Another summer on the water is coming to an end. Before you put your wakeboard in the garage and forget about it until next season, taking a little time to properly store your equipment can help keep it in great condition and ready for your first ride next year.
Wakeboards, wakesurf boards, water skis, bindings, life jackets, ropes, and other watersports equipment all benefit from being cleaned, dried, inspected, and stored correctly.
At BS The Board Shop, we've helped riders find and care for their gear for more than 20 years. Here's how to put your summer equipment away the right way.
1. Clean Everything Before Storage
Don't put dirty equipment into storage for several months.
Before storing your gear, rinse away dirt and other residue with fresh water according to the manufacturer's care instructions.
Pay attention to areas around:
- Bindings
- Fins
- Inserts
- Mounting hardware
- Handles
- Straps
- Buckles
This is especially important for equipment that has been used in saltwater.
Once everything is clean, allow it to dry completely.
2. Never Store Watersports Gear Wet
One of the biggest off-season storage mistakes is putting wet equipment directly into a bag, storage bin, or enclosed space.
Before long-term storage, make sure your equipment is thoroughly dry.
This is particularly important for:
- Life jackets
- Binding liners
- Ropes
- Handles
- Gloves
- Board bags
- Other fabric equipment
Don't assume something is dry just because the outside feels dry. Give equipment enough time to air out before putting it away.
3. Inspect Your Gear Before You Store It
The end of the season is a perfect time for an equipment inspection.
Look for:
- Cracks
- Dings
- Loose hardware
- Damaged fins
- Frayed ropes
- Worn bindings
- Broken buckles
- Damaged straps
- Tears in life jackets
If something needs to be repaired or replaced, make a note of it now.
Otherwise, it's easy to forget about the problem until you're preparing for your first boat day next summer.
4. How to Store a Wakeboard
Start by cleaning and completely drying your wakeboard.
Check the board's:
- Base
- Edges
- Fins
- Inserts
- Tip and tail
- Binding hardware
For long-term storage, keep your wakeboard somewhere cool, dry, and protected from prolonged direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
Avoid placing heavy objects on top of it.
A board rack or protective wakeboard bag can help keep the board organized and protected from accidental scratches or impacts.
Internal Link: Wakeboards Collection
5. Should You Remove Wakeboard Bindings for Storage?
You don't necessarily need to remove your bindings every winter, but the end of the season is an excellent opportunity to inspect them.
Check:
- Mounting screws
- Laces
- Straps
- Liners
- Footbeds
- BOA® components, if applicable
- Chassis
Make sure the bindings are completely dry before storage.
If you decide to remove them, keep the hardware together in a labeled bag or container so you don't spend next spring searching for screws.
Internal Link: Wakeboard Bindings Collection
6. How to Store a Wakesurf Board
Wakesurf boards should also be cleaned, dried, and inspected before storage.
Check the:
- Rails
- Deck
- Bottom
- Fins
- Fin boxes
If your fins are removable, follow the manufacturer's recommendations for removal and storage.
Keep your wakesurf board protected from impacts, prolonged sunlight, excessive moisture, and extreme temperatures.
A properly fitted board bag can provide additional protection during storage.
Internal Link: Wakesurf Boards Collection
7. How to Store Water Skis
Before putting away your water skis, inspect the skis and bindings.
Check for:
- Base damage
- Edge damage
- Binding wear
- Loose hardware
- Fin damage on slalom skis
Clean and dry everything thoroughly.
Store the skis in a protected location where they won't have heavy objects stacked on them or be knocked around during the winter.
If you use a ski bag, make sure both the skis and bag are completely dry before long-term storage.
Internal Link: Water Skis Collection
8. How to Store Life Jackets
Your life jackets need attention too.
Follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer and allow each vest to dry completely before storing it.
Avoid leaving damp life jackets piled together in a closed compartment or storage container.
Inspect each jacket for:
- Tears
- Damaged straps
- Broken buckles
- Zipper problems
- Significant wear
Store them somewhere dry and ventilated rather than leaving them wet inside the boat all winter.
Internal Link: Life Jackets / CGA Vests Collection
9. How to Store Ropes and Handles
Before putting away your wakeboard or water ski ropes, inspect them for fraying, cuts, or excessive wear.
Rinse them if needed and allow them to dry.
Once dry, organize the rope into loose, clean coils rather than throwing it into a tangled pile.
Keep your ropes and handles somewhere dry and protected from prolonged exposure to the elements.
When spring arrives, you'll appreciate opening your gear storage and finding an organized rope instead of a giant knot.
10. Don't Forget Your Board Bags
You cleaned your board—but what about the bag?
Board and ski bags can collect moisture, dirt, and debris throughout the season.
Empty your bags and allow them to dry before placing equipment inside for long-term storage.
If you're storing a board inside its bag, both need to be completely dry first.
11. Choose the Right Storage Location
Where you store your equipment matters.
Whenever possible, look for an area that is:
- Dry
- Protected from prolonged direct sunlight
- Protected from extreme temperatures
- Away from excessive moisture
- Safe from accidental impacts
Don't simply throw expensive watersports equipment into the corner of a garage where boxes, tools, or other objects can fall on it.
Creating a dedicated gear area can make storage easier and help protect your investment.
12. Avoid These Off-Season Storage Mistakes
Before you finish packing everything away, avoid these common mistakes:
Storing wet equipment: Give everything enough time to dry.
Leaving gear exposed to sunlight: Long-term UV exposure isn't ideal for your equipment.
Stacking heavy objects on boards: Protect boards and skis from unnecessary pressure and impacts.
Ignoring damaged gear: Deal with problems now instead of discovering them on your first lake day.
Forgetting small parts: Keep fins, screws, and other hardware organized and labeled.
Leaving everything tangled: Organize ropes, handles, straps, and accessories before storage.
Create an End-of-Season Gear Checklist
Before closing the door on another summer, run through this quick checklist:
✓ Wakeboard cleaned and dry
✓ Wakesurf board cleaned and dry
✓ Water skis cleaned and dry
✓ Bindings inspected
✓ Fins inspected
✓ Hardware accounted for
✓ Life jackets completely dry
✓ Ropes inspected and organized
✓ Board and ski bags dry
✓ Damaged equipment noted
✓ Everything stored somewhere protected
Five or ten extra minutes of organization now can make your first trip next season much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I store my wakeboard in the garage during winter?
A garage may work depending on its conditions, but avoid excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, prolonged sunlight, and locations where the board could be damaged. Follow the manufacturer's storage recommendations for your particular equipment.
Should I keep my wakeboard in a bag during the winter?
A board bag can help protect against scratches and accidental impacts. Make sure both the board and bag are completely dry before long-term storage.
Can I leave my watersports gear in the boat all winter?
A clean, dry, protected storage area is generally preferable to leaving gear exposed to moisture and changing conditions inside a boat. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific equipment.
Should I loosen my wakeboard bindings before storage?
Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific binding. Regardless, use the end of the season to inspect the mounting hardware and make sure the bindings are clean and dry.
When should I replace damaged gear?
Don't wait until your first trip next summer to address damaged equipment. If something is worn out or unsafe to continue using, replacing it during the off-season means you'll already be prepared when it's time to ride again.
Store It Right Now, Ride It Next Season
Proper off-season storage doesn't need to be complicated.
Clean it. Dry it. Inspect it. Protect it.
Those four steps can help keep your wakeboards, wakesurf boards, water skis, bindings, ropes, life jackets, and accessories in better condition while they're waiting for another summer.
And when the weather warms up again, you'll spend less time untangling ropes and searching for missing hardware—and more time getting back on the water.
Need to Replace Something Before Next Season?
If your end-of-season inspection reveals worn bindings, a damaged rope, an old life jacket, or a board that's ready for retirement, BS The Board Shop can help.
Shop our selection of wakeboards, wakesurf boards, water skis, bindings, life jackets, ropes, bags, and watersports accessories and get your setup ready for your next season on the water.
Take care of your gear now, and it'll be ready when it's time to ride again.