What type of hardware is used?
The hardware to secure the fin in place is a special ¾” long thumb screw that is regularly used for single fin surfboards or hard SUPs. The square plate (or the nut) that the screws goes into measures ½” x ½”. When you buy a MISSION iSUP we always include an extra set of hardware – just in case you lose one. If you find yourself needing more (say you lost both of them!?!) you can purchase a replacement set of hardware here.
Can I use my iSUP in saltwater?
Yes, made with 1000D nylon – the same material used in our popular REEF inflatable water mats - MISSION iSUPs can be used on the lake, river, or ocean. However, it is important to understand that there is a big difference when it comes to ocean paddleboarding and flatwater paddleboarding.
The ocean can be extremely unpredictable, rough, and mysterious, while a lake is always predictable and usually keeps calm throughout the day. Educate yourself on the proper ways to enter ocean waters, paddling techniques, and ocean paddleboarding safety.
Also, like any towable or floatable water gear you use in saltwater or the ocean, make sure to rinse with fresh water thoroughly and dry after each use.
What type of valve is used on MISSION iSUPs?
MISSION iSUPs and REEF inflatable water mats are all designed with a high-end Halkey-Roberts valve. Often referred to as a “HR valve,” these one-way check valve are common among high-pressured inflatables. These valves make the inflation of high-pressure inflatables easy because it does not let the air out while pumping. When deflating the valve can be opened to release air.
Halkey-Roberts valves have a pushpin (spring) inside the middle part of the valve. This pushpin has two positions:
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Up Position – Inflation:You inflate MISSION iSUPs when the pushpin is in the up position. In the up position, air will not escape the valve, but the valve will let you pump air into it. Simply hook a pump into the valve and inflate your iSUP. Once you are finished inflating, simply disconnect the pump, and the air will not escape with the pushpin in the up position.
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Down Position – Deflation:You deflate MISSION iSUPs when the pushpin is in the down position. In the down position, the valve will open entirely and let the air escape rapidly. This position should only be used for deflating your iSUPs, even though you can still pump air into it in this position. TIP: Even though air escapes quickly in the down position, having a pump with a deflation feature will suck out all of the air in no time. Check out all of our pump options here.