Temperatures are getting colder and colder and the beloved paddle board season is coming to an end.
Although there are some die-hard paddlers who still go on tour in winter with the right equipment…but for most paddlers it’s over in late fall and the board is usually deposited somewhat lovelessly in some corner until spring attracts them back to the water.
Be smarter and take good care of your board when it comes to storage, so you can preserve the material and maintain the longevity of your paddle board.
In most cases you have invested a lot of money in your paddle board and maybe even saved for a longer time, so it would be more than annoying if avoidable damage occurs due to inappropriate storage.
In this guide, we have gathered our many years of know-how on the subject in 7 tips for you. If you follow these instructions, you are guaranteed to enjoy your paddle boards for a long time and are also optimally prepared for the new season!
Table of Contents
- 1 #1 Choose the Right Place to Store Your Paddle Boards
- 2 #2 Clean Paddle Boards Properly Before Winter Storage & Seal With Care Product
- 3 #3 Allow Paddle Boards to Dry Completely Before Winter Storage
- 4 #4 Ideally, Store Paddle Boards Inflated for the Winter.
- 5 #5 Store Paddle Boards in a Space-Saving Way With Wall / Ceiling Mounts or With a Strap System
- 6 #6 Alternatively, Store Paddle Boards Rolled up in Your Backpack
- 7 #7 Check the Paddle Boards for Damage After a Long Storage Period
- 8 FAQ
#1 Choose the Right Place to Store Your Paddle Boards
Finding the right place to store your paddle board is the first and most important step to success. Dry rooms with a moderate climate are best for this. Extreme temperatures and direct sunlight are not good for the materials in the long run. This is where a sun protection foil can help.
In general, lower temperatures are better, but you should avoid frost in any case. Moisture is another factor that you should avoid at all costs, otherwise there is a risk of mold growth and so-called “mildew stains”.
What makes a place to store your SUPs at?
- Dry air
- No direct sunlight
- Neither frost nor extremely high temperatures
#2 Clean Paddle Boards Properly Before Winter Storage & Seal With Care Product
Of course, you should only put your board away for the winter after it has been washed and cleaned properly.
The paddle board season often leaves some dirty traces that you should definitely remove in advance. In principle, however, it is advisable to remove dirt directly after each tour.
Always remember that your paddle board is made of plastic (usually PVC, EVA, etc.), aggressive cleaning products and abrasive cleaners are taboo. A mild soapy water (dishwashing detergent) and a soft sponge or cloth will serve you well in the first step.
Some areas are particularly prone to (hidden) dirt. These include the deckpad with its deep structure, the transitions between the materials (glued edges, etc.) and the fin box. For this purpose, it is best to use a soft brush.
Special cleaning products for paddle boards and inflatable boats are also highly recommended.
These contain some additives that not only clean the material particularly gently, but also seal it at the same time and are therefore definitely recommended in terms of longevity.
For very stubborn dirt, such as rubber marks from shoe soles, the use of a so-called “dirt eraser” has proven effective. You only have to moisten these little helpers and they will get rid of everything easily.
Attention: Do not overdo it, because if you scrub too much, you will also roughen every surface!
#3 Allow Paddle Boards to Dry Completely Before Winter Storage
After you’ve washed all the areas really clean, it’s very important that you really let the board dry completely. Especially the soft deckpad and the carrying straps always absorb some water and need longer time to dry completely!
If residual moisture remains, there is always a risk of mold, which can be extremely disgusting if unnoticed over a long period of time and permanently attack the material!
#4 Ideally, Store Paddle Boards Inflated for the Winter.
The absolute vast majority of paddle boards are now inflatable (iSUPs). But rolling up is not really good for the material in the long run, kinks in particular harm the PVC and can lead to damage.
Especially for longer storage, it is much better to store the board unrolled and ideally even slightly inflated.
This is the best way to keep the paddle board in its optimal shape and the material does not tire so easily. It is best to pump so much air into the board that it unfolds completely and still yields slightly under pressure. According to experience, values of 5 – 7 PSI have proven themselves in practice.
Obviously not everyone has enough space for it, but maybe you can find a suitable place to store the inflated paddle boards without taking up too much space. On a closet, for example, or behind a door leaning against the wall!?
Of course, the board and accessory manufacturers also have special solutions up their sleeves, which are ideal for this purpose:
#5 Store Paddle Boards in a Space-Saving Way With Wall / Ceiling Mounts or With a Strap System
If you are a handyman, you can of course also build an individual solution yourself or simply screw a few straps into the wall or ceiling.
However, it is more professional and usually also a bit prettier with special systems from various manufacturers.
Installation of wall racks is quite simple:
- Measure space and mark drill holes
- Drill holes
- Screw on wall brackets
- Lift paddle board into brackets
- Set up paddle boards
There are countless solutions on the market to store your paddle board(s) perfectly and space-saving. Especially the space under the ceiling is e.g. in the basement or a garage often an unused space that is ideal for this, provided that the ceiling height is sufficient. This way you can be sure that the paddle board is guaranteed not to be in your way all the time.
In addition to the classic holders, there are also belt systems for paddle boards & surfboards.
#6 Alternatively, Store Paddle Boards Rolled up in Your Backpack
But if you don’t have enough space to store your board inflated or at least rolled out, it’s still not the end of the world!
After all, every inflatable paddle board (iSUP) nowadays comes with a sufficiently large backpack or bag.
Of course, the requirements for a good storage location, thorough cleaning & subsequent drying (tips 1 to 3) also apply to this form of storage.
In particular, you should also pay attention to a suitable and above all dry storage place for the filled paddle board backpack.
When rolling up the board, it is very important that you roll or fold it as loosely and gently as possible. You should avoid hard bends and also the firmly glued (side) fins and the fin box need special attention!
Some paddlers also roll up the pump (without hose) for this purpose or lay an old, thick towel on the surface when rolling up. This has the advantage that fewer bends occur.
#7 Check the Paddle Boards for Damage After a Long Storage Period
If you have taken the previous tips to heart, then your paddle board will survive the winter without any problems and can be made ready for the next season without any problems.
However, a little spring check is always beneficial:
Pump up the paddle board to the recommended pressure (usually 15 PSI / 1 bar) and check if the board stays tight for a longer time and does not lose air.
It is possible that the valve is a little loose and air is escaping from the side. If this is the case, you must first completely deflate the board and tighten the valve again with a paddle board valve wrench (clockwise).
Now check the fin box and the firmly glued fins. If they are deformed, you can heat them with a hair dryer and bring them back into shape. Attention: Do not make them too hot, otherwise the material and the outer shell can be damaged!
For winter storage in the backpack: If you have stored the board rolled up or folded, then it is recommended to leave the board before the first use in fully inflated state for a day. The material unfolds completely and recovers a little from the strain!
FAQ
Can you store a paddle board outside?
No, at least with inflatable paddle boards (iSUPs) I can only strongly advise against outdoor storage and also hardboards (made of solid materials) age much faster outdoors.
What may still be possible in spring and summer in a dry, well-ventilated place protected from sunlight and rain, becomes a battle of materials in the fall at the latest.
You have to be aware that paddle boards are ultimately made of plastics whose lifespan suffers insanely from changing weather conditions.
Learn more about storing paddle boards properly.
Should you store an iSUP board inflated?
Yes, if you have enough space for it, it is most gentle on the material if you store your board slightly inflated. Approx. 5 – 7 PSI is sufficient for this, the board should be completely in shape and still flex a little under pressure!
Learn more about storing paddle boards properly.
Can paddle boards be stored leaning against the wall?
Yes, leaning against the wall is a great way to store the board inflated without it constantly being in your way. If the ceiling height fits, you can simply stand it upright, the tail should then point towards the floor and you should remove the fins if possible.
However, even a compact board measures 10′ (305 cm) upwards, which exceeds the ceiling height in most homes. In this case, you can also lean it diagonally into the corner or against an object (cabinet, etc.).
In any case, you should additionally secure the board against falling over.While the board will certainly survive a fall, it may damage other surrounding objects in the process…plus you and your neighbors will get a scare from the bang of the board hitting the ground!
Learn more about storing paddle boards properly.
Are there special mounts for paddle boards available for purchase?
Yes, there are lots of them. There are various systems (wall and ceiling mounts or strap systems) on the market. Most mounts for surf boards are also suitable for the often thicker paddle boards. Here you can find a selection of our current favorites.
Learn more about storing paddle boards properly.
How should hardboards be stored over the winter?
Paddle boards made of solid materials always need more space than the inflatable versions, of course. Special mounts and racking systems are best for storage.
Hardboards are often visually a real eye-catcher and can also be skilfully integrated into the decoration of the home. But maybe you have space on a (clothes) closet to put the board on it.
Otherwise, you can simply lean it against a wall or in a corner and secure it with a strap to prevent it from tipping over. In principle, any place that offers enough space is suitable for hardboards.
Learn more about storing paddle boards properly.
Hello! How does it behave with the storage, if you want to drive even over the winter several times a week? Since temperature differences are already pre-programmed between the cold water and room temperature.
Basically, I store my board because of regular use slightly inflated in the garage. But there it goes in winter also down to a few degrees above zero. Should I dry it properly in winter and then store there wrapped in blankets for 1-3 days?
Or rather every time after a tour slightly rolled up in the apartment with it? Or must I resign myself to the fact that the durability of winter paddle board irrevocably diminishes?
Hey Michael,
Great to see you out with your paddle board in the winter as well.
Completely dry and cover is always a good idea. You’ve probably already noticed that the low temperatures make the outer shell quite stiff. You have to be careful when rolling it up because of hard kinks.
Too low temperatures are permanently not so good for the material.
If possible, a storage at cool room temperatures is already better!
The use in winter is no problem, the correct storage rather is the question… Of course, the air pressure also drops in cold water, that is another factor that you should consider.
I hope this helps you. If you have further questions, just contact me!
Many greetings,
Benjamin
Can I store the slightly inflated paddle board in the garage over winter (despite the cold)?
Hi Ingrid,
It also depends a bit on the conditions in your garage. Optimal for storage is actually room temperature with little strong fluctuations and it should be dry above all.
If you have no other option and the garage is at least guaranteed frost-free, then I would at least wrap blankets or other insulating material around the board. Unfortunately, these conditions are not optimal!
If you’re skeptical, you might prefer backpack storage in consistently warmer temperatures.
Many greetings,
Benjamin
Dear Team,
we bought 2 Itiwit X100 11′ last week to paddle in the city and on vacation.
We are on vacation in Spain for 2 weeks this summer and want to take the boards with us. Should we leave the boards inflated on site (probably it will be very hot and possibly no shade available, we go with a tent) or should we pack them after each use? Would covering them with an old bed sheet be an option?
I would be happy about an answer 🙂
Kind regards
Dear Lena,
in your case you have to distinguish between heat, warmth and UV radiation. Heat primarily leads to an increase in pressure in the inflated board, which can lead to damage if the maximum pressure (manufacturer’s specification) is exceeded. Of course, you can counteract this by simply deflating after use and re-measuring in between.
Direct sunlight (UV radiation) with the resulting heat directly damages the materials and should be avoided over a long period of time. The PVC and especially the adhesive lose their desired properties as a result.
So if there are shady places (under trees etc.) you can simply release the pressure significantly and leave the boards inflated. If not, I can only advise not to leave your new boards in the blazing sun for a long time (even deflated). The backpack is then certainly still the best place for it.
A bed sheet is certainly a compromise for a while, but certainly does not provide complete protection either!
If the constant pumping up and down gets on your nerves, then an electric paddle board pump can be a very big help.
I hope I could help you with that.
Many greetings,
Benjamin”
Hi thanks for the great article. We just bought two inflatable boards and I am currently dealing with the question of what short to long term storage condition keeps a paddle board stable and like new. I would very much like to keep the paddle boards inflated to save myself inflation work for the next time. However, I wonder how sustainable inflated storage is for the material/pump co and if the 15 psi as a steady state can even be sustained by the material.
With an inflatable SUP, do you recommend storing the board inflated or deflated? If you can store it inflated, should you deflate it slightly beforehand so that the pressure on the materials is not so high and they don’t wear out or can you leave the 15 psi as is?
Thanks a lot 🙂
Hey Omara,
first of all congratulations on the decision 😉
Over a long period of time (many weeks / several months) you should not store the boards inflated to 15 PSI. But you can store the boards on lower air pressure e.g. 5 PSI, so that they still remain dimensionally stable. If there are only days between each use, you can leave the paddle boards fully inflated.
Best regards,
Benjamin