- Let me first talk about some general storage tips you should use on a day-to-day basis, during the skiing season, and after it is over. All equipment should be stored out of direct sunlight when not in use. Sunlight can cause warping and discoloration and fading on your boards and skis, and also discoloration of your wetsuits, lifevests, and ropes. All equipment should also be rinsed with water and dried before tucking it away until the next use. This is especially true for equipment used in salt water. Salt can speed up the corrosion process and leave you with rust, worn down fibers on your vests and gloves, and the damaged glue on your wetsuit seams. Simple use of mild soap and water should clean the dirt off your equipment.
Long-Term Storage
- Now, let's discuss longer term storage during the winter. You should pay the most attention to your wetsuits and drysuits. As stated above, they too should be stored only after they have been rinsed and dried. To maintain their form, an option is to store them with stuffed newspaper inside them. This will prevent harsh creases in the folds. A previous article further discusses in more detail wetsuit and drysuit storage.
Skis, wakeboards, and kneeboards require care of their own. Of course, make sure they are rinsed and dried. Store them in a cool, dark place, out of direct sunlight. Many people put them underneath a bed because it is a flat area, away from direct sunlight. If you have the facilities, such as in a garage, another option is to store them horizontally on an overhead rack. Regardless, store them out of the harm's way where they will not get knocked over and scratched. Avoid leaning them against a wall where they can tip over easily. The slightest knick or ding could result in causing the equipment to function differently. If possible, store them in the padded case the equipment came with. If that is not available, wrap them in a protective cloth, sheet, or blanket.
Proper storage and care should yield your equipment extra years of life.