Most Stand Up Paddle Boards (SUPs) available in the market today come with a manual pump. While some SUP users have no problem using manual pumps, others do not prefer this option. The manual pumps require the use of a lot of energy and time to fill up the SUP boards with the required pressure to make them hard enough. Also, the user does not know exactly when he/she reaches the recommended PSI for their board; hence the need for SUP electric pumps.
What is a SUP electric pump?
A SUP electric pump uses electricity to generate air pressure to inflate a SUP board. These pumps are becoming more and more popular because they inflate paddle boards in a shorter time compared to their manual counterparts. The user just has to connect the SUP electric pump to their car (or battery) and to the paddle board, set the required PSI and the pump does the rest.
Depending on the brand of pump one is using, it may take anywhere from 8-15 minutes to fully inflate the SUP. Most SUP electric pumps automatically stop inflating the board when they reach the set PSI value. For most pumps the range is between 15-20 PSI.
Different SUP electric Pumps
There are many brands and manufacturers of SUP electric pumps available in the market today. While some of these have been around for ages, others are new to the industry. Here are a few brands:
Earth River SUP – ERS 12VDC + GO Electric Pump
The company has been around for a while and has built itself a reputation for providing great inflatable boards. It also has a nice selection of SUP electric pumps, the most reputable of which is the 2-stage ERS 12DVC + GO Battery pump. The pump comes with both a car lighter connector and a GO battery. The battery can inflate 6-b boards when fully charged.
Sevylor – SUP Electric Pump
Sevylor has been in the market since the 1940 making SUP boards and accessories. The Sevylor SUP pump is one of the most affordable in the market. However, do not let its relatively cheap price throw you off. It is also one of the quickest pumps available. It’s a single-stage pump, with a max PSI of 15 and a power requirement of 12V.
Airephant
Airephant is at the forefront of producing SUP electric pumps for the current market. Having previously been a professional pump making factory, the company has the facilities and qualified workers to produce some of the best pumps available today.
Airephant electric pumps are very fast; while most of those available in the market can take about 10-15 minutes to inflate a SUP, Airephant sup pump only takes about 8 minutes. The pumps are also multi-functional and can be used to inflate beds, rafts, tires, lighting, and SUPs. On top of this, the pump has low noise compared to others in the market.
How to choose a SUP electric pump?
Like anything else that requires us to part with our hard-earned money, it is important to know what to look for when choosing an electric pump for a SUP.
Single function or multi-function?
Single-function electric pumps are only capable of inflating SUP boards. These are an option for users that do not need any other features on their pumps.
Multi-function SUP electric pumps offer users the ability to not only inflate, but also deflate their SUPs. On top of this, they can be used to quickly inflate or deflate other things like balls, air beds and mattresses, tires, lighting, boats and iSUP boards. A good option is the Airephant SUP electric pump.
Auto-stop
When looking for a SUP electric pump, you should check to make sure that the pump has an auto-stop/pause capability. This is very useful since the pump will stop inflating the paddle when the set PSI value is reached. Remember, over-inflating your SUP can damage it!
Noise
A good SUP pump should have low noise. High noise pumps can quickly become a nuisance to you and others, especially at the beach.
Speed
Speed is important because it saves time. While other pumps can take up to 15 minutes to inflate your paddle board, others can do it in only 8 minutes. The faster you are able to fill your SUP; the more time you will spend on it. After all, is this not the reason for the SUP electric pump?
Appearance
The aesthetics of your SUP electric pump matter, especially if you’ll be using it in areas with many people. Make sure you choose a pump the does not only provide functionality, but also is beautiful.
Durability
It is important that you find a brand of SUP electric pumps that has a track record of providing both the best and durable pumps; otherwise, you will go back to the shop a lot sooner that you planned.
Conclusion
A SUP electric pump makes it easier and faster to inflate your SUP. It not only saves you time, but you will not have to expend unnecessary energy to manually inflate your board. And the best part is that with the auto-stop/pause function, you can be sure that you do not over-inflate and damage your SUP board.
You might even choose to get a multi-functional electric pump if you would like use it to inflate and deflate other items. Just ensure that the recommended PSI values fall within the rage of the pump you are looking to purchase.
Make sure that you take special note of the above factors if you are looking to choose a SUP electric pump that will not only give you the best services, but also a bang for your buck!