Buying a stand up paddle board is a big investment so it's important to take care of your board.

Follow these 3 steps, and you’ll keep your new paddle board looking good for years to come.

#1 Keep your gear clean

The Delmarva and Chesapeake Bay waterways are mostly brackish water which contains salt, farming fertilizer run off and even some traces of boat fuel and grime.  Our oceans feature super salty ocean water that can be corrosive.

It doesn’t matter which waterways you use, the best way to care for your board after a good paddle is to rinse it thoroughly with fresh water. Also, take your paddle apart and rinse it thoroughly to prevent it from corroding.

Every couple of months, use a cleaner on your paddle board and pad. We love ‘On It Pro’s Blue Goo’, a cleaner made specifically for your boards. Racers even claim it will make your board faster.  You can also use a mild cleaner such as Dawn dish soap (especially helpful if you’ve paddled through areas with heavy boat traffic – it’s great for removing oil/petroleum products) with a non-abrasive cloth or sponge.   Diluted Simple Green works well too.

#2 Keep Your Board Out of Direct Sunlight

 

Don't store your board in the sun.  Keep your board out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time when it’s not being used in the water.

For epoxy boards, we highly recommend that you store your board in a board bag or a board sock.  Bags typically have a reflective side, meant to minimize the sun’s heating.

If your board is wet, don’t seal it in the bag – the moisture can cause mold/mildew or even turn the board bag into a small sauna, opening up the pores in the epoxy and creating miniature bubbles just below the surface. This could cause harm to yout board.

#3 Protect Your Board from Chips, Dings and Paddle Scrapes

Your board is the weakest where the glass and resin is thinnest – on the curved and pointed surfaces (the nose, rails, and tail) making them the most vulnerable to damage.

Rail guard tape and nose/tail guards, although not the prettiest solution, will do an excellent job of minimizing bruises and damage to your paddle board.

Storage-related concerns, such as concrete floors, shelves, or cargo elevators can be particularly problematic for boards. Use padding (like pool noodles or even a yoga mat) to protect the rails, but board bags are best.

Following these relatively inexpensive solutions can go a long way to minimize future repair costs. A well-cared for paddle board holds its value and should last you for many years.