Where Should Inflatable Paddle Boards Be Stored?

Paddle boarding is a great activity for the whole family to get involved in.

However, when all the fun and games are over, you want to make sure that you’re looking after your inflatable paddle board. So, where should inflatable paddle boards be stored?

In this article, I cover different storage methods for your paddle board, so you know where to keep it in order to keep your board in the best condition.

So, let’s begin. 

How do you store a paddle board in a garage?

When it comes to storing your inflatable paddle board, leaving your board partially inflated and storing it as you would a standard paddle board can actually help prevent your board from developing permanent creases. 

However, that being said, arguably the most useful benefit of an inflatable board is how compact they are to store. If you have limited space in your garage and would prefer to deflate your board, follow the following steps.

• Ensure that the board is entirely clean and dry. 
• Keep the valve open.
• Avoid tightly compressing the board, as storing it loosely rolled up is better for the material.
• Ensure that you store it in a cool, dry place.

Wherever you decide to keep your SUP, whether it be on a rack, hung from the ceiling, or stored loosely rolled up, there are a few things to bear in mind when it comes to storage.

Storage tips 

• Ensure the paddle board is clean. Before you put your board in storage, you will need to ensure that you’ve given it a thorough clean with fresh water to remove any sand, dirt, salt, or grime. If you want a thorough clean, you can wash the board with mild soapy water a few times a year, but clean water is absolutely fine to maintain your paddle board. You should be careful to avoid using strong cleaning chemicals that could damage the board. Once thoroughly rinsed, you need to let the board dry in the sun before storing it away for long periods of time. This is arguably the most important step, as failure to do so will result in a damp, moldy board the next time you take it out! 

• Avoid pressure points. Pressure can deform your inflatable paddle board over time. As a result, then, whether you’re hanging your SUP up, placing it on a rack, or storing it rolled up, you need to be careful to avoid pressure points. Ensure that the board isn’t being pinched by storing it in a confined area, and don’t strap it down too tightly as you would to the roof of your car. 

• Distribute weight evenly. SUPs can deform due to uneven weight distribution. You need to support the weight of the SUP at points along the length of the board when storing it, using a padded rack or wide nylon straps.

How do you store inflatable SUP for winter?

As the temperature outside begins to drop, it is likely that you’ll be spending less time paddle boarding on the water. However, when it comes to storing and maintaining your board throughout the winter months, there are a few things to consider.

• Don’t store your board outside. Generally speaking, it isn’t recommended to store your board outside as this will render it susceptible to the elements. When your board isn’t in use, prolonged exposure to the sun causes unnecessary wear and tear to your board. To avoid this, make sure you keep it in a bag, in your garage, or rolled up somewhere dry. Treat it with the same care you would for any other sporting gear that you own.

• Clean it before storing it away. You need to ensure that your paddle board is free of anything abrasive, such as sand before you put it away for the winter. Thoroughly clean it with fresh water and allow it to fully dry before hanging it up for the season.

• Keep your board dry. A SUP is a good investment, but you need to keep it in good condition to make the most out of it. The greatest danger to your SUP aside from abrasion is internal moisture. No one wants a moldy board! To keep moisture from damaging your board, do not store it in damp spaces. If you have nowhere else, make sure that you place it in a watertight bag to prevent any moisture from getting into the board.

Can you store inflatable paddle boards outside?

Although you can store your inflatable paddle board outside if you’re struggling for space inside, it isn’t necessarily recommended. As I’ve explained in this article, leaving your SUP outside exposes it to the elements.

For instance, sun damage can cause damage to the board whilst heavy rainfall can get into the board, rendering it damp. 

Alongside this, generally speaking outside isn’t nearly as clean, as you have less control of the dirt build-up and your board could suffer.

Ideally, you should store your inflatable paddle board in a cool, dry place that is clean to keep your paddle board in the best condition possible.

A garden shed or a garage is a great alternative if you don’t have space in your basement, provided that both are easy to access.

You want to make sure that you can access your board whenever you can with ease as if the board is in a tricky position, you might find yourself reaching for it less.

Although you might think the easiest place is outside, you don’t want to risk damaging your board.

The general rule for inflatable paddle boards is that you should treat them with as much care as any other sports equipment if you want the board to withstand the test of time.

You could have the best quality SUP in the world, and your investment still wouldn’t be worth it if you don’t take the proper precautions to look after the board. 

Make sure your paddle board lasts longer with these handy tips!