The best way to store an inflatable paddle board or inflatable dock for a long break is simple: clean it, rinse it, dry it fully, deflate it, roll it loosely, and store it indoors away from heat, moisture, pests, and sharp objects. A little end-of-season care protects seams, valves, deck pads, D-rings, pumps, fins, straps, and hardware so your gear is ready when the lake opens again.
Canadian cottage seasons can be hard on water gear. Sun, sand, lake minerals, salt, sunscreen, wet leaves, dock hardware, and cold storage spaces all add wear if you put a board or dock away dirty or damp.
The goal is not to make storage complicated. The goal is to avoid the common problems: mildew smell, pressure damage, creased deck pads, missing fins, stiff valves, rodent damage, and surprise leaks in spring.
Before a long break, let the board dry fully and pack accessories together so nothing goes missing before spring.
End-of-season storage checklist
Rinse everything
Use fresh water to rinse sand, salt, mud, weeds, sunscreen, and lake residue from the board, dock, paddle, fin, pump hose, D-rings, straps, and valves.
Clean gently
Use mild soap and a soft cloth when needed. Avoid harsh solvents, pressure washers, abrasive scrubbers, or anything that can damage PVC, deck pads, mesh, or seams.
Dry completely
This is the step people rush. Dry both sides, around fins, under bungees, around handles, inside folded areas, and near valve caps before packing.
Deflate with care
Open the valve slowly, let the pressure release, then roll from the opposite end so air can move out without forcing hard creases.
Roll loose, not crushed
A loose roll is better for long storage than a tight compressed roll. Do not stack heavy bins, tools, or furniture on top of the packed board or dock.
Store indoors
Choose a dry indoor space where the gear is protected from freezing puddles, direct sun, heaters, rodents, sharp tools, and damp concrete.
How to store an inflatable paddle board
For inflatable paddle boards like the Yacht Hopper, El Capitan, and Royal Hawaiian, start by removing the fin, leash, paddle, pump hose, dry bag, and any accessories. Rinse and dry each item separately.
Once the board is dry, deflate it fully and roll it without forcing the deck pad into a hard crease. If you have space, storing the board lightly inflated on a clean rack is also a good option. If you store it rolled, keep the roll loose and keep it inside its bag or a clean storage bin.
Remove and store flat
Do not leave the fin jammed into the board during storage. Clean it, dry it, and store it where it will not bend or crack.
Rinse adjustment points
Separate paddle sections if needed, rinse sand from adjustment locks, dry fully, and store where the shaft will not be stepped on.
Protect the hose
Store the pump and hose dry. Avoid kinking the hose under heavy gear and check the rubber seals before the next season.
Keep the kit together
Put the fin, repair kit, leash, valve wrench, and small parts in one pouch so the first spring paddle does not turn into a garage search.
How to store an inflatable dock
Inflatable docks need the same basic care, but with more surface area, more D-rings, and more contact points. For an AquaDock, YachtDock, or 8 ft POPUP Dock, give yourself time to dry the platform completely before rolling it.
Pay attention to D-rings, anchor points, mesh areas, straps, corners, and places where water can sit. If the dock was tied to shore, used beside a boat, or set near sand and rocks, rinse those areas carefully before long-term storage.
D-rings, straps, and anchor points should be rinsed, dried, and checked before the dock goes away for winter.
Do not store wet
The biggest storage mistake is packing a board or dock when it is still damp. Damp storage can cause odour, mildew, staining, and hardware corrosion. Give it extra drying time before packing.
Where should you store it?
The best storage space is dry, clean, and protected. A basement, heated garage, closet, utility room, or storage room is usually better than a damp shed or outdoor deck box. If garage storage is your only option, keep the gear off the floor and away from shovels, garden tools, bikes, nails, and anything sharp.
Paddle board accessories
Replace missing fins, paddles, leashes, and small accessories before the next season starts.
Pumps
A reliable pump makes spring setup easier for inflatable paddle boards, docks, loungers, and boat-day gear.
Hardware
Check lines, anchor points, and hardware before the season so the dock is ready for calm water setup.
Water safety
Inspect PFDs, dog life vests, belts, whistles, and safety gear before the first warm weekend.
Spring inspection before the first launch
When spring comes back, inflate your board or dock before the first real outing. Let it sit, listen for leaks, check the valve, inspect seams, look at D-rings, and make sure the pump hose, fin, paddle, leash, and repair kit are all accounted for.
For inflatable docks, also check lines, anchors, straps, mesh, and tie-off hardware. If the dock will be used at a cottage, rental, park, or shared shoreline, confirm local rules before setting it up. A removable inflatable dock is usually simpler than a permanent dock, but rules vary by province, municipality, conservation authority, park, lake association, rental property, and shoreline type.
Read the inflatable dock winter guide here: https://www.canadianboardco.com/blogs/water-sports-guide/how-to-store-and-winterize-inflatable-dock.
The bottom line
Clean, dry, deflated, loosely rolled, and stored indoors is the safest storage plan for most inflatable boards and docks. Take your time at the end of the season, and your gear will be easier to set up when lake days return.
Browse inflatable paddle boards here: https://www.canadianboardco.com/collections/inflatable-paddleboards-canadas-best-isup.
Browse inflatable docks here: https://www.canadianboardco.com/collections/inflatable-docks.
Warranty details are here: https://www.canadianboardco.com/pages/3-year-warranty.
Call 1-800-399-5260 if you want help choosing storage accessories, pumps, replacement parts, or the right inflatable setup for next season.
FAQ
Should I store my inflatable paddle board inflated or deflated?
Either can work if the board is clean, dry, and protected. If you have space, light inflation on a clean rack is helpful. If space is tight, deflate and roll it loosely.
Can I store an inflatable paddle board in a garage over winter?
Yes, if the garage is dry and the board is protected from sharp objects, heavy items, pests, and direct heat. Keep it off damp concrete when possible.
Should I wash my inflatable dock before winter?
Yes. Rinse lake residue, sand, salt, sunscreen, mud, and weeds from the platform, D-rings, straps, valves, and mesh areas, then dry it fully.
Can I leave an inflatable dock outside all winter?
It is better to clean, dry, deflate, and store it indoors. Long exposure to freeze, sun, snow, pests, sharp ice, and moving water can add unnecessary wear.
How do I prevent mildew smell in storage?
Dry everything completely before packing. Open the roll or bag after the first day of storage if you suspect trapped moisture, then let it air out again.
Should I remove the fin before storing a paddle board?
Yes. Remove, rinse, dry, and store the fin separately so it does not bend, crack, or put pressure on the fin box.
What should I check in spring?
Inflate the board or dock, check the valve, seams, D-rings, fin, pump, hose, paddle, straps, repair kit, and safety gear before the first full outing.
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