SUP Storage Indoors, Outdoors, or Apartments
One of the biggest challenges of paddle boarding is where are you going to store your paddle board. When I first decided to purchase a paddle board this was one of my biggest dilemmas. Paddle boards are often 10 feet long or more, which demands a great deal of space. Taking SUP storage into consideration is often the biggest factor in deciding to go with an inflatable paddle board versus a solid paddle board, foregoing some of the quality that a solid SUP provides the rider.
Things to think about when finding a place for SUP storage
- Not taking up excess space
- Ease of access
- Out of the way of damage
- Heat or too much direct sun won’t be a problem
- The SUP is positioned properly during storage so it doesn’t warp over time
- A place that it can be stored long-term, during the off-season
- In a spot that’s pleasing to the eye
Should I store my SUP outdoors?
Storing your SUP outdoors can be a great option. As long as the board isn’t in direct sunlight all day, it’ll be fine.
If you have a spot that is fully shaded that would be ideal. Also, even though a paddle board is large, I’d still store it in a secure place away from the threat of someone taking it.
UV rays from the sun can cause damage to the outer coating of your board or bleach out the color. The traction pad can be damaged over time by UV rays.
You can utilize protective UV sprays like Surfstow speed detailer to help against UV rays.
Board covers like this Vamo UV board cover can be effective when storing outdoors.
There are many great storage rack options to use outdoors that could be kept on the side of your home or along the backside of your house.
If you are lucky enough to live on the water and have a dock, you can invest in a dock rack. Here is a great dock rack by Dock Edge 90-815-F Kayak / SUP Rack.
Storing your SUP in the garage or indoors
Ok so if you’re fortunate enough to have that 4-car garage than obviously, it’s going to be much easier to store a paddle board.
Storing your board in an indoor location is going to protect it from any of the harmful outdoor elements.
Even if you have a large garage or indoor space you’re still going to want to have a good set-up for storing your paddle board.
Freestanding Racks– These are a bit more expensive, but the best option for storing outdoors. These racks hold up really well and are convenient to set up with having to drill holes into walls or anything. Here is a good freestanding rack option:
Stoneman Sports 3 Paddleboard and SUP Storage Rack and Display Stand
Using the Ceiling– This option works well for keeping your SUP less visible and out of the way. It’s a good space saver and isn’t too steep on the wallet. Check these out:
StoreYourBoard SUP and Surfboard Ceiling Storage Hoist | Hi-Lift Home & Garage Hanging Pulley Rack
StoreYourBoard SUP and Surfboard Ceiling Storage Rack | Hi-Port Overhead Mount
Double SUP & Surf Ceiling Storage Rack – Hi-Port 2 Overhead Hanger Mount – Home & Garage
Hanging on a wall– Wall mounts are great options for inside the house. They can also be used in garages and provide easy access and an affordable cost. Here is a couple to look at:
COR Double Stand Up Paddleboard Rack – Holds Two Boards
Paradise Stand Up Paddle Board Wall Rack
Storing an Inflatable Paddle Board
Surprisingly there are some things to consider when storing an inflatable paddle board.
Inflatable paddle board’s typically come with a storage bag that looks similar to a hockey bag. I’d recommend hosing the board down to clean it off.
After deflating the inflatable paddle board it can be rolled up and placed into the bag. It is important to make sure that the paddle board is clean and dry so mold doesn’t develop in the bag.
All the accessories like the pump, patch kits, paddles, etc. can be stored in the bag. I keep my paddle board bag in a storage closet in our home.
Our garage gets extremely hot in the summer here in Arizona and I don’t want the heat to damage the inflatable over time.
Help, I don’t have any room
Not all of us have the luxury of a huge garage, storage shed, or back patio to store our paddle board. What if you live in a small apartment or condo with limited space?
Option 1: Go with an inflatable paddle board. It’ll be a lot easier trying to store an inflatable paddle board that rolls up into a storage bag when living in tight quarters versus a 10-foot long solid board.
Someday you’ll have that extra living space and be able to upgrade to a solid board.
Option 2: You could utilize wall racks to hang your board on a wall space. Keeping your board indoors will ensure that it isn’t getting destroyed by heat.
It can be decorative and you could develop a beach room type of theme for the room that the paddle board is being displayed.
Some companies sell decorative displays for surfboards and paddle boards.
StoreYourBoard Naked SUP | the Original Minimalist Paddleboard Wall Storage Rack
Just think, seeing your SUP every day will just make you want to use it more often.
Option 3: Instead of using a wall, try using a ceiling. Ceiling racks can keep the board elevated along the ceiling for storage.
This could work well in a long hallway or in a bedroom out of sight. I don’t think this option would be one that you want to showcase as being decorative, but if done right, could still be astatically pleasing.
Option 4: Invest in a storage unit. Yeah I know this option costs money, but storage units can be fairly reasonable.
If you are already living in a small space, then you may have other things that you’d like to store anyway.
Option 5: Know somebody. Maybe you have a friend that you regularly go paddle boarding with that has that big garage you covet.
Well if you beg hard enough or be willing to pitch in for a storage rack they could allow you to store yours at their place.
Although it isn’t ideal, it could work in the short term. A family member could also be a viable option and they may trust you more with access if you need to get your board in an instant.
DIY Storage Options
If you’re a do it yourselfer and want to take on the project of building your own storage method for your SUP, I’ve researched some various options from Pinterest and will provide them below:
How to make the best SUP rack for under $10
If you’re really ambitious and have some backyard space you could build a board storage shed.
Sometimes it can be more cost effective to do it yourself, but if you’re not handy stick with one of the convenient recommended options previously discussed.
There are many great options for storing your paddle board with ease to keep your SUP stowed safely.
We’ve discussed a variety of possibilities to store in both limited space and large spaces to allow you to purchase the right paddle board for an optimal experience.
Please comment below on anything you enjoyed from this post or what has worked well with storing your SUP.