Updated October 2026.
Most paddlers don't think about storage until their board starts showing it: a musty smell, a crease that won't relax, a slow leak in spring. How you put your inflatable paddle board away matters just as much as how you use it.
Whether you paddle a Royal Hawaiian Palm, a Yacht Hopper, an El Capitan or any other inflatable paddle board, the routine is the same: clean it, dry it, inspect it, then store it somewhere cool, dry and out of the sun.
Quick checklist: how to store an inflatable paddle board
- Rinse it with fresh water, especially after salt water or a chlorinated pool.
- Dry it completely in the shade, with the valve open.
- Inspect the seams and valve, and fix small damage now.
- Deflate slowly, roll it loosely and pack it in its bag, or store it partially inflated if you have room.
- Keep it indoors, off bare concrete, away from sun, heat and freezing temperatures.
- Check on it once or twice during the off-season.
Why storage matters
An inflatable paddle board is an investment, and the off-season is when most avoidable damage happens. Good storage protects it from:
- UV exposure that breaks down the PVC
- Mold and mildew from trapped moisture
- Creases that stress the drop-stitch construction
- Valve damage from careless packing
- Seam stress from temperature extremes
- Rodents and pests
Step 1: Clean your board thoroughly
Never store a dirty board. Salt, sand, lake grime and pool chemicals keep working on the material for months if you leave them on.
- Rinse with fresh water to get salt, sand and grime off.
- Use a mild soap for stubborn dirt.
- Scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge, never anything abrasive.
- Get into the seams and around the valve, where dirt hides.
- Rinse again so no soap residue is left behind.
Step 2: Dry it completely
This is where most storage problems start. Any moisture left in the roll turns into mold and mildew.
- Keep the board inflated while it dries so every surface is exposed.
- Towel it down to get most of the water off.
- Air dry in the shade, not in direct sun.
- Flip it and dry both sides.
- Open the valve to let moisture escape from inside.
- Check the seams, where water hides.
Give it at least a few hours, and preferably overnight. In humid weather, a fan speeds things up. If you're short on time, wipe it down, leave it partially inflated somewhere well ventilated, and pack it properly a day or two later.
Step 3: Inspect and repair before you put it away
- Inflate and check for leaks. Soapy water brushed over seams and the valve will bubble at a slow leak.
- Inspect the seams for separation or bubbling.
- Check the valve opens, closes and seals properly.
- Look for punctures and abrasions and repair them now.
A PVC Repair Kit covers small punctures and valve issues. Don't store a damaged board and hope it will be fine in spring.
Step 4: Deflate and roll the right way
- Open the valve completely and let the air out on its own first.
- Roll from the end opposite the valve to push the last of the air out.
- Don't force it. Kneeling on the board to push air out can damage the drop-stitch.
- Roll loosely and avoid sharp creases.
- Change the roll from season to season so the same spots aren't creased every time.
- Never pack it wet. A damp board in a bag is a mold problem waiting to happen.
Three ways to store an inflatable paddle board
Option 1: Rolled and bagged (most common)
Best for: limited space, seasonal storage and travel. Deflate completely, roll loosely, secure with straps that aren't too tight, and keep it in its bag in a cool, dry place. A bag like the Backpack w/ Wheels holds the board and accessories together. It is compact and keeps out dust and pests, but be strict about drying first.
Option 2: Partially inflated (easiest on the material)
Best for: paddlers with room in a garage or spare room. Clean and dry the board, leave it partially inflated, and store it flat or on a rack in a climate-controlled space. There are no folds, it is easy to inspect, and it is ready to go quickly. It does take up more room.
Option 3: Hanging (a good compromise)
Best for: garage storage and between uses. Hang the board, deflated or partially inflated, from its handles or D-rings, keep it off the ground and give it good air circulation.
Where to store it
Good spots: a climate-controlled garage or basement, an indoor closet or spare room, or a climate-controlled shed with the board kept off the ground.
Avoid:
- Outdoor sheds without climate control
- Attics, which get too hot in summer
- Damp basements
- Direct sunlight, even indoors near a window
- Furnaces, water heaters and other heat sources
- Spaces that drop below freezing
- Bare concrete floors, which can hold moisture; use a tarp or pallet
- Anywhere near fuel, solvents or harsh cleaners
Regional tips
- Hot and dry climates (Southwest, Florida, Southern California): UV and heat are the main threats. Store indoors or in shade, and watch for heat building up in storage areas.
- Cold climates (Northeast, Great Lakes, Mountain States): bring the board inside before the first freeze and check it mid-winter for moisture.
- Humid climates (Southeast, Gulf Coast): allow extra drying time, use a fan or dehumidifier, and check regularly for mold.
Between uses vs. off-season
Between uses: rinse and dry after every session, and keep the board partially inflated somewhere accessible if you have room. There's no need to pack it in the bag.
Off-season: deep clean, dry completely, inspect and repair, store rolled or partially inflated, and check on it periodically.
Don't forget your gear
- Paddle: rinse, dry, take multi-piece paddles apart, and store them in a bag or on a wall hook. Need a spare? See the Ratchet Paddle.
- Pump: rinse off sand, dry it, check the hose for cracks and store it with the board. The Dual Action Hand Pump inflates on both the push and the pull stroke.
- Fins: remove, rinse, dry and store them with the hardware. Spare fin screws are worth keeping in the bag.
- Leash: rinse it (especially the hook-and-loop cuff), hang it to dry and coil it loosely. Replacing a worn one? See the 10ft Coiled SUP Leash.
Getting your board out of storage
- Inspect it before inflating for any storage damage.
- If it was stored cold, let it warm to room temperature first.
- Inflate to the pressure printed on your board and make sure it holds air.
- Do a short test paddle before a big trip.
Store it right, paddle it longer
A good bag and a small repair kit make the off-season easy. Here is what POP recommends having on hand.
Inflatable paddle board storage FAQs
What is the best way to store an inflatable paddle board?
Clean and completely dry, in a cool, dry indoor space away from sun and heat. Rolled loosely in its bag works well; partially inflated is even easier on the material if you have room.
Can I store my inflatable paddle board inflated?
Yes. Partially inflated storage avoids creases, as long as the board is clean, dry and kept out of the sun and away from heat.
Can I store an inflatable paddle board in the garage over winter?
Yes, if the space stays above freezing, stays dry and keeps the board out of direct sun. Keep it off bare concrete.
How do I stop mold on a stored board?
Dry it completely before rolling it, store it somewhere with airflow and low humidity, and check it once or twice during the off-season.
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