O’Shea SUP Zone

Setting Up & Inflating Your iSUP

Use an O’Shea pump to inflate your board, or a similar pump for low pressure inflatables. These types of pumps should have a hose and adapters to fit the H3 valve on this product.

Choose a smooth and clean surface to unfold your product.

1/ Before inflating, affix the fin to the fitting on the bottom of the board. To do so, slide the fin into the groove and tighten the fin screw into the plate.

2/ Your board is equipped with a high pressure H3 valve. To inflate, open the valve cap by turning it anti clockwise. Check and make sure the spring loaded pin is not depressed and is locked in the the up / open positions.
To attach the pump hose to the high pressure valve, use the appropriate nozzle and fittings which are supplied with the high pressure pump. Push the pump hose to the high pressure valve and turn clockwise to lock it. Inflate until you reach the required pressure (see 3). After inflation, disconnect the hose from the valve and close the valve with the cap. Note that the valve won’t be airtight until the valve is closed with the valve cap.

3/ Max Air Pressure: The correct air pressure for this board is 10 to 15 psi. Do not exceed it. Check the pressure of the board on the pumps pressure gauge.

NEVER INFLATE WITH A COMPRESSOR.

Pumping Tips

Make sure the pump is on level ground and the board has been unrolled on ground where there are no sharp or abrasive objects and that the hose is attached securely to the valve on your pump. If not secure, air will escape whilst you pump, wasting your energy!

The valve on the board should be in the up position before you insert and connect the hose from the pump. You are now ready to start pumping.

Stand on the foot plate either side of the pump and starting pumping. Use the full cylinder height of the pump and the air should flow into your iSUP easily at first. As pumping gets more difficult as the pressure rises in your iSUP, keep your arms straight and position your body weight over the pump, so that you can use your legs more, which should make the process much less tiring. You will notice that as pumping gets harder, it is best then not to use the full cylinder height, instead do shorter pumps.

The board should be pumped up to approximately 15psi.

If using the HP5 pump start pumping with the dial set to “1”. As pumping gets harder, move the dial to “2”. For the final pumps to get to the required air pressure, use the setting number “3”.

Store your pump in a clean and dry environment.

After Use Care & Storage

AFTER USE CARE: Rinse your board with fresh water immediately after use. Ensure the board is dry before rolling up loosely and storing it in a dry environment. If deflating your board, push the valve pin down carefully.

LONGER TERM STORAGE: If storing inflated, reduce psi to approx 10psi or less.  Ideally store in a cool dry environment.

If storing deflated, loosely roll up the board, first ensuring it is clean and dry. The SUP can be stored in your back pack (ensure bag is clean and dry).

Paddling Tips

Stand across the centre of the board, about a shoulder width apart.

Firstly, you will need to hold your paddle, so keep one hand on the T-grip of the shaft and the other below, in a comfortable position. These hands will swap, depending on which side of the board you are paddling.

To paddle forwards, simply do the natural stroke whereby you move the paddle forwards over the water at arms length and then pull the blade back through the water, which should get your iSUP moving forwards. Keep the motion smooth and natural. Wait a few seconds before the next paddle stroke and continue. It is always best to try and keep the paddle as vertical as possible when paddling forwards. Alternate strokes with the other side of the board, after 3 or 4 strokes, to keep the board moving in approximately a straight course.

Think of the hand on the T-grip as the one generating the power.

Right, you have mastered going forwards, now let’s look at changing direction and to do this you will need to use the reverse stroke.

This time, reach behind you by twisting your body and perform a backwards paddle. You will soon see the effect on the nose of the board, which will start turning quite quickly.

With practice you’ll soon be paddling like a pro…

Repairs

If in the unlikely event you encounter a problem with your iSUP, firstly contact the authorised retailer where you purchased it, who should be able to advise you on the best course of action BEFORE you attempt a repair. We are also always on hand to advise, so use the contact details found at the bottom of every page to get in touch.

Before carrying out any repair with an O’Shea repair kit, on your board, we recommend that you contact us for advice at [email protected]

Safety

Beware of offshore winds or currents!

Always wear a buoyancy aid.

Always wear a leash.

Get informed on local regulations and hazards related to this sport or water activities.

Learn about your paddling area. Ask locals about tides and currents.

Before using the product, please check it carefully.

Be careful that you do not over estimate your strength, your endurance or your skill.

Be careful never to underestimate the forces of nature.

Do not exceed the authorised number of persons.

Avoid all contact between the outer skin and sharp objects or aggressive liquids (such as acid).

Have Fun, Stay Safe, Keep Fit.