Hi,

I'm hoping someone may be able to help with some questions.

I recently bought a new SUP which I have only surfed 3 times in small waves, and I've noticed on a couple of occasions that the valve seems to be emitting air when I'm in the water. Air Temperature was approx 10 - 12C and water was probably a bit warmer say 16 - 18.

I've also noticed that the deck has become depressed in the area where I stand/kneel to paddle.

Does this indicate a faulty valve? I would expect to see bubbles on a hot day.

Is it likely that the two items are related?

Hillsy

You're right,

It's not a topflight board but still what I thought was a reputable brand, lucky I got it super cheap as a runout.

Is there anything that can be done with the leaky valve? Or better to leave it alone?

Hillsy

If it is a goretex vent, bubbles are normal: the vent let through air but not water.

www.gore.com/products/gore-protective-vents-for-lighting-enclosures#section38851

Be warned that goretex vents (wide, plastic, black or gray) can break easily when trying to unscrew them (to check them: no need to unscrew them ever normally).
Be careful to always grip both the body (green arrow) and cap (red arrow) with the tool. If you turn only the cap it will break.