Watersports are among the most fun activities you can get into during the summer. Whether you are a professional or simply someone who likes to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors, you need to care for any tools and equipment you use in the water so you can have a good and safe time. Paddleboarding is one of the most popular watersports out there and one of the most enjoyable. To make the most of your time practicing this fun sport, you will need to have a stand-up paddleboard and learn how to care for it and transport it properly. Here are some tips to help you transport and take good care of your paddleboard so you can enjoy being active in the water whenever you feel like it.
Find the Carrying Handles
All paddleboards come with handles that are designed to make it easier for paddlers to carry the boards around without any issues. When it comes to carrying your board around for short distances like between your car and the water body where you are about to go to practice, then using the handles can be your best option. Some boards come with back handles for those who need to walk a few miles to get to their destination but may not have a vehicle to drive around. In these cases, the handles go over your shoulders and settle the board on your back so you can move swiftly without harming yourself or the board itself.
Invest in Board Racks
If you transport your paddleboard in a vehicle to and from the water surface you practice in, then you should definitely consider investing in a board rack. It is pretty easy to find racks to hold boards for different vehicles, especially trucks, so you can be sure all your watersport equipment is safe. Some of these racks are made for SUVs, small trucks, and even boats, so you will need to consider your needs before setting out on your shopping trip. Make sure you do your research and measure the size of your board as well as that of your vehicle before making your investment, just so you can get the right rack that can live for a long time without any issues or damages.
Take Care of Sun Damage
Most of the time, paddlers like to take their boards out in the open waters when the weather is sunny and warm. Although the sunshine can be quite fun, too much of it can be damaging for your equipment. This is why you will need to take extra care of sun damage and keep your paddleboard protected and dry when you are not using it, just to make sure it lives longer without any damages. Drying the board straight after using it and keeping it away from direct sunlight if you are not in the water will help you keep your equipment safe for a long time.
Repair Dings and Scratches Quickly
No matter how careful or experienced you may be in paddleboarding, it is normal for your board to get scratches and dings from time to time. The key to keeping your watersport equipment safe is to repair any of those damages as soon as you notice them so they do not develop into bigger issues. It is fairly simple and cheap to repair scratches and bends in the board if you catch them quickly and go to an experienced professional.
Store Safely
Once you are done using your paddleboard, you need to start thinking about how you can store it safely for next time. Choosing the right storage option is a big factor in your maintenance work for the watersport equipment so make sure you do not skip this step. Try to designate a safe storage cabinet that is big enough for your boards to fit and keep them there until you need them. Remember that the space you choose needs to be dry and away from direct sunlight as the powerful rays and hot weather can end up damaging the material of your equipment.
Practicing any kind of watersport can be pretty exciting. Paddleboarding, in particular, is one of the most popular watersports as it is easy to learn and can be quite enjoyable for anyone that gives it a try. The key to making the most of your time in the open waters is to have a reliable board and paddles. This is why you need to make sure whatever board you have, you are keeping it well-maintained and safely stored for whenever you need to use it. Make sure you repair any damages as soon as you notice them and beware of sun damage, but focus on having fun more than anything.
