How to Maintain Your Stand-Up Paddleboard: A Guide to SUP Care

There’s nothing quite like gliding across calm waters on your stand-up paddleboard. Although SUPing is all about fun and freedom, caring for your board properly is just as important. Just like any watercraft, your board is constantly exposed to sun, salt, wind, sand, and the occasional rain.

The good news is that SUP maintenance isn’t too hard. Adopting a few simple habits allows you to protect the board and get years of paddling enjoyment out of it. Whether you’ve got an inflatable model or a hardboard, a little extra care will ensure that it performs well every time you hit the water.

Let's take a closer look at why maintenance matters, what to watch out for, and how to keep your board ready for your next adventure.

Why Does Your Stand-Up Paddleboard Need Maintenance?

SUPs are made to be tough, but as with anything, that doesn’t mean they’re indestructible. Over time, sudden damage or general wear and tear will take a toll on your board. This goes for both inflatable and rigid paddleboards.

If you’re paddling in ocean waters, salt residue tends to build up over time, attracting moisture and accelerating corrosion around fittings and seams. It also leaves a gritty film that can damage the surface if not rinsed off. There’s also a chance of water getting trapped inside handles, seams or valves, which then leads to mould or mildew (especially on inflatable models).

Little nicks or dings are another small issue that can grow into bigger problems if you don’t catch them early. A soft spot on the deck, a leaky valve, or peeling deck grip might not seem like much at first, but they’ll certainly impact your safety and your SUP’s lifespan if left unchecked.

1. Rinse Your SUP After Each Use

Whether you’re paddling on the ocean, a lake or a river, it’s a good habit to rinse your board down with fresh water once you’re off the water.

Why is a rinse recommended? Salt, sand and dirt are just a few of the things that can build up and start to wear down the SUP’s surface or get trapped in fittings. Rinsing helps to remove these elements before they cause any damage.

Rinsing Tips:

Use a hose or a bucket of fresh water.
Pay attention to areas like the fin box, carry handles and leash plugs where salt can get trapped.
If your board has a valve (common in inflatables), make sure it’s closed before rinsing.

Tip: If you’ve paddled in murky or polluted water, be extra thorough with your rinse to avoid bacteria lingering on the board.

2. Dry Your SUP Properly

Just like inflatable kayaks, moisture is one of the biggest enemies of your SUP. If your board is still damp when it's put away, mould and mildew could start to form. As we covered in a recent article, this leaves the door open to the possibility of bad smells, stains, and possible damage.

How to Dry Your SUP:

Use a soft towel or chamois cloth to wipe down your board after rinsing.
Let it dry in a shaded area. Direct sun for extended periods may damage the materials.
Make sure the board is 100% dry before placing it in a board bag or storage area.

Tip: If your SUP has a foam deck grip, give it a little extra time to dry fully.

3. Don’t Let Mould and Mildew Take Hold

Mould and mildew almost always have one thing in common: they thrive in environments that are warm and damp. In most cases, these conditions provide the perfect setting for their growth. Unfortunately, this is exactly the kind of setting your SUP can foster if it’s stored wet or in humid conditions. While this is especially true for inflatable boards, hardboards aren’t immune either.

Over time, it’s this mould that will damage the deck pad, discolour surfaces, and even start to affect the board’s core or valve system (in inflatables). Plus, it really is an unpleasant aroma that you really don’t want to be exposed to.

How to Prevent Mould and Mildew:

Always dry thoroughly before storing, especially around seams, valves, and under deck rigging.
Store in a well-ventilated area, rather than a sealed bag or airtight shed.
Unroll or unfold inflatable SUPs occasionally during long-term storage to let them breathe.
Use a mould spray or diluted vinegar solution to spot clean any signs of mildew before they spread.

If you spot any green, black or fuzzy patches on your board or deck grip, act fast. The longer it’s left, the harder it will be to remove.

Tip: Even if your board looks dry, check underneath the deck pad and around straps or handles. Mould often forms in places that you can’t see straight away.

4. Clean Your SUP Regularly

Beyond rinsing and drying, it’s a good idea to give your paddleboard a proper clean every so often. This removes built-up grime, sunscreen, oils from your skin, and any mildew spots that may have started to appear. This is recommended if you are packing it away at the end of the season, or are not planning to use your SUP for an extended time

What You’ll Need:

Mild soap (avoid harsh chemicals)
Sponge or soft cloth
Bucket of clean water
SUP-friendly UV protectant spray (optional)

Cleaning Instructions:

Wet the board and gently scrub the surface with soap and sponge.
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue.
Dry the board completely.
If desired, apply UV protectant to help guard against sun damage.

Tip: Always check for any signs of damage while cleaning, like cracks, soft spots or delamination on a hardboard, or slow leaks on an inflatable. Alternatively, you can also upgrade to a brand-new model! At PaddleZone, you’ll find a fantastic range of both inflatable and rigid paddleboards from leading brands.

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5. Store Your Board in a Cool, Dry Place

Adopting the right storage method is one of the easiest ways to extend the life of your SUP. It doesn’t matter if you're storing it for the night or the season, keeping it in the right environment makes a big difference.

Storage Tips for All SUPs:

Keep your board out of direct sunlight.
Avoid areas with extreme heat (like inside a hot car or tin shed).
Store it in a dry, shaded spot with good airflow.
If using a board bag, make sure both the board and bag are dry first.

Inflatable SUPs:

Deflate completely and fold loosely (don’t always fold along the same lines).
Avoid packing too tightly and allow the material to “breathe”.
Store indoors if possible to reduce exposure to humidity or pests.

Hardboards:

If stored vertically, use a padded rack to protect the nose and tail and ensure it’s stable
If stored flat, keep it off the ground to avoid contact with moisture.

Tip: Check your board every few weeks in storage to make sure no mould has developed or straps have left impressions.

6. Protect Your SUP from the Sun

UV rays are one of the most damaging forces for any SUP, and Australia has some of the world’s most intense UV ratings. Over time, prolonged exposure to these rays can weaken seams, fade colours, and break down adhesives.

You can do the following to reduce sun exposure:

Don’t leave your board out on the beach or roof racks for extended periods.
Use a board cover or bag whenever possible.

Tip: Paddle early in the morning or later in the afternoon if you want to avoid the strongest sun hours. Both your board (and your skin) will thank you later! Also be sure to check out the PaddleZone SUP Carry Bag, which is available in sizes ranging from 9 to 14 feet. It even doubles as a surfboard carry bag too!

The PaddleZone SUP and Surfboard Bag: Available Now!

7. Check and Maintain Your SUP Accessories

Along with the paddleboard itself, it's a smart idea to make sure the rest of your gear is being well-maintained and looked after.

Paddle: Rinse and dry after every use. Carbon paddles can crack if dropped, so check the shaft and blade regularly.

Leash: Rinse and inspect for fraying or worn Velcro.
Fins: Rinse the fin and fin box. Tighten the screws or clips if needed.
Pump (for inflatables): Store in a dry place and check hoses for cracks.

Tip: Keep a small maintenance kit with your gear—spare fin screws, a valve wrench, pump adapter, and patch kit for inflatables are the types of accessories that really come in handy. If you need new extra accessories or SUP paddles, we’ve got you covered!

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8. Inspect for Damage

It’s often easy to ignore the smaller issues in life, but this is one case where you won’t want to ignore it for too long.. Even a seemingly small issue can grow into something that requires serious repairs.

For Hardboards:

Small dings can be sealed with epoxy or a SUP repair kit.
Delamination (bubbling or soft spots) is more serious and may need professional repair.

For Inflatables:

Check seams and valves for slow leaks.
Use soapy water to detect air bubbles if you suspect a puncture.
Patch kits can fix most minor holes, but deeper rips should be assessed by a professional.

Tip: Keep track of any repairs or patches, then monitor them to see if they need attention later.

Looking for a New SUP? Get Everything You Need at PaddleZone

Current paddleboard showing signs of wear? Ready for an upgrade? We've got a great selection of stand-up paddleboards that are ready to hit the water. You can explore our full collection of paddleboards, SUP paddles, and accessories online, or stop by our Sydney store to view it all in person.

We import many brands (some exclusively) from manufacturers, and we’re proud to offer a diverse range of paddling products, including sea, touring, recreational, social, ski, competition, outrigger canoe, fishing, and white-water equipment. For enthusiasts, families, clubs, groups, education and individual paddlers, our range will satisfy all your paddling needs.