How Do You Deflate a Paddle Board?

To deflate a paddle board, open the air valve to let the pressure out, then roll the board tightly from the far end toward the valve to push out the rest. An electric pump set to deflate pulls out the last of the air so the board packs down small.

Start by finding the valve, usually near the tail. NIXY boards use a Halkey-Roberts valve. Press the center pin down and give it a quarter turn so it locks in the open position. The board will hiss and go soft on its own.

Once the loud rush of air stops, most of the pressure is gone but not all of it. Fold the board in from the sides, then roll it firmly from the nose toward the valve like a sleeping bag. Rolling toward the open valve pushes the trapped air out ahead of the roll. Kneel on it as you go if you want it tighter.

For the cleanest pack-down, connect an electric pump set to deflate and let it draw out the remaining air. A pump-assisted deflate gets the board flatter than hand-rolling alone, which matters when you are fitting it back into a travel backpack.

One habit worth keeping: let the board dry before you roll it away for storage. Trapped moisture is what leads to mildew and funky smells over a long winter. A quick towel-off and a few minutes in the shade is all it takes.

The easy way to inflate and deflate

The NIXY Ventus Electric Pump ($79) handles both ends of the day. It inflates to your set PSI on its own, and its deflate function pulls the air back out so the board packs flat and small. Ships with seven nozzle attachments for boards, kayaks, and other inflatables.

Frequently asked questions

Should I deflate my paddle board after every use?

Not necessarily. If you paddle again within a day or two and have safe storage, you can leave it inflated at a slightly lower PSI. For travel, long storage, or tight space, deflate and roll it.

Do I roll toward the valve or away from it?

Toward the open valve. Rolling from the far end pushes the last of the air out through the valve instead of trapping it inside.

Can I deflate a paddle board with an electric pump?

Yes. A pump with a deflate mode, like the NIXY Ventus, draws the remaining air out and gets the board flatter than rolling by hand.

Should the board be dry before I roll it up?

Yes. Towel it off and let it dry in the shade before storage so moisture does not get sealed in and cause mildew.