Simple Ways to Protect Your Surfboard or SUP While It’s in Storage

Your surfboard or SUP spends plenty of time out of the water, so how you look after it between sessions matters too.

You don't need a complicated maintenance routine or a room full of specialist equipment.

A few simple habits can help protect your board from unnecessary scratches, knocks, heat, moisture, and other everyday damage while it's in storage.

Start with a clean, dry board

Before putting your board away, rinse off any salt, sand, and dirt.

Saltwater and sand can work their way into small areas around fittings, fins, leashes, and other parts of your gear. Giving everything a quick clean after use is a simple way to keep your equipment in better condition.

Let the board dry properly before covering or storing it, especially if you're putting it away for a longer period. You don't want to trap unnecessary moisture against the board or inside a storage bag.

Keep your board away from excessive heat

Heat is worth thinking about when deciding where your board will be stored.

Garages, sheds, and other storage areas can become much hotter than you might expect, particularly during warmer weather.

Where possible, keep your board away from direct sunlight and areas that regularly become excessively hot. If you're using a wall rack, choose a position that isn't sitting in strong sunlight for long periods.

Not sure where to put your board in the first place? Our guide, How to Store Surfboards and SUPs at Home: Wall Racks & Garage Setups, covers wall racks, horizontal and vertical storage, and simple ways to make better use of your available space.

Use a cover or bag for extra protection

A surfboard cover or bag can add another layer of protection while your board is being stored, particularly in a busy garage or storage area.

We now have a few BPS options for keeping surfboards covered and protected, including our new canvas and stretchy surfboard socks and our coffin-style surfboard bag. And if you're looking for a new surfboard, we also have BPS surfboards that come with a carry bag included.

Whatever you use, make sure your board and the cover or bag are clean and properly dry before putting everything away.

Give your board some breathing room

It can be tempting to squeeze your board into whatever space is available.

But storing it tightly between boxes, bikes, tools, or other equipment increases the chance of accidental damage.

Give the board enough room that you can take it in and out without repeatedly hitting the rails, deck, or fins against something nearby. A little extra space can make a big difference, especially in a busy garage.

Be careful with fins and other gear

The board isn't the only thing worth protecting.

Fins, leashes, paddles, and other accessories can also get damaged when everything is thrown into the same storage area.

If your board has removable fins, store them somewhere they won't have heavy items placed on top of them or be stepped on. The same goes for paddles and other larger accessories.

Keeping everything organized makes it easier to find what you need and reduces the chance of discovering damaged gear just before your next session.

Take a little extra care with long-term storage

If you won't be using your board for several weeks or months, take a little extra time before putting it away.

Give it a thorough rinse and let it dry completely. Check the board, fins, leash, and other equipment for anything that may need attention before storage. Then keep everything somewhere dry and away from excessive heat or obvious hazards.

It's much easier to deal with a small issue before storage than discover it when you're trying to get back on the water.

What about an inflatable SUP?

Inflatable SUPs need a slightly different approach.

Make sure the SUP is clean and completely dry before deflating and packing it away. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for deflation and long-term storage rather than simply folding the board up and putting it away.

Keep the packed SUP somewhere away from sharp objects, excessive heat, and moisture. Keeping its storage bag somewhere easy to access also makes things simpler when you're ready to get back on the water.

A simple board protection checklist

Before putting your board away, run through these quick checks:

• Rinse it. Remove salt, sand, and dirt.
• Dry it. Make sure the board and accessories are properly dry before storage.
• Protect it. Use a suitable cover or bag when it makes sense, particularly in a busy storage area.
• Keep it away from excessive heat. Avoid direct sunlight and particularly hot storage spots where possible.
• Give it space. Don't squeeze the board between heavy or sharp objects.
• Check your accessories. Store fins, leashes, paddles, and other gear somewhere they won't get stepped on or damaged.
• Keep it secure. Choose a storage spot where the board is unlikely to fall or be regularly knocked.

A little care goes a long way

You don't need to spend hours looking after your board every time you finish a session.

Rinse it. Dry it. Protect it. Store it somewhere sensible.

Those simple habits can help keep your surfboard or SUP in better condition and ready for the next time you want to get back on the water.