After investing in a quality board, proper storage becomes essential to protect it from damage and ensure the longevity and performance of your stand-up paddleboard. Whether you have a rigid or inflatable board will really guide you with what you should do.
Where to Store Your Inflatable SUP
- For best results - rinse your iSup with some fresh water to remove salt etc
- Try and dry it out as best you can.
- Bag it up: All inflatable iSUPs should come with a bag for easy storage and mobility.
- Roll it up: If you don’t have an inflatable SUP bag, another way to safely store your inflatable SUP is to roll it up.
- Store your inflatable SUP semi-inflated.
- Leave the valve open.
- Remove the fins.
If you have space however - treat as a rigid SUP and follow the instructions below:
But, don’t worry, in this comprehensive guide we’ll provide all the information you require for storing your stand-up paddleboard (SUP), covering the best methods for both indoor and outdoor storage.
Where to Store Your Rigid SUP
When deciding where to store your stand-up paddleboard (SUP), it's crucial to choose a location that minimizes exposure to -
- Sunlight: UV rays from sunlight can cause discoloration and damage to your board's shell.
- Moisture: A damp environment can foster mold and mildew, potentially harming the board's shell material.
- Extreme Heat: High temperatures, whether from the sun or another heat source, can damage core materials and lead to delamination of the board's shell.
Now, let’s come to the storage options; you have two primary options for storing your paddleboard-
Indoor storage: If space allows, keeping your SUP indoors, like in a garage or shed, is ideal for safeguarding your SUP from these elements. For those who appreciate the aesthetics of their board, it can even be stored indoors, perhaps mounted on a wall as a decorative piece.
Outdoor storage: If space is a concern, outdoor storage is an option, but precautions are necessary. When opting for outdoor storage, keep the following in mind:
- Protect your SUP from UV rays and heat by placing it in a shaded outdoor spot.
- If shade is limited, use a weather-resistant tarp that fully covers the board throughout the day.
- Hanging the tarp above the board is preferable to direct contact, preventing mold or fungal growth in wet conditions.
- If using a suspended tarp, make sure it won't fill up and press down on the hull, which could potentially damage the board.
- In cold weather, water can freeze, and as it freezes, it expands. This expansion can lead to damage, especially in smaller gaps of the boat. Therefore, it's essential to ensure your boat is thoroughly dry before storing it to prevent potential harm caused by freezing and expansion.
How to Store Your Rigid SUP
You can store your SUP board in three different ways-
- On a Rack: Utilize a rack with padding or straps to cradle your board. Whether vertical or horizontal, place the deck against the rack to protect the hull.
- Suspended: Hang your board from the ceiling using a suspension system or wide webbing straps. Position it to protect the hull by facing it upwards.
- Leaning: Lean the board against a wall, either on its side or tail. Use padding underneath and secure it with straps or pegs to prevent accidents.
No matter if you place your SUP on a rack, suspend it from the ceiling, or lean it against a wall, consider the following tips while storing your SUP:
- Temperature Consideration: The best paddleboards are crafted by stitching and gluing materials together for maximum flexibility during packing. Large temperature fluctuations can weaken the glue, potentially leading to issues. Storing your board indoors during winter helps prevent such damage.
- Thorough Cleaning: Clean your board before storage to prevent bacteria buildup, even in seemingly clean water. This precaution ensures the protection of your paddleboard throughout the winter.
- Fins Removal: If your fins are removable, take them off to prevent potential bending caused by prolonged rolling.
- Deflate Your Board: If storing your paddleboard in a bag, ensure it is fully deflated. For inflated SUP board storage, release the pressure to avoid unnecessary stress on seams and materials, maintain around 5 PSI, and make sure to leave the valve open.
- Even Weight Distribution: Prevent deformation by evenly distributing the weight of your SUP during storage. Use padded racks or wide nylon straps to support the board along its length.
- Avoid Pressure Points: Whether hanging, placing on a rack, or leaning against a wall, steer clear of pressure points. Ensure the board isn't pinched in confined spaces, and avoid strapping it tightly, as during transportation. Long-term pressure can lead to deformation.
- UV Protection: Safeguard your SUP from UV damage by applying a sun-protective spray. This extra layer of protection helps shield your board from the harmful effects of sunlight.
In Conclusion
Finding the optimal storage method for your stand-up paddleboard might take some time and effort initially. However, once you determine the best approach and location, you'll be able to store it regularly with easy access and minimal hassle.