Learn how to store your inflatable SUP with our easy how-to guide. These six quick and easy tips with give your inflatable SUP the longevity it needs to keep you on the water for longer.
Did you know that learning how to store your inflatable SUP can increase the durability and longevity of your inflatable paddle board?
While the materials, build quality, use case, and construction model play essential roles in your board’s durability, you can still get even more value out of your inflatable SUP by following several simple guidelines for storing it.
In this article, we’re going to learn how to properly store your inflatable SUP, as well as the reasons why they can increase your board’s lifespan. Let’s get right into it.
How to Properly Store Your Inflatable Paddle Board
How you store your inflatable SUP generally depends on how much space you have and whether or not you need to travel between your place and where you want to paddle.
But these are the six best practices when it comes to storing your inflatable paddle boards.
1. Wash your Inflatable SUP Before Storing It
After each use, you should always wash your inflatable SUP to rinse off any grime, dirt, salt, and bacteria residue that may cling onto the PVC surface. Building a habit of washing your board when it’s been out in the water will pay off in the long run.
When you take your inflatable SUP out in the water, there are all sorts of bacteria, algae, and chemicals that can build up and eventually damage your board. Depending on where you took out your board, you may need to wash your boat with soap and rinse it down with water.
Washing your inflatable paddle board after each use will also save you from having to clean it the next time you head out. It’s also worth keeping special attention around the valve area to make sure it’s clear of any debris that may enter the air chambers.
LEARN MORE: How Long Do Inflatable Paddle Boards Last?
2. Avoid using abrasive materials and soap
When you wash your inflatable SUP, there may be some sticky mud or dirt that will require a good scrubbing – but you should never do that if you want your board to last. Always use a soft brush or a piece of cloth to wash your paddleboards to avoid damaging the PVC.
There are also chemicals that should never touch an inflatable paddleboard – be sure to consult the owner’s manual and check what type of soap you can use on the product. It’s a good idea to use regular dish soap to wash your inflatable SUP now and then, but you don’t need to do it every time.
3. Let your Paddle Board Dry Out Before Storage
Before you put away your inflatable SUP for storage, always make sure that it’s completely dry – especially if you want to put it inside a storage bag or box – even if your dog becomes very interested in your board! While it’s crucial that you let your inflatable SUP dry out, do not intentionally dry it under the sun because UV exposure is the natural enemy of PVC.
Also, make sure that wherever you’re going to store your board is always dry and will stay dry. Leaving your paddleboard in a damp place can trigger mold and mildew, which is not good for your board’s longevity.
4. Fold Your Paddle Board Differently Each Time
If you plan on folding down your paddleboard for storage, make sure that you alternate the way you fold it each time. A repeated folding pattern will cause crease and gradually wear down the same lines – leading to a higher risk of tearing.
It’s a good practice to have several different methods to fold and store your inflatable SUP. But if you take out your inflatable SUP frequently (like a few times a week), it’s better to keep it inflated to maintain its shape and save you some time inflating before each use.
READ MORE: Find the Best Inflatable SUPs in Our Comprehensive Review
5. Avoid Storing Your Paddle Board in Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight exposure won’t damage your board, but it can slowly expand the elastic materials, lowering its rigidity. It’s harsh enough that your inflatable SUP gets UV exposure when you take it out. Storing it under direct sunlight will only speed up its wear and tear.
If, for whatever reason, you have to store your paddle board under direct sunlight, make sure to keep it under a light-colored cover to keep the UV damage to a minimum. The recommended storage temperature for an inflatable paddleboard is between 4-100oF (5-40oC).
6. Remove Your Fins
If there are fins or other removable accessories on your inflatable SUP, it’s a good idea to remove all of them before storage. Removing fins can help you store your iSUP in a flat position, which is good for preventing damages during storage. Fins are also solid polyester, which is more prone to breaking when not positioned properly.
Conclusion
While it’s easier just to fold up your inflatable SUP and put it away in a box somewhere, it will cause more harm than good for your board. Building some good habits can go a long way in prolonging your board’s lifespan – and you should start doing it now.
We hope these 6 easy steps have shown you exactly how to store your inflatable paddle board!