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Check your Equipment
We pre-check all equipment before we hire but in the event you find something is missing or broken then contact us immediately and we will rectify. Do not go into the water without informing us of any problems.
Your equipment should include the following : board, fin, leash, paddle, pump, buoyancy aid.
Assembling the equipment
We'd recommend assembling the equipment next to your car then carrying the board to the water - it isn't heavy and this saves you from losing pieces en-route.
- Note how the board is folded - you will need to replicate this when packing the board away.
- Inflate the board by attaching the pump nozzle to the inflation valve at the back end of the top side of the board (circular valve protected by a pop-off cover). The valve should be in the "closed" position meaning air is only released if you press down on the middle of the valve. Inflate the board until it feels firm then push the cover back in place.
- Attach the leash to the handle in the middle of the top side of the board (pass the leash under the handle then back through itself). When you are about to enter the water, attach the velcro leash to your ankle. Please do not enter the water without attaching your leash - it stops the board floating away when you fall off.
- Attach the fin to the rear under side of the board. The fin simply slots into the groove (push it all the way back) then the small clip slides under the fin securing it in place. When the fin is attached, please do not stand on the board on dry land otherwise the fin will bend/break.
- All of our paddles are 2 part and simply click into position.
Getting into the Water
Firstly, ensure you are wearing your buoyancy aid and the leash is attached to your ankle (and that you have no car keys or mobile phones on you!!!).
If you are a beginner, we recommend floating the board in knee deep water then kneeling in the middle of the board (astride the carrying handle). You can then paddle around in the kneeling position to get the feel of the board.
When you're ready, push yourself up slowly from your knees to a standing position. Unlike surfing, skateboarding or snowboarding your body should be facing the nose of the board and your feet should be shoulder width apart (or slightly wider). The art of standing up is the most difficult part and do not be discouraged if you fall in the first few (or 20) times - you will master it within the hour. It can help to use the paddle as a pole with one end on the board to help balance yourself.
If you are likely to fall off, do be careful that you are not too close to the shore and that the water is deep enough without any rocks just below the surface.
Packing up your equipment
Again, we recommend carrying your board back to your car and dis-assembling there to avoid losing pieces.
Then follow the assembly steps above in reverse.
When deflating the board simply remove the pop-off cover then press down and twist the inflation valve - this will hold the valve in an "open" position allowing the air to rush out by itself. When nearly deflated beginning folding the board from the nose in c.18 inch inward folds (as it was originally packed). The folding action will push out the last of the air.
All of our equipment should fit neatly back into the bag. We'd love it if you gave the equipment a cursory once over to remove any dirt, etc before returning but we do expect it to be wet and not spotless.