i ask because I thought they did, and the SUP I recently bought without vent lasted 2 days and then badly delaminated.
its being replaced on warranty of course, but I fear the new one will do the same.

EPS!!!

I just got a reply from NSP to an email on the same (original)subject:

"NSP boards have moulds for each size in their range.
Meaning they blow blanks to fit each size mould.
Meaning the blank is blown to fit that size minimising the gases.
Generally cheaper SUP's or smaller volume brands tent to blow one size fit all blank and cut down to size for each model.
This usually leaves the blank with a lot more gases.
That's why they insert the vent plug.
Having a vent is fine and the quality is still good it's just that NSP don't need them.
I only know of 3 delams in the last 3 years through NSP.
They are considered the industry standard. I'm sure your replacement will be fine"


So I guess all is good, I must have had a board made on a Friday arvo

JP surf sups at one time didn't have a vent screw. They dI'd once then removed now they do again. Probably says something

JPs arent cheap......over an NSP

Needless to say I will make sure to keep that email, about vents being unnecessary

I don't understand what the NSP email says as a vent plug is to allow for the expansion of the air in the core of the board in hot temperatures to be released. Most of the EPS foam is actually approx 80% gas/air. It doesn't matter how the foam core is made, if you heat a board up in the sun the air inside it will expand and when it cools it can delaminate - simple physics. I had a brand new Aussie made board delam and it didn't have a vent plug which would have saved it. Also for flying with a board having a vent plug will avoid delamination in a pressurized cargo environment on a plane.

However, I have had another Aussie brand board which is made in China and the plastic vent plugs and o-rings have been failing over time and getting water in them.

I don't know why the top SUP brands don't use a self regulating valve instead of a vent plug?