7 Practical Tips For Paddle Board Storage

Storing your paddle board correctly doesn’t need to require a huge amount of effort, however taking a few simple steps will ensure it maintains its quality and is as good as new when you take it out of storage. If you’re thinking about how to store your inflatable SUP over the winter, or how to store it safely for short periods at a time, the following guide contains all the information you need to know. These are our top tips for safe and convenient paddle board storage:

Rinse your SUP

The likes of mud, salt and sand are best removed from your board to avoid any build up on your board and keep it looking new. Whilst our inflatable SUPs are known for their durability, due to the exclusive technology we use, the better you care for your Red paddle board, the more use you will get out of it. Rinsing your SUP with fresh water before you put it away will remove any grime that could cause scratches or decay whilst it’s in storage. Make sure to pay extra attention to the area around the valve and fins where dirt has a tendency to accumulate easily.

Clean occasionally with a non-abrasive soap

You certainly don’t need to clean your SUP with soap every time you use it. In fact, we’d advise against this, and in most cases just rinsing the board is enough. However if your board gets stained, or if you’re going to be storing it for a long period of time, it doesn’t hurt to give it a good clean. Make sure that you are using a non-abrasive soap, and scrub gently to avoid scratching or damaging the surface of the board. Once you’ve finished cleaning, make sure to rinse again to ensure any residue from the soap is removed.

Make sure it’s dry

One of our most important paddle board storage tips is to make sure that the SUP is completely dry before you leave it in storage. If you store your inflatable SUP whilst it’s still wet, this can cause the likes of mildew and bacteria to build up, causing damage to the board. That’s why it’s always important to take the time to dry your paddle board off gently with a clean, soft towel after cleaning and rinsing.

Avoid direct sunlight

Another key factor involved in paddle board storage is thinking about where to store your paddle board. One factor to consider is making sure that you don’t leave your SUP in direct sunlight. High levels of exposure to UV radiation over time can damage the PVC that is used to make the board. Extended exposure to direct sunlight can also cause the surface colour to fade. If you plan on keeping your board inflated on the deck of your boat or on a roof rack then you should cover it with a UV board jacket to prevent it from sun damage.

Choose the right temperature

As well as avoiding directing sunlight, it’s also important to ensure that you store your board at the right temperature. The key to good paddle board storage is to avoid extremely cold or extremely hot temperatures. Again, this is important for ensuring its longevity.

Can I keep my inflatable SUP inflated?

Something that people are often unsure about when it comes to paddle board storage is whether to store their SUP inflated or deflated. Whilst it’s okay to leave your paddle board inflated from time to time (so long as it is away from direct sunlight), we’d always recommend that you deflate it if you’re storing it for long periods of time. This is to relieve pressure on the material and prevent the risk of punctures.

Store it in a bag

Keeping your inflatable SUP stored in it’s carry bag, like our ATB Board Bag, is the best way to keep it away from dirt, dust and grime. This allows you to keep all your paddles in one place alongside your board, without taking up too much space. It also means that your board will be all packed up and ready to go when you next want to use it.