Winterising Your Paddleboard for Off-Season Storage

The short answer

To winterise your board: give it a thorough clean, dry it completely, and store it somewhere cool, dry, and temperature-stable — rolled in its backpack, or inflated at reduced pressure if you have the room. Over a long off-season the two things that cause damage are trapped moisture (mould) and temperature extremes, so beating both is what winterising is really about.

Why winter storage needs a little extra care

Packing a board away for a session or two is one thing; leaving it untouched for months is another. Any moisture sealed inside a rolled board has all winter to turn into mould. A damp, unheated shed or a baking attic subjects the PVC to exactly the conditions it likes least. Spend ten minutes now and you avoid a nasty surprise — and a smelly board — in spring.

Step 1 — Give it a proper clean

Go a step beyond your usual rinse. Wash off all salt, sand, sun cream, and grime with fresh water and, where needed, mild soap and a soft sponge — no harsh chemicals. Pay attention to the spots that trap dirt: the deck pad grooves, the rails and seams, around the valve, and the fin bracket. Our cleaning after saltwater guide covers the method in full.

Step 2 — Dry it completely (the big one)

This is the step that matters most for winter storage. The board must be bone dry, both sides, before it's packed — any moisture left inside has months to cause mould.

• Towel it down, then let it air-dry fully out of direct sunlight.
• Give the deck pad extra time; the foam holds moisture longer than the smooth PVC.
• Detach the fin and dry the fin and bracket too.

Don't rush this. If in doubt, leave it another few hours.

Step 3 — Roll it (or store it inflated at low pressure)

Rolled is the simplest and most space-efficient for winter. Deflate fully, roll from the end opposite the valve using the printed fold guide, lock the valve, and pack it in the backpack. For long-term storage, roll it neatly but a little less tightly than you would for travel — you don't want hard creases pressed into the material for months on end.

Inflated is fine if you've the space: drop the pressure so it's soft rather than taut, support it flat or on a rack, and keep it well away from heat and sun. Our full storage guide walks through both methods.

Step 4 — Choose the right spot

The ideal winter home is cool, dry, and temperature-stable — an indoor cupboard, wardrobe, or spare-room shelf is perfect. Try to avoid:

• Unheated, damp sheds and garages, where moisture and freeze-thaw swings do their worst,
• Lofts and attics, which swing from freezing to baking, and
• Anywhere in direct sun, even through a window.

If your only option is a garage, get the board up off the cold concrete on a rack or shelf, and make doubly sure it went in bone dry.

Step 5 — Look after the accessories too

Your board isn't the only thing going into hibernation:

• Paddle: take it apart, dry each section, and store it disassembled. Leaving the clamp done up tight for months can be avoided by storing it open.
• Pump: make sure it's dry inside and the hose is clear. If you have an electric pump, store it somewhere dry and follow its own instructions — top the battery up periodically rather than leaving it flat all winter.
• Leash, bag, and any straps: dry them off before they go away with the board.

An optional mid-winter check

If the board is stored somewhere less than ideal, it's worth a quick look partway through the season — just confirm it's still dry, hasn't been leaned on or moved under something heavy, and that no damp or pests have found it.

Getting back on the water in spring

Before your first paddle of the year:

• Unroll the board and give it a once-over for any marks, dings, or areas of concern.
• Check the valve is clean and in the raised (closed) position, then inflate to 18 PSI.
• Leave it a few minutes and check the pressure holds. If you're unsure, run a quick soapy-water check over the valve and seams.
• Refit the fin, and you're set for the season.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Packing it away damp → months of mould. Dry it fully.
• Storing in a damp shed or hot attic → moisture and temperature damage. Go for a stable indoor spot.
• Rolling it bone-tight for the whole winter → set-in creases. Neat but relaxed.
• Forgetting the accessories → a seized or musty paddle and pump come spring.

Quick reference