How to Safely Store Your Paddle Board

Just like anything else in life, the more time and energy you invest into your paddle board, the more you’ll get out of it. More specifically, the better care you take of it, the longer it will last. If you want your paddle board to last for as long as possible, then it is imperative that you know how to safely store your paddle board. As always, our dedicated staff at Atoll Boards has everything you need to know, so keep on reading below!

How to Properly Store Your SUP Overnight

As much as we love a good paddling session, let’s face it, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP-ing) can be exhausting. The last thing you want to do after a long day on the water is take the time to thoroughly wash, clean, and dry your board. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what you need to do, especially if you want your SUP to last as long as possible. Even if you’re only putting it away for one day, it’s very important that you know how to properly store your SUP overnight and beyond.

First, spray it down and get all the salt, sand, and dirt off the board. Then, use a soft towel to dry it off and remove as much moisture as possible. Remember, moisture turns into mold. Then, store it either horizontally or vertically to let any remaining moisture drip down and off the board. If possible, get it up off the ground. Elevating your SUP will allow more air circulation around it, which will ultimately lead to a more thorough drying out process. For optimal overnight storage, please follow all of our instructions listed above. Long-term storage, on the other hand, is an entirely separate process. 

The Process of Preparing Your SUP for Long-Term Storage

If you’re planning on storing your board for more than a night or two, then it’s truly important you do it right. While the process of preparing your SUP for long-term storage isn’t especially complicated, it is nonetheless imperative, especially for proper upkeep and maintenance of your board. 

First things first, wash your board. Lakes, rivers, and other bodies of water—especially those with saltwater—contain substances such as salt, dirt, and miscellaneous microbes, all of which can cause damage to the finish of your board. In fact, the longer they stay on your SUP, the more harm they can do; so keep this in mind when you’re washing, cleaning, and preparing your board for long-term storage. Again, as we mentioned above, the more thoroughly you can dry your board, the better it will sit in store. Trust us, you don’t want to pull out a paddle board covered in mold; that’s just nasty.

If your SUP has any detachable parts, such as a leash or fin, then please be sure to take them off before any long-term storage. After all, a broken fin will break your board, not to mention your heart. Or, if your SUP is inflatable, then simply deflate it before storing it away. It will take up way less room, it will store better, and it will be better protected from start to finish. Speaking of protection, a covered board is a happy board. If you have a cover for your SUP, then please be sure to use it. By doing so, you’ll protect its finish, keep out any unwanted guests, and keep it in tip-top shape for as long as needed. 

Plenty of Shade and Protection from the Elements

Whether you’re storing it indoors or outdoors, there’s a few more things you’ll want to know about protecting your board. First, be sure to keep it away from the following elements: sunlight, heat, and moisture. All of these forces can cause some serious damage. That’s why we recommend putting your SUP in a place like an air-conditioned basement, an insulated garage, or a raised place within your home, such as right above your couch. If you need to put it outside, consider safe spots like under a tarp, beneath a deck, or below the eaves of a roof, all of which provide your paddle board with plenty of shade and protection from the elements.

Safely Store Your Paddle Board with a Racking System

One of the best—and most popular—ways to safely store your paddle board is with a racking system. While you can certainly make your own, you can also purchase a pre-fabricated one. Either way, you’ll want to make sure your racking system is equipped with padding or straps that gently hold your SUP either on the edges or across the body of the board. Equally important, you’ll want to be sure that the rack can hold more than enough weight. Otherwise, you risk the chance that it could fall and damage your board, your home, etc.

Suspend Your Board or Lean It Against a Wall

If you don’t want to use a racking system, then you’ll probably want to either suspend your board or lean it against a wall. Suspending your board can be a great way to make the most of your storage space while also protecting it from various types of damage. You can make your own via suspension system via wide webbing straps or you can buy one either  online or at a sporting goods store.

For those who prefer to keep things simple, leaning your board on a wall is the easiest and cheapest way to store your board. Simply place your board down on its side or tail on top of some padding. Never place the board on its nose, however, as this can cause some serious damage to your SUP, wall, floor, etc. Before you lean your board against your wall, however, make sure your ceiling is high enough to accommodate it. The standard SUP is typically 10 or 11 feet long, and not all rooms are that tall, of course.

For an extra safety measure, we recommend securing your SUP with a strap or wooden pegs on either side to prevent it from falling. In the same way, it doesn’t hurt to pad the end of the board that’s resting on the ground. After all, SUPs aren’t exactly built to put all their pressure and weight on one end. This quickly becomes evident when heavy boards begin to dig into the floor or ground on which they’re resting. Again, quick and convenient storage, but not necessarily the best option.

How to Store Your iSUP Overnight

Last but not least, you’re probably wondering how to store an inflatable SUP (iSUP). Naturally, this depends on whether it’s for one night or for an extended amount of time. That said, we’ll begin by discussing how to store your iSUP overnight. 

First, we recommend leaving it partially inflated—about 5 pounds per square inch—and then storing it the same way you would a solid board. This will keep your iSUP safe from the development of creases, deformations, and other complications. As we stated above, a racking system is probably best, but suspending or leaning your board will also get the job done. In any case, do whatever works best for you and your circumstances.

Preparing to Store Your iSUP for a Long Time

When preparing to store your iSUP for a long time, there are few things you’ll want to do. Of course, you’ll need to ensure the board is completely clean and dry, as we’ve already discussed. Then, be sure to leave the valve open. Next, stow your iSUP loosely rolled, avoiding compressing the board too tightly, just like you would an air mattress. Make sure all the air is squeezed out and then roll it smoothly, one section at a time. After your iSUP has been thoroughly rolled, store it in a bag somewhere safe such as an air-conditioned basement, an insulated garage, or a raised place within your home. 

Please note that if you choose to leave your iSUP inflated, then you’ll want to keep it away from the elements. Additionally, because iSUPs lose air over time, you’ll really need to check the air pressure of your board with a pump gauge before taking it out of storage. This is especially important before putting it back in the water and trying to get on top of it. Last but not least, like any other SUP, you’ll want to keep it in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, and preferably indoors.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed learning everything you need to know about properly storing your SUP. Now that you know how to safely store your paddle board, what’s next? If you’re in the market for a new board or any SUP accessories, consider checking out our Atoll Boards inventory. Then, when you find a favorite, give us a call at 877-698-8581. Whether you have some questions about our products, want to place an order, or wish to discuss the details of SUP storage, we would be more than happy to help you in any way we can. We hope to serve you soon!