A Guide to Surfboard Storage

Visit our Guide to Kids Surfboards to Learn More.

Although a surfboard can withstand the unbelievably heavy impact of waves, it's a super delicate piece of equipment when out of the water. One brush with a bit of concrete and "ding ding ding", you've got yourself a date night with ding repair.

Proper surfboard storage is vital to protect our primary piece of surfing equipment and extend its longevity of wave-riding performance. Here's how to go about it the right way.

It's a little lesson highlighting how, even after the fun, we sometimes have some work left to do and that taking care of our equipment is a sign of respect for ourselves, the work it took to obtain our boards, and our passion for surfing.

Most likely, they'll apply this concept to other aspects of their lives when older, such as keeping their first car clean or helping their friend to wash out a boat after a day on the water. There's enormous life awareness for them to gain through your efforts of preaching and practicing proper surfboard storage.

Surfboard storage isn't a complicated subject. Once you understand the best ways to store a surfboard and lock into a routine conducive to your living conditions, it becomes second nature.

Bryxton Absolutely Shredding! Boardshorts on Point!

Before storing your surfboards, wash them thoroughly with fresh water after every session, as lingering salt will slowly weaken the board and accompanying components. My groms enjoy taking on hose duty, which typically results in a post-surf water fight.

Whether you own an epoxy/polyester board or a soft top, spray the entire surfboard deck, paying particular attention to the traction pad, the leash, and your fins/fin box where salt likes to hide.

Give the board a quick rundown with a towel to dry, and check for any dings that might have escaped your eye to fix them before your next session.

Avoiding the sunshine is critical to surfboard storage. Aside from actively surfing, you never want to leave your board in the sun for too long.

The sun's UV rays and associated heat are highly damaging to our boards. It will weaken the epoxy/PU coating (making the board more susceptible to dings), lead to an unattractive, yellowing surfboard deck, and expand the board's foam, lowering performance.

Keep the boards out of the sun as a basis for any surfboard storage. If you live in an apartment, this means storing them inside your living quarters or in a storage unit. For those with the space and a house, this could look like inside your home, a shed, or in your garage.

When out and about, never leave your board in the hot car. Try to locate a shady spot when taking a break on the beach, and utilize surfboard socks to add an extra layer of UV protection. It's like sunscreen for a baby, but this time, your baby is a board!!

For me, horizontal wall racks are a favorite. They keep the entire board off the ground, which is helpful with crazy groms wreaking havoc throughout the house, and they take up the least amount of space.

When storing your surfboard for the short term:

• Never lean the board against a wall and place the tail on concrete.
• Keep the surfboard out of the sun and heat. Place it in a shaded area when outside.
• Wash it off thoroughly after every use.
• Be gentle with your board if setting it down.
• Opt for a board sock.
• Leave the board on racks until your next session!
• If you don't have racks, try to leave the board in a board bag to protect its rails. If you must, get crafty with storage. Delicately lean the board against your wall with the tail on a styrofoam block, for example.

When storing your surfboard for the long term:

• Remove the wax from the surfboard.
• Clean the board thoroughly with fresh water. Remove the fins and wash the fin boxes well. Dry the entire board before storing.
• Keep the board in a high-quality, padded surfboard bag.
• Store the surfboard away from the elements and in a temperature-controlled zone.

Well, that about covers it all! Your surfboard is your best friend in the water, so take care of it and allow it to provide you with a lifetime of riding waves.

Be diligent, follow these steps, and pass this practice on to the groms in your family. Your surfboards, wallet, and surfing will thank you.