More and more people are becoming attracted by standup paddle boarding, which is an offshoot of the original surfing and a great way to get in a workout. The usual boards used for this activity come with a minimum size limit of 9 feet in length for extra stability and can go beyond 12 feet in length. These boards, also called SUPs, are manufactured using glass-reinforced plastic as an exterior along with a core made up of polyurethane. Due to their large size, it is quite difficult to store these boards when they are not in use. As their prices usually soar to over $1500, you cannot just throw them inside your garage or other storage room with all your other stuff; you want to keep yours protected. If you are living in a restricted space, then storing these huge boards can be quite challenging. The proper storage of these boards requires specially designed standup paddle board storage racks, which come in the form of ceiling racks, floor racks, and wall racks. Some of the best options available in the market for storing SUP boards are discussed in this article.
Malone Auto Racks FS Rack 6+ SUP Storage Rack
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This standalone floor-based rack system is designed for storage of multiple SUP boards when they are not in use. This rack is incredibly strong and quite affordable at its current price. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and it was designed keeping the necessity of storing your expensive SUP boards safely and securely in mind. This freestanding rack is manufactured using heavy-duty 1.25” powder-coated square steel tubes. which can be easily installed and stored in garage or other storage space. The holders of this rack are padded to protect boards from abrasions and distortions. It’s available at a price of $233.95.
Pros:
- Capacity to hold up to six standup paddleboards
- Maximum weight storage capacity of 250lbs
- Comes with three sets of padded 27.5-inch board holders
- Stainless steel hardware
- Dimensions of 37″ x 48″ x 83″
- Assembly tool included in the package
- Comes with lifetime manufacturer’s warranty
Cons:
- It’s quite expensive and is not appropriate for a person who owns a single SUP board
Conclusion: This rack is quite appropriate for family of SUP-boarding enthusiasts who have multiple boards. As it comes in an easy-to-assemble package with assembly tool included, it is a perfect choice for storing multiple boards. It’s very durable, so it’s sure to protect your boards for years.
Stoneman Sports KC-103, Single Sided, Black Finish
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This standalone floor-based rack is designed for storing a couple of SUP boards, double kayaks, or canoes. This rack comes with a maximum weight capacity of 175lbs. It is manufactured using durable steel with a black finish and is designed to store two SUP boards off the floor and out of the way. The KC 103 is appropriate for indoor or outdoor usage. Due its powder coating, it is quite resistant to rust and corrosion. The flat top cradle of this rack allows for storage of extra large SUP boards on the top shelf. The 48” x 46” base makes this rack quite stable and prevents the product from tipping over. It is currently available at a price of $199.00.
Pros:
- High weight capacity
- Stores up to SUP boards off the ground to free up floor space
- Lightweight design allows ease of movement during reinstallation
- Manufactured using durable steel with rust-resistant coating to prevent damage from wet SUPs
- Comes with a one-year limited warranty
Cons:
- Some customers had some issues with the quality of the hardware provided with this rack
Conclusion: This is a freestanding rack that is quite appropriate for storing a couple of canoes, kayaks, or SUPs off the ground. It’s extremely convenient and easy to move around, plus it’s not so huge that you’ll feel like it’s taking up too much space. It isn’t compact either, however.
Suspenz SUP Kayak Rack
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This SUP board rack is quite a good storage option for storing a single board. As it is a wall-mounted storage device, it does not occupy floor space and keeps the board off the ground in an organized way. This rack is manufactured using quality steel and is quite strong for proper storage of a single SUP board. The Suspenz SUP Kayak Rack comes coated with hard enamel, which makes it durable and resistant to water. It also comes with straps that go over the board to securely store it. You can find it available at a price of $ 59.95.
Pros:
- It provides compact vertical storage and only extends 10 inches out from the wall
- Comes with UV-resistant webbing for suspending your board; this won’t fray over time after sun exposure
- Comes with a safety strap for securely storing the board
- Comes with an option of SUP extension
- Maximum weight capacity of 100lbs
Cons:
- Some of the people who purchased the Suspenz SUP Kayak Rack noted that in order to install this rack on the wall, good-sized pilot holes are required, as the screws provided for installation are quite large
Conclusion: The Suspenz SUP Kayak Rack is quite a good option for the boarder who owns a single SUP board and also has a small living or storage space in which to keep the board. If you need something compact or more budget-friendly, this is your best choice.
Talic Hangout 2-Board Storage Rack
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The Talic Hangout rack is designed for storing two SUP boards. The simple design of this rack provides hassle-free storage. This rack is manufactured using unfinished wood, which makes it not appropriate for outdoor usage. The Talic Hangout can be mounted on any wall and provides proper storage of your boards by occupying only a little space. The soft webbing of this rack eliminates the pressure points on your board, thus decreasing the chances of unwanted abrasions. The cradle arms of this rack can be folded back when not in use, thus creating more free space. It is currently available at a price of $148.90.
Pros:
- Manufactured using Baltic birch and ash wood
- Comes with 2-inch nylon board support straps
- Foldable cradle arms
- Comes in dimensions of 27-inches tall x 19.5-inches deep
- Maximum weight bearing capacity of 200lbs
- Comes with hardware and instruction guide in the package
Cons:
- Not appropriate for outdoor use (or for storing wet boards)
Conclusion: This rack is really easy to install. It also looks incredibly stylish, so much so that you could hang it in your house almost as a sort of centerpiece if you don’t have extra space in your garage. Unfortunately, the wood construction that makes it look so good will not hold up to water damage over time and may warp.
Seattle Sports SUP/Surfboard Wall Cradles
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The Seattle Sports SUP/Surfboard Wall Cradles are designed to be mounted on a wall or ceiling for storage of SUP boards and surfboards. This rack has a storage capacity of one board and comes with a 9-inch interior for easily accommodating thicker boards. It comes with padded arms to protect your expensive boards from abrasions and dents as well. The package includes a pair of cradles along with the mounting hardware. It is currently available at a price of $44.99.
Pros:
- Specifically designed for SUP boards and surfboards
- Comes with option to be mounted on a wall or a ceiling
- Nine-inch inside width suitable for fatter SUP boards
- Comes with extra hardware sufficient for mounting two pairs of racks
Cons:
- Some customers have complaints about the screws included in the hardware package, as they seem far too short for proper mounting in some situations
Conclusion: The Seattle Sports SUP/Surfboard Wall Cradles are quite cost-effective for your priceless SUP boards. They are quite easy to install, but you may require some 3-inch bolts, as the screws provided within the package are a bit small for proper installation.
Summary
The items discussed above range from extra-strong floor-based multiple-SUP storage racks to compact, wall-mounted racks for storage of a single board. As far as quality and budget concerns go, the Seattle Sports cradles are your best bet. They’re extremely unobtrusive and also very sleek, and although they only hold one board, you really save so much space with these. The Suspenz racks are also an excellent choice. They’re still relatively budget-friendly, and they offer additional protection because the suspension webbing keeps your board from ever getting dented by the rack. Lastly, the Malone rack is a great choice. It’s pretty expensive and more specialized because it holds so many boards, but if you need to store multiple SUPs, this is the way to go.