How to Store Paddle Boards Indoors and Outdoors Correctly

How to store paddle boards correctly protects your investment from damage and extends its lifespan. 

We cover cleaning protocols, ideal environmental conditions, specific methods for inflatables versus hard boards, and essential storage gear.

The Golden Rules: Ideal Conditions for Paddle Board Storage

The ideal conditions for how to store paddle boards involve controlling light, temperature, and humidity to prevent material degradation and structural failure. 

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: UV rays degrade epoxy and PVC, causing fading and delamination. Store your board in a shaded area or use a UV-resistant cover to block harmful radiation.
• Temperature Control: Extreme heat expands air and softens resins, while freezing temps make materials brittle. Aim for a cool, stable indoor temperature to maintain structural integrity.
• Moisture Management: A dry environment is critical to prevent mold, mildew, and corrosion on metal hardware like valves and D-rings. We suggest using a dehumidifier in damp garages or basements.
• Ventilation: Good airflow keeps the board fresh and prevents that "musty garage" smell from permeating the EVA deck pad. Store your gear in open areas rather than sealed containers.

How to Prep Your Board for Long-Term Storage

Preparing your gear is the critical first step in how to store paddle boards because salt, grit, and moisture cause corrosion and abrasion during downtime. 

1. The Initial Rinse: Use fresh water immediately after use to remove salt, sand, and grit. Salt crystals attract moisture and corrode metal parts if left unchecked.
2. Gentle Scrubbing: Clean the deck pad, rails, and bottom with mild soap and a soft bristle brush. Avoid harsh chemicals that can strip protective coatings and damage the board’s finish.
3. Drying Phase: Ensure the board is 100% dry before storage to prevent mildew growth. Trapped moisture creates a breeding ground for mold, especially inside board bags.
4. Deck Pad Care: Pay specific attention to the EVA foam to remove embedded dirt. Allowing the pad to dry completely stops bacteria growth and unpleasant odors.

How to Store Inflatable Paddle Boards (iSUPs): Rolled vs. Inflated

iSUPs offer versatility, allowing you to choose between compact rolling or keeping it inflated based on your space and usage frequency.

The "Rolled" method is the most space-efficient solution for how to store paddle boards during the off-season or long breaks. It minimizes the board's footprint and protects it from environmental factors when placed inside a bag.

1. Deflate Completely: Release all air to relieve pressure on the seams.
2. Roll Loosely: Start from the nose to expel remaining air without stressing the material.
3. Use the Backpack: Place the rolled board in its storage bag to protect against dust and pests.

Storing boards inflated offers convenience for paddlers hitting the water frequently. It saves you the hassle of pumping up every time.

• Partial Pressure: Keep the board at 3-5 PSI to maintain shape without stressing seams.
• Ideal for Warm Weather: This method works best in stable climates during the active season.

Monitoring air pressure is a safety requirement that remains inflated because fluctuating temperatures can cause catastrophic failure. 

• Release Air in Heat: Never leave a board fully inflated (15 PSI) in a hot garage or car.
• Check Regularly: Inspect pressure weekly during seasonal transitions to prevent seam damage.

Protective storage solutions are essential in the rolled state to prevent physical damage from pests or damp floors. Our iROCKER Paddle Boards and ULTRA™ Paddle Boards include high-quality backpacks designed specifically for this purpose.

• Elevate the Bag: Store the backpack off the ground on a shelf or pallet.
• Avoid Compression: Do not stack heavy items on top of the stored bag.

How to Store Hard & Epoxy Paddle Boards: Racks and Straps

Utilizing mechanical support systems properly is the key to how to store paddle boards constructed from rigid materials. Hard boards require careful weight distribution to prevent warping and denting over time.

Rack storage systems are the best answer for epoxy because they keep heavy boards off the ground and secure. 

If paddlers want the rigidity of a hard board with the convenience of portable storage, the BLACKFIN Paddle Boards line offers exceptional performance and easier handling.

Proper weight distribution is vital to prevent the board from developing a permanent bend or "banana" shape. Hard boards are rigid but can warp under their own weight if supported incorrectly.

• Support Wide Points: Place rack arms under the widest part of the board or the balance point.
• Suspension Systems: Use strap-based systems that support the full length evenly.

Board orientation also plays a significant role. We recommend specific positions to avoid damage to the rails and deck pad.

• Rail Down: Store the board on its side (rail) to protect the deck and fin box.
• Deck Up: If laying flat, ensure the deck pad faces up to avoid compression.

Removing fins is a necessary precaution for how to store paddle boards in tight spaces to prevent snapping or bending the hardware. 

• Remove Detachable Fins: Always unscrew fins before racking or bagging the board.
• Store Separately: Keep fins in a safe place to avoid losing screws or plates.

Summary Table for Inflatable vs. Hard Board

Feature	Inflatable Paddle Boards	Hard & Epoxy Paddle Boards
Best Long-Term Method	Rolled loosely in a bag	On padded wall racks or ceiling hoists
Space Requirement	Compact (fits in a closet)	Significant (needs wall/ceiling space)
Pressure Concerns	Must release air for heat changes	N/A (solid structure)
Fin Care	Remove fins to prevent punctures	Remove fins to prevent snapping

Storage Solutions: Racks, Straps, and Bags

Acquiring the right organizational gear simplifies the challenge of how to store paddle boards in limited or shared spaces. 

• Wall Racks: These are great for saving floor space and displaying the board as art. Ensure the racks have soft padding to prevent pressure dents on the rails.
• Ceiling Suspension: Hoists are perfect for garages with limited wall space. You must secure them into ceiling joists to safely hold the heavy weight of epoxy boards.
• Board Bags: Bags are essential for dust, UV, and scratch protection. We highly recommend reflective bags for temperature control, as they deflect heat and keep the board cool.
• Straps vs. Bungees: Always use wide, non-elastic straps to secure your board. Thin bungee cords dig into the material and can leave permanent marks or deform the shape. Find the best straps in our paddle board accessories collection.

Storing Your SUP for the Season vs. The Weekend

Adjusting your care routine based on duration is essential for how to store paddle boards correctly. Weekend warriors need quick access, while winter storage requires deep cleaning and secure stowing.

• Short-Term (Active Season)

• • Keep it Ready: Store an iSUP inflated to low pressure or keep a hard board on a quick-release rack.
  • Quick Rinse: Focus on rinsing off salt and water after every session rather than deep scrubbing.
  • Seek Shade: Keep the board out of direct sun between trips to protect the glue and finish.

• Long-Term (Off-Season)

• • Deep Clean: Perform a thorough wash and inspection before storing.
  • Remove Accessories: Take off the leash, fins, and pump to prevent rubber degradation.
  • Climate Control: Store the board in a climate-controlled room, like an interior closet, rather than a shed.

• Outdoor Storage Warnings

• • Use Covers: A high-quality, waterproof, and UV-proof cover is non-negotiable.
  • Elevate: Keep the board off the ground to allow airflow and prevent moisture absorption.
  • Indoor Preferred: We emphasize that indoor storage is always safer and more reliable.

• Check-Ups

• Weekly Visits: Check on the board every few weeks to ensure no pests, moisture, or pressure issues have developed.
• Mold Check: Look for early signs of mildew, especially if the garage is humid.

Keep Your Adventures Afloat with Proper Storage

Mastering how to store paddle boards ensures your gear is always ready for the next adventure. Whether you roll it or rack it, consistent care significantly extends the life of your board.

Ready to upgrade your gear for next season? Explore our collection of durable, high-performance SUP collection to find your perfect adventure companion today.