Paddle boarding is a fantastic warm weather activity if you enjoy sunny summer days spent on the water, getting a great workout in, and feeling immersed in the beauty of the great outdoors.
Veteran paddlers know that few things are more relaxing than soaking up the sun on your board after a long paddle. Just imagine how soothing it is to feel the rhythm of the waves gently rocking your board as you take in the sounds of the waves crashing all around you. Sounds a lot like paradise, right?
But all good things must end— and once you’ve finished paddling for the day, it’s essential to properly store your paddle board to ensure that it doesn’t get damaged between uses.
How to Properly Store a Paddle Board
Daily paddle board storage could be as simple as carefully leaning your board against a wall or propping it on an outdoor paddle board rack for the night. Why overcomplicate things if you’re just going to get right back out on the water the following day?
This grab-and-go solution might be convenient in the short term, but you’ll also want to consider ideas for long-term paddle board storage during the off-season. Especially if you live in a city with cold, harsh winters every year, it’s important to find the best way to store a paddle board indoors during cold-weather months to preserve the life of your paddle board for years to come.
So whether you’re in the market to buy your first paddle board or just need to brush up on how to properly store your beloved paddle board for the off-season, we’ve got you covered.
Here are some helpful paddle board storage tips to help you find the solution that works best for you:
Where Should I Store My Paddle Board?
Where you store your paddle board will depend entirely on what sort of space you have available and accessible. Maybe you’re lucky enough to have a spacious garage where you can easily fit a paddle board storage rack for you and your family. On the other hand, you might live in a small one-bedroom or studio apartment where storing your paddle board inside your home just isn’t a feasible option.
Regardless of your situation, it’s important to find a paddle board storage location that considers a few key factors:
- Exposure to Sunlight – Since a paddle board is typically used outdoors, it may come as a surprise that long-term exposure to direct sunlight can cause damage over time. Protect your board’s exterior shell and preserve its original color by storing it indoors or away from UV radiation.
- Moisture – Keeping your paddle board in a moderately dry storage space helps prevent mold and mildew growth— not to mention the lovely smells that typically accompany that sort of thing.
- Temperature – It’s a no-brainer that you’ll need to protect your paddle board from weather conditions like rain, snow, sleet, and hail. But when storing your paddle board long-term, you should also consider keeping it in a place with a moderate temperature, as extreme heat or coldness can mess with the longevity of your paddle board.
How to Store a Paddle Board Indoors
If you can swing it, keeping your paddle board indoors is often the best option for long-term storage, especially during the winter months. Storing your board indoors helps keep your board safe and protected from all the factors listed above that can potentially damage or wear down your board over time.
Indoor Paddle Board Storage Racks
Paddle board storage racks are one of the most popular storage options, given their affordability and ease of use. You can purchase wall racks or free-standing racks with different safety features like securable straps, padding materials, and more to ensure your board will be safe the entire time it’s not in use.
Single wall racks typically work best for individuals who only own one board. If you’re looking to store multiple boards at a time, a free-standing horizontal paddle board rack might be your best bet since it allows you to stack numerous boards on top of one another.
Paddle Board Storage Hooks
Paddle board storage hooks are another great storage option, especially if you only have a limited amount of wall space. This compact storage solution could work in just about any room or garage and often features some type of padding to help keep your board safe and prevent scratches. Most paddle board storage hooks are incredibly easy to install, too!
Decorative Paddle Board Storage
If you won’t be using your board for months at a time, why not use it as a decoration? Bring your love of paddle boarding into your home décor by mounting your board with storage hooks on a focal wall in your living room, bedroom, or any room where you have free wall space.
Finding functional storage for your board during the off-season while decorating your home? It’s a win-win if you ask us.
Should I Clean My Paddle Board Before Storing It Indoors?
Whether you’re storing your paddle board indoors for months at a time or just for the evening, it’s essential to care for your paddle board regularly.
Before tucking your paddle board into its indoor storage space, follow a thorough paddle board cleaning routine.
How to Clean Your Paddle Board
- Giving your board a quick rinse with fresh water (as opposed to salt water) to remove lingering sand, salt, dirt, and debris
- Scrubbing your paddle board with a mild, board-friendly soap product mixed with more fresh water— rinse again once completed
- Thoroughly drying your board with a towel to prevent mold and mildew formation
How to Store A Paddle Board Outdoors
If you have no indoor paddle board storage option, don’t worry. It may be ideal to store paddle boards indoors to increase their protection from the elements, but you can still store a paddle board outdoors in specific conditions.
Can I Use a Paddle Board Storage Rack Outdoors?
In general, paddle board storage racks can be used the same way outdoors as they’re used indoors. Whether you use a wall rack, a free-standing rack, or any other type of paddle board storage rack, you’ll follow the same guidelines as you would using these storage tools indoors.
As with storing a paddle board indoors, you still want to make sure your paddle board is clean and cared for before storing it outdoors long term. It is also highly recommended that you use a weather-resistant tarp to protect your board from rain, snow, and general moisture that can work its way into your paddle board’s outer shell and potentially leave long-term damage.
It’s also important to note that storing a paddle board outdoors for the winter is only feasible if you live in a city where the climate allows it.
For example, storing a paddle board outdoors for the winter in Orlando or Miami is a lot less of a big deal than keeping it outdoors in a city like Buffalo or Syracuse, cities notorious for their winter snowstorms and blizzards.
Use your discretion when choosing to store your paddle board outdoors, and only do so if it’s your absolute last option.
Storing a Paddle Board in a Storage Unit
If storing your paddle board outdoors for the off-season isn’t an option, and you aren’t lucky enough to have access to an indoor space, you may want to consider investing in a storage unit for your paddle board during the winter.
Can I Store a Paddle Board in a Storage Unit?
You might be wondering: Is it okay to store a paddle board in a storage unit during winter? The answer is yes. You can definitely keep your board in a storage unit if that works best for you. Just make sure you’ve thoroughly cleaned and dried your board beforehand, and use a proper storage device like a free-standing paddle board rack or a wall mount to prevent scratches or dents in your board.
Just as if you were deciding what room in your home to store your paddle board in, you’ll also want to make sure all of the conditions in your storage unit are optimal for paddle board storage.
For example, ensuring your storage unit is climate-controlled will be crucial if you’re planning to leave your board there long-term. That’s because a climate-controlled storage unit will protect you from extreme temperatures that could potentially damage your board over time.
Refer back to our tips outlined above if you need a refresher!
Paddle Board Storage Solutions for the Off-Season
Admittedly, finding a long-term place to store your paddle board can be a little bit tricky.
If you’re brand new to the world of paddle boarding and are overwhelmed about where to keep your board when you’re not using it, don’t panic. Evaluate the space available to you, and don’t be afraid to get creative!
Hopefully, these paddle board storage tips sparked some inspiration to help you get started on finding the best place to store your paddle board for the season.
Think we missed something? Comment your paddle board storage tips below to keep the conversation going!
