How to Attach D-rings to an iSUP

How to attach D-rings to an inflatable paddle board using vinyl adhesive.

[@feather2175]

Thank you so much! I bought my dream sup, but it didn't have the D-rings, I'm so glad to have stumbled across this video.

[@kellydannolfo7872]

Hope it helps!

[@SANDMAN450R1]

Great video but bad information. That’s a very weak glue joint you created. Leaving the foam between the joint is the weak point. The surface of the foam will tear away with the glue and d-ring. This needs to be a vinyl to vinyl glue joint, the foam needs to be cut away and vinyl properly cleaned and prepped. You were 90% their but this little detail sabotaged your otherwise great project and video. Also full 12-15psi inflation and 3-5 minutes of tack time are some improvements. Happy sup’n!

[@michaeltowler2632]

I've done a huge amount of bogy stuff on my fishing kayaks /recreational kayaks and surf skis over the years, and at 81 just now bought a paddle board. You know, if you get say 50mm strapping, overlap whatever you want and stitch 50mm velcro on you can wrap it around the hull and attach stuff to it. in my case, I have two 25mm short pieces of strapping, stitched at right angles each side on it so they are on the top of the deck with the same overlapping velcro. I can put my paddle sideways 90 degrees with a float bag on. I carry and use it to help me in a self-rescue. Any drag isn't noticeable at all. I can't see why you couldn't attach or sew other stuff on it like D rings. I plan to use mine for fishing the local river so I say I'll be doing something like that for extra attachments

[@seizethegrey7109]

That's a great idea! This is why we love these conversations. Everyone has an opportunity to learn something new!

[@profoundcontender4696]

Perfect 10. Thank you

[@kellydannolfo7872]

We agree. We ended up having a friend cut the pad for us when we attached another set. Definitely worked better!

[@Blueladderpainting]

Good video! I've found that they will hold better if you lightly Sand the backside of the D-ring or patch. The area on the SUP as well if possible. I don't have paddle boards, but outfit fishing inflatables.

[@seizethegrey7109]

Good idea!

[@kev48]

Love U best regards. Great vid. I Will use some izopropanol alcoh or something like that to remove all Stains before glue. Hope Ur job works its great 👍💪🇵🇱

[@CaptainVelveeta]

I did the same thing. I used the same D-rings but I pulled up a section of the traction pad, sliced a small line (just enough for the d-ring hook to come through) then glued the d-ring anchor to the vinyl base of the paddle board and then glued the traction pad back down. The only thing I would recommend is next time do it with the paddle board fully inflated so there is not chance of it separating from expansion during inflation. Mine are holding up well for about a year now.

[@seizethegrey7109]

Glad you made it work!

[@robertdonnelly7897]

Wish you had a video

[@matthewniederberger9367]

Luckily my traction pad ends exactly where I want to place my rings. Do you think it would give better results with the board inflated all the way? That's the way I was originally thinking of doing it until I saw your video.

[@edoardoR306]

Very interesting! Can i also apply that technique for hard board or the glue is different? Thanks for reply

[@seizethegrey7109]

I've seen it used on hard boards as well, but I can't comment on the effectiveness.

[@barryreason1179]

Hi I really enjoyed your video on how to glue the d-rings to a board how did you work out exactly where to place them? I have a fun water paddle board it's 11 ft 6 Long and 33-in wide so any help would be appreciated

[@kellydannolfo7872]

We used the kayak seat straps as a guide and we compared the distance to the ones on my board. That placement is pretty standard, we've discovered.

[@JeffreyK100]

How did the d rings hold up being mounted to the traction pad? Looking to use this video as a guide as I have the same board. Great video.

[@nigelr8444]

Same as you JeffreyK100. Curious as to how the d rings hold up being glued to the traction pad. I have no space along the edge to glue d-rings to.

[@typenn84]

@@nigelr8444 add a third to the list, Im wondering if the glue holds to that eva foam. Im going to do mines later and Im curious because I was goign to cut the foam away in the spots i need to mount the Drings

[@garetthernandez7142]

Tyler P how are you planning on cutting the foam away? I want to set the ring into the foam but I’m afraid of damaging the board.

[@typenn84]

@@garetthernandez7142 well I did it but I also cut into my board on the 6th d ring. It was my own fault I was getting impatient. I used a hobby knife. What you do is put the dring in the sport trace an outline. Then you use a butter knife or something to get between the foam and the board to peel it up. I suggest a heat gun to loosen the adhesive when doing this. After getting the foam up it's up to you how to cut the shape around it. I would suggest scissors instead of the hobby knife in hindsight. Anywho I got a class in patching and adding d rings and I would say I'm a pro now.

[@seizethegrey7109]

Sorry, guys. Notifications stopped working. They held up well. I think I might use a marine epoxy next time, just to see. The ridges on the traction pad meant the original glue didn't set as solidly as I would have liked for choppier water conditions. It was fine for lighter use, though.

[@thermann9]

Out of curiosity, would it have been easier to attach the D-rings with the isup deflated? That way you could apply more pressure for the initial application for a more thorough seal.

[@seizethegrey7109]

All of our research indicated that it should be inflated to avoid issues that might occur when the surface expanded. We were also told that there was a possibility of 'wrinkles' in the uninflated surface that might prevent even adhesion. We didn't want to risk it, so I don't know. If you try, let us know how it goes.

[@louisg5]

It would really be interesting knowing if those D-rings are still glued to the board. Will you give us an update?

[@seizethegrey7109]

They are. But we are adding additional ones, and will look to try a different method just to see what's easier. We have a friend with marine experience who is going to help us out. We'll post an update on the new process.

[@zebsommers4464]

I highly recommend attaching the d rings to the actual board instead of traction pad.

[@danbu1554]

No way, you have to put the d-ring directly on PVC.

[@mrjivester]

Thanks for the video tutorial.

[@kellydannolfo7872]

You're welcome! We're living and learning all the time!

[@ronaldguida]

i need to also attach d rings to my sup for a kayak seat. how do I decide where to place the d rings? Thank you.

[@seizethegrey7109]

It depends what you're looking to do with them. Most boards have a set mounted on the front to secure a small load using bungie cords. Others mount them near or around the foam deck to secure lights or, as in our case, a kayak seat. Not sure whether there's a standard, but you can always sit on the deflated board with your legs in front of you to get a general feel. Do you want your feet to touch your gear when you stop to rest? I would also consider the balance of the board. Too far forward and you'll have difficulty maintaining your forward balance. Too close to one side or the other and you'll tip. Another option is to make a mark when you take your board out next time. Hope this helps!

[@bicreatief]

Hi, did this worked out after a year? How is it doing now?

[@seizethegrey7109]

It worked reasonably well. The ones closest to the pad held. The ones farther out - toward the bow - were not as stable when we really hauled on them. Currently looking into sturdier options for heavier gear.

[@bicreatief]

@@seizethegrey7109 thank you very much! We bought inflatable pillows tu put on the sub. It will float when we turn over so a quick solution I tought. Have a great day, and thanks for the answer🍀

[@TonyBynum]

you must roughen the surfaces first, two coats of glue, allowing to dry between each coat is the way to do that job. The glue will hold significatly better if you rough the two surfaces first, before the acitone prep. Thin coats are better than thick.

[@seizethegrey7109]

Always appreciate ideas. Thanks!

[@pi4x4]

Wouldn’t it be easier to attach the d-rings on the side of the isup? This way it’s vinyl to vinyl and you wouldn’t have to cut any of the traction padding.

[@seizethegrey7109]

We did think of that - after the fact!

[@feather2175]

Is it as sturdy applying it to the side? I'm looking to do this, so trying to gather all info before I do!

[@Aleks_iz_Gadykino]

It is bad to glue rings on the carpet. It is not durable and may tear. It is better to put rings on PVC.

[@seizethegrey7109]

Agreed. This was our first shot at this, and it's held up well. However, we would most likely cut around the carpet and attach the rings to the PVC directly if we did this again. Thanks for the feedback!

[@Aleks_iz_Gadykino]

@@seizethegrey7109 🤙🤝😁