How To Store A Paddle Board

When you buy a stand up paddle board you are making a positive investment in your future. The purchase ensures you will have amazing paddling adventures, explore new areas on the water, and even get great exercise while you use it.

There are so many benefits to buying a SUP board. But these amazing watercraft aren’t tiny, and can be challenging to store. In fact, they are often taller than most home ceilings. So when you need to pack away and store your SUP board you might be at a loss as far as where and how to store it.

When you store a paddle board, it is important to protect it from the elements so it does not lose its structural integrity. Shelter the board from UV light, moisture, and also extreme hot and cold temperatures. When storing a SUP board, store it off the ground and consider investing in a protective bag or cover to ensure it has an extra layer of protection.

What To Avoid When Storing A SUP Board

As you prepare to find the right place to store your SUP board for an extended period of time, it is critical you consider all the environments you should try to avoid. Below is a list of the top environmental factors to avoid when storing your SUP board.

1. UV Light Exposure

One of the worst elements you can expose your board to over time is UV light. Sure, your board is likely out in the sun all the time when you ride it. Also, SUP boards almost always come with a quality protective coating that helps block UV light from damaging the board.

The problem is that over time, UV light can break this down. If you leave your board exposed to direct sunlight for months without moving it then the sun will slowly break down that protective layer. This will eventually lead to your board’s lifespan decreasing, as it will become more brittle faster.

2. High Humidity And Moisture

Another factor that can damage a SUP board is moisture. The main issue you are hoping to avoid with moisture content is mildew and mold. If you leave your SUP board out in a damp dark spot it is likely to collect mold and mildew.

Mildew and mold can grow and work to break down the surface of your board. Additionally, mold and mildew can leave your board filthy, slimy and smelly. Even without damage, it will require a significant and painstaking cleaning before you use it again.

3. Extreme Heat Or Cold

Temperature is another thing to consider when storing your SUP board. You want to store your board in mild temperatures and do your best to avoid extremes. This can be challenging if you are storing your board for the winter and live in a very cold climate. But doing your best to avoid these weather extremes and fluctuations will help preserve the integrity of the board itself.

4. Storing It On The Ground

Lastly, you should do your best to never store a SUP board on the ground. This means no leaving a board on the grass, in the sand, or even on the cold cement. Obviously having your board on the ground outside can lead to all sorts of damaging conditions. From floods to snow to animals - it’s just a bad idea.

Keep in mind that the ground can get much colder than a room, especially in places like the garage. So in attempts to keep the temperature mild, make sure you elevate that board.

Where You Should Store A SUP Board Indoors

Ideally you should find a place to store your SUP board inside your home. If you can store the board inside you can essentially eliminate all the negative elements that can cause damage to your board. But these boards are large and clunky, so it isn’t always easy to just tuck your SUP board in a closet.

Buy A Board Rack

One of the best investments you can make as a paddler is getting a rack for your board. It provides a great and consistent place to store your board, and helps you save space. There are even some paddle board racks that you can buy that will prominently display your board, so you can daydream about your next paddling adventure as it snows outside.

Browse Our Top Picks For Board Racks

Storing A Paddle Board When Space Is Limited

If you live in an apartment, or have a home with already-limited storage, then storing a paddle board isn’t easy. You might be wondering if there is a magical way to store your paddle board without it taking up much space. The good news is that in many cases, there is.

If you have a room with high ceilings, especially a covered porch or garage, you might want to consider some ceiling storage options for your paddle board. When you store your board above, this gives you the benefit of the entire length of the room without taking up any usable real estate. It also ensures the board is kept safely off the ground and out of the dangerous elements.

You might also consider a wall mount. Find a way to incorporate the SUP board into a room and make it appear as functional artwork. Having a board on display is a great way to give a room an outdoorsy and beach vibe while also maximizing space. Best of all, when you are ready to use it you can just grab it off the wall.

Check out our Paddle Board Wall Rack Reviews

Storing A SUP Board Outdoors

Storing a paddle board indoors is ideal, but it isn’t always possible. The good news is there are plenty of ways you can store a paddle board outdoors without damaging it or causing much inconvenience.

The key is to make sure your board is protected from the impending bad weather. You can store your board in a shed or garage, as this helps prevent direct sunlight as well as too much moisture. Just make sure the board is not touching the ground, since the cold ground is often much colder than the air temperature in these rooms.

Invest In A Quality SUP Board Cover

One great way to add protection when you store your board is to invest in some sort of SUP board cover. There are all sorts of SUP board covers and bags. Some are designed to help you transport the board easily, while others are specifically designed to protect them in storage situations.

Either way, a SUP board bag is a great way to add an extra shield from the elements, especially extreme weather and UV light. Make sure you properly clean and dry your SUP board before putting it in a cover or bag for an extended period of time. If you put a board in before cleaning it or drying it, mold and other bacteria is likely to grow while it sits in the bag. This would basically defeat the purpose of storing it this way.

Try One Of These Sup Board Bags

Storing A Board On A Boat Or Dock

If you use your paddle board on a boat you might want to store it on the boat or at the nearby dock. There are various paddle board racks for docks and racks for boats as well. Make sure you remember to choose a location that will have the least interaction with harmful elements like light and moisture.

Keep Your Board Locked And Secure

Paddle boards are not cheap. So it is important you store it somewhere that will not only preserve it, but also keep it safe. If the only place you can store your board is outside, make sure it is locked and covered. There are all sorts of paddle board locks you can choose from to help you rest easy knowing your board is safe.

Check out our reviews on Paddle Board Locks And Cables.

Tips On Storing An Inflatable Paddle Board

If you have an inflatable paddle board you might wonder if all the same rules apply. This answer is; Usually. It is entirely possible for you to keep your inflatable board inflated during storage. In fact, many people prefer this as it prevents creases and markings that sometimes occur when the board is folded and stored. If you leave your board inflated, all the same rules apply as if it were a hard-bodied paddle board.

But if you are storing an inflatable board after deflating it there are a few additional measures you should take. Below is a list of tips to remember when you store your inflatable paddle board.

• Make Sure Board Is Cleaned and Wiped Dry: Never store a board that is dirty or wet, as this can attract mold and mildew.

• Roll Or Fold It In A Loose Fashion: Soft folds and rolling is ideal. It reduces the risk of crease marks or puncture holes.

• Don’t Leave Deflated And Folded Too Long: Leaving your board stored and folded the same way for too long can result in those dreaded crease lines, and also weaken the board at these points. Consider partially inflating and refolding in a slightly different way every month or two.

• Store In A Cool And Dry Spot, Off The Ground: Never leave an inflatable board on the ground. You never know when a flooding event could occur. Keep in a temperature and humidity controlled room if possible.

Concluding Notes On How To Store A Paddle Board

While storing your paddle board away for the season might be a sad moment, it is also an important one. Properly storing your paddle board will ensure it will last for as long as possible, and no damage will occur while it is packed away.

When storing a paddle board try to keep it sheltered from moisture, UV light and extreme temperatures. If you are storing a board outside, consider keeping it in a protective container and under a shelter. When storing indoors, look into various board racks to ensure the board is stored off the ground.