How to Repair an Inflatable Paddleboard (iSUP) Like a Pro

*video below

Got a leak or small tear in your inflatable paddleboard? No worries. Here's a simple, proven process for doing a proper DIY repair on your Hydrus iSUP—straight from our workshop.

Whether it’s a tiny pinhole or a small puncture, this guide will walk you through the process to get you back on the water fast.

What You'll Need

• Soapy water (Dawn dish soap works great)

• Pencil or pen (for marking)

• Clean towel or paper towels

• Sandpaper (150–200 grit)

• Masking tape

• Rubbing alcohol

• Contact cement (HH-66 recommended, or the tube included in your repair kit)

• Patch (included with your board)

• Gloves

• Wooden paint stick or roller

• Clamp (with wood or foam blocks if possible)

Step-by-Step Repair Process

1. Locate the Leak

Spray the board with soapy water and watch for bubbles to appear. That’s your leak. Mark the spot and dry the area thoroughly.

2. Prep the Repair Zone

• Lightly sand the area around the leak using 150–200 grit sandpaper. This helps the patch stick better.

• Wipe it clean with rubbing alcohol to remove any dust, grease, or residue.

Tip: Mask around the area with tape to keep glue off the rest of the board for a cleaner look.

3. Cut and Fit Your Patch

Use the patch from your repair kit (or cut it smaller for a cleaner look). Trace the outline on the board using your pencil so you know where to apply the adhesive.

4. Apply Contact Cement

• Apply a liberal amount of glue to both the back of the patch and the area on the board.

• Let it sit just long enough to become tacky—about 15–30 seconds for the repair kit glue, or up to 3 minutes for HH-66.

• Don’t let it dry completely!

5. Press and Clamp

• Press the patch down firmly using your fingers or a wooden paint stick. Work out all air bubbles and ensure full contact.

• Wipe away any excess glue that squeezes out.

For the best bond, clamp the patch down using a block of wood and a C-clamp (or any clamp you’ve got). If you’ve got foam or traction pad scraps, even better for padding!

6. Let It Cure

Leave the patch clamped for at least 24–48 hours before inflating or using the board. The longer the cure time, the better the bond.

Done Right, Your Repair Should Last for Years

Hydrus iSUPs are built tough, but sometimes the water calls louder than a nail in a dock or really sharp rock can resist. Good news is, they’re just as easy to repair as they are to paddle.   *most damage seems to happen in some way during transporting the board.  -like rubbing on something rough for a long trip. 

Need a replacement patch or more glue? Just reach out—we’re happy to help: crew@hydrusboardtech.com

💡 Pro Tip

If you plan to do more frequent maintenance or like having a dialed-in setup, pick up some HH-66 vinyl cement—it’s our go-to for repairs in the shop.