Care Instructions
Stand up Paddleboard Care
AIR VENT
The regulation of the internal air pressure on a Stand up Paddleboard is very important as it allows the core of the board to breathe. If you don’t have a vent then your board is sure to have problems either in de-laminating or internal damage from water on the core.
All CMP Boards and Funky SUPs have a self-regulated two-wayair breather valve. This plug is used to keep the core (inside of the board) in a water and airtight environment. This vent is automatic so you don’t need to remove the plug. You can occasionally check to see if it is finger tight to ensure that the vent has not come loose. It is important you do not remove this plug or loosen this too much as this may damage your board.
THE SUN
It is very important to respect your paddleboard, the sun can be the most damaging element. So protecting your board can ensure you will get a lifetime of paddling from your board. Using your board all day in the sun is fine, but then leaving it on the beach for a few hours afterwards in the heat is a problem. It is best to keep your board in the shade when not in use.
Why is the Sun so damaging? The internal component of your CMP board is foam which is made up of gas and air. When the gas is heated by the sun the nature of this is that it expands causing a pressure build up in the core of the board. In short terms if there is a large build-up of pressure then this can expand the core and cause the outer layer being the fibreglass shell to break from the core. This is what is known as delamination and is evident in boards that have air bubbles.
DINGS IN YOUR BOARD
A ding can be a crack or depression in your board. There are a few types of dings that can occur while you are using your SUP. Some will not harm your board and are more cosmetic and others can cause serious harm to your board. Minor dings or scratches you can often repair yourself but big gauges in your board may require a professional to repair.
A depression in your board can be caused by regular use and often is not that harmful to your board. It is important just to try and handle your board with care and try and avoid running into hard surfaces at speed.
FIN & FIN BOX CARE
All CMP paddleboards come with 8 inch centre fins and 5 inch side fins. Funky SUPs come with an 8 inch centre fin.
To install your Centre fins follow these steps:
- Remove the screw and aluminium plate from the fin
- Slide the aluminium plate into the recessed track in the fin box
- Put the aluminium plate as far forward so that it ensures the process is easier later
- Put the fin into the fin box. Slide the brass pin to the bottom of the opening and side the fin backwards to the desired position
- The final step is to push the front of the fin into the fin box. With the provided phillips head screw attach the fin to the aluminium plate.
To install your Side Fins:
- The side fins are placed in to the fin slot and the provided allens key will tighten the grub screw against the fin. The most important element of this process is to ensure you DON’T over tighten the grub screw.
SUMMARY OF SUP CARE
In summary, you can protect your board by following simple guidelines:
- Do not remove the two way air breather plug which automatically vents the gas and hot air building up inside your board
- Keep your board out of direct sunlight
- Storage of your board plays an important part in protecting your board. Always store a board in a cool, dry area. Storage in a board bag is great but avoid direct sunlight exposure.
- Repair any dings that have cracked the surface of the board
- If you do hit something hard check your board immediately as you do not want water getting into the foam core.
KAYAK CARE
Our range of Kayaks are roto-moulded using high density polyethylene plastic, which is a tough durable material and very easy to care for. Following a few basic rules will increase the long lifespan of your plastic kayak.
THE SUN
The sun is the major factor of concern relating to the life span of a polyethylene kayak. Our kayaks have 6 years of inbuilt UV stabilizes which means that if left in direct sunlight for this period the kayak will start to breakdown and this means it will become dis-coloured, then over a long period of time brittle.
So the best thing is to store these kayaks out of direct sunlight. If a kayak is stored out of the sun, in a garage, shed, or other shady area you will get a long lifespan out of your kayak.
CLEANING
A very important element is to wash your kayak off with fresh water after use. Salt water is not harmful to the plastic but will maintain all the attachments including stainless screws, rivets, rudders and ensure the kayak has a long lifetime.
DENTS
Indentations can occur on plastic kayaks and this is often due to improper transportation or storage, where you have tied it to your roof so tight that it has deformed the shape of your yak. Another common reason is storing a kayak on its hull.
A good thing there is a solution to get these dents out, by putting the yak in the hot weather for a few hours where the heat will help it reform shape. Some people recommend a hair dryer or hot water if you are in a cold area to help pop the kayak back into shape. Always be mindful to store a kayak on its side or vertically, never on the hull. Also when transporting be mindful of the hull, kayak cradles or J racks are very useful for correctly transporting a kayak. A plastic kayak can handle you dragging it down the beach and is more durable then you would think. Keeping in mind you should avoid dragging your kayak as you might damage the keel.
This is where kayak trolleys or the carry handles on a kayak are very handy.
REPAIRING A PLASTIC KAYAK
Although this is the last thing you want to think about it is worth noting that you can repair a plastic kayak by using a polyethylene repair kit. To do this use a propane torch or plastic welder and a polyethylene repair kit to weld the plastic over the affected area. We are more than happy to help you through this process so contact us for any other information at [email protected]
SOFTBOARD & SURFBOARD CARE
THE SUN
Never leave your softboard in direct sunlight. Excessive heat will damage your board. This includes never leaving your board on the hot sand exposed to direct sunlight. Always wash your board with fresh water after each use.
Store your board in a garage or shed which is out of sunlight and is cool and dry. Never ever store it in a hot place like a tin shed or outside in the direct sunlight.
Do NOT ever ride your board onto the shore or any hard surface. Any impact will cause damage or may break your board
When transporting a board do not tie down onto roof racks to tight as this may damage the edge of the board. Board covers will help prevent damage.
Please do not hesitate to call or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions relating to caring for your Weekend Warrior Product!
