Surfboard Storage in Devon: How To Keep Your Gear Safe Over The Winter

Winter in Devon might mean fewer surf sessions, but that doesn’t mean your board should be left to fend for itself.

Whether you’re a Croyde local, a Bantham regular, or someone who treks down to Saunton for those mellow longboard waves, proper surfboard storage is important if you want to keep your board in top condition for when the swell returns.

Why Proper Storage Matters

Surfboards aren’t just pieces of kit; they’re investments. A well-looked after board can last years, whereas poor storage can lead to yellowing, delamination and scrapes that could have been easily avoided. 

And let’s be honest - no one wants to rock up at Putsborough in spring only to find their board has suffered a winter of neglect.

Step 1: Give Your Board a Good Clean

Before tucking your board away for the season, give it a proper clean:

Rinse with fresh water – Saltwater is the enemy, slowly eating away at fiberglass and weakening epoxy. Give your board a thorough rinse.

Remove old wax – Wax traps sand, dirt, and moisture. Leave your board in the sun for a few minutes (not too long!) to soften the wax, then scrape it off with an old card or a wax comb.

Check for damage – Now’s the time to repair any dings. Water trapped in your board can freeze and expand, making minor cracks much worse over winter.

Step 2: Store Your Board the Right Way

Where and how you store your board makes all the difference. Here are the best options:

Indoor Storage (Best Option)

If you’ve got the space, keeping your board indoors is ideal. Garages, sheds, or even inside the house are all good choices, as long as the area is dry and not exposed to extreme temperature changes.

If you don’t have space at home, look into self-storage companies that might have affordable options. 

• Use a surfboard rack – A horizontal or vertical rack prevents pressure points that can cause warping.
• Avoid leaning against a wall – This can lead to dings on the rails and pressure spots.
• Keep it off the ground – Resting your board on a foam pad or soft surface helps prevent damage.

Outdoor Storage (If You Must)

Sometimes, space is limited, and the board has to live outside. If that’s the case:

• Use a high-quality board bag – This adds an extra layer of protection against the elements.
• Find full shade – Devon’s winter might not be scorching, but UV rays still degrade fiberglass over time.
• Keep it covered – A surfboard sock or an old towel over the board will help protect it from dirt and moisture.
• Protect the tail – If you’re storing it upright, don’t let the tail rest directly on concrete. A foam block or a folded towel will cushion it.

Step 3: Watch Out for Moisture and Temperature Changes

Devon’s winters are damp. Whether you’re in Woolacombe or Bigbury-on-Sea, humidity can cause mold and mildew - bad news for surfboards and wetsuits.

• Ventilation is key – Avoid sealing your board in an airtight bag if moisture is trapped inside.
• Use desiccant packs – These little moisture-absorbing packets can help keep humidity at bay in storage spaces.
• Avoid extreme temperatures – Freezing cold can make the resin brittle, while sudden warmth can lead to delamination.

Bonus: Don’t Forget About Your Wetsuit!

Your board isn’t the only thing that needs love over winter. A damp, crumpled wetsuit stuffed in a corner will not be pleasant when spring rolls around.

• Rinse with fresh water – Salt can degrade neoprene over time.
• Hang it properly – Use a broad, padded hanger to avoid creases.
• Dry it in the shade – UV rays can make neoprene brittle, reducing its lifespan.

Where to Store Your Board in Devon

If you don’t have space at home, consider using a self-storage facility. Companies like The Box Co. allow you to store with prices per item, perfect for keeping your surfboard safe and dry with no minimum terms. 

If you're near Exeter or Torquay, check out local storage providers that offer short-term rentals over the winter.

Surfboard Storage

A little effort now means you won’t be dealing with damage when it’s time to paddle out again. 

Whether you’re a year-round surfer or packing your board away until spring, following these tips will keep your gear in top shape. And hey, if we get a sneaky winter swell at Bantham, you’ll know your board is ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Got any local surf storage hacks? Share them with us - we’d love to hear how Devon’s surfers keep their boards safe over winter!