How to Prepare Your Paddle Board for the Off-Season!
As fall comes calling, many of us will be looking to pack our boards up for the colder months. Whether you hear the word “September” and call it quits for the season, or head out to view the foliage from your favorite body of water, you’ll want to take a few steps before you say “Goodnight” to your board.
4 Steps to Prepare Your SUP for Winter
1. Give your board a bath.
Hose your board down and give it a gentle scrub using a soft brush or shammy cloth. We suggest using an eco-friendly mild soap (we like diluted Simple Green or Doctor Bronner’s Pure-Castille Soap). For the tougher marks, a Magic Eraser can work wonders. For more cleaning tips see our blog post with tips to Prepare Your Board for Paddle Season.
2. While giving your board that soapy love, inspect it for any damage.
Dings, dents, and punctures may be more easily spotted when given the opportunity to lightly bubble from the suds. This is also the perfect time to inspect your vent plug. Transporting and carrying your SUP during the season can result in the occasional bump off an object—sometimes these bumps can cause the vent plug to move around. The vent plug should always be flush with the board. If it’s sticking out it needs a simple adjustment that we can walk you through. If you notice discoloration, however, that is going to need repair. We invite you to contact us if you notice any damage that requires attention - any cracks, punctures, or discoloration from water damage should be addressed as soon as possible. Leaving them to fester will increase the scope of damage!
An example of cosmetic damage, no need for repairs!
Example: A vent plug that is flush with the board (correct!).
Example: A raised vent plug, which requires an adjustment.
Discoloration around the plug, give our shop a call ASAP!
3. Select your storage spot and system as needed.
We highly recommend making sure your board is stored indoors, dry, and out of the way. There is a wide variety of unique systems for storing your board: from floor stands, to wall racks, and even suspension systems. If you choose to purchase a storage solution, we recommend looking at retailers such as Store Your Board that specialize in SUP storage to ensure your board’s safety in the off season. If you need to store your board where it is more exposed to the elements, make sure it is neatly wrapped like a burrito in a tarp.
4. Tuck it in for the ‘ber months.
A UV Board Cover is a great way to keep your precious board protected from scratches and dust-free during sweater weather. If your board is being placed directly on a floor, we suggest placing a cushioned mat or an old towel or two underneath to avoid any potential scratches. In general, much like us humans, the cozier your board is, the happier it will be when things warm up again next season!
Still have questions?
We’re happy to help you consider different storage solutions for your SUP! And, if you’re wondering about dings or potential damages to your SUP, simply text us at 603.777.7248 with some photos and we’ll help you determine the best next steps.