If you’re new to paddleboarding, perhaps you’re wondering what to do with your paddleboard and how to store it. As you consider your options for where to store your board, remember that a good location is one that limits exposure to these three things:

 

  • Extreme heat: Exposure to high temperatures, either caused by the sun or another heat source, can do damage to the core materials and potentially cause the shell of the board to delaminate.

 

  • Sunlight: The ultraviolet rays that accompany sunlight can discolor and damage the shell of your board.

 

  • Moisture: A wet environment can encourage mold and mildew and possibly damage the shell material of your board.

 

Indoor Storage 

 

If you have room to do so, the easiest storage solution is often to keep your SUP indoors, such as in a garage or shed. Most indoor spaces do an excellent job of protecting SUPs from sun, moisture, and heat. 

 

Outdoor Storage

 

For many paddlers, keeping a giant board indoors isn’t feasible. It’s perfectly fine to stow your SUP outside, but you need to take certain precautions to protect it from the elements. Keeping it under a deck, below the eaves of a roof or under a strung-up tarp, are all excellent options. 

 

How to Store Your SUP

 

On a rack: Lots of paddlers use a rack system to store their board. Whether you make your own or buy one specifically designed to hold a SUP, the rack should have padding or straps to cradle the board gently. Some racks cradle the board on its edge, while others run across the body of the board. With the latter style, rack your SUP with the deck (top) of the board against the rack to protect the hull from damage.

 

Suspended: Hanging your board from the ceiling is an excellent way to get it up and out of the way. You can purchase a suspension system designed just for a SUP, or you can make your own using wide webbing straps. To best protect the hull, hang your board so that the hull faces up toward the ceiling.

 

Leaning: Perhaps the simplest solution is to lean the board up against a wall. You can do so by putting the SUP down on its side or tail (never put a board down on its nose). It’s a good idea to put some padding between the board and the floor to protect your SUP. If you lean your board on its tail, keep in mind that many SUPs are 10 ft. long or more, so you’ll need high ceilings to do this. Also, it’s wise to secure the board with a strap or a wooden peg on each side so it won’t suddenly come crashing down.

 

If you have an inflatable SUP, leaving your board partially inflated (at about 5 pounds per square inch) and storing it like you would a rigid board can help prevent it from developing permanent creases and deformations. One of the big appeals of inflatable SUPs is how compact they get. So, if you’re limited on space, go ahead and fully deflate it and follow these tips:

 

  • Leave the valve open.
  • Make sure the board is clean and completely dry.
  • Avoid tightly compressing the board (stowing it loosely rolled up is best).
  • Keep it in a cool, dry place (ideally indoors).