SUP Pump: Manual or Electric which is best?
Whether you’re new to stand up paddleboarding or have been paddling for years you’ll know that pumping up inflatable paddle boards is hard work. We have been paddling on the water for years now and have learnt the hard way how much a reliable pump can change your SUP experience. Let’s dive into the world of SUP pumps and find the perfect one for you, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned paddler.
The Role of a Good SUP Pump
We have all been there, shown up at the water’s edge only to struggle with back breaking slow pumps, exhausted and out of breath by the time the board is fully inflated. It is the worst part of the paddle board experience and why a good SUP Pump is essential.
I still remember it well, especially as Kay struggled to pump up her board after an operation so muggings here had to pump up two boards every time. It used to feel like I spent more time pumping up and then deflating and packing the boards away than paddling back then.
A top quality pump will ensure you spend less time huffing and puffing on land and more time out on the water enjoying your whole paddle boarding experience. A good pump isn’t just about getting your board to the right pressure. It also makes your whole experience much more leisurely and enjoyable, board inflation and deflation times are quicker and your paddleboarding life so much easier!
Let’s make those back breaking pumping sessions a thing of the past and explore the different options available.
Types of SUP Pumps: What’s Available?
When it comes to SUP pumps, there are several options, each with its pros and cons. Let’s break them down:
Manual Pumps
These are the classic SUP pumps that come with many inflatable boards. You’ll often find them in three varieties:
- Single-Action Pumps: These pump air only on the downstroke.
- Double-Action Pumps: These work on both the upstroke and the downstroke, which makes the inflation process faster.
- Triple-Action Pumps: These have a selectable dial on the front for different phases of inflating the paddle board.
- Phase 1 Double Action (Both up and down stroke)
- Phase 2 Single stroke but with high air volume
- Phase 3 Single stroke smaller volume of air which makes achieving the high required board pressures less difficult.
I like to think of Treble-Action Pumps a little like gears on a bike which makes inflating much quicker and easier than a simple Single-Action Pump. As you climb steep hills on a bike you change gear to make pedaling easier and similarly with a triple action pump as the pressure increases and pump becomes too difficult to press you change to the next pump phase.
Single action pumps can be hard work, especially when the sun is beating down on you and all you want to do is get on the water!
Double-action pumps are a little more versatile and efficient, but they can also be a bit of a workout, especially if your board has a large volume and high target pressure.
For high pressure boards like the ones we use regularly we need pressures of 18-20 PSI and a Triple-Action pump is the way to go.
You will also find that most manual pumps can deflate by putting the inflation tube on the other side of the handle where it will actually suck air out of the board. This is so useful in getting the last small amounts of air out when deflating boards especially if you are trying to roll them up to get them back into tight bags for transport or storage.
One thing on deflation, I think it is pretty obvious but you would be amazed how many times I have seen people trying to deflate a board full of air with a pump. The valves on most boards will usually lock in the open position by rotating them clockwise as you push them in. Let the air exhaust then roll it up pressing on the board as you go to get the air out. Once rolled press the valve rotating in an anticlockwise direction to shut the valve off.
Then simply unroll your board and hook up a pump if required to get the last small pockets of air out so it will easily fit in its bag.
This brings us onto what we use 90% of the time and regret not investing in one sooner, an electric pump!
Electric SUP Pumps
Electric pumps are a lifesaver if you’re someone who paddles often or just doesn’t want to break a sweat before getting on the water. They hook up to your car battery via the cigarette lighter, or have their own internal battery and automatically inflate your board to the desired PSI. No more back breaking manual labor!
Our first electric pump was a game changer for us but they are not without their issues.
Before you purchase an electric pump there are a few things to consider.
- Where are you inflating your board? The biggest issue with electric pumps is that they are noisy! You don’t want to be rocking up to a destination for a sunrise paddle close to houses or areas where people maybe sleeping! They will not be happy being woken up by the drone of your pump so please consider location and other people when using electric pumps.
- How far is the water from the car? If you have to walk a mile to the waters edge do you really want to be carrying an inflated paddleboard maybe hopping over fences or opening and closing gates. Believe me it is not fun and much easier to inflate by the water’s edge. It can also be a pain if you park at a busy car park where you can’t get the paddleboard next to the car. We have been there, you take an electric pump only to find out the lead is not long enough to reach the cigarette lighter, Doh!
- Use branded good quality Paddleboard pumps not vehicle tyre inflators or other types of pumps. These are specially designed to reach the maximum PSI of paddle boards and they regulate the flow of air in so they don’t damage the SUP. Car tyre pressures are much higher and using a tyre inflator could damage your board so be warned. Don’t be tempted by cheap versions from a well known supermarket, we have tested these and they suck! It took 14 mins to inflate one of our boards and the plug was so hot it began to melt! I am not saying that all cheap versions are the same but please do your research!
This brings us onto the type of electric pump we use and that is one with its own internal battery. Granted they are not cheap and not lightweight but the flexibility of being to carry the pump away from a vehicle and pump up your board is brilliant. Our pump will do 2 touring boards on a single charge. The specification says three and would probably do three shorter allround boards but for us it’s perfect. At the end of a session there is plenty of juice left to aid deflation for packing the SUPs away.
The good thing about an electrical pump with a battery bank is that it can be used just like a standard type plugged into the cigarette lighter. So if you are in a situation where the battery is flat there is an alternative.
I will say though the electric pump we use does take around 8 hours to fully charge so you need to do it the night before. Also it takes a lot of power and although it will work without your vehicle engine running on my car there is a massive difference with and without and we really need the engine running to get the full power of the pump.
You can read our full review of the electric paddleboard pump we use here Outdoor Master Shark 3
Choosing the Right Pump for You
The right type of pump can vary depending on your specific needs and there really is no one type fits all. We personally would not be without our electric pump but we always have a triple action manual pump with us. If you paddleboard regularly our advice is get a decent manual and electric pump to cover all your bases as there will definitely be times you will need.
Here are some factors to consider:
Board Size and Volume
If you have a large or high-volume SUP, a manual pump will require more time and effort, which could make an electric pump a better option. Boards designed for multiple people or longer adventures (like touring boards) tend to need more air, which translates to more work with a manual pump. Trust me, after upgrading to a larger touring board, I quickly realised my arms weren’t up for the challenge anymore and only use a manual pump as a last resort.
Frequency of Use
If you’re a weekend warrior, an electric pump can save you a ton of time and energy, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your paddle and less time prepping for it. However, if you only take your board out occasionally, a solid manual pump can still do the trick without breaking the bank.
Fitness Level
Manual pumping does require some physical effort, so if you’re not feeling up to a pre-paddle workout, you may prefer the ease of an electric pump. That said, manual pumping can be a great warm-up, especially for those looking to build a bit of upper body strength before hitting the water.
Type of paddle boarding
If you are into touring adventures like us traveling long distances on your boards you will need to take a manual pump with you. The last thing you need is to start losing air from your board and not be able to repair and inflate it. So if touring a manual pump is essential for those longer trips.
PSI Matters: Understanding Pressure
One of the most important things when inflating your SUP is getting the pressure just right. Each board has a recommended PSI (usually between 12-20 PSI), which impacts how your board performs on the water. If you under-inflate your board, it’ll feel sluggish and unstable. Over-inflating can cause unnecessary stress on the material and, in some cases, even lead to damage.
The Perfect PSI for Stability and Speed
For general paddling, sticking to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI is key. All of our boards fall somewhere in the range of between 12-20 PSI. Stick religiously to customer specification will ensure it performs on the water the way it was design and ensure it will stand the test of time for many years to come.
Checking and Maintaining the Correct PSI
Many electric pumps come with an automatic shut-off feature once your board hits the target PSI, which is great if you’re multitasking while inflating. For manual pumps, keep an eye on the gauge and check it periodically as you go.
Correct paddleboard pressure is very important and it is so easy to get tired and cut corners when manually pumping by say “oh it’s close enough”! For your safety please ensure you achieve the correct pressures. We also carry with us a manual plug in pressure gauge that allows us to keep our eye on board pressures while out on a trip. They are inexpensive and always worth having in your dry bag!
What do we use?
Please note this is not sponsored and the pump was purchased at full price with our own money!
Our manual pump is a JOBE Triple action SUP pump. It is a little big and cumbersome to take on long journeys but it has been very reliable and currently our goto manual pump.
We currently use the OutdoorMaster Shark 3 Rechargeable electric pump for 90% of the time inflating our paddleboards. It is not perfect by any means but it is a very good pump and one we wished we bought years ago. We will be doing a deep dive and review of this electric SUP pump in the coming weeks so keep a lookout.
With the Shark 3 we just get our boards inflated while changing into our paddleboard clothing, sipping coffee, or just relaxing by the shore.
Investing in the Right Pump will give you a better SUP Experience
In the end, investing in the right pump is about making your life easier and enhancing your overall paddle boarding experience. Whether you choose a Double or Triple action manual pump and enjoy the workout, or an electric SUP pump for the convenience, having a reliable pump is essential for getting out on the water quickly and stress free.
So, next time you’re heading out for a paddle, make sure your pump is just as ready as you are! A little planning goes a long way in keeping your SUP adventures smooth and enjoyable. Happy paddling!
About Us
SUP Funk was born from a shared passion for water, adventure and style with a desire to break away from the mundane. Founded by husband and wife duo (Nigel & Kiriaki), the brand is dedicated to creating bold, eye-catching, and functional high-quality clothing for the modern paddleboarder.
