SUP Air Pressure Guide – What PSI Should Your Board Have?

Are you standing on the beach with your SUP pump in your hand and wondering how hard you should actually pump your board? You're not alone. The right air pressure is the difference between a great paddling experience and a frustrating day on the water where your board feels unstable or could even be damaged.

As SUP experts with over 18 years of experience, we at Kona Sports know that air pressure is one of the most misunderstood aspects of SUP ownership. Many paddlers either under-inflate or over-inflate – both mistakes can negatively impact performance, safety, and the longevity of your board.

In this complete guide, you'll learn exactly what PSI your SUP needs, how to measure pressure correctly, and avoid the most common pitfalls that can ruin your equipment. We cover everything from basic PSI understanding to advanced tips for different water conditions and temperatures.

Table of contents

• What is PSI and why is it important for your SUP?
• Recommended air pressure per SUP type
• 15 vs 20 PSI – the difference that makes a difference
• How temperature affects your SUP pressure
• How to measure air pressure correctly
• Overpressure and underpressure – risks to avoid
• Best pressure gauges and pumps for SUP
• FAQ about SUP air pressure

What is PSI and why is it important for your SUP?

PSI stands for "Pounds per Square Inch" and is the unit of measurement for air pressure used globally in the SUP industry. To put that into perspective, 15 PSI is roughly the same pressure as a fully inflated car tire, while 20 PSI is significantly higher.

The right air pressure affects your SUP in several critical ways:

Stability and Performance – An under-inflated board will bend in the middle when you stand on it, making it unstable and slow. A properly inflated board will maintain its shape and provide optimal gliding ability through the water.

Safety – Too low a pressure can make the board difficult to control, especially in waves or windy conditions. Too high a pressure risks damaging the seams and materials.

Lifespan – Consistently correct pressure will significantly extend the life of your SUP. Kona Sports boards are designed to withstand Nordic conditions, but even the best Scandinavian design requires proper maintenance.

Recommended air pressure per SUP type

Different SUP types require different air pressures for optimal performance. Here are our expert recommendations based on 18 years of experience:

All-round SUP boards (10'6"-11'6")

Recommended pressure: 15-16 PSI

All-round boards like the Kona Sports Active Air series are designed for stability and versatility. Keep the pressure at 15-16 PSI for casual paddling and increase to 17-18 PSI for longer trips or when carrying a pack.

Touring SUP boards (12'-14')

Recommended pressure: 15-17 PSI

Longer boards require higher pressures to maintain structural integrity. Kona Sports Cruiser Air models perform best at 18-20 PSI, providing optimal tracking and speed over long distances.

Racing SUP boards (12'6"-14'+)

Recommended pressure: 15-18 PSI

Racing boards like the Numinous Air series require maximum pressure for performance. Always run 20+ PSI for racing, but be extra careful with temperature changes at these high pressures.

SUP for children and beginners

Recommended pressure: 12-15 PSI

Lower pressure provides greater forgiveness and comfort for smaller paddlers. Adjust downward for younger children weighing under 40 kg.

15 vs 20 PSI – The Difference That Makes a Difference

The difference between 15 and 20 PSI may seem small, but the impact on your paddling experience is dramatic:

At 15 PSI:

• More comfortable to stand on

• Greater tolerance to temperature changes

• Lower risk of material damage

• Slightly less responsive steering

At 20 PSI:

• Maximum speed and glide

• Crystal-clear responsiveness

• Maintains shape perfectly even with heavy loads

• Requires careful monitoring of temperature

Kona Expert Tip: Always start with lower pressure (15 PSI) and gradually increase until you find the sweet spot for your weight, style and water conditions. Most paddlers find optimal performance between 16-18 PSI.

How temperature affects your SUP pressure

Temperature is the most underestimated factor when it comes to SUP air pressure. In Sweden's climate with large temperature differences, this is extra critical to understand.

Rule of thumb: 1 PSI per 10°C

For every 10 degree change in temperature, the air pressure changes by approximately 1 PSI. This means:

• Do you pump your board at home at 20°C to 18 PSI?

• And the water is 10°C colder (10°C)

• Does your board now only have 17 PSI?

Practical tips for Swedish conditions:

Summer paddling (20-25°C): Pump to recommended pressure minus 1 PSI to compensate for thermal expansion in the sun.

Winter/cold days (0-10°C): Pump to recommended pressure plus 1-2 PSI to compensate for temperature drop.

Long trips: Check the pressure after 30-60 minutes of paddling when the board has adjusted to the water temperature.

How to measure air pressure correctly

Correct measurement is crucial for optimal performance. Here is our step-by-step guide:

Step 1: The right tools

Always use a dedicated pressure gauge, not just the pump's built-in gauge which is often inaccurate. Kona Sports recommends digital gauges for the highest accuracy.

Step 2: Measure at the right time

• ALWAYS measure when the board is in the shade.

• Wait 5-10 minutes after pumping before measuring.

• Measure at the same point each time (usually the center valve)

Step 3: Correct measurement technique

1. Push the gauge perpendicular to the valve

2. Hold steady for 3-5 seconds

3. Read when the display has stabilized.

4. Compare with target value and adjust

Common measurement mistakes to avoid:

• Measure in direct sunlight (may show 2-3 PSI too high)

• Using only the pump gauge

• Don't wait for stabilization

• Measure immediately after transport from hot/cold space

Overpressure and underpressure – risks to avoid

Both too high and too low pressure can damage your SUP and negatively affect safety.

Risks of overpressure (above 22 PSI):

Material damage: Seams and glue joints can crack, especially with temperature changes Stiff feel: The board becomes unnaturally stiff and uncomfortable Temperature sensitivity: Minimal heat increase can cause dangerous overpressure

Warning signs of overpressure:

• The board feels rock hard
• Visible tension at seams
• The valve "hisses" slightly when you press it

Risks of negative pressure (below 12 PSI):

Performance Loss: The board bends and becomes slow Instability: Difficult to balance, especially for beginners Structural Stress: Constant bending can damage materials over time

Warning signs of negative pressure:

• The board visibly bends in the middle when you stand on it
• Feels "spongy" underfoot
• Water can penetrate at deck pad edges

Safe pressure ranges per board type:

• All-round: 15-18 PSI (optimal 15-17)

• Touring: 15-19 PSI (optimal 16-18)

• Racing: 15-19 PSI (optimal 16-18)
  
  

Best pressure gauges and pumps for SUP

The right equipment can make the difference between frustration and perfection. Here are our tried-and-tested recommendations:

Recommended pressure gauges:

Digital pressure gauge: Most accurate, easy to read, perfect for serious paddlers

Analog meter: Reliable, no battery consumption, good for basic needs

Combi-tool: Pressure gauge with air release function for fine adjustment

Pumps for optimal pressure:

Kona Sports Double-acting super pump is designed specifically to reach high pressures efficiently. Double-acting means that both pressure in and pressure out pumps air, which halves the working time to reach 20+ PSI.

Features to look for:

• Pressure gauge: Built-in gauge for monitoring during pumping
• High pressure function: Can reach 25+ PSI without overexertion
• Double-acting: Fills air both when pushed in and pushed out
• Ergonomic design: Comfortable handle for long-term use
• Robust construction: Scandinavian quality that withstands Swedish weather conditions
  
  

FAQ about SUP air pressure

What PSI should my SUP have as a beginner?

As a beginner, we recommend starting with 15-16 PSI regardless of board type. This provides good stability without being too stiff, and the risk of damage from handling mistakes is minimal. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with higher pressures for better performance.

Should I adjust the PSI based on my weight?

Yes, your weight affects optimal PSI. As a rule of thumb: add 0.5-1 PSI for every 10 kg above 80 kg body weight. A 90 kg paddler typically needs 1-2 PSI more pressure than someone weighing 70 kg for the same performance.

Why does my SUP lose pressure overnight?

Minor pressure loss (1-2 PSI) overnight is normal due to temperature changes. If the loss is greater, it may be due to valve leakage, micro-leaks in the material, or improper valve closure. Always check that the valve is fully closed after pumping.

Can I pump my SUP too hard and it will burst?

Modern SUP boards like the Kona Sports Active Air series are tested for very high pressures, but yes – extreme overpressure can damage seams and materials. Stay within the manufacturer's recommendations (usually max 22-25 PSI) and be extra careful in high temperatures.

Should I let air out of the SUP after use?

For short-term storage (a few days), you do not need to let the air out. For longer storage or transportation in a car where the temperature may rise sharply, reduce the pressure by 2-3 PSI as a safety precaution. For winter storage, leave the SUP almost completely empty.

How often should I check the pressure?

Check the pressure before each paddling session and after 30-60 minutes of paddling the first time you use the board in new temperatures. On longer trips or when weather conditions change, check halfway for optimal performance.

What happens if I paddle with too low a pressure?

Too little pressure makes the board unstable, slow, and can cause long-term material fatigue. You will notice that the board bends in the middle, feels "spongy," and is difficult to get going. Some paddlers may also experience back pain from the unnatural stance.

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The right air pressure is the foundation for great SUP experiences. With this guide you have all the knowledge you need to optimize your board for Swedish conditions and get maximum performance and safety from your investment.

Remember the Kona Sports philosophy: "Stand up people. Stand up life." It starts with a properly inflated board that gives you confidence and control on the water. With over 18 years of expert experience, we know that small details like the right PSI make the difference between a good day on the water and an extraordinary experience.