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Living in Long Beach means you’re always just a short ride or paddle away from ocean adventure, but salt air, humidity, and sun can quietly damage your gear if it’s not stored properly. 

At Don Temple Storage, we understand how important your bikes, surfboards, camp equipment, and outdoor gear are to your lifestyle. 

That’s why we’ve designed storage solutions and best practices to keep everything in top condition—even between trips.

Why Long Beach Climate Demands Special Care

Coastal environments are beautiful, but tough on gear:

• Salt air accelerates corrosion, especially on metal bike parts and board fins.
• High humidity encourages mold and mildew, warping fabrics and degrading materials.
• UV exposure fades colors, weakens plastics, and can melt board wax or degrade neoprene.

Understanding these elements helps you take the right storage steps—and prevents expensive replacements and repairs down the line.

Best Practices for Bike Storage

When storing your bike, treating it like any other prized equipment pays off:

• Clean it thoroughly. Remove grit, salt, and sand with water and gentle cleaner—moisture left behind becomes corrosion fuel.
• Lubricate moving parts. Apply bicycle lubricant to the chain, derailleur, cables, and bolts to protect against rust.
• Store off the ground. Use wall or ceiling-mounted racks to keep your bike clear of ground moisture and reduce theft risk.
• Cover or climate control. Even indoor garages can be damp—use breathable bike covers or choose a climate-controlled unit.
• Monthly maintenance check. Keep an eye on tire pressure, rust, brake pads, and spokes to fix small issues before they escalate.

Surfboard Storage Tips

Your board is more than equipment—it’s your connection to the waves:

• Rinse and dry after use. Salt left on the board draws moisture into foam and metal components.
• Store in shade and cover. Use padded board socks or bags and keep them out of direct sunlight and heat.
• Use a proper rack. Leaning boards damages rails—mount them on horizontal padded racks or vertical hanger systems.
• Maintain moderate humidity. If humidity is high, include a desiccant pack in the board bag.
• Remove fins and wax before long-term storage. Wax can degrade and trap moisture; removing fins prevents warping.

Outdoor Gear: Tent, Kayak & More

Camping and paddle gear require special attention too:

• Fabric gear (tents, tarps): Wash, dry fully, fold loosely, and store in breathable bags to avoid mildew buildup.
• Watercraft (kayaks, SUPs, paddle boards): Rinse with freshwater, dry thoroughly, then store off-ground, out of sun, and in shade.
• Accessories & tools: Clean, dry, apply light lubrication to metal outdoor tools or locks, and store them in sealed plastic bins.

The Smart Storage Checklist

Use this quick checklist to prep gear before storing:

Avoiding Humidity Damage: An EPA Warning

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, maintaining indoor humidity below 60%—ideally between 30% and 50%—is essential to prevent mold growth. Excess humidity can also accelerate metal corrosion, warp wooden structures, and break down adhesives in equipment.

Even short-term exposure to elevated humidity can cause irreversible damage. Items like leather bike seats, foam surfboard cores, tent fabrics, and metal zippers are all vulnerable when stored in damp environments. That’s why climate-controlled storage isn’t a luxury—it’s a practical safeguard for your investment.

Choose a storage unit that keeps moisture in check year-round to protect your gear from the coastal elements.

Don Temple Storage: Your Trusted Storage Partner

We’re more than a unit provider—we’re your gear’s guardian:

• Climate-controlled spaces: Safeguard against humidity spikes and heat.
• Indoor units: No UV exposure, rain, or pests.
• Flexible layouts: Space enough for racks, paddles, and multiple bikes.
• Clean, secure facility: With lighting, security cameras, and convenient access.

Whether you’re between weekend surf sessions or inside your offseason routine, our storage solutions keep gear performance-ready for whenever you’re ready.

Final Thoughts: Store Smart, Play Hard

Your gear isn’t just stuff—it’s your passion in physical form. With the right prep and protective storage, you enhance performance, extend durability, and avoid costly replacements.

Reserve your climate-controlled unit today or ask our team about custom shelving, rack setups, or storage prep tips.

Protect what you love. Store smart. Play hard.