Storing a Surfboard in Self Storage

By ​Kyle Stanek, Storage.com

Summer is right around the corner, and going surfing is on every surfer’s mind. One thing all surfers know is that surfboards are pretty difficult to store and keep in good shape. Perhaps you don’t have the space to store your surfboard(s), or maybe you want to store them in a location that’s closer to your favorite beach. Whatever the situation, storing surfboards in a storage unit can solve all of those problems.

Prepping Your Board for Storage 

Andrew Sachs of StoreYourBoard.com, which sells a variety of surf racks for storing and displaying surfboards and paddleboards, is an expert when it comes to preparing boards for storage. Here are his “do” and “don’t” recommendations for storing a surfboard:

DO

  • Rinse your surfboard thoroughly with fresh water to remove anything from its surface, particularly salt water, which can dry on and damage your surfboard.
  • After rinsing it, dry the board with a towel to remove all moisture so that it’s not damp when you go to store it.
  • Strip any wax from your surfboard. If you’re going to be storing your board for an extended period of time, you should consider stripping your wax, as wax tends to get old and musty when a surfboard isn’t being used.
  • Remove your leash. This will ensure that your leash doesn’t get permanent coils from being wrapped tightly around your board while in storage.
  • If you have a bag, store your board in a bag, which offers an additional layer of protection from any dings your board might get while in storage.

DON’T

  • It may be the same shape as a shelf or table, but you’re only asking for trouble if you put anything on top of your board or lean other objects against it.
  • Never store your board in an upright position. If it’s standing vertically, it could slide down or fall, which means major damage to your board.

Storage Unit Sizes  

The first thing to determine when storing your board is what size storage locker you need.

“For either [surfboard or paddleboard], you’ll need to measure them with their protective case or cover on, and if you have your own racks, then decide the unit size that you’ll need,” says Kris Fetter, Operations Manager at Pacific Highway Storage in San Diego, Calif. Surfboards don’t have a standard length and will vary based on the skill level of each surfer, which is why Fetter recommends measuring the board before selecting a unit.

For most surfboards, which are between six to eight feet long, a 5×10 unit should be best. However, if you can’t get your surf rack to fit into your self storage unit without hitting any walls or doorframes, you might want to look at a 5×15.

Storage Facility Features  

Say you’re planning on going surfing but can’t get to your board because your facility is already closed. This is where it’s important to find a storage facility that best suits your needs—especially when it comes to accessing your storage unit to grab your board.

“A surfer will need to know access hours to their facility of choice,” says Fetter. For those looking to get up early to hit the morning waves, a storage facility offering extended hours or 24-hour access is a good option. That way, you don’t have to wait until the facility opens to get in, grab your board, and get to the beach.

Climate-controlled storage is another feature to consider when storing a surfboard in a storage unit. Surfboards tend to delaminate when exposed to extreme heat, which will eventually ruin the board. The entire structure of the board can also be damaged from prolonged exposure to moisture, so it’s a good idea to keep it in an environment where humidity can be controlled as well.

With the climate control feature, you can keep your unit at a consistent temperature and humidity level so that your board won’t delaminate or have structural damage. While a climate-controlled unit does cost more than a standard unit, it’s definitely worth getting to keep your board in good shape when you’re not using it.