How to Store Your Inflatable SUP?
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We would recommend that you store your paddleboard when it’s deflated. Not only will this save on space but it should also help prolong the lifespan of your board. Deflating your board periodically will help give the board’s seams a break from being completely inflated.
- To avoid the detachable fins getting damaged, we would suggest you remove them before putting the SUP in storage.
- Firstly, make sure the board is fully clean and dry. You can use a mild soap and fresh water to wash it down – this is especially important if you’ve taken your board out on seawater. Ensuring that the board is completely dry is important for avoiding the development of mold. Using a microfibre towel or a small cloth is a great way of gently drying the board’s exterior off. If you’ve got water inside the board, then dry the interior by using a pump to blow air into the air valve.
- After deflating and cleaning your board, try and loosely fold it (rather than rolling). Do this on a softer surface, like grass, to avoid any hard materials, like gravel, damaging the exterior. It can be stored in a carry case, which can protect it from external damage. If you don’t have a dedicated bag for your SUP, then try using a water-resistant material, like tarp, to wrap it in.
- So, after you’ve cleaned the board up and wrapped it up, where should you put it? The main factors to consider are heat and moisture. Heat and sunlight can cause damage to the board’s materials, and moisture could cause mold growth. Storing a board outdoors, where it’s more exposed to the elements, can cause needless wear and tear. If you have the space, we suggest storing the board indoors where it isn’t going to be getting unnecessary exposure to UV rays.
- Try and store your board somewhere where they won’t have any objects placed on top of them. If you continuously place heavy items on an uninflated board, it can create a pressure mark, which might turn into a weak point of the board. Keep them away from items that could affect the structure of the bag, such as sharp objects, hazardous chemicals, or damp items.