How do I inflate a stand up paddle board with an electric pump without overfilling it?

Check the number printed near your valve or in the manual and set your pump to that PSI. Most all‑around SUPs are happy around 12 to 15 PSI, but never go over the board's max. Make sure the valve pin on the board is popped up so it is closed, then thread the hose on snugly. Start the pump and let it run through its high volume then high pressure stages. If your pump has auto shutoff, it will stop at the target. If it does not, watch the gauge and stop at the number. A quick press test near the tail should feel very firm with only slight thumb give at the correct pressure.

If you want a set it and forget it option, OutdoorMaster Shark 3 lets you dial a target PSI and it shuts off automatically, and it reaches 20 PSI. That takes the guesswork out so you do not risk overfilling. It can be a little loud in the second stage, but the auto stop makes inflation easy and safe.

Set your pump to the pressure your board calls for and... it is usually printed by the valve or in the manual. Most all around boards are happy around 12 to 15 PSI, never go over the max. Make sure the valve pin is up so the valve is closed, then thread the hose on snugly. Start the pump and let it run. It will blow fast at first then switch to a higher pressure mode as it nears the target. If your pump has auto shutoff it will stop on its own. If not, watch the gauge and stop at the number. A firm thumb press near the tail should barely give when you are there. Valve pin up.

On hot days inflate to the lower end so heat expansion does not push pressure past the max. Once afloat it cools and may feel soft, so add a quick top up if needed.

Treat the valve like a click pen. honestly Push and twist to lock it down for deflate pull so the pin sits up for inflate which, yeah... with the pin up the board holds air when you remove the hose, so you will not lose pressure.

Set the pump to the board spec and let it run to that number. Dual stage pumps swap from high volume to high pressure on their own. Most gauges are close enough, but if you want to be exact, confirm with a separate SUP gauge after you disconnect. There is usually a safety margin built in, but don't rely on it. Stop at the recommended pressure.

I was nervous about popping a seam the first time too. Scary at first. What helped me was finding the printed PSI on the deck, setting that on the pump, and letting the dual stage do its thing. The sound changes as it moves from fast airflow to building pressure, that part feels intense but it is normal.

If you do not have auto stop just hover near the pump and watch the gauge. I let it climb to the board rating then switch it off. Quick thumb check and you are good to go.

We inflate lots of boards for friends and the routine never changes. Read the recommended PSI on the deck or near the valve, make sure the valve pin is up, set that number on the pump, and let it go but then the sound shifts when the pump moves from high flow to high pressure and that means you are closing in on the target, then either it shuts off by itself or you flick it off when the gauge hits the mark.

At the right pressure the deck feels very firm with just a tiny give under a hard thumb near the handle. If it feels like a brick you probably went too far, vent a little air and you are set.

Close the valve by making sure the pin is up thread the hose snug, set the target PSI, then start the pump.

Let it run until auto stop or kill the power yourself when the gauge hits the rating.

Do not chase extra stiffness past the printed max.

That is how seams get stressed.

Done.

If your pump gauge seems sketchy and you are worried about overfilling do short bursts and check with a stand alone gauge to learn how your setup reads... After one session you will know how much to trust the pump number and you can inflate straight to the target without guessing.

Another small safeguard is to listen to the pump as it nears the end. It labors a bit in the high pressure stage and the needle should be near the board rating. If it ever goes past the max, stop and tap the valve core to vent a second. No stress.