What was the worst damage you saw?
We had two boards that were drying in the garden and were run over by the robot mower. Another board was lying on a Vespa trailer that was too narrow, which resulted in the SUP being rubbed on both sides by the trailer wheels. These were tricky repairs. If boards are left in the sun for too long, the seam on the side of some boards can split open. Fortunately, we can usually repair the smooth seam without any problems.
What are the most common types of damage?
It is important to distinguish between production faults and self-inflicted faults. Often the SUPs delivered already had leaking seams or valves ex works and the customer only realised this after some time. Self-inflicted damage is often boards with scratches or holes (for example from stones or tails), as well as boards that have burst due to prolonged exposure to the sun.
Which of them are easy to repair, which are not?
In principle, all cases can be repaired equally well. However, some are a little trickier than others, for example if the air is leaking in one place, for example under the deck pad, but the leak is actually in a completely different place.
What damage can I repair myself with the material supplied?
If your SUP gets scratched on holiday and leaks a little air, you can repair it after the board has been deflated and dried. If air leaks next to the valve, you may be able to tighten the valve using the valve spanner supplied. For all other cases, the repair kits are usually inadequate.
When is all hope lost?
If the wrong adhesive is used and the board bursts even at low pressure, there is usually no way to repair it. It is important to use high-quality adhesive during production to avoid such problems. However, there is hope if only a few areas peel off, which is more likely to be due to poor workmanship in places.
If the drop-stitch connection (Red: Threads that connect the top and bottom of the board) inside the SUP partially tears, repair is no longer possible. With careful handling and maintenance, however, the likelihood of such problems can be minimised.
What can you do about it?
Do not store your board in direct sunlight or in a hot car. In winter, you should store the board in a loose position or half inflated to avoid kinks in the material, which can lead to brittleness. After use in the sea, you should wash your board with fresh water. Whether various PVC care products actually contribute to a longer service life is questionable.
Is there an age at which repairs are no longer worthwhile?
I judge this less by the age and more by the condition of the glue. If the glue still holds well, which I can see when I open a seam, the SUP can still be repaired despite its advanced age. However, you should always be more careful with older boards, don't let them get too hot and reduce the pressure after paddling.
How long does an iSUP last with "normal use"?
I assume that newer boards are more technologically advanced thanks to more advanced adhesives and partial welding, which increases the lifespan even further. In general, I would expect a SUP to last ten years, and it also makes a big difference how you treat the board.
How much do typical repairs cost? Is there a warranty?
In addition to the statutory warranty period of 24 months, we also offer a twelve-month guarantee on our work. Shipping works smoothly with DHL for 16.49 euros. Prices vary depending on the complexity of the repair and are between 55 and 165 euros.
Do you still have a message?
It is regrettable that a board has to be completely destroyed for a warranty replacement. In some cases, the SUP has to be completely cut open, although the only defect may be a poorly installed, leaking valve. In times of sustainability, such a practice should be prohibited. Many people probably don't realise that SUPs are easily repairable. We can help in many cases and extend the life of the SUP before it is disposed of as bulky waste.
- Further information: sup-repair.com
