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They’re the latest trend in summer beach-based activities, a popular activity with outdoor enthusiasts nationwide, and one of the best ways to get out onto the water and enjoy a spot of peace and quiet among nature. But paddleboards are also pretty sizeable.
And when winter comes and you’re not using yours as much, it can easily get in the way at home. If this rings a bell, you need somewhere to safely store your paddleboard in winter until it’s time to get out on the water once again.
Whether you have a rigid paddleboard or an inflatable paddleboard, you must find a suitable place to store it. Choosing the right location for your paddleboard will help to keep it in good condition for as long as possible. The last thing you want is a damaged paddleboard when you go to retrieve it next summer.
Paddleboard Storage Ideas
Paddleboards are bulky items. They tend to be around 10-11 feet in length, between 32-34 inches wide, and can weigh approximately 20 pounds – so they’re not the easiest item to store. But not to worry, we’re here to provide you with some useful paddleboard storage ideas to help you find a safe and suitable place to keep your board. After all, you need your paddleboard in the best condition to catch those waves when the time comes around again.
CubeSmart offers you the ideal storage solution for your paddleboard. With our storage options, you can rest easy knowing that your water toys are safe and well looked after. In this guide, we explore some top tips for how to store a paddleboard.
What is a Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP)?
A stand-up paddleboard, also known as a SUP, is a type of waterboard that is designed for riders to stand up on in the water while using a paddle to move around. With Hawaiian roots, these boards are now popular across the US and worldwide. They come in two main types: rigid and inflatable.
Surfing is the most popular stand-up paddleboard activity, but these versatile waterboards can also be used for fitness regimes and yoga, racing, touring, and fishing.
How to store your paddleboard
It’s always best to store your paddleboard indoors where it is protected from the elements. This will help to reduce its exposure to moisture, sunlight, and extreme heat, which can all be damaging to the board’s shell and core materials. Indoor storage is a great option for the colder season if you’re wondering how to store your paddle board in winter.
Due to the size of paddleboards, indoor storage may not be a feasible option for some households. If you’re short on space, renting a self-storage unit can be the best option to keep your board safe and in the best condition. You’ll want a storage unit with enough space to allow your board to fit inside without having to bend or squeeze to stop it from being knocked out of shape.
How to Prep your Paddleboard for Storage
As well as finding a suitable place to store your paddleboard, it is also essential that you adequately prep your board for storage. This will help to ensure that it’s as well-kept when you take it out of storage as when you initially put it in.
Before putting your paddleboard into storage, you should give it a good wash to remove any salt and sand it’s picked up at the beach. From there, you want to make sure you have properly dried the board and allowed any water to dissipate. This should stop moisture from causing the board any damage while it’s in your storage unit.
If you’re looking to store an inflatable paddleboard, you’ll also need to take a few extra steps to prep your board for storage to prevent creasing and deformation. You should:
- Be sure to get rid of any internal moisture to avoid degradation over time.
- Keep open the valve to prevent moisture from getting trapped inside.
- Don’t tightly compress the board to prevent it from being misshapen.
Indoor Tips: Protection from Moisture
When left in damp conditions, mold and mildew can start to develop on your paddleboard. This can result in damage to its shell. In most cases, storing your board indoors helps to keep its exposure to moisture to a minimum, but there are a few extra ways in which you can keep your paddleboard dry.
For example, you could invest in a weather-resistant tarp or a SUP cover bag or jacket to protect your paddleboard from moisture even while in storage. You should also aim to store your SUP in a dry, cool area with effective ventilation to prevent any moisture build-up.
Outdoor Tips: Protection from the Elements
If you choose to store your paddleboard outdoors, you’ll need to ensure its protected from the elements. UV (ultraviolet) rays from sunlight can cause discoloration and damage to a paddleboard’s shell, while high temperatures can affect your SUP’s core materials and even result in the delamination of the board’s shell or warping of its shape.
To protect your paddleboard from the elements while outdoors, find a spot with good levels of shade to reduce its exposure to sun and heat. You could also invest in a cover, tarp, or jacket for added protection.
How to Store your Paddleboard
There are several ways you could store your paddleboard. How you choose to position your board while in storage will depend on the space available.
Here are a few common stand-up paddle board storage ideas:
Standing
This is a safe, secure, and convenient way of storing your paddleboard. To do this, you can purchase a paddleboard rack that will allow your SUP to be stored in an upright position in your storage unit. A rack is a much safer option than simply leaning your board against the wall, as the hard floor could damage your paddleboard over time. Additionally, there’s always the risk that your board could fall and become damaged.
The standing storage method tends to take up less space as the board is placed vertically instead of horizontally. Ensure the rack you select has suitable padding or straps to securely hold the board in place.
Suspended
Another paddleboard storage option is to suspend your SUP from the ceiling. This method helps to save space by keeping your board off the floor and out of the way. To do this, you’ll need to purchase a suitable SUP suspension ceiling rack which is equipped with secure straps and bolts to prevent the board from falling. Always ensure that the board’s hull faces upwards towards the ceiling.
Leaning
Finally, the simplest way to store your paddleboard is to simply lean it against a wall. This may not be the safest or most secure option, but it is often the most convenient, especially for those on a budget. To do this, lay your SUP on its side or tail - never place your board down on its nose as this can damage its finishing material and make it easier for it to fall over.
To keep your SUP in good condition while leaning, you should also add some padding between the board and the floor. You can also secure the board using a strap, pegs or a traction pad to prevent slipping.
Paddleboard Storage Tips
When storing your paddleboard, there are a few things that you should keep in mind to ensure that your SUP remains in good condition. You should avoid simply sticking your board into storage and forgetting about it, for example. Proper maintenance is needed to keep it damage-free and ensure it has a long life.
Here are some useful paddleboard storage tips:
Clean
Always ensure that your paddleboard is kept clean, both before it goes into storage and during. Dust and other material can start to gather on the board, and without regular cleaning, marks can begin to develop, and these may become hard to get out.
Give your SUP a good clean with fresh water every now and again. You could also wash it with a mild soap and water solution occasionally throughout the year. It is recommended that you don’t use any solvents or harsh solutions as these could damage the board. Always let the SUP dry before putting it back into storage.
Keep Weight Distribution in Mind
When storing your paddleboard, ensure that its weight is evenly distributed to avoid deformation from occurring on the side that receives the most pressure. To ensure that the weight is evenly distributed, you’ll need to support the SUP’s weight at all points along its length – straps or a padded rack can be used to do this. Even weight distribution is particularly important for inflatable paddleboards, as they are more susceptible to deformation and creasing.
Be Mindful of Pressure Points
Over time, pressure can cause your paddleboard to become deformed. To prevent this, always avoid pressure points when storing your SUP. Ensure that the board doesn’t get pinched if it is placed in a confined space, and don’t strap the board down as snugly as you would if you were placing it in your car, as this can warp it over longer periods in storage.
How to Store a Paddleboard at CubeSmart
CubeSmart offers safe and affordable storage for paddleboards of all types. So, whether you have a rigid paddleboard or an inflatable SUP, we can provide you with a suitable storage solution. Find your local CubeSmart storage unit with our self-storage locator.
