The season is over, your paddle board has had plenty of time on the water… and now it’s going to rest for a few months. Store it properly now, and you’ll find it in perfect shape in spring. Here are the right steps, in five stages.
1. Rinse with fresh water
Over time, salt, sand and algae damage the PVC, the glued joints, the welds and the valve. Rinse the board with fresh water, top and bottom, paying particular attention to the EVA deck pad, the D-rings, the fin box and the valve. Do the same with the paddle, the leash and the fin.
2. Dry it completely
This is the most important step: a board stored damp risks mould and unpleasant smells, especially inside the bag. Let the board dry inflated, in the shade, then turn it over to dry the other side. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for long periods.
3. Check the board
Take the opportunity to give it a quick check:
- the valve: clean, free of sand, screwed in tightly;
- the rails, glued joints and welds: no peeling;
- the deck pad: no tears or bubbles;
- airtightness: leave the board inflated for 24 hours. If it clearly loses pressure, apply soapy water to the valve, glued joints and welds to find the leak.
A small leak is easy to fix with the repair kit included in HANA packs, and our spare parts are available if needed.
4. Choose the right way to store it
If you have the space, the best option is to store the board flat or on its side, slightly inflated, under cover.
Otherwise, deflate it completely, remove the fin, then roll it loosely from the nose towards the valve to push out the air. Then put it in its bag, without placing anything heavy on top.
5. Choose the right place
A place that is dry, out of the sun and protected from big temperature swings: a cupboard, a room in the house or a dry garage is fine. Avoid lofts that get hot, damp floors and spots near a radiator. Severe cold and frost make PVC stiffer: in that case, don’t fold the board while it’s cold, and let it return to room temperature before unrolling it.
In spring: back on the water
Unroll the board at room temperature, inflate it to the recommended pressure of 15 PSI and check the valve before your first outing. To save time, the HANA E-Flow Max electric pump does the work for you.
Good to know: this advice also applies to inflatable kayaks such as the HANA Cruiser.
And if you’re already planning next season, discover our inflatable paddle boards, currently on sale until 13 December.