FAQ
security
Read our safety tips before you head out on the water.
Stand-up paddleboarding can be enjoyed on many types of water, but the conditions affect how safe and comfortable your experience will be. Flat water, such as lakes or calm ponds, is ideal for beginners, allowing you to practice your balance and enjoy relaxed paddling sessions.Rivers can also be suitable, but you need to pay attention to currents and obstacles like branches or rocks. Start on gently flowing water and gradually build experience before attempting faster currents or rapids.The sea can also be suitable for stand-up paddleboarding, but it works best on calm water and small waves. Larger waves and stronger currents require more experience and careful technique. Begin in smaller conditions and learn how to control your board in moving water.Always check weather forecasts, tides, currents, and wind conditions before heading out. Stay within your skill level and comfort zone, and take the necessary safety precautions. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding safely on almost any type of water.Finally, always read the safety instructions in the supplied manual before starting your session.
The right clothing for stand-up paddleboarding plays an important role in both comfort and safety on the water. Always adapt your outfit to the weather conditions as well as the water temperature.
In colder water or during spring and autumn, it is wise to wear a wetsuit or thermal clothing. Many people underestimate the temperature of the water. Even on a sunny day, the water can still be cold, which may cause your body temperature to drop faster than expected. Wearing the proper insulation helps you stay warm and comfortable during your paddle boarding session.
On warm and sunny days, sun protection becomes essential. Choose a UV-protective shirt and wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Always apply sunscreen to shield your skin, especially during longer SUP sessions on open water.
If you are paddle boarding near rocky shorelines or in areas with shells or stones, water shoes provide extra grip and protect your feet when entering and exiting the water with your SUP board.
By selecting the right clothing for the conditions, you ensure a safe, comfortable and enjoyable Stand Up Paddle Boarding experience.
Whether a life jacket is mandatory depends on the type of water and local regulations. In any case, we recommend always wearing an appropriate flotation device, especially if you are paddleboarding on open water, the sea, or in areas with current.
For beginners, children, and paddlers with less swimming experience, wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended. It increases your safety and provides extra confidence on the water.
Preferably choose a comfortable, lightweight life jacket that allows sufficient freedom of movement while paddling
Yes, we always recommend wearing a leash while stand-up paddleboarding. A SUP leash is a safety cord that attaches your ankle to your board. If you fall into the water, your board will stay close to you. This is essential because your SUP board also functions as your primary flotation device. Without a leash, your board can quickly drift away, especially in wind or current.
Before heading out, always check that your leash is securely attached and shows no signs of wear or damage.
Always check the weather forecast before heading out on your SUP board. Weather conditions have a major impact on your stand up paddle boarding experience and overall safety.
Wind is especially important. Offshore wind (wind blowing away from the shore) can be dangerous, as it can quickly carry you farther out to sea or away from the riverbank. Therefore, always check not only the wind speed, but also the wind direction before you go paddle boarding.
In addition, take currents into account when paddling on rivers or the ocean. Coastal areas can also be affected by tides, and sudden weather changes such as thunderstorms can rapidly alter water conditions. These factors can significantly influence your safety while using your paddle board.
If you are a beginner, choose calm water and low wind conditions for your SUP session. Stay within your skill level and return to shore in time if the weather or water conditions change.
Being well prepared before you head out on your stand up paddle board ensures a safe, relaxed and enjoyable SUP experience.
It is strongly recommended to bring your phone when going stand-up paddleboarding, especially if you are heading out alone or planning a longer session on the water. Always store your phone in a waterproof case and secure it properly to your bag or under the bungee cords on your stand-up paddleboard. This prevents you from losing it if you fall into the water.
Having your phone with you allows you to quickly call for help, share your live location, or check weather updates if conditions change. In our webshop, you will find waterproof phone cases and dry bags specifically designed for use during stand-up paddleboarding, keeping your valuables safe and dry.
Before heading out, make sure you are familiar with local emergency numbers and water safety procedures. If possible, share your location with someone on shore using a GPS app or smartwatch. In case of injury or an accident, remain calm and stay with your stand-up paddleboard, as it serves as a flotation device. Signal for help immediately if needed.
Being well prepared before you go stand-up paddleboarding significantly increases your safety and the safety of others on the water.
Stand-up paddleboarding is a fun activity for the whole family, as long as safety comes first. Always supervise children on the water and make sure they wear an appropriately sized life jacket. Start on calm, flat water, keep distances short, and teach them how to hold on properly to the board. Keep a close eye on them at all times.
You can also safely stand-up paddleboard with dogs, as long as you consider weight, balance, and comfort. Make sure the combined weight of you and your dog does not exceed the board’s maximum load capacity. For extra grip and comfort, a dog pad can be used — in our webshop you’ll find suitable models. Let your dog get used to the board gradually and, ideally, use a life jacket, especially in deeper water or strong currents. Provide plenty of water and take regular breaks to prevent overheating.
By following these precautions, you can enjoy stand-up paddleboarding safely with both children and pets.
If you are new to stand-up paddleboarding, it is safer not to head out alone. Always inform someone where you are going and what time you expect to return. This ensures that help can be arranged quickly if necessary. Start with shorter distances and gradually build up your endurance and confidence on your stand-up paddleboard.
A smart strategy is to paddle against the wind at the beginning of your session and return with a tailwind. This helps you manage your energy efficiently and ensures you have enough strength left to return safely to shore. Always stay within your limits and leave sufficient energy for the way back.
While stand-up paddleboarding, be mindful of other water users such as boats, swimmers and fellow SUP riders. Keep to the right whenever possible and follow local navigation rules. Avoid busy shipping channels and high-traffic waterways, especially as a beginner.
It is also important never to go stand-up paddleboarding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol negatively affects your reaction time, balance and judgment, which can create dangerous situations on the water.
By staying alert, respecting others and preparing properly, you ensure a safe and enjoyable stand-up paddleboarding experience.
Before heading out on the water, it’s wise to read the manual of your stand-up paddleboard. It contains useful information on safe use, maintenance, the correct air pressure (PSI), load capacity, and accessories. Following the guidelines helps you get the most out of your SUP while staying safe on the water.
advice, tips and information
All you need to know about an inflatable SUP board
On the water, you’ll hardly notice any difference between a well-inflated inflatable sup board and a hardboard.
Inflatable sup boards offer many practical advantages over hardboards. They can be easily deflated, rolled up, and stored compactly, making transport and storage simple. This makes them ideal for recreational use, vacations, or anyone who doesn’t live permanently near the water. In addition, they are often more affordable and, thanks to their flexible construction, more resistant to scratches and dents.
With regular maintenance, your inflatable sup board will stay in good condition for longer. Rinse it with fresh water after each use, protect it from direct sunlight, and store it in a cool, dry place. Boards made with Fusion technology are especially durable thanks to their fused PVC layers and drop-stitch construction. This makes them more resistant to wear and bending, helping the board maintain its stiffness and ensuring a longer lifespan.
With fusion technology, two layers of high-quality PVC are directly fused togetherwithout the use of glue. This creates a stronger and more durable board that is lighter than traditional double-layer SUPs.
Because no glue is used, the board is not only lighter, but the production process is also more environmentally friendly. The combination of double PVC layers with drop-stitch material provides extra stiffness and resistance to bending, resulting in better performance on the water and a longer lifespan.
The maximum weight a stand-up paddleboarding board can support depends on the type and size of the board. In general, the wider and longer the board, the more weight it can carry.
Inflatable SUP boards often have a slightly higher weight capacity than comparable hardboards, as they are flexible and distribute weight evenly on the water.
Keep in mind that the maximum weight includes both the paddler and any additional items such as a bag, water bottle, or life jacket. Exceeding this weight can make the board less stable and less maneuverable.
It’s recommended to choose a board with a slightly higher weight capacity than your own weight plus any gear, ensuring a safer and more comfortable stand-up paddleboarding experience.
Our SUP board packages include all essential accessories to get you on the water right away: a universal US fin, adjustable paddle, leash, pump, backpack, repair kit, and manual. This ensures you have everything you need for a safe and comfortable stand-up paddleboarding experience.
In addition, our webshop offers useful extras such as dry bags, waterproof phone cases, dog pads, and other accessories to make your SUP adventures even more enjoyable.
Choosing the right stand-up paddleboarding board depends on your weight, experience, and the type of water you plan to paddle on.
If you are just starting out, a wider and more stable board is the best choice. These boards provide extra balance and confidence on the water, making it easier to master your technique and enjoy your first trips.
If you have more experience or want to paddle faster, a narrower or touring board is ideal. These boards are designed for more efficient paddling and higher speed, allowing you to cover longer distances with less effort.
For relaxed trips or SUP yoga, a long, stable allround board is perfect. These boards combine comfort and stability, making them suitable for calm excursions as well as exercises on the water.
Check the specifications of each MOAI board for weight capacity and recommended use to ensure you choose the board that best fits your needs.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at info@moaithebrand.com or call +31 316-700233.
Important information about your SUP board
All you need to know about preparing your SUP
Although we take every measure during production and packaging to ensure your SUP meets the highest quality standards, the additional protective rail is applied entirely by hand. As a result, small bubbles may occasionally appear under the rail.
This is a natural feature of the handcrafting process and does not affect the quality or performance of your board.
The air bubble at the back of your SUP is completely normal and occurs during the manufacturing process when the valve is installed. To give the valve enough space, the drop-stitch threads in this area are removed, creating the bubble.
This has no effect on the performance of your SUP and is a completely natural part of the design of inflatable SUP boards.
If your valve is letting air escape, this usually means it hasn’t been fully tightened. This is not a defect or leak, but a normal maintenance point for an inflatable SUP board. Use the supplied valve key to securely tighten the valve, and make sure the board is completely deflated before doing so. Check the valve before your first use and retighten it a few times during the season to maintain optimal airtightness.
At the end of the season, before storing your SUP, remove the valve using the key and clean the edges of any dirt or sand. Make sure the internal basket inside the board stays in place, as it can be tricky to reposition if removed. After cleaning, securely screw the valve back into place.
Following these steps ensures your board remains airtight and performs optimally throughout the season.
Inflating your MOAI stand-up paddleboard is easy, but the correct air pressure determines how stable, light, and responsive your board will be on the water. PSI stands for pounds per square inch and indicates how much pressure your SUP can handle. The higher the PSI, the firmer and stiffer the board, allowing you to glide more efficiently through the water.
You can inflate your board with either a manual hand pump or an electric pump. A hand pump is lightweight, portable, and easy to take with you. It gives you full control over the inflation, but it takes more time and effort, especially for longer boards or higher PSI.
An electric pump is faster and effortless, making it ideal if you paddle regularly, need to inflate multiple boards, or want to get on the water quickly. Electric pumps also often allow you to reach a higher PSI, making your board extra stiff and stable. When using an electric pump, always monitor the battery or power supply and check the pressure regularly.
The ideal PSI depends on your weight, height, experience, and the type of board. Always refer to the manual of your specific model for the recommended pressure to ensure your board maintains its shape and performs safely on the water.
The pressure meter on your hand pump only starts showing a reading from around 6–7 PSI, because a minimum back pressure is needed before the meter can measure accurately. This is completely normal.
Depending on the type of SUP, the maximum pressure usually ranges between 15 and 18 PSI, so it’s normal for the meter to show no value at the very start of the inflation process
maintenance and storage
Tips for cleaning, storing, and repairing your SUP
It’s normal for the air pressure in your board to decrease slightly over time, especially with temperature changes. Simply top up your board before paddling.
It’s best not to leave your SUP board in direct sunlight, as heat causes the air to expand and can increase pressure too much, potentially damaging seams or the material. Store your board in the shade or in a cool, dry place.
For storage, we recommend keeping the board inflated to 60–70% of the maximum pressure. If needed, partially deflate the board to maintain its condition.
Can I leave my SUP board in the sun?
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can increase the air pressure inside your board and put stress on the seams, which may lead to deformation or damage. Always store your SUP board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can increase the air pressure inside your board and put stress on the seams, which may lead to deformation or damage. Always store your SUP board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
After each use, rinse your SUP board with fresh water and, if needed, a mild soap to remove sand, salt, and dirt. Remove the fins first so you can also clean the fin box properly. Use a soft cloth to gently remove any stubborn dirt, and make sure the board is completely dry before storing it.
Avoid harsh cleaning products, as they can damage the material and affect the longevity of your board.
Roll your SUP board loosely and evenly; rolling it too tightly can damage the PVC layers. Store your inflatable SUP board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and avoid extreme temperatures.
Make sure the board is completely dry before rolling it up to prevent mold and odors. For long-term storage, it’s best to keep your SUP board in the included storage bag. This helps maintain the board in optimal condition and ready for use.
Small scratches or surface marks are normal and do not affect the air tightness or performance of your board. However, any hole or crack should be repaired promptly to prevent air leakage and ensure safe use.
Use the included repair kit and make sure your board is clean, dry, and fully deflated. Cut a round patch slightly larger than the damaged area so it fully covers the hole or rip.
Apply a thin layer of glue to both the patch and the damaged spot. Let it dry briefly, then carefully press the patch onto the board, ensuring there are no air bubbles.
Allow the repair to dry for 24 hours before inflating your board. Always check that the board is fully airtight before heading back out on the water.
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If you do not find the answer to your question in our FAQ, you can send us a message by filling out the form below or contact us:
MOAI
Hengelder 32-34
6902 PA, Zevenaar
The Netherlands
+31 (0)85 1305 302




