Photo: Silvio Hesse
If at some point during your session, pumping becomes increasingly difficult and even strong winds barely provide power because the wing becomes softer or even just hangs like a flag in the wind, then something is probably wrong with the bladder.
The bladder is responsible for keeping air in the wing. Normally, there is one bladder in the front tube and one in the middle strut of your wing. You can imagine them as elongated balloons.
If the wing loses air, there are usually two causes: small, unnoticed holes in the bladder or leaky valves. This can happen even with the best wings, as the bladder itself is not particularly robust. The stability of the wing only comes from its combination with the outer skin. Even small, sharp stones (like sand) can damage the bladder – often without you noticing it immediately.
The good news: You don't need a new wing (unless you want one 😉). The bladder is relatively easy to replace. I've even simply taped up a single leaky exhaust valve before. However, the wing can't be packed up as quickly then, because the air can't escape evenly everywhere.
Most of the time, it's impossible to tell exactly where the leak is as long as the bladder is still inside the wing. So, get it out. I'll show you step-by-step how I did it with my Duotone Unit (2022) here.
Bladder replacement: Step-by-step:
1. Open the wingtips
Open the wingtips, pull out the ends of the bladder a little, and connect them with a string (see picture) - not too tightly, just enough so that the string holds when you pull the bladder through the wing with it. This way, you can easily pull the bladder back into the wing later. On my Unit, the wingtips are only closed with velcro and can be opened very easily.
2. Open the service opening
Remove the cap from the inflation valve, detach the one-pump system, and push all other front tube valves inwards. Then you can carefully pull the bladder out through the service opening.
3. Carefully pull out the bladder
Make sure the strings stay in the wing and that the bladder isn't damaged, in case you can reuse it after the repair.
Photo: Silvio Hesse
If the strings slip out completely (as they did for me), you can rethread them later, for example, with a small pear-shaped lead sinker (fishing accessories).
4. Find the leak
Remove the string from the bladder and inflate the bladder slightly (!) – without the wing, it could burst, so really only put in a little air. Then hold it underwater section by section or spray it with soapy water. Where bubbles form, that's where the leak is. Mark the spot.
5. Repair or replace
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Small holes: Clean the area, dry it, and cover it with self-adhesive repair patches (e.g., from Duotone).
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Larger damages: better to buy a new bladder – these are usually available cheaply at a surf shop or directly from the manufacturer.
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6. Reinstallation
Allow the bladder to dry completely and powder it with some talcum powder so it can be pulled through the wing more easily. Use the strings to pull it from the service opening to the wingtips. Make sure the bladder isn't twisted. Once everything is in the right place, push the valves through the openings and close the connections. If necessary, slightly roll or fold the ends so they fit again.
7. Inflate & check
Inflate the bladder slowly and gradually, checking for unevenness and smoothing them out if necessary (e.g., by gently kneading). If everything looks even and good so far, check again (e.g., whether the wing might still be losing air) – otherwise, it should be ready for use again.
Summary
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Remove bladder
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Look for leak (underwater or with soapy water)
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Small holes → Patch
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Major damage → new bladder
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Reinstall with talc & strings
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Inflate slowly & check
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Off to the water!
Disclaimer: These are my personal experiences, learnings, and tips. If you are unsure or the damage is extensive: it's better to take it to a professional. 😉
Waiting times: If your wing is being repaired, this can involve longer waiting times, especially during peak season. Even though it's tough, just make the best of it. I use the time, for example, to hone my pumping skills with a smaller wing or go to the countryside instead of the sea.
PS: It's been a while since I replaced the bladder, but even back then, there were already some videos and instructions that helped me. Many thanks for that!
