Storing your SUP in winter: All the tips for iSUPs and hardboards

Ideally, you’d paddle – wearing the right clothes - through the winter, but even then the question arises of how to store them on days when you can’t paddle. During SUP Magazine’s winter test, the boards are sometimes stacked in the snow for a few days and – here’s the good news – our boards are actually quite robust and can withstand this. For longer-term storage, however, you might want to treat your board to something special.

Where should you store SUP boards?

Basement, garage or bedroom? It doesn’t really matter where you store it. However, it should definitely be kept in a dry place that allows air to circulate around the board. A cool, dry cellar is just as suitable as a spot under the bed in your bedroom or even an unheated garage.

The best way to store an iSUP: inflated or deflated?

When it comes to inflatable SUPs, the first question that arises is: should I store the board whilst it’s inflated, or should I deflate it before storing it?

In principle, both are possible, but by taking a few precautions, you can store your SUP in a way that’s particularly gentle on it.

1. Clean and dry Storage. Inflatable SUPs are made of PVC – which is generally a very durable material. Experience has shown that special ‘care products’ for lubricating them are not necessary. Before storing it, however, you should make sure to thoroughly clean the ‘carpet’ on the deck; warm water with perhaps a dash of washing-up liquid and a sturdy hand brush will do the trick. This will prevent verdigris and unpleasant odours caused by organic residues on the board. When it comes to the care products sometimes recommended, bear in mind that anything you apply to the board will eventually end up in the water. Cleaning is particularly important after use in salt water, as salt residues will otherwise keep attracting moisture from the air. This also applies to SUP bags that have got wet from salt water. Without a fresh water rinse, rot is inevitable.
2. Storing when inflated: This ensures the board remains crease-free and is stored in the ideal position, whilst also minimising strain on the seams. Inflate to a reduced pressure (around 5 to a maximum of 8 psi) and store it lying flat on wide supports or standing upright. To prevent the board from sagging, these supports should ideally be no more than half the length of the board apart.
3. Store rolled up. Not standing upright, but lying flat, so that it does not rest on the fold (even when being transported by car). If the roll is standing upright, in the worst-case scenario the total weight will bear down on a small point on the edge.
4. Protect against mouse infestations. It sounds strange, but it’s true. Mice are attracted to anything that looks like a ‘nest’ and love to gnaw. Even if it’s ‘just’ the pannier and carrying handles that are affected, it’s still a nuisance. However, we’ve also had reports of PVC laminates being gnawed through.
5. When rolling in As with everyday use, you should ensure that no crease forms directly at the fin box (see photo). It is also advisable not to roll up the board when the temperature is below freezing, as the PVC becomes quite stiff at such temperatures and is more likely to crease than roll up smoothly. At 20 degrees in the autumn sun, on the other hand, the board can be packed away for winter storage whilst it’s nice and supple.

If the board is being stored in a rucksack: it is best to lay it flat so that the rolled-up board is not subjected to concentrated pressure. This also applies when transporting it by car.

Storing SUPs correctly: Hardboards

As hardboards can be over four metres long, there are often not many alternatives. The following rules apply to their storage.

“If stored incorrectly in a board bag, you risk total loss!”
Stephan Gölnitz, SUP Magazine tester

1. Store in a dry place! Hardboards should be stored in as well-ventilated a place as possible, allowing them to ‘air-dry’. So under no circumstances should they be stored in a completely sealed board bag! Storing them in a bag carries the risk of, particularly with very lightweight boards with a thin coat of varnish, a “Osmosis” (all the information and tips here), i.e. damage to the paintwork in the form of blisters. These form in a sealed, warm and damp environment. For example, they can also form in a board bag on the roof of a car after a summer shower – and within a very short time!
2. Make sure you support it properly! Ideally, a hardboard should lie on the sliding surface or stand upright on two supports. These should be well padded, at least 5 centimetres wide and softly cushioned. Pipe insulation from a DIY store, for example, works quite well. A good support spacing is achieved with a distance of around 1.5 to two metres between the supports.
3. Fin out. To prevent residual water from accumulating in the fin compartment, remove the fin and also check that there is no water left in the fin compartment or in the recessed grip.

Here we explain what the bubbles on surfboards are all about!

You might also find this interesting:

• The best tips for surfing in winter
• The best winter accessories for windsurfers, wingfoilers and SUPers
• Is surfing in winter bad for your health?