How to Store Your Inflatable Paddle Board for Winter
When the cold weather comes along, you’ll want to find a place for your board to hibernate. Here are our recommendations for proper winter board storage.
STEP 1
Before deflating your board, wash it thoroughly with a mix of water and a gentle, biodegradable soap (half/half) to remove all dirt, salt, sand and residue. Rinse it well with fresh water. Give the same treatment to your accessories and paddle.
IMPORTANT: Avoid strong chemicals or solvents.
STEP 2
Let your board dry completely before storing it. Moisture can create mold and mildew. Add temperature variations on top of that and you could wind up with a stinky board.
STEP 3
Once completely dry, deflate your board and place it in its travel bag with its accessories and your paddle. Your travel bag is now ready for your next adventure.
STEP 4
Store it! A few things to consider!
DO YOU HAVE TO DEFLATE YOUR BOARD?
Folding your board takes up less storage space and, if done properly, it will remain in top shape even if folded and stored away for several months.
Think of your inflatable paddle board like a sleeping bag: if you can store it loosely and let it breathe during the off-season, do it! This approach is beneficial for the glue joints. If that’s not possible, roll it as loosely as you can, as it will be stored for a long time.
If you prefer to keep it unfolded so that you can admire it all winter, make sure to release a bit of air by deflating it slightly.
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO STORE YOUR SUP?
The best place to store your board is in a dry, insulated and, ideally, heated area! This could be inside your house, in your basement or in your garage. Avoid very cold or hot spaces.
IS STORING YOUR BOARD IN YOUR GARAGE A GOOD IDEA?
It depends on the temperature! While we don’t recommend leaving a board in places well below freezing, storing them in a garage where it’s 0°C is not so dramatic. Ideally, you want to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. Canadian winters, which are rather cold, may affect the temperature in your garage if it isn’t heated, making it not an ideal location for storage.
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
Avoid pressure points: Make sure your SUP doesn't get stuck by storing your carry bag in a confined area. Long-term pressure can deform your SUP.
Consider ease of access: you want your SUP to be handy so that you can get it out as soon as spring comes!