As the paddleboarding season winds down, proper off-season storage becomes essential—especially for rental businesses and distributors managing large inventories. Improper storage can lead to mold, seam damage, and material degradation, shortening your boards’ lifespan.
Here’s your complete guide to keeping every board fresh and ready for next season.
🧼 1. Clean Before You Store
Before deflating your paddle board, make sure to wash it thoroughly with fresh water.
Salt, sand, and organic debris can lead to mildew or even corrode metal fittings.
Pro Tip:
Use a mild soap or SUP-specific cleaner. According to Outdoor Gear Lab, residue left from saltwater increases mold risk by up to 40% during long-term storage.
☀️ 2. Dry Completely — Inside and Out
Moisture is the biggest enemy during storage. Even a few drops trapped inside can cause mold and unpleasant odors.
After cleaning, leave the board fully inflated in a shaded area for at least 24 hours to air-dry.
Never dry in direct sunlight for too long — prolonged UV exposure can weaken PVC layers by up to 15% according to SUPBoarder Magazine (2023).
📦 3. Deflate and Fold Properly
Once completely dry, deflate slowly to avoid creating vacuum pressure on the seams.
Fold loosely rather than tightly—sharp creases can stress the internal drop-stitch fibers.
If you’re managing warehouse storage:
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Use large plastic bins or racks instead of cardboard boxes.
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Separate boards with soft fabric to avoid surface scratches.
🌡️ 4. Control Temperature & Humidity
Humidity above 60% can foster mildew growth.
For businesses storing 50+ boards, investing in a dehumidifier can reduce mold risk by up to 80% (source: Environmental Protection Agency, 2022).
Ideal storage environment:
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Temperature: 5–25°C (41–77°F)
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Humidity: <50%
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No direct sunlight or heat sources nearby
🧴 5. Apply UV and PVC Protectants
Before long storage, wipe your board with a marine-grade UV protectant.
This creates a thin barrier that prevents fading and brittleness.
Products containing 303 Aerospace Protectant or similar formulas are widely recommended by professional rental operations in Australia and the U.S.
🧰 6. Inspect Accessories and Hardware
Check your paddle, pump, leash, and fins before storage:
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Lightly oil the pump shaft
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Clean and dry fin boxes
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Coil leashes neatly to prevent kinks
Rental operators who perform off-season inspections report 30% fewer maintenance issues the following season (Paddle Sports Business Review, 2024).
💡 7. Store Slightly Inflated for Long-Term Durability
If space allows, keep boards partially inflated (around 5 PSI) to maintain shape.
Completely folding for many months can create permanent creases, especially in low-temperature environments.
🧭 Final Checklist
✅ Cleaned and fully dried
✅ UV-protected and deflated properly
✅ Stored in cool, dry, shaded environment
✅ Accessories inspected and packed separately
By following these steps, you’ll ensure your Marcello paddle boards—or any iSUPs in your rental or wholesale stock—stay in top condition until next season.
📩 Ready to Prepare for Next Season?
If you’re planning to update or expand your rental fleet, Marcello offers durable, B2B-ready inflatable paddle boards designed for long-term use and storage efficiency.
👉 Contact us today at marcellosupplier@gmail.com for sample catalogs, OEM customization, and exclusive bulk pricing.
