Whether you’ve spent a few hundred, or a few thousand dollars on a stand up paddle board, it’s important that you take proper care of your board and all your additional SUP gear.

The harsh outdoor elements can cause major problems for SUPs, so if you’ve just bought a new paddle board, or you need a reminder of how to properly care for your current board, then keep on reading!

CARING FOR YOUR PADDLE BOARD

Paddle boards are a big investment and you want to keep them in tip-top condition so they look and perform their absolute best.

Taking the time to care for your board after every use or before storing it away for long periods can prolong the lifespan of your SUP, giving you the most use for your money.

CLEANING YOUR SUP AND DECK PAD

After you’ve finished paddling for the day, it’s best to rinse off your SUP and dry it completely before placing it in storage.

If you store your board in a board bag and place the board in wet, mold and mildew will form and potentially damage your board. Make sure to properly wipe down your board and allow it to properly dry before putting it away.

If your board has been in saltwater, it is even more important to rinse it thoroughly because the salt can corrode materials and weaken any seams.

If you want to give your board a proper clean once in a while, mix a solution of water and dishwashing liquid or purchase a soap specifically made for paddle boards and gently scrub the deck until clean.

RUST PREVENTION

Some paddle boards have metal details like the fin box. To prevent rust from building up over time, take some WD-40 or household oil and coat all the metal pieces on your board.

Rust usually isn’t a problem on SUPs as the metal parts are made of marine-grade stainless steel, but it doesn’t hurt to give them some TLC every few years.

REPAIRING HOLES, DINGS, AND SCRATCHES

Dings, holes, and scrapes are bound to happen from the average use of a SUP. Minor damages to your board can be fixed easily and don’t need to be seen by a specialist.

However, for bigger dents, it’s best to take your board to a professional immediately to prevent any further damage.

If water seeps into the foam core of your traditional board from a hole or ding, your board will lose its performance and buoyancy.

If there are any holes in your inflatable SUP, the air will seep out and deflate while you’re out on the water.

It’s a good habit to check your board before and after each outing to spot any problems as early as possible.

STORING YOUR SUP

Paddle boards tend to be a seasonal activity for most, so it’s crucial that you’re storing your board correctly in the months that you aren’t using it.

The ideal storage place has little sunlight, heat, or moisture. Sunlight and moisture damage the shell of your board, whereas heat can damage the core of your board.

If your board does get too hot, it could delaminate. Delamination is where the fiberglass peels away from the foam core, causing splits and cracks.

Another thing to think about when placing your board in storage is keeping it away from any objects that could potentially fall on top of your SUP or cause pressure dings when they’re rested on.

Board bags can be used to prevent scratches or dings from happening to your board, but make sure you leave the bag unzipped to prevent heat buildup.