If at some point during your session pumping gets harder and even strong wind barely powers you anymore because your wing keeps getting softer or just flaps around like a flag in the wind, there’s probably something wrong with the bladder.
The bladder is what keeps the air inside your wing. Normally, there’s one bladder in the leading edge (front tube) and one in the center strut. Think of them like long balloons.
If your wing is losing air, there are usually two reasons: tiny, unnoticed holes in the bladder or leaky valves. That can happen even with the best wings, since the bladder itself isn’t particularly tough. The wing only gets its real strength and durability in combination with the outer shell. Even small, sharp bits (like grains of sand) can damage the bladder – often without you noticing right away.
The good news: you don’t need a new wing (unless you want one 😉). Reparing the bladder actually could be pretty straightforward.
Most of the time, you can’t really tell where the leak is while the bladder is still inside the wing. So: pull it out. Here’s how I replaced mine on a Duotone Unit (2022) step by step.
Bladder Replacement: Step by Step
1. Open the wingtips
Open the wingtips, pull the bladder ends out a little, and tie them to a string (see picture) - not too strong, just tight enoughto pull the bladder with the string through the wing. This way, you’ll be able to pull the bladder back into the wing more easily later. On my Unit, the wingtips are only closed with Velcro and super easy to open.
2. Open the service zipper
Take off the cap from the inflation valve, disconnect the one-pump system, and push all other valves on the leading edge into the inside of the wing. Then carefully pull the bladder out through the service opening.
3. Pull out the bladder carefully
Make sure the strings stay inside the wing and that you don’t damage the bladder in case you want to reuse it after the repair.
If (like me 😅) the strings slip out completely, you can later re-thread them with something like a small fishing sinker (pear-shaped lead).
4. Find the leak
Untie the bladder from the string and pump it up slightly (!) – without the wing protecting it, it could burst easily, so just a little air. Then hold it section by section under water, or spray it with soapy water. Where bubbles appear, that’s your leak. Mark the spot.
5. Repair or replace
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Small holes: clean and dry the area, then patch it with self-adhesive repair pads (e.g. from Duotone).
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Bigger damage: better get a new bladder – usually available for a fair price at surf shops or directly from the manufacturer.
6. Reinstall the bladder
Let the bladder dry completely and dust it with a bit of talcum powder to make sliding it back in easier. Use the strings to pull it through the service opening back to the wingtips. Make sure it doesn’t twist. Once everything’s in place, push the valves through their openings and reconnect everything. You may need to fold or roll the bladder ends a bit so they fit back inside.
7. Inflate & check
Slowly inflate the bladder step by step, checking for bumps or uneven spots and smoothing them out (e.g. with light kneading). If everything looks good and the wing holds air, you’re ready to go again.
Quick Recap
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Remove bladder
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Find leak (water or soapy water test)
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Small holes → patch
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Big damage → new bladder
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Reinstall with talc & strings
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Inflate slowly & check
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Back on the water!
Diclaimer: These are just my personal experiences, learnings, and tips. I'm not a pro. If you’re unsure or the damage is bigger: better take it to a pro. 😉
Waiting times: When your wing is in for repair, especially during high season, it can mean longer waiting times. Even if it’s tough, just make the best of it. I usually use that time to work on my pump skills with a smaller wing, or I head out into the countryside where I’d normally go to the sea.
If you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for practical companions on the road, check out our Vanlife category.
And if you’d like to bring some beach flair into your home, you might just find your next favorite piece in our Beach House Collection.
PS: It’s been a while since I replaced the bladder, but even back then there were already some videos and guides that helped me. Thanks a lot for that!
