How to Patch a Leak in an Inflatable Stand Up Paddleboard

Last Updated: September 15, 2021

Inflatable stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are sturdy but not impenetrable. An unexpected collision with a submerged, sharp object can spring a leak that will cut a pleasant paddle short. The good news is that a leak repair can be done in the comfort of a garage or in the backyard and with a short list of materials. This wikiHow will show you a simple process to quickly locate a small leak in a SUP and patch it with attention to the SUP's aesthetics.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:
Locating the Leak

1
Locate the general area of the leak by ear; place finger if the leak is found.
- Inflate your paddleboard and apply a weight
- Listen for a whistling sound - this is a great way to find the general area of a leak.
2
If the leak is invisible, pinpoint it using soapy water. Place a finger on the exact location and dry the area.
- Apply soapy water to the suspected area while applying some weight to your paddleboard.
- The largest bubbles will form directly above the leak.
- This step is important because leaks may be microscopic - invisible to the naked eye.
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3
Keeping your finger in place, mark the exact leak with a marker. The marker serves a visual aid as you prepare the patch.

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:
Preparing the Patch

1
Prepare the leak and surrounding area for patch application.
- Use a marker to indicate the leak source and about 3-4 inches in each direction away from the source.
2
Cut a patch to cover the leak and surrounding area.
- The patch should extend about 2-4in away from the leak in each direction for maximum effectiveness.
3
Use sandpaper to increase the effectiveness of glue application.
- Smooth both the leak’s surrounding area and the to-be-applied side of the patch.
- Wipe down the sanded areas with a wet rag to remove any dust residue.
4
Clean the area thoroughly. Use soapy water and then MEK.
- The MEK is an industrial solvent that prepares the plastics for a strong bond. Wear proper protective equipment.
5
Use a brush to apply adhesive to patch and leak area.
- Follow adhesive-specific directions! These should be located on the bottle.
- Apply appropriate coats to both the marked patch area and the to-be-applied side of the patch (usually 2-3). Wait 20 minutes in-between application.
- Test stickiness of glue with a knuckle test - your knuckle should come away cleanly from the glue without leaving a dent.
- Be generous in glue distribution.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:
Applying the Patch

1
Slowly apply the patch to avoid any air bubbles. Patience and precision are important when placing patch to avoid trapping air bubbles.
- When back out on the water, moisture will leak into any trapped air bubbles and increase the likelihood of further air leakage.
2
Use the rolling tool to ensure no smaller air bubbles remain.
- Roll the patch in at least 4 directions to maximize surface area adhesion between the patch and the SUP.
3
Let surface air dry with respect to adhesive directions.
- The paddleboard should cure in a dry area for at least 24 hours before being inflated and taken back on the water. Moisture will loosen the adhesive bonding and ruin the patch.
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Warnings

Methyl ethyl ketone is an industrial cleaner. Wear proper safety gear.

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The patch must cure absolutely before being exposed to moisture.

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The chemicals involved in this process can be overwhelming. Ensure proper ventilation.

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If the paddleboard continues to leak after being patched, restart the entire process after ensuring total removal of incorrectly applied patch/adhesive.

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Be aware of allergies and the chemicals/materials used throughout the process.

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Be patient with glue drying times and other process steps to avoid damage to your SUP.

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Things You'll Need

Soapy water
Dry towel
Scissors
Fine grit sandpaper
Methyl ethyl ketone (M.E.K.)
Roller tool (1/8in - 1/4in width)
Patching materials:
- Patch material that matches material of SUP (PVC or urethane coating)
- Glue appropriate for paddleboard outer material (urethane adhesive)
- Often your paddleboard supplier has given you a small repair kit with patching materials. If not, your best bet for finding patch material is by contacting your SUP supplier or a specialty retail store.