable stand-up paddle board (iSUP) or a hard board, you’ll want to closely examine and inspect it for any dings, cracks, holes, or other blemishes. If you find anything, take the time to fix it ASAP. Trust us, it’s better to fix it sooner than later, especially if you might need to repair it in the middle of a paddle someday.
Install the Fin and Check the Air Pressure
If you’re working with a hard board, install the fin just to make sure it still goes in and out of the slot without any problems or issues. While you’re at it, check the pressure vent, too. iSUP users, on the other hand, will want to fully inflate their boards in order to confirm it’s airtight, holding its air pressure, and showing no signs of leakage. Again, the best time to discover these problems is before you put your board in the water.
Make Any Necessary Replacements
If you encounter any problems that can’t be fixed—such as a broken fin, vent, slot, or anything else—be sure to order a replacement part before your first paddle. After all, it’s much safer and wiser to only use a paddle board when it’s at 100%. This is especially true if you enjoy any high-intensity SUP activities like racing, surfing, etc. In which case, an unsafe board could quickly cause serious problems for you, your SUP, and anyone else out there on the water. Suffice it to say, please stay safe.
Wash and Clean Off Your Board
Whether or not the winter weather touched your board, it’s always better to wash and clean it off, especially before your first paddle of the year. This will remove any dirt, dust, or other contaminants that could potentially damage it. Just use a little warm water, mild soap, and elbow grease, and your board should be squeaky clean in no time! Then, once your board is all clean, fixed up, and back to 100%, you’ll be ready for your first warm paddle of the new year!
Contact Our Team at Atoll Boards
Now that you know how to prepare for spring paddle boarding, you’re one step closer to your next paddle! Need a new board before then? We’ve got you covered. Our brand-new 2023 Atoll Board is one of our lightest, strongest, and most durable boards yet; and, as always, it is exceptionally versatile and well-equipped for any type of paddling. For more information about our boards, how to prepare for spring paddle boarding, or anything else, please feel free to contact our team at Atoll Boards today. You can also give us a call at 877-698-8581 or send us an email at customerservice@atollboards.com. In any case, we would be more than happy to help you in any way we can. Until then!
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