A practical way to store a surfboard or SUP at home is to keep it securely supported, off the floor, and somewhere it won't regularly get knocked or bumped.
Wall racks are one of the easiest ways to do this because they make use of unused wall space and can work in a garage or elsewhere in the house.
The best setup depends on the space you have available, but the goal is the same: keep your board stable, properly supported, out of the way, and easy to get to when you're ready to head back to the water.
The short version
- Getting your board off the floor helps keep it away from foot traffic and frees up space, whether it's living in the garage or the house.
- Wall racks can work for surfboards, longboards, and SUPs. Depending on your space and storage system, boards can be stored horizontally or vertically.
- Keep it somewhere you can actually get to, away from car doors, bikes, walkways, and the rest of the clutter.
Get your board off the floor
A board sitting on the floor is more likely to get stepped on, knocked by other gear, or bumped when people are moving around the space.
Wall racks make use of vertical space instead, freeing up the floor and giving your board its own place.
BPS wall racks are designed for surfboards, longboards, and SUPs, with options for storing a single board or more than one board. They also have EVA foam padding where the board rests.
Whatever rack you use, make sure it suits your board and is securely installed before putting any weight on it.
Horizontal or vertical storage?
Both setups can work. The better choice really comes down to the space you have available.
Horizontal storage
A practical option if you have enough clear wall space and want your board supported off the floor.
Vertical storage
Useful when wall width is limited, provided you have enough height and a secure way to keep the board stable.
Whichever setup you choose, make sure the board is stable and properly supported, with padded contact points where possible.
Board storage in the garage
For a lot of people, the garage is the obvious place to keep a surfboard or SUP. It's convenient, especially if you normally load your gear straight into the car before heading to the beach.
The trick is choosing the right part of the garage.
Look for a spot where the board won't regularly come into contact with:
- Car doors
- Bikes
- Tools
- Shelves
- Boxes
- Other bulky equipment
Unused wall space can be particularly handy. The side of the garage, an open section above other storage, or another clear wall can often be turned into a useful board-storage area.
Keep the rest of your gear nearby
Once your board has a proper spot, it can help to organize the rest of your water gear around it.
Paddles can have their own storage area. Leashes and smaller accessories can stay together. Board bags can be kept nearby so they're easy to grab when you need them.
It doesn't need to look like a showroom. The aim is simply to know where everything is and be able to get to your gear without moving half the garage or house first.
Ready to get your board off the floor?
Check out our range of wall racks built for surfboards, longboards, and SUPs.
Shop BPS Wall RacksWhat about an inflatable SUP?
Inflatable SUPs give you a little more flexibility because they can be stored either deflated or inflated.
If you have enough space and a rack large enough to support the board properly, keeping your SUP inflated can be very convenient because you won't need to inflate it again before every session.
For longer-term storage, don't leave an inflatable SUP at full riding pressure. Let some air out and follow the manufacturer's storage instructions for your particular board.
If you prefer to pack it away, make sure the SUP is clean and dry before deflating it and storing it in its bag.
Whether it is inflated or packed away, keep it somewhere it won't be exposed to sharp objects or buried underneath heavy equipment.
Board storage in the home
A spare room, utility area, or unused section of wall inside the house can also work well if you have enough space.
The same basic storage rules apply. Keep the board properly supported and somewhere it won't block a walkway, doorway, or other regularly used part of the house.
Wall racks can be particularly useful if you want to keep the board off the floor without taking up valuable floor space.
Before choosing a spot, ask yourself whether the board will be easy to access and whether anything nearby could regularly bump or knock it.
Give your board a proper place at home
Storing a surfboard or SUP doesn't need to be complicated.
Whether you keep it in the house or garage, choose a suitable space and keep the board properly supported and out of the way.
If you have unused wall space, a properly installed wall rack can be a simple way to organize your board without giving up valuable floor space.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you store a surfboard on a wall rack?
Yes, provided the rack is suitable for your board and is installed correctly. A padded rack can also help provide a softer contact point where the board rests.
Can you store a SUP on a wall rack?
Yes, but make sure the rack is designed to support the size and weight of your SUP.
Can an inflatable SUP be stored inflated?
Yes. If you have enough space and a suitable rack, an inflatable SUP can be stored inflated, which can save you from having to reinflate it before each session. It should not be stored fully inflated, so reduce the pressure before longer-term storage and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Is it better to store a board horizontally or vertically?
Either can work. The best choice depends on the space available and whether the board can be kept stable and properly supported.