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Buying a stand up paddle board might be the best thing you do all year. SUPs are phenomenal fun, whether you want to enjoy them on the local lake or take them to the beach.
As much as we’d like to be out paddle boarding or surfing with our SUPs all the time – it’s also important to know how to store your board the right way so it lasts for a long time and is easy to access when you’re ready to take it out for a spin.
This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about storing your SUP, including the best ways to store paddle boards indoors and outdoors.
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There are plenty of suitable locations for keeping your paddle board when you’re not out on the water. Whether you choose to store your SUP inside or outside, any location will need to include a few major factors:
The next two sections will go into more detail so you know how to store your SUP in both indoor and outdoor spots.
Whether you have a hard or an inflatable SUP, it’s best to store paddle boards inside if at all possible. Indoor storage areas protect your board against all of the above potential threats and make your board easy to access. Note, however, that “indoors” doesn’t necessarily mean inside your house; sheds or garages are also ideal options suitable for long-term storage.
Alternatively, paddle boards can be conveniently stored inside if you mount them on the wall. This option saves floor space, whilst also displaying your pride and joy as a stylish conversation piece. We recommend the StoreYourBoard SUP Wall Rack, which is easy to mount and sturdy enough to hold even heavier stand-up paddle boards.
Lots of people have plenty of space inside their garages, with spots that are easy to access. When it comes to SUP storage, using a garage straddles a good middle ground between storing your board outside and keeping it in the house.
However, garages can get pretty cold, particularly during the winter. Be sure to elevate paddle boards off the floor using a wall rack, shelf, or SUP roof rack to prevent moisture from accumulating, and to stop direct contact with cold concrete floor from damaging your board.
In general, storing your SUP board outside should be your last option, as there’s a greater likelihood of it being exposed to the elements, extreme temperatures and UV radiation.
However, you can keep paddle boards outside safely if you follow these guidelines:
One more thing – if you’ve got an inflatable board, don’t keep it deflated in its carry bag for too long. Periodically reinflate your board to prevent any creases from becoming permanent.
If you live in an area with long, cold winters, you’ll likely need to put your SUP away for several months out of the year. In that case, be sure to pick a location that’s suitable for a long time, not just for a few weeks until your next paddle boarding vacation.
An indoor paddle board storage method is ideal to protect your board from the harm of extreme winter temperature. This will limit its exposure to any damaging elements.
After figuring out where you want to keep your stand up paddle board, you’ll need to know how to stow it safely. There are three major ways to store hard or inflated stand up paddle board, and some great products to help streamline your storage solutions:
Racks are popular paddle board storage choices. You can purchase racks that feature straps and padding materials that will hold your board securely, without damaging its exterior or design.
If the paddle board rack runs along your board’s entire length, be sure to rest your board on the rack face-down to prevent damage to its hull. In our experience, the GILI Minimalist Paddle Board Wall Rack is the ultimate option when it comes to easy access wall rack solutions. You can check out our SUP Storage Racks Guide for more information on this piece, as well as some other storage solutions.
Alternatively, you can use a freestanding horizontal SUP rack. This style allows you to stack two or more paddle boards, depending on their sizes and weight differences. If you only store one board, make sure that the board is properly centered to avoid undue strain and pressure being placed on your walls. Try to balance multiple boards if you stack them simultaneously, by keeping the heavier board on the bottom.
This is our best pick and for good reason. The GILI Minimalist Paddle Board Wall Rack is discreet, effective, and looks great effortlessly supporting your board.
The Minimalist Paddle Board Wall Rack is discreet. The bracket only extends 11” from the wall and has a 4.5” high front lip making it practically invisible.
You can also suspend your paddle board from ceiling SUP racks, hanging it from the ceiling in your garage or as a stylish bit of décor in your home. However, remember that this paddle board storage method means you’ll have slightly less convenient access to the board when you want to take it out for a paddle.
With this method, you’ll want to make sure you suspend your SUP with the bottom of the board facing the ceiling. Your best bet to do this safely is to purchase a suspension system designed specifically for SUPs, which will include the straps and bolts you need to secure everything tightly. Be sure to use multiple straps evenly along your SUP’s body to minimize the risk of it ever falling.
Need a sturdy and attractive suspended ceiling rack? Check out GILI's Ceiling Storage Rack to stow your SUP up high in style.
This Adjustable Overhead Multi SUP & Surfboard Ceiling Rack is a great storage solution for those with a larger quiver and suitable space that allows for it. If you’ve got a decent-sized garage, why not hang your boards overhead?
Just be aware and extra cautious if you have more than one board on each side of this SUP rack. That being said, the Adjustable Overhead Multi SUP & Surfboard Ceiling Rack is the best that money can buy and is our top recommendation for an overhead storage rack.
If you’re on a budget, you can also lean your paddle board against a wall. This is a simple and cheap way to store your board in plenty of easy to access places.
To do this, prop your SUP on its tail or lay it down on its side. Never lean paddle boards on their nose part, as this can damage the finishing material and cause them to tip over easily.
To keep boards in place, use some sort of padding between the floor and your SUP. Alternatively, you can further reduce the risk of boards slipping or tipping over by sticking a traction pad to the floor and the wall where you’ll be leaning your board.
Have an inflatable stand up paddle board? Keep these tips in mind to store your paddle board inflated, both safely and securely:
To save on space, you also have the option to fully deflate paddle boards for shorter-term storage. This can be particularly advantageous if you need to stow it in a crowded garage or a room in your house. Just be sure to take it out and inflate it periodically to prevent permanent creases.
If you plan to deflate your SUP during the winter or for other reasons, follow these pointers:
Cleaning SUP boards before storage is incredibly important. Failing to do so could lead to stains forming, paint wearing down over time, or even hull damage. Here’s how you can clean your SUP thoroughly before storing it:
Start by rinsing your stand up paddle board with clean, fresh water (saltwater can corrode the hull). This will remove any debris, salt, sand and dirt, preparing the board for the rest of the cleaning.
Next, wash your SUP board with a mild soap product mixed with tap water. This can get rid of any embedded stains or grime without harming the board. Always avoid strong chemicals or solvent products.
Rinse your SUP board with clean, fresh water again to get rid of any soap suds and the last dirt particles.
Finally, dry the board thoroughly before storage. Leaving water on your paddle board could lead to mildew formation. And don’t let paddle boards dry in the sun - seeing as UV rays can damage the shell and color of your board.
Not sure which of the above storage solutions you should choose? Here are a few ways to pick:
We aren’t done yet! Here’s some more general storage advice to make sure you store your SUP the right way:
And finally, if you’re storing your board outside your home, take some additional precautions to prevent theft. If you’re on the road, a lockable car rack is a worthwhile investment. Car racks and lockable ties are great ways to secure your unattended board, and you can also take photos of your board and write down its serial number in case it is stolen and you need to access your proof of ownership.
All in all, figuring out how to store your stand up paddle board for the first time can be time-consuming and a little tricky. Once you narrow down the best method and location for your board, you’ll be able to store it regularly time after time with easy access and minimum fuss.
Technically, your iSUP can be left inflated indefinitely, provided it isn’t stored in direct sunlight. If you want to improve the lifespan of your inflatable paddle board, it helps to reduce the air pressure during long storage periods. For the best results, partially deflate your board every few weeks to a month to protect its material.
If it comes with one, sure! The carry bag that your board came with is likely perfectly sized, and can protect your board from dust and UV rays regardless of where you put it.
Only if it’s left in a wet, cold area. Be sure to dry your paddle board after cleaning it to avoid mold formation.
No. Removable fins can break or bend in storage, so you should take these off and stash them with the rest of your accessories.
No. If you do this, your paddle board may be exposed to direct sunlight for several hours during the day, not to mention exposed to the elements.
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