5 Things That Hurt Your Pulpboard the Most
1. Not cleaning the SUP after use
After you're done paddleboarding, get into the habit of rinsing your SUP with clean water, then towel dry. It is important to clean and dry the paddle after use, especially when paddling in the ocean, as salt water can dry out and attack the material on the SUP. Also, storing paddle boards when wet can lead to mildew, especially when placed in a board bag before drying
In addition to washing and drying your SUP after use, it's a good idea to give your board a deep clean every now and then. With a regular deep cleaning once a month or so, you can increase the chances of your paddle maintaining its new look and shine. For cleaning supplies, we recommend using any biodegradable all-purpose cleaner and a soft cloth to clean your skateboards and traction pads.
2. Put your SUP in the sun
This is by far the easiest and most common way to inadvertently damage a stand up paddle board. Leaving your SUP in the sun on those long, hot summer days can overheat your board, causing delamination of fiberglass or epoxy SUPs and cracked seams on inflatable SUPs. Remember, when you use your SUP on the water, sunlight will not damage your SUP. This only applies to paddle boards that are basking on land or strapped to a car's roof rack for extended periods of time.
The best way to avoid sun damage is to find a shady spot to keep your SUP cool until you're ready to use it again. Another great way is to use a paddle board bag to block the sun's UV rays. That way, you don't have to scramble to find shade at your local beach or lake.
Remember to apply these same best practices when you store your paddle board at home. This means storing your boards out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
3. Improperly storing your SUP
Improperly storing your stand-up paddle at home can damage your fiberglass, epoxy or inflatable SUP. It is best to store your SUP in an insulated area such as your house, garage or shed. But make sure not to store the paddle next to a water heater or boiler, as the heat can delaminate a rigid SUP or crack the seams on an inflatable SUP.
Always store paddle boards in a climate-controlled space between 40-100 degrees Fahrenheit. For inflatable SUP owners, the best paddleboard storage locations include small spaces like bedroom closets, or even under the bed.
4. Ship your SUP the wrong way
One of the most unfortunate ways to damage a SUP is during shipping. For epoxy paddle board owners, incorrectly strapping your board to your car's roof rack could cause your SUP to fall off the roof while you're driving. Not only will this severely damage your epoxy SUP, it will also be a hazard to other drivers on the road.
Plus, paddleboard bags are great for protecting your epoxy SUP while you're on the move. For inflatable SUPs, it's best to deflate and roll up your surfboard in the included carry bag.
5. Row in shallow water
Paddling in shallow water poses a significant threat to your stand up paddle board - especially with epoxy SUPs. Rocks and all other protruding elements can damage your SUP. Do your homework before you go to a new SUP point to determine if the water level will be too low. In general, it's not a good idea to use epoxy paddles on rivers, which tend to have the shallowest water levels and the most rocks at the bottom.
Shallow water poses little threat to the inflatable SUP, making it the SUP of choice for river paddling. The best inflatable iSUPs are durable, stable and strong enough to handle shallow water with ease. However, rocks can still scratch the iSUP's center fin and the bottom of the board. Ultimately, if you don't like the idea of a damaged SUP, it's best to avoid shallow water altogether.
Summary: Paddle Board Care
Protecting your stand up paddle board is simple if you follow the best practices listed above. It doesn't take a lot of time and effort to ensure your paddle board lives a long and happy life. Make these paddle care tips a regular part of your paddle routine so you never risk serious damage to your paddle again.
