When winter is coming and the temperatures start to get cold, you may be wondering about the best way to store an inflatable SUP. The options for off-season storage are pretty straightforward but there are some best practices. An inflatable SUP is much easier to store than a traditional one since it comes with its own carrying case and can be deflated to fit in smaller storage spaces. Storing an Inflatable SUP for Winter It's important to store your inflatable SUP correctly or else it could result in a damaged paddleboard when you pull it out for summertime again. If you want to learn more about how to store SUPs correctly keep reading. Clean the SUP You want to make sure that you rinse it with freshwater to remove any dirt, sand, grime, or salt. Be sure to avoid any strong chemicals and solvents. You will also want to have the board dry before you fully put it away. Where to Store As you consider your options for storage, there are a few things you want to keep in mind when storing your stand up paddleboard for winter. Sunlight: The ultraviolet rays that come with sunlight can be damaging to the stand up paddleboard and can cause discoloration. Moisture: An environment that is wet can encourage mildew and mold growth and even damage part of the material on the SUP.  Extreme Heat: Extreme temperatures caused by a heat source or the sun can do damage to the materials of the stand up paddleboard. There are generally two options for storing your stand up paddleboard: you can do it indoors or outdoors. The easiest storage solution is to keep it indoors. If you have an inflatable SUP then indoors can be much easier since you can deflate it and keep it away in a smaller space. If you are keeping it outside then you need to take some extra precautions to protect your stand up paddleboard from the elements. Be sure it's in a shady spot away from the heat and UV rays and protect it from any rain or snow. How to Store Inflatable SUPs There are three basic ways to store your SUP, including: Burrito This method involves rolling the deflated board up just like a burrito. In order to do this, you need to make sure that all the air has been squeezed out. You can use the same technique you would use when trying to store an air mattress: roll and smooth it section by section. Once the board is in a tight roll then you can store it. Bag it Up Your Dunn-Rite stand up paddleboard comes with a carrying case. You can use the same roll and smooth technique in order to ensure the board is deflated. You want to be as thorough as you can since the smaller you make the board, the easier it is to zip it in the bag. Your bag should be able to fit your SUP, as well as all the accessories. Semi-Inflated If you have the space then you can store your stand up paddleboard inflated. However, it's recommended that you do let out some air to lower the PSI slightly. There isn't a gain from leaving the SUP inflated with full pressure when you aren't using it. Giving the seams a break from full inflation from time to time will keep your inflatable SUP in better shape. When you store your SUP this way, as you go to use it the next time you will only need to top off the air instead of inflate it from scratch. Leave SUPs Inflated in Storage If you are storing your inflatable stand up paddleboard inside, out of direct sunlight, and away from any extreme temperature changes then you can leave the SUP inflated. You can do this indefinitely but if you want to preserve the lifespan of your board then deflating it periodically is your best bet. More Tips on Storing SUPs You want to make sure that you store your SUP where there is ease of access. You don't want it to be so difficult to get that you aren't able to use it come springtime. A quality stand up paddleboard is an investment so you also want to take steps to protect the paddleboard from being stolen. Keep it hidden from view as much as possible. When you take great care of your SUP, you can increase its longevity. Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

Stand up paddleboarding can be a relaxing and fun activity that mostly anyone can do and it's also a great workout. People of all sizes, shapes and ages can make stand up paddleboarding a fun fitness activity. It's not only a complete body workout but is also a low-impact exercise that requires and helps build a combination of endurance, strength and balance. What Is the Proper Stroke Technique for Stand Up Paddleboarding? The proper stroke technique for stand up paddleboarding needs the body's muscles working together as one through each phase of the stroke. If you are doing it correctly then your core and back are actually doing most of the work. This can be a relief since those muscle groups are much stronger than the arms. If your arms are tiring quickly when paddleboarding, then you are likely using incorrect form. You can transfer the brunt of the stroke's resistance to the more powerful and bigger muscles of your body in order to paddle farther, faster and with less fatigue. The core is the main power source for the proper stroke. Instead of relying on your shoulders or arms to pull the paddle to you, twist slightly in the chest and dip your stroke-side shoulder in order to engage your abdominal and oblique muscles to pull the body forward. Both core and back muscles are involved and engaged in this technique  when done correctly. A good stand up paddleboarding stroke involves twisting and hinging at the waist in order to pull your body toward the paddle. This technique takes the pressure off the upper arms. In order to fully engage the upper back, including the trapezius and deltoids, keep the lower arm straight when you plant and pull the paddle. Use your lower hand as leverage for the paddle shift. The upper arm should be hinged slightly at the elbow and push the grip forward. If you are doing it correctly then you will feel a squeeze between your shoulder blades and won't have fatigue in your shoulders and arms. In order to optimize the paddleboarding stroke technique and get the most power out of the muscle groups, you should think of your shoulders as anchors between the power muscles (core and back) and your leverage limbs (arms). You want your shoulders constantly engaged but not being used as the primary power source for the stroke. Constantly lifting and pulling the paddle will demand a lot from your shoulders and strength will improve the performance of the other muscles involved. Difference between Inflatable and Non-Inflatable Paddleboards There are plenty of differences between  inflatable stand up paddleboards and non-inflatable paddleboards but the muscle groups you work will be the same. Since hard paddleboards are more agile and have better glide your muscles may work a little harder when using a non-inflatable paddleboard. Exercises to Help You Paddleboard Better There are a number of different exercises you can do to strengthen the muscles you use while paddle boarding. Dorsiflexion: The goal with this exercise is to strengthen ankle muscles for stability and balance. Attach a band around the top of the foot and something that doesn't move. Pull the mid foot toward your shin. Keep toes relaxed to focus on your ankle. Single Arm Pull: The goal is to train the arms in order to move the paddle effectively. Pull a resistance band or cable slowly and stop the elbow at the side of the body. Opposite Arm and Leg Reach: The goal is to strengthen the hamstrings with added instability. Work each leg one at a time so this can strengthen your weaker leg. Plank Hold: Plank holds help strengthen the core and upper body muscles. This makes it easier to push up from the kneeling position on the paddleboard and get back down if needed. In order to make plank holds more challenging, lift one arm off the ground and reach toward the sky. This mimics the rotation needed when on the board with a paddle. Squats: Squats will help strengthen the legs to help you get up and down from a kneeling position. Squats also help you stay in an athletic stance when rowing with the paddle. If you are able to touch the ground during your squats, it will help more with transitions on the paddleboard. Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball

Stand Up Paddleboarding is an activity that is so straight forward that anyone at any skill level can have fun with on the very first day they get out on the water. It has been practiced in one form or another for thousands of years, but recently became more popular as a form of surfing that started in Hawaii. Now people of varying fitness levels, ages, and skill can enjoy a day on the water from the vantage point of standing above it. Must Haves For Stand Up Paddle Boarding: A quality paddleboard is the main piece of equipment you need. There are three main types of Stand Up Paddle Boards or SUPS. Single-layer, double-layer, and inflatable paddle boards. Each type has its perks and drawbacks. For beginners and the experienced alike, an inflatable board offers convenience and flexibility that a rigid board cannot. However, a non-inflatable board may be better suited to hard-core surfing. Different SUPS have a variety of accessories to fit its use. For example, a fishing SUP may have a pole holder, and a touring SUP may have a displacement hull. Stand-Up Paddles are a SUP requirement if you want to get around and not just drift and crash. Your paddles are an item that are height specific and can make boarding difficult if people of vastly different heights trade with each other. Carbon fiber is the generally accepted best material for it's durability and light weight.  A personal flotation device is recommended if you are going into deeper waters and/or if you are not completely confident in your swimming skills. There are many available for adults that are barely noticeable and will not impede upon your movement. Don't Forget These Accessories: A pump for inflatable boards. A quality pump will be lightweight and fit right with the board. A leash. This is vital because you do not want to have to chase down your board in the water if you fall in. Just Have Fun on That First Day on The Water. The first step to Stand-Up Paddle Boarding, once you get your gear and are ready to approach the water, is to not take yourself too seriously. It is relatively easy and immensely fun but you can expect to fall in a few times before you get the hang of it. Some argue that the falling in is half the fun anyway. Second, choose a location with calm water that is not too deep, nor shallow. You should feel comfortable in the water you practice in. Once you and your board are in the water and you feel comfortable with your surroundings if you fall in, climb up on the board in a kneeling position. Before you actually stand, get a feel for the movement of the board. Paddle a bit until you feel comfortable. Then, slowly pull yourself up to a standing position. This is will become second nature and easy after the first few times, but on that first try do not be afraid to take your time. Keep yourself centered on the board with your knees shoulder-width apart. You will need to use your core for balance at this point. Bending your knees slightly will help, but you do not need to keep a bent-knee position. Don't worry if you fall, just get right back on. To move around on the board you will want to practice with your paddle. Basically, remember canoe paddle rules about switching sides to go opposite directions and extending only one arm. You need to be mindful to stay centered while paddle boarding but it will soon become second nature as you practice and explore. Remember to keep your feet centered in a comfortable standing position. Resist the temptation to go into the surf position unless you are actually surfing at the moment. Stand Up Paddle Boarding is a great way to enjoy the great outdoors, get a core workout to improve balance and form, and spend time with friends and family. Some people even bring their well-behaved water-loving pets on the board with them. If you are ready to surf, explore, fish, practice yoga, or just wander on a stand-up paddleboard check out our variety of boards and accessories at  Dunn Rite Pool Products today.Dunn-Rite Pool Products & Pool Accessories 3rd Generation Family Owned Company with a long history of developing innovative products of the highest quality. Pool Fountains - Combo Units - Pool Volleyball - Pool Basketball