Winter iSUP Storage
It’s that time of year again when the weather gets cold and the water temperatures are too cold to paddle board unless you have the proper equipment. Check out the blog post on Cold Weather Paddling and the effects of cold water. Here are some tips and information on winter iSUP storage.
If you have access to open water over the colder seasons and are interested in paddling all year round, check out the blog post: Winter Paddling
Winter iSUP Storage Tips
You can store your iSUP (inflatable stand up paddle board) over the winter or for longer storage either inflated or deflated.
Storage Tips & the Most Important Things to Do:
- A dry and temperature control environment with ventilation is best. Avoid extreme temperatures and damp areas.
- Rinse all salt and fully dry your board and all your equipment before storage. Fully cleaning your board and equipment is also beneficial as it helps prolong the life of the board and equipment. See the blog post on Cleaning Your Paddle Board.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Take note of any windows or areas where the sun can shine on your board.
- Be aware of any animals that have access to the storage area. For example, mice may chew on your board’s PVC.
Inflated
- Remove some air from your board to relieve pressure allowing the board to expand in water temperatures but with enough air to hold its shape.
- Approx 5 PSI. Add more air if the paddle board is not holding its shape. You do not want it to flop or fold, this will cause weak spots and damage the board.
- The board needs to be equally supported and evenly distributed whether it’s stored vertically or horizontally against the wall, on racks or flat on the ground.
- If not, you’re giving it the opportunity to slightly twist or mould to its position. This is even more important in warmer climates as the PVC softens more easily.
Deflated
- Remove fins (if you can), leash and any other items from your board. If you have rubber non-removal fins and they get a bit moulded out of shape over the storage season, heat from the sun or a hair dryer will sort them out next season.
- Keep your valve in the up position and cap closed.
- Loosely roll or fold your board and store your board outside of the bag to help provide airflow. Don’t roll and put stress on your fin boxes or the area where the fin box is attached to your board.
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Storing out of the bag is a personal preference or due to size and type of space. Storing out of the bag is easier to have a loose roll and provides more airflow in case there is any moisture on the board, any of the equipment, or the bag, helping avoid mold. If you are storing it in the bag I’d recommend ensuring it’s 100% totally dry, leaving the bag half unzipped and don’t set anything on top of it. Storing out of the board bag gives a better visual reminder if something is set on top of it.
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- Store vertically or horizontally on something soft like the board’s bag or a towel.
- Whether vertical or horizontal do not set anything on top of the board. This will cause stress and weak points to your board.
2 Comments
Nicole Reiss
Thanks for the tip to not store it in the bag / more of a loose roll…I wouldn’t have done that!
Marybeth
Thanks for your comment, Nicole! That’s ideally what I’d recommend but it can be a personal preference or due to size and type of space. Storing out of the bag is easier to have a loose roll and provides more airflow in case there is any moisture on the board, any of the equipment, or the bag, helping avoid mold. If you are storing it in the bag I’d recommend ensuring it’s 100% totally dry, leaving the bag half unzipped and don’t set anything on top of it. Storing out of the board bag gives a better visual reminder if something is set on top of it.