One of the big advantages of an inflatable SUP is that it packs down into a rucksack. Getting the drying, rolling and carrying right matters, though: a board that's stowed damp, folded carelessly, or bounced around in a car boot can develop mould, hard creases in the PVC, or simply turn up damaged at your holiday spot. Here's how to store and move your inflatable paddleboard properly.

Dry it before you pack it away

Never roll up your board while it's still damp. Moisture trapped in the fabric, and particularly inside the drop-stitch construction (the internal fibres that keep the board rigid once inflated), encourages mould and lingering musty smells. Let it dry fully in the shade — direct sun weakens the PVC and fades the finish — before folding or rolling it up for storage.

Folding and rolling technique

For everyday or short-term storage, start by deflating the board completely, opening the valve and pushing the air out by hand from the nose towards the tail. Then roll the board evenly, without pulling it too tight, and avoid folding across any fixed fins that don't detach.

One thing that's easy to overlook: try not to fold in exactly the same spot every single time. A crease that always lands in the same place weakens the PVC and seams over the years and can eventually become a point of failure. Vary the fold point slightly from one pack-up to the next, or favour a loose, even roll over a sharp, repeated crease.

Long-term storage: temperature and humidity

For storage over several months (off-season, winter), the environment matters as much as the folding technique. Avoid lofts, where temperatures can climb well above 30°C in summer and soften the seam adhesive, and unheated garages exposed to heavy damp or frost. Somewhere dry, with a stable temperature (roughly 10 to 20°C) and out of direct light, is ideal. Some paddlers prefer to store the board lightly inflated (around 5 PSI) rather than rolled, which avoids the same crease sitting under pressure for months at a time. If you do store it rolled, lay the bag flat rather than standing it on end, so no single fold takes sustained pressure.

Choosing a good carry bag

The backpack that comes with most inflatable SUPs is fine for occasional use, but not all bags are equal. A few things worth checking:

  • Padded, adjustable straps — essential if you have to walk any distance to the water with the board, pump and paddle on your back.
  • A shape that suits the rolled board: a bag that's too roomy lets the board shift and lose its shape in transit, while a well-fitted bag keeps the roll in place.
  • Enough room for the full kit: pump, dismantled paddle, fins, leash and repair kit should all fit without straining the zips.
  • Water-resistant, abrasion-resistant material, especially on the base, which takes the wear every time the bag is set down.
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For a bag designed specifically to carry an inflatable SUP, the Mochila SUP Coasto Action — see it at OutletSUP →.

Car transport: inflated or deflated?

Two approaches work well, depending on the trip:

  • Inflated on a roof rack — practical for a direct drive to a spot where you'll be paddling straightaway, saving you re-pumping on arrival. Use straps designed for boards rather than generic ones, add a bow line and a stern line to stop movement at speed, and re-check the tension after the first few miles.
  • Deflated inside the carry bag — the safer choice for flying, taking the train, or simply avoiding the wind noise and drag of a board on the roof. It also protects the board better from road debris and pressure changes at speed.

Flying with an inflatable SUP

A rolled inflatable SUP in its carry bag is usually checked in as hold luggage, sometimes classified as sports equipment depending on the airline. As a general guide, a complete kit (board, pump, dismantled paddle) typically weighs somewhere between 8 and 12 kg — but weight and size limits, and any sports-equipment charges, vary considerably from one airline to another. Always check your carrier's specific policy before booking, and roll the board carefully to keep the packed volume down.

To round out your kit before you head off, take a look at our essential paddleboarding accessories guide, and to keep your board in shape between trips, our inflatable SUP care guide.

FAQ

Should I dry my board before packing it away?

Yes, always. Rolling up a board that's still damp, especially around the drop-stitch fabric, encourages mould and lingering odours. Let it dry fully in the shade before rolling it up.

Is it fine to fold my board in the same place every time?

Not ideally. Folding on the same crease every time weakens the PVC and seams over the years. Vary the fold point slightly, or favour a loose roll over a sharp, repeated crease.

What size carry bag do I need for an inflatable SUP?

The bag supplied with the board is usually sized to fit it. The main thing to check is whether there's enough room left for the pump, dismantled paddle, leash and repair kit without straining the seams.

Can I carry an inflated SUP on a car roof rack?

Yes, for a direct trip to a spot where you plan to paddle straightaway. Use straps designed for boards, add a bow line and a stern line, and check the tension again after the first few miles.

What weight should I expect for a rolled inflatable SUP as checked baggage?

A rolled inflatable SUP typically weighs between 8 and 12 kg depending on the model, including pump and dismantled paddle. Always check your airline's weight and size limits before booking, as they vary considerably between carriers.