Storing a paddleboard correctly involves cleaning it, drying thoroughly, inspecting for damage, and choosing a suitable storage location. Use wall racks or suspension systems for even weight distribution. Store in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight, to protect from UV rays and prevent warping or mildew. Regular checks and repairs are essential for longevity.
Six months in a garage does more to a board than twenty days on the water. Where it sits and how it is supported is the whole of the job. Storing with pets at home? Learn how to paddle board with your dog too.
Almost every board that dies young dies in storage rather than on the water, from sunlight, damp or a fold left under pressure for six months. None of that costs money to avoid.
- Proper storage ensures longevity and protects your paddle board investment.
- Thorough cleaning and a dry environment are essential before storing your board.
- Using suitable storage methods and equipment minimizes the risk of damage.
Preparation for Storage
Before tucking your paddleboard away, it’s crucial to ensure it’s clean and free from damage that could worsen over time.
Proper preparation enhances longevity and keeps your board in tip-top shape for your next adventure.
Cleaning Your Paddleboard
To maintain your paddleboard’s condition, start by rinsing it with fresh water to remove salt, sand, and other debris.
Use a mild soap and a soft sponge or cloth to gently clean the surface.
Pay special attention to grooves where dirt and dust may accumulate.
After cleansing, thoroughly dry your board with a towel or let it air dry, ensuring that no moisture remains to prevent mold or mildew formation.
Inspecting for Damage
Inspect your paddleboard for any signs of wear and tear.
Look for dings, cracks, or areas where wax may have built up excessively.
If you find any damage, it’s important to repair it before storage to avoid further deterioration.
Check here our reviews of the best SUP repair kits
Taking the time to address these issues now means you’ll be ready to hit the water as soon as the season starts again.
Selecting the Proper Storage Location
When storing your paddleboard, choosing the right location is crucial to protect it from the elements and to ensure its longevity.
Your main goal is to find a cool, dry spot that offers shelter from sunlight and harsh temperatures.
Indoor versus Outdoor Storage
Indoor storage, such as a garage or shed, is often preferable for your paddleboard.
Storing it inside protects it from UV rays, rapid temperature changes, and moisture – all of which can deteriorate the board over time.
- Benefits of Indoor Storage:
- Protection from UV rays which can fade and weaken the board
- More consistent temperature control
- Reduced exposure to moisture, reducing the risk of warping
- Drawbacks:
- Requires sufficient space indoors
If indoor storage is not an option, outdoor storage can work if the area is sheltered and the board is properly secured and protected.
- Outdoor Storage Considerations:
- Must have adequate shelter from wind and rain
- Use of covers to protect against sun and debris
Space Considerations
When evaluating any storage location, ensure you have enough space to store your paddleboard without bending or squashing it against other objects.
- Measure Your Paddleboard:
- Length
- Width
- Height (with fins)
- Assess Your Space:
- Enough room to not only accommodate the board’s dimensions but also for ease of access
- Check for proper ventilation, which is key in preventing mildew growth
Remember to consider how often you’ll be using your paddleboard; this could influence your decision on where to store it for convenience.
Storage Methods and Equipment
When selecting a storage method for your stand up paddle board, it’s important to choose a solution that will protect it from the elements and prevent damage.
Consider your available space and the type of paddleboard you own, be it a hardboard or an inflatable.
Recommended: Wall Racks
Wall racks offer a secure and space-efficient way to store your paddle board.
When mounted correctly, a wall rack system can minimize pressure points on the board, which helps maintain its shape and durability.
Check here our reviews of the best SUP wall racks
A padded wall rack is ideal, ensuring that your paddle board sits snugly against a cushioned barrier, avoiding scratches or dents.
For heavier boards, ensure that the rack is sturdy and well-anchored to support the weight without risk of collapse.
Free-Standing Racks and Suspension Systems
If wall space is limited, a freestanding rack may be a better choice.
These racks stand on the ground and can often hold multiple boards.
They’re versatile and can be placed in a garage, shed, or even outdoors if covered properly to protect from weathering.
For inflatable paddle boards, a suspension system might be preferred, taking advantage of vertical space and reducing the risk of creases or folds in the board material.
Always ensure that your storage solution does not create unnecessary stress on any one part of the board to avoid warping or long-term damage.
Additional Storage Tips and Best Practices
In storing your stand-up paddle board (SUP), it’s crucial to focus on methods that promote longevity and prevent damage.
Bearing in mind different materials like foam, fiberglass, or inflatable SUPs, the way you distribute weight and protect the board from wear greatly influences its lifespan.
Weight Distribution and Support
Your SUP board should be stored in a way that evenly distributes its weight to avoid warping or stress.
If you have a foam or fiberglass board, it’s especially important to lay it flat on racks with wide padding for support.
- Horizontal Storage: Use padded racks to prevent pressure points that can deform your board over time.
- Rack Spacing: Position the racks so they align with the board’s bulkier areas, like under the deck pad or where the fins are attached to assist in even weight distribution.
Avoiding Long-Term Damage
Taking steps to prevent dings, scratches, or cracks ensures your SUP board remains in top condition.
- Environment: Avoid exposure to extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Store your board in a cool, dry place away from any sources that could cause abrasions.
- Protection: Use a board bag for foam and fiberglass paddleboards to shield them from harmful UV rays which can cause fading and make material brittle.
- Fin Care: Remove detachable fins to prevent them from bending or snapping under weight. If your SUP is inflatable, deflating it partly for flat storage can alleviate tension on seams and materials.
- Regular Checks: Inspect your SUP regularly for any signs of wear and perform timely repairs to prevent further damage.
By taking these preventative steps, your paddleboarding experience will continue to be rewarding for many seasons.
Storage and transport are the same problem at different speeds. The eleven ways to move a board covers getting it to the water, and a carrier strap is the cheapest of them.
Table: Where to Store a Paddle Board
Every storage spot is a trade between how easy the board is to reach and how quickly it ages. This is what each one costs you.
| Storage spot | Inflatable | Hard board | Main risk | What makes it work |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heated room indoors | Best | Best | None worth naming | Rolled loosely or lightly inflated, off the floor |
| Unheated garage | Very good | Very good | Pressure swings, condensation | Deflate to around 5 psi, keep it off concrete |
| Garden shed | Good | Good | Summer heat above 120 F (50 C), rodents | Ventilation, board in its bag, nothing chewable nearby |
| Covered balcony or carport | Acceptable | Acceptable | UV through the open side, damp | Opaque cover, board raised, checked monthly |
| Fully outdoors, uncovered | Poor | Poor | UV chalking, seam creep, freeze and thaw | Only as a short-term measure, never over winter |
| Hanging from the ceiling | Very good | Very good | Point loads if the straps are narrow | Two wide straps at the third points, deck up |
| In the car | Worst | Worst | Cabin heat, theft | Nothing makes this good, unload the same day |
Can You Store an Inflatable Paddle Board Outside?
You can, for a season, if you take the two things that actually kill boards out of the equation: ultraviolet light and standing water. Sunlight is what chalks the PVC and dries the seam glue, so an opaque cover beats a transparent tarp every time, and a tarp that traps rain against the board does more harm than no tarp at all. Leave a gap for air. Store the board at low pressure, around 5 psi rather than fully inflated, because a board left hard in the sun can gain enough pressure to stress the seams, and a board left completely flat sits in its own folds. Over a full winter, bring it in. A UV protectant such as 303 Aerospace Protectant buys back some of the sun exposure, but it does not replace shade.
Hanging a Board from the Ceiling Without Deforming It
Ceiling storage is the best use of a garage, and the mistakes are predictable. Use two straps, not one, and place them at roughly a third of the board length in from nose and tail, which is where the board carries its own weight without bending. Wide webbing spreads the load, thin rope leaves a dent that never fully comes out of a hard board. Hang the board deck up or on its rail, never resting on the fin box, and fix the anchors into joists rather than into drywall. For a wall instead of a ceiling, our SUP wall rack comparison covers the same principle in a rack you can buy.
Dry It Before You Store It
A board that goes into a bag damp comes out smelling of mildew, and on an inflatable that smell lives in the deck pad glue where you cannot reach it. Rinse with fresh water, wipe the board down, and let it stand until the underside of the deck pad is dry to the touch, not just the top. If you paddle in more than one lake or river, the drying step is also the step that stops you moving invasive species between them, which the Clean, Drain, Dry campaign sets out. Fittings that already show damage will get worse in storage, so read how to repair a paddle board before you pack it away rather than in spring.
FAQ
What are some effective SUP storage ideas?
Look into utilizing SUP storage racks, wall mounts, or overhead ceiling racks in an indoor, dry area to keep your board out of the elements. Storing your paddle board off the ground will protect it from accidents and damage.
Can I hang my paddle board from the ceiling, and how?
Yes, you can hang your paddle board from the ceiling using heavy-duty hooks and straps designed for paddle boards. Make sure they are securely fastened into the ceiling joists and the board is evenly balanced to prevent deformation.
What’s the best way to clean a paddle board before storing?
Rinse your paddle board with fresh water to remove salt, sand, or debris. Use a mild soap if necessary, and let the board dry completely before storing to prevent mold or mildew.
Should paddle boards be stored inflated or deflated for longevity?
Inflatable paddle boards should be stored partially deflated in a cool, dry place. This prevents unnecessary stress on the seams and material, extending the board’s life.
What are the considerations for storing an inflatable paddle board outside?
If storing an inflatable paddle board outside, protect it from UV light, moisture, and extreme temperatures. Use a board cover for UV protection, and store it in a shaded area, possibly elevated from the ground.
How does cold weather affect the storage of inflatable paddle boards?
Cold weather can cause the air inside an inflatable paddle board to contract, affecting the board’s pressure. It’s important to check the air pressure periodically and maintain it at the recommended level to avoid material damage or creasing.
