Inspect Before You Store: An End-of-Season Check for Paddleboards and Docks
Kelowna, Canada - September 7, 2026 / Canadian Board Company /
Canadian Board Company is urging owners of inflatable paddleboards and docks to add one step before the usual end-of-season cleaning routine: inspect the gear while it is still set up.
A spring inspection can find the same problems, but by then the owner wants to use the equipment. Finding a slow leak, damaged fitting, worn fin box, stressed D-ring, or seam concern in September leaves time to investigate the issue before the next season begins.
"A seam you catch in September is a repair. The same seam on the May long weekend is a wrecked opening weekend," said Tarryn Johnson, co-owner of Canadian Board Company.
Inspect While the Gear Is Still Inflated
For inflatable equipment, begin at the recommended pressure for the specific model. Let the board or dock sit long enough to determine whether it remains properly firm. If pressure drops unexpectedly, inspect the valve and exterior before assuming the entire product has failed.
Walk the seams and rails and look for lifting material, abrasion, cuts, or areas that appear different from the rest of the construction. On a paddleboard, inspect the fin box and any fixed attachment points. On an inflatable dock, look closely at D-rings, handles, tie-off areas, the valve, edges, and places that experienced repeated contact with a shoreline, boat, hardware, or gear.
Accessories deserve the same check. Pumps, hoses, paddles, leashes, fins, repair kits, straps, and anchor lines are easier to replace when nobody is waiting at the water.
Document Anything Questionable
A phone photo takes seconds and can be useful later. CBC recommends photographing anything that looks unusual and keeping the order information with the images.
"Take the pictures in September," said Jaeger Johnson, co-owner of Canadian Board Company. "If it turns into a warranty conversation later you will be very glad you have them."
Warranty coverage differs by product category, so owners should review the current terms for the exact item rather than assuming one period applies to every board, dock, pump, boat, or motor. CBC's support team asks customers with warranty questions to have a photo and order number ready.
Documentation does not mean every scrape is a defect. Inflatable water gear naturally picks up cosmetic wear. The goal is to create a clear record when an owner is unsure whether an area is ordinary wear, needs a simple repair, or should be discussed with the retailer.
Store It Only After It Is Clean and Dry
Once the inspection is complete, the storage routine becomes straightforward. Rinse away sand, grit, weeds, salt, sunscreen residue, and other debris. Use mild cleaning methods appropriate for the product and allow the gear to dry completely before long-term storage.
CBC's current inflatable dock winterization guidance specifically warns against packing a dock wet because trapped moisture can contribute to mildew and odours. The same practical principle applies to inflatable boards: do not roll damp, dirty equipment into storage for months.
Deflate according to the product instructions, avoid forcing sharp creases, protect the gear from standing water, pests, direct sunlight, sharp objects, and heavy items, and keep the pump and accessories together.
Owners who find something during the inspection can contact the Canadian Board Company support team through the website or call 1-800-399-5260 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Time.
Contact Information:
Canadian Board Company
8750 Jim Bailey Cres, 107
Kelowna, BC V4V1E5
Canada
Tarryn Johnson
+1-800-399-5260
https://www.canadianboardco.com
