The worst thing about paddle boarding is putting your board away afterward. Whether you are storing your board for the winter or just putting it away for the night, you need a practical and elegant solution to keep your pride and joy safe and out of the way.
There are several considerations to factor when establishing how to store a stand up paddle board, including, the type of board, the available space, environmental conditions, and the length of time you are planning to store your paddle board.
The Process Of Storing A Stand Up Paddle Board
While paddle board storage solutions may differ depending on your board construction and available space, the process of how to store a stand up paddle board remains largely the same.
Not sure about the differences between inflatable boards and hard boards? Check out Inflatable VS Hard Paddle Board.
- Wash your paddle board first. Use fresh water, a gentle detergent, and a soft sponge or cloth to remove any salt, grime, or grit that may be on your board. If you are only storing it temporarily for a few days, you can skip the detergent, but removing the salt and sand is critical for prolonging the life of your board.
- Allow your board to fully dry. The board must be completely dry, damp allows bacteria and mold to grow which will degrade the board. A good practice is to towel dry first, then to let the board sit in the sun to finish off. If conditions don’t allow it, you can use a hairdryer on a low heat setting.
- Open the vent plug for hard boards or let some air out of inflatables. It is possible that your board may be subject to a range of temperatures over the period of time that it is in storage. This allows for expansion and contraction and will avoid damage to your board.
- Find an appropriate storage location. Choose somewhere that is dry, secure, and away from extreme temperatures. Somewhere indoors like a garage or shed is ideal and most popular. It is important to
- Avoid excess pressure and pressure points. leaving your board resting on a couple of thin metal bars for a long period of time can cause it to warp or deform. Good paddle board racks will be padded or have a wider contact surface to avoid this. It is also inadvisable to lay multiple boards on top of each other as the extra weight on the bottom board can damage it.
Can I Leave My Inflatable Paddle Board Blown Up For Storage?
Yes, you can leave your inflatable paddle board inflated, but you should first release some pressure from your board. Leaving it at full pressure over a long period of time will fatigue and stretch the PVC material. There is also the risk of overexpansion if the temperature rises which can irreparably damage your board.
It is best to leave your board inflated enough to hold its shape but with enough give in it so that it doesn’t feel hard – at least 5 PSI less than its normal operating pressure. Inflatable boards will lose air over time, so make sure you top it up occasionally before it goes floppy.
How To Store a Deflated Paddle Board
Storing a deflated paddle board is pretty simple; While inflated, clean your board thoroughly, and especially important with inflatable boards, ensure that it is bone dry. Then deflate it, roll it up, and put the board inside its bag. From there, you can store it anywhere that suits you, like under your bed or the back of a closet. Just make sure that it is a dry space away from heat sources like radiators and boilers.
See more: How to deflate and store a paddle board.
Can I Store My Paddle Board Outside?
Yes, it is possible to store both inflatable and hard paddle boards outside, and for some people, this may be your only option. However, environmental and human factors may make it less suitable than storing your board inside, like in a garage, basement, or shed.
- Keep your board out of direct sunlight. Just as UV radiation can damage our skin, it can also damage our boards. Not only will sunlight fade the colors and look of your board, but it will also degrade PVC and cause epoxy to blister. Even over winter when the sun is weak, the cumulative effects will be noticeable.
- Avoid damp and extreme temperatures. Leaving your board somewhere damp will encourage mold, mildew, and bacteria to grow that can stain or even eat away at your board. Extreme hot or cold should also be avoided as it can weaken and make your board more brittle.
- Store your board somewhere safe. A quality stand up paddle board can be a substantial investment. Unfortunately, not everyone is as honest as you and me. Storing your board outside usually will never be as safe as in a locked shed, but keeping them hidden can prevent opportunistic thieves, and locks such as the Fin Box Lock allow you to secure your board to something solid.
Stand Up Paddle Board Storage Ideas
Looking for some creative ideas or inspiration in how to store a stand up paddle board? Here are the best ways to keep your board safe and secure.
Wall Mounted Paddle Board Racks
Mounting your paddle board on the wall of your garage is one of the most popular storage solutions. Wall mounting takes up no floor space and can be placed at the most convenient height for you. Storing your boards flat provides more surface area in contact with the bars of the rack, reducing the risk of denting or warping over time.
Some wall mounted paddle board racks such as the one pictured below from StoreYourBoard available to buy at Amazon, are adjustable, allowing you to fit kayaks or canoes onto the rack with your boards.
Wall Mounted Paddle Board Display Stands
If you don’t have the space in a garage, or maybe you have a particularly aesthetically pleasing paddle board that you want as a feature on your wall. Wall mounted display stands take up much less space by storing the board flat against the wall.
Considerations need to be made in locating a wall mounted stand. Make sure that the wall is strong enough to hold your board, and screw into the studs if mounting on a non-structural drywall. Also, be sure to also take into account where the sunlight hits and site the board away from any heat sources that may damage it.
Available at Amazon, the BPS minimalist display rack pictured below can be sited indoors and outdoors and is able to store up to two boards at a time.
Ceiling Mounted Overhead Paddle Board Storage
There are two main types of overhead paddle board storage solutions, overhead racks, and pulley systems. Storing your paddle board on the ceiling is without a doubt the most space-efficient system and leaves your floor and wall space free for other things. However, there can be disadvantages, particularly if your ceiling is high or your board is heavy, you may struggle to use a ceiling mounted overhead rack.
This is where pulley storage hoists come into their own. No need to struggle to lift a heavy board above your head or standing precariously on a ladder. With pulley hoists systems like the one from StoreYourBoard (seen here at Amazon), you attach the board to the pulley lines at ground level before hoisting it out of the way safely.
Both types of overhead paddle board storage systems need careful installation as the weight of the rack and boards are pulling the screws directly outwards, which could cause them to pull loose if not fixed properly into a strong joist or rafter.
Free Standing Paddle Board Racks
Free standing paddle board racks allow you safely store your boards without the need to drill any holes in your walls or ceiling. They also let you move your board storage as the seasons and your paddling habits change. Some racks are for indoor use only, but the one below, made by Stoneman Sports is for both indoor and outdoor use.
When using a free standing rack it is important to manage the weight distribution, with the heaviest boards lower down and only putting light boards up high. When placed outdoors strong winds have the potential to blow over free standing racks.
Folding Portable Paddle Board Stands
One of the most simple and practical methods for storing your paddle board comes in the form of what looks like a fishing stool without a seat. These can be used as permanent storage, laying your paddle board flat resting between the two stands.
These portable stands are also great for taking with you in the car and using by the water to avoid damaging your board on the ground at your launch point. The pictured model below from Suspenz can also be used for kayaks and canoes and is available to buy at Amazon.
Wooden Paddle Board Storage Racks
If you are looking for something a little more rustic and bespoke, you may be interested in a log storage rack. Quite a bit more pricy compared to the others on the list but would match a log cabin theme perfectly.
The one below is made from northern white cedar and comes with several options, from two to eight spaces, and a selection of wood finishes. Check out their whole range here.
Conclusion: How To Store A Stand Up Paddle Board
Storing a paddle board is pretty simple, and following just a few simple steps will prolong the life of your board and ensure it remains in a good condition when you come to use it again, whether that is next week or next summer.
- Wash it.
- Dry it.
- Remove vent the plug, or release some pressure.
- Choose a suitable storage location.
- Store the board properly to avoid pressure points.