Stand up paddles are usually between 10 to 12 feet in length and weigh more than 20 pounds that makes storing them a pretty cumbersome task. If you have already invested in a good quality paddle board, it is worth all the effort to take the necessary steps to ensure that they are stored well to protect them from any damage. In order to help you keep your board looking brand new, we put together this guide on how to store a paddle board.
What To Consider When Storing Your Paddle Board
When storing your SUPs you just need to consider the fact that the storage location shall limit the exposure of your boards to the following:
Sunlight
The harmful Ultraviolet rays of the sun can cause discoloration and can damage the material of your SUPs.
Moisture
Excessive moisture and a wet environment can lead to the growth of molds and that can be harmful to your paddle board.
Excessive Heat
Exposure to extremely high temperatures which can be due to sunlight or any other strong heat source that can cause potential damage to the shell or the core material of your paddle boards.
Now that you know the factors that need to be considered while storing the paddle boards let’s have a look at the storage locations that can be possibly used to store a paddle board.
The Different Paddle Board Storage Locations
As discussed earlier the options of storage of your paddle boards can either be indoors or outdoors. Though storing them indoors is always recommended, they can be stored outdoors as well keeping the determining factors in mind.
Indoor Paddle Board Storage
If you have a room that is big enough to store your SUP’s or probably a garage or a shed, the storage becomes very easy. Most of the indoor spaces do the job of keeping your boards safe from external factors such as sunlight, moisture, or any other external source of heat. If you really like the looks of your paddle board, you can in fact mount it on the wall like a subtle piece of art as well.
Outdoor Paddle Board Storage
For most of us it is not always feasible to keep the giant paddle boards indoors and as such, it is required to find alternatives to store your paddle boards outdoors. With certain precautions, you can protect your paddle boards from the external factors stated above i.e the sunlight, extreme heat, or moisture. Keeping it just below the roof, under the deck, or stringing it up to a tarp, are some of the ways you can store your SUP when keeping it outdoors. Be mindful of the below things when looking for the right place to store your SUP while storing it outdoors:
Shade
Ensure that the area or the region where you are storing your paddle board is appropriately shaded so that it is protected from the UV rays or heat due to sunlight. If you see that the shade is not available or is limited you can make use of a tarp. Using a tarp that is weather-resistant is best as it offers ample protection to all kinds of weather. Be it extreme cold, heat, or rains, using tarps can offer protection from all. While using the tarp, make sure the tarp is suspended instead of simply being wrapped to the board. This would ensure protection from fungal and mold growth during wet weather conditions.
Protection from moisture
To ensure that ample protection from moisture is provided you need to make sure that raindrops or snow do not collect or come in contact with the board directly. If you are storing the board under a suspended tarp, make sure that the tarp does not fill at the center and touchdown to come in contact with the board.
The Different Ways To Store Your Paddle Board
Here are the several ways in which you can store your stand up paddle board to keep it protected from any damage:
Using A Paddle Board Rack
This is one of the best ways of storing your paddle boards. Most of the paddlers usually use a rack system to store their SUP boards. You can make one of your own or buy one available in the market but ensure that the rack has enough padding and straps to make sure the paddle is gently cradling on the board.
Here are some paddle board racks that we recommend.
Suspending Your Paddle Board
This is another tried and tested way of storing the paddles. You can hang your board to the ceiling using either a specially designed suspension system or you can make one of your own using webbing straps. Hanging the board with the hull facing up in the direction of the ceiling is the best way to suspend it.
Leaning Your Paddle Board
This is perhaps the easiest way of storing your board. Simply let it lean against a wall with the tail down and some padding between the board and the floor. If you have a house with a ceiling as high as 10 ft, this may be the best option for you. Also, keep it fastened to the wall with a wooden peg or some straps so that the board does not come crashing down suddenly.
If you have an inflatable board, it is recommended to partially inflate it before storing it. This avoids your boards from forming permanent deformations and creases. If you are low on space ensure that you completely deflate your SUP, keep the valve open, store it in a cool, clean, and dry space.
Paddle Board Storage Tips and Recommendations
No matter how you store your Stand Up Paddle Board, be sure of the following:
Keep it Clean
Make sure your paddle board is cleaned thoroughly before being stored. Rinse it with water to remove any dirt on it. Also, make sure it is cleaned twice a year with mild soap and soup mixes.
Even Weight Distribution
Ensure that while storage the pressure points run along the length of the paddle so that they do not develop cracks or deformity.
Avoid Pressure Points
Make sure there are no pressure points while storing your stand up paddle boards. Keep them amply padded to avoid any pressure points.
Protect from UV Rays
Protect it from the UV rays of the sun. A sun protective spray is the best protection you can offer.
Keep it Accessible yet Hidden
Ensure that your board is stored in a place that is easy to access for you and yet concealed from strangers or potential thieves who can quickly grab it and run away.
