Paddleboarding Gear Care: Love Your Gear, and It’ll Love You Back

April 4, 2025June 11, 2025

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Introduction: Gear Need Care

A paddleboard is more than just a piece of equipment—it’s your gateway to adventure, fitness, and relaxation on the water. Whether you’ve invested $400 or $1,400, taking care of your SUP ensures it performs at its best and lasts for years. Paddleboarding Gear Maintenance Care is to be meticulously learned, along with proper cleaning, storage, and repair tools, to ensure long SUP life.

Proper maintenance isn’t just about protecting your investment—it’s about staying safe, avoiding costly repairs, and ensuring your gear is always ready for your next adventure. With a little effort, you can prevent damage, extend the lifespan of your board, and keep it performing like new.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything from cleaning and storage to quick repairs and long-term care—for both inflatable (iSUP) and hard paddleboards. Let’s dive in!

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Why Paddleboarding Gear Maintenance Care Matters

Prevents Damage: Avoid mold, mildew, sun-fade, and structural issues.
Keeps Performance High: A well-maintained board glides better and handles more easily.
Extends Gear Lifespan: Protects your paddle, pump, leash, and board.
Boosts Resale Value: Clean, cared-for boards fetch higher prices.
Ensures Safety: Faulty gear can lead to accidents on the water.

💡 Pro Tip: Regular maintenance doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Just a few minutes after each use can make all the difference.

Proper maintenance ensures that your paddleboard remains reliable and available whenever you’re ready to hit the water. Neglecting your gear can lead to costly repairs or even render your board unusable. By dedicating a small amount of time to care, you’re investing in years of worry-free paddling.

Basic SUP Care After Every Use

No matter what type of paddleboard you own, these steps should be part of your post-paddle routine:

Rinse Off:
- Rinse your board with fresh water after every session—especially if you’ve been in saltwater, rivers, or lakes.
- Pay extra attention to fins, valves, and bungee areas where debris can collect.
Dry Thoroughly:
- Wipe down your board with a microfiber towel.
- Allow it to air-dry completely before storing.
Check Fins & Leash:
- Inspect fins for cracks or loose screws. Tighten or replace as needed.
- Ensure your leash is free of tangles or wear.
Store Safely: Keep your board in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Cleaning Your Paddleboard Properly

Monthly Cleaning Routine

Use gentle soap or SUP-safe cleaner: Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage surfaces.
Soft-bristle brush: Clean deck pads, rails, and undersides thoroughly.
Rinse well: Remove all soap residue.
Dry with microfiber towels: Prevent water spots and streaks.

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid high-pressure hoses on seams or graphics—they can weaken adhesives and cause damage.

Recommended: Better Boat SUP Cleaner Spray

This eco-friendly cleaner is safe for all board types and removes dirt, grime, and salt buildup without harming surfaces.

Inflatable SUP (iSUP) Maintenance

Task	Frequency	Notes
Rinse & Dry	After every use	Prevents salt buildup and mildew.
Check PSI	Before each ride	Ideal range: 12–15 PSI.
Deflate Fully	For off-season	Store loosely rolled to avoid creases.
Avoid Over-Inflation	Always	Can damage seams and weaken material.
Cool/Dry Storage	Always	Avoid extreme temperatures.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a patch kit and valve wrench in your dry bag for quick fixes on the go.

Hard SUP Maintenance

Task	Frequency	Notes
Inspect for Dings	Weekly	Prevent water intrusion and delamination.
Rinse After Saltwater	After every use	Salt can corrode hardware and damage surfaces.
Apply UV Spray	Monthly	Protects from fading and cracking.
Store on Rack	Always	Use wall or ceiling racks to avoid pressure damage.

🌊 Recommended: Ding All Epoxy Repair Kit

Storage Tips: Short-Term & Off-Season

Short-Term Storage

Dry Thoroughly: Never store a wet board.
Shade or Indoor Space: Avoid direct sunlight.
Light Inflation (iSUP): If storing inflated, keep PSI low to reduce strain.
Avoid Hot Surfaces: Don’t leave your board on asphalt or car roofs.

Off-Season Storage

Deflate (iSUP): Loosely roll and store in a cool, dry place.
Hard Boards: Use wall or ceiling racks to save space and prevent warping.
Temperature Control: Extreme heat or cold can damage both types of boards.

🛒 Recommended Rack: StoreYourBoard Paddleboard Rack (wall-mount)

DIY Repairs vs. Call a Pro

Fix at Home

Loose valve: Tighten with a valve wrench.
Pinhole leak (iSUP): Use a patch kit to seal small punctures.
Minor fin issues: Replace screws or adjust alignment.
Small dings (hard board): Apply epoxy resin for quick fixes.

Seek Professional Help If

Delamination occurs (layers separating).
Deep cracks or waterlogged boards appear.
Warping or mold develops.
Fin boxes or leash plugs break.

⚠️ Warning: Using a damaged board is risky and can worsen problems.

Maintenance Tools Every Paddler Should Own

Tool	Use	Notes
SUP Cleaner Spray	Monthly wash	Eco-safe and gentle on materials.
UV Protectant Spray	Prevent sun damage	Keeps colors vibrant and surfaces strong.
Patch Kit	Quick repairs	Essential for iSUP owners.
Valve Wrench	Tighten valve caps	Comes with most iSUP kits.
Rack	Store boards safely	Wall or ceiling mount options.
Microfiber Towels	Dry gear fast	Reusable and absorbent.
Deck Brush	Clean deck pads	Soft bristles won’t damage surfaces.