If you’re lucky enough to live in an area where your paddle season is extended and you’re able to enjoy the water year-round. If not, there will come a time when the temperatures are too cold to enjoy an outing, or the water freezes over and you have nowhere to go.
For those in colder climates, this might be a good time to start thinking about storing your gear until better weather conditions return. For those in warmer areas, it’s still a good idea to routinely maintain your board, boat, and equipment, to extend the life of your gear and keep it all looking great for years to come. Save these maintenance tips to get you started.
Cleaning
As a rule, you should rinse your board or boat with clean water after every adventure. If you are putting your board or boat away for the season, give it a thorough cleaning using mild soap and water. You may also want to use a brush to clean out all the nooks and crannies, especially in the cockpit of your kayak. For stains that soap and water can’t take care of, some paddlers use rubbing alcohol. Once clean, let your equipment completely dry before moving on.
For kayak paddles, take the paddle halves apart and give them a rinse as well. Store them with the tips up to let any water left in the shafts drain out.
If you’ll be storing a wetsuit for the season, clean it first (some people swear shampoo is the best cleanser). Be sure to let it dry thoroughly. Do not store it inside out – fold it in half and store it flat.
Repairing Damage
After cleaning, inspect your board/boat for nicks and gouges. Minor scratches may be handled by waxing. Deeper grooves may need to be patched. If you’re not comfortable attempting such a procedure by yourself, your local dealer can usually take care of it for you or recommend who can.
If you have any bungees or other types of tie-downs, routinely check them for their elasticity and replace anything that is fraying.
Waxing And Coating
Generally, waxing a stand-up paddleboard is not required, but it could make your board faster if you enjoy racing. Wax can also help improve your grip on the board, especially in areas where there is no EVA padding.
If you choose to coat your board or boat after cleaning, check the specifications recommended by the manufacturer before doing so. Some finishes could be damaged by using the wrong chemicals. For example, for polyethylene boards and boats, after cleaning, use a plastic protectant like 303 Protectant to safeguard your finish against UV fading. For composite equipment, you can use a car wax made for fiberglass, then apply a layer of UV protectant spray. If your board or boat has a gelcoat finish, use a wax specifically made for gelcoats as other types may damage the seal.
Storing
It is best to store your equipment in a clean and dry atmosphere like a shed or garage. Resist the temptation to cover your board or boat with a plastic tarp as condensation could build up naturally underneath, leading to mold and/or mildew. If you want to use a cover, a cotton sheet or bedspread should do the trick. Do not store other things such as boxes on top of your equipment. Heavier items could cause warping over time. In either case, try to keep your equipment out of direct sunlight.
For inflatables, some recommend fully deflating the board to make it easier to roll up and store, but others say you should keep it at least partially inflated so it is less time consuming to re-inflate it when paddle season rolls back around.
If you do not have storage space and need to keep your boat outside, try to elevate it upside down and off the ground so that air can circulate around it.
Winter Paddling
If you continue paddling during colder weather, please be cautious and stay alert. Watch for ice and stay close to shore in case you do happen to hit something sharp that damages your equipment. When paddleboarding, always use a SUP leash to keep your board close if you should fall in. Cold water will slow your body functions, even if you are wearing a wetsuit, so you want to make things as easy as possible on yourself.
Be back on shore before dark and try to avoid paddling alone. If you choose to go solo, let someone know where you’re going and when you think you’ll be back so they can check on you.
Keep It Going
If the end of paddle season is upon you and you hate the idea of not being on the water, there are things you can do during the off-season to keep in shape until you can go out again. Yoga is a great way to maintain your balance and keep your core muscles strong. Resistance (weight) training is also a good way to keep your muscles in shape. Cardio work and/or aerobic exercises will keep you healthy and focused.
Before you know it, you’ll be back on the water again. Until then, we’d love for you to join the community to ask questions and connect with others to prep for the next paddle season!
