Inflatable paddle boards are tough, but accidents happen. Whether it’s general wear and tear or an unfortunate scrape with a rock, a leaky seam can put a damper on your paddling adventures. The good news is that you don’t have to throw your inflatable SUP board away! With the right tools and a little patience, it’s completely possible to repair an inflatable paddle board seam. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your SUP paddle board back in service.

Before you begin the repair process, make sure the seam is actually leaking. Here’s how to check:

Listen for air – Inflate your SUP board and hold your ear close to the seam. If you hear a faint hissing sound, that’s a sign of a leak.

Soapy Water Test – Mix soap and water and apply along the seam. If you see bubbles forming, you’ve found the leak.

Pressure Loss – If your inflatable paddle board keeps leaking air despite being properly inflated, a slow leak from the seam could be the culprit.

PVC patch (usually comes with your paddleboard)

Waterproof PVC glue or adhesive

Sandpaper (fine grit)

Rubbing alcohol or acetone (for cleaning)

Small brush or applicator

Weight or clamp (for applying pressure while drying)

Step 1: Deflate the Inflatable paddle board and dry the area

Release all the air from the inflatable SUP board and make sure the seam is completely dry. If there is moisture or pressure that forces the air out, the repair will not work.

Step 2: Clean the surface

Clean the leaking seam with rubbing alcohol or acetone. This removes dirt and oil so the glue can adhere properly.

Step 3: Lightly Sand the Area

Lightly sand the seam area with fine grit sandpaper. This helps the glue bond better to the surface. Don't overdo it - just a little roughness is enough.

Step 4: Apply Glue

Using a small brush, apply a thin layer of PVC glue along the seam. Let it dry for 2-3 minutes until it becomes tacky.

Step 5: Apply the patch (if needed)

For small leaks, glue alone may be enough. But for larger openings, cut a PVC patch slightly larger than the leak, apply glue to the patch and seam, and press firmly.

Step 6: Apply pressure and let it cure

Place a heavy object (or use clamps) over the repaired area and let it dry for at least 24 hours. The longer it sits, the stronger the bond will be.

Step 7: Inflate and test

After 24 hours, re-inflate the paddle board and check again for leaks using the soapy water test. If no bubbles form, the repair is a success!

Skipping the cleaning step - any dirt or oil will weaken the bond and cause the repair to fail.

Don't let the glue get tacky - applying the repair too early will reduce the effectiveness of the glue.

Using the inflatable paddle board too soon - let it cure for a full day before putting it back in the water.

Some seam leaks can’t be fixed with a simple DIY fix. If your inflatable SUP board has multiple leaks, the seams are badly damaged, or the glue just won’t stick, then it may be time to contact a professional repair service.

Repairing your inflatable paddle board seams isn’t as scary as it sounds. With the right materials and a little patience, you can salvage your inflatable SUP board and extend its life. So don’t panic when you see a leak – just follow these steps and you’ll be back on the water in no time!