Frequently Asked Questions
Welcome to the ITAOSTAR Help Center. Below you will find answers to common questions regarding our inflatable paddle boards, pumps, paddles, and general maintenance
.If you cannot find the answer to your question here, please refer to the detailed instruction manual included with your board or contact our support team atmailto:team@itaostar.com. We are always here to help!
🎈 Pump & Gauge
Q: My gauge is not reading any pressure. Is it broken?
Q: My gauge is not reading any pressure. Is it broken?
A: Not necessarily. The gauge requires a few minutes of pumping before the needle begins to move. The smallest unit is 1 PSI. The gauge will only start showing a reading once the board is fully shaped and becomes firm.
Test:To verify the gauge is working, remove the hose from the pump, cover the air outlet completely with your hand, and perform one stroke. If the pointer moves, the gauge is functional.
Q: How can I shorten the pump time? Why is it so hard to pump?
Q: How can I shorten the pump time? Why is it so hard to pump?
A:Our pumps feature a dual-action mode (inflating on both push and pull strokes) to speed up the process. Use this mode until the board becomes firm. Once it becomes difficult to push, switch tosingle-action mode(inflating only on the push stroke). This requires less force, though it takes slightly longer.
Note:Reaching the recommended 12-15 PSI typically takes 8-15 minutes.
Q: The hose is leaking air when I pump
Q: The hose is leaking air when I pump
A:This is usually due to the hose not being threaded correctly into the port. Ensure it is screwed in tightly and check for cross-threading. If the hose itself has holes or cracks, please contact us for a replacement.
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Q: Why is there a loud noise or does the pump feel "stuck"?
Q: Why is there a loud noise or does the pump feel "stuck"?
- A:Over time, the lubricant inside the pump cylinder may wear out. You can resolve this by applying white lithium grease or silicone grease to the pump gasket inside the cylinder. Please refer to the repair chapter in your manual for detailed instructions.
🔌 Valve Issues
Q: When I removed the hose after inflating, the air came rushing out!
Q: When I removed the hose after inflating, the air came rushing out!
- A: This happens if the internal valve pin is in the "down" position.
- Push down the center pin and rotate it about 90 degrees.
- Release the pin so it pops back up to the "up" position.
In the "up" position, air can be pumped in but will not escape. If air still rushes out after adjusting the pin, the valve may need tightening or replacement (see repair instructions).
Q: There is an air leak around the valve base. What should I do?
Q: There is an air leak around the valve base. What should I do?
- A:This is a common issue that is easily fixed. Over time, or after long storage, the valve glue may loosen slightly. Use the specificvalve wrenchprovided in your repair kit to tighten the valve clockwise.
Warning: Do not use the valve wrench to deflate the board.of the model you are interested in.
Q: What is the wrench in the repair kit for?
Q: What is the wrench in the repair kit for?
- A:The valve wrench is strictly designed to tighten the valve base if you detect an air leak around the valve area.
🛶 Paddle Assembly
Q: Will my paddle float if I drop it in the water?
Q: Will my paddle float if I drop it in the water?
- A: Yes, the paddle is designed to float when fully assembled. However, if left in the water for a long time, it may become waterlogged and eventually sink. We recommend retrieving it within 30 minutes. Note that the middle shaft alone (disassembled) will sink quickly.
Q: The alignment pin won't pop out between the shafts.
Q: The alignment pin won't pop out between the shafts.
- A: Ensure the holes on the shafts are perfectly aligned. Rotate the shaft visually to line them up and clean any sand or debris from the holes. Inside the middle shaft, a metal spring pushes the pin out; ensure this spring hasn't lost tension due to corrosion.
Q: The tension lever is too tight to close.
Q: The tension lever is too tight to close.
- A: Do not force it, as this can damage the lever.
- Pull the handle shaft slightly out of the middle shaft.
- Lift the tension lever and rotate it counter-clockwise to loosen it.
- There should be a small gap between the clamp plastic and the shaft when open.
Important: Ensure the handle shaft is not fully inserted into the middle shaft while turning the lever.
🏄 Board Care & General Info
Q: Can I check my board as luggage on an airplane?
Q: Can I check my board as luggage on an airplane?
- A: Yes, most airlines allow inflatable paddle boards to be checked as luggage. However, we strongly recommend checking your specific airline's baggage size and weight requirements beforehand.
Q: Can I transport my board while inflated on top of my car?
Q: Can I transport my board while inflated on top of my car?
- A: Wedo not recommendthis. While some users do it with approved vehicle racks and straps, the risk of damage to the board or danger to other drivers is too high. It is safest to transport the board deflated in its bag.
Q: My board seems to be losing air. How do I find the leak?
Q: My board seems to be losing air. How do I find the leak?
- A: Boards naturally lose a small amount of pressure due to temperature changes (cool air contracts). However, if the weather is stable and the board is going soft, there may be a leak.
The Soap Test:Inflate the board to at least 10 PSI. Mix dish soap with water and brush/spray it over the board, focusing on the valve area, rails, and seams. Look for bubbles forming, which indicate the leak source. Small punctures can usually be fixed with the included repair patch.
Q: There is a bump on the underside of my board underneath the valve.
Q: There is a bump on the underside of my board underneath the valve.
- A: Do not worry, this is normal and does not affect performance. Because the internal drop-stitch strings are cut in that specific area to accommodate the valve installation, a small material bump may appear when inflated.
Q:The fin box is bent or the fin won't fit into the fin box.
Q:The fin box is bent or the fin won't fit into the fin box.
- A:This can happen during shipping.
- Check for sand or debris in the track and remove it.
- Inflate the board to at least 10 PSI to straighten the material.
- Try to push the fin in with firm force (if no debris is present).
- If it is still stuck, use a hairdryer to heat the fin box area gently to soften the material, insert the fin, and leave it in for a few hours to reset the mold.
