If you’re lucky enough to live near the water, you know that water sports can be a ton of fun. In fact, most people consider water sports to be one of the best ways to enjoy summer! That includes boating, paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, water skiing, and many other activities. Of course, all of these watersports demand gear that, in some cases, is pretty expensive. That makes keeping them in top shape important, so that your investment, and your fun, aren’t ruined.

To help you do exactly that, NSA Storage put together this handy guide. It contains some excellent, and simple, tips to help you keep your water sports gear in top shape. If that sounds like a good plan to keep your summer fun going strong, read on!

Why Properly Caring For Your Water Sports Gear Matters

Taking proper care of your gear, whatever it might be, we’ll keep it looking good. More than that, however, proper care of your water sports gear will:

• Keep sun damage to a minimum
• Prevent wear and tear that can shorten the life of your gear
• Prevent mold and mildew from forming, which can badly damage or destroy many different types of gear
• Extend the life of every item of gear you use
• Save you money on repairing or replacing your water sports gear

Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning and Caring for Your Water Sports Gear

Cleaning and caring for your water sports gear isn’t difficult but does take a little bit of time and dedication. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you do it right.

1. Always Rinse Everything with Fresh Water After Use

Even if you don’t use your gear in saltwater (but especially if you do) rinsing it with freshwater is important. The reason why is that saltwater can quickly ruin many different types of materials, especially metal and wood. After every sports outing, be sure to:

• Rinse everything thoroughly with clean, fresh water
• If you don’t have a rinse station, use a hose and buckets
• Don’t forget to rinse small parts including straps, handles, fins, etc.

2. Use a Mild Soap

Sometimes freshwater isn’t enough to remove gunk, oils and other stuff your gear might encounter. To clean those items:

• Mix warm water with a mild dish soap
• Wipe down your gear firmly but gently
• Use soft brushes and rags so that you don’t scratch the finish
• Rinse thoroughly afterward

3. Let Everything Dry Completely

One of the worst things you can do with your gear is let it stay damp after you’re done using it. This can often lead to mold and mildew that can damage, or even destroy, your sports gear. To prevent that from happening:

• Wipe off or shake off any extra water
• Wipe everything down including straps, pads, buckles, etc.
• Place your gear in a shady area to dry completely
• Place your gear in direct sunshine as the sun’s UV rays can be very damaging

4. Perform any Needed Maintenance

Paddle boards, kayaks, canoes, surfboards, water skis and other sports equipment need regular and proper maintenance. That maintenance differs from one to the other so be sure to familiarize yourself with what you need to do. After each use, perform that maintenance so that, the next time you’re ready to have some fun, your gear is also ready. For example:

• Tighten nuts and bolts
• Check to ensure straps and other parts are firmly attached
• Use the manufacturer recommended lubricants on any parts that need it

5. Check for Damage and Make Repairs

A small amount of damage can easily turn into a large amount if it isn’t repaired quickly. For that reason, you should always check your gear after each use to make sure it isn’t damaged and, if it is, make repairs quickly.

Care Tips for Specific Types of Water Sports Gear

Below are some helpful tips to keep specific types of gear in top shape for next summer. Remember to rinse everything with freshwater first!

Life Jackets

• Hang dry in a shady but well ventilated area
• Store your lifejackets on hooks, not bunched up in bags or a cooler

Snorkeling Gear (Fins, Goggles, Snorkels)

• Place your snorkeling gear in mesh bags
• Hang everything in a dry, shaded spot

Wet Suits

• Rinse inside and out
• If necessary, use wetsuit shampoo for cleaning
• Hang on extra wide hangers to prevent damage to the suit’s shoulders

Surfboards and Paddleboards

• Dry in a shaded area with good ventilation
• Cover with a paddleboard cover for added protection
• Store flat on the ground or on a padded storage rack

Kayaks and Canoes

• Dry in a shaded area with good ventilation
• If possible, use wall mounted brackets to hang when not in use
• Never store a kayak on its hull. It’s best on its side or upside down
• If possible, store both indoors. If not, use a weatherproof cover outdoors

Where to Store Your Summer Water Sports Gear

Besides cleaning and maintenance, where you store your sports gear is extremely important. The right storage will lengthen the life of your gear while the wrong storage can cut it short. Below are a few tips on storing your summer sports gear too keep it in top shape:

• Store your gear in a garage or dry shed
• Never store your gear in your attic as the extreme heat can ruin many items
• Unless you have a very dry basement, don’t store your gear there. Damp, musty basements can quickly ruin your gear.
• Store your water sports gear in a climate controlled storage unit.

Store with NSA Storage

Summer is a fun time for everyone and many summer sports make it even more enjoyable. By following the tips we’ve provided today, you’ll keep your water sports gear in top shape for years to come!

Here at NSA storage, we store water sports gear for thousands of customers across the United States. Our safe, secure storage units come in a wide range of sizes to fit your sports gear needs perfectly.

If you need to rent a storage unit right away, you can reserve one online in just a few minutes. Until then, have a fantastic, fun, and fabulous time on the water this summer!