READER PROJECT: QUICK & EASY PADDLEBOARD STAND

I needed a stand for my two paddleboards because they were getting stained and scuffed lying in the grass. I decided to build one myself with materials I found in my garage. Now when we’re at the cabin, I set up the stand in the yard by the beach. At the end of each day I set the paddleboards on the stand for the night.

To build one, you’ll need two swim noodles. Larger noodles work well because they have a larger diameter hole that fits nicely over a broom handle. You’ll also need a snow shovel, a broom handle and a 3-ft. 2x4 (treated) for the base. For tools, round up a drill, a large bit the same diameter as the shovel and broom handles, a saw and a sharp blade to cut the noodles.

Here are the steps: 1. Cut the broom handle into three poles of equal length.

2. Drill three holes the diameter of the broom handle into the 2x4 base, 7-1/2 in. apart (the distance may vary based on the thickness of your paddleboards). Insert the poles.

3. Drill a fourth hole near the center of the side of the base to accept the shovel handle. Offset the hole to avoid the center broom handle hole.

4. Cut one noodle (the green one shown) the length of the shovel blade, slice it partway through and slide it onto the top of the blade (photo left).

5. Take the cutoff piece of that noodle and drill three holes—one in the center and one on each side 7-1/2 in. from the center. Slide it over the three poles.

6. Cut the second noodle (mine is orange) into three pieces corresponding to the length of the three cut poles, and then slip them over the tops of the poles.

7. Push the shovel handle into the side hole in the base.

8. Slide in your paddleboards.

The stand is light and portable. Because no glue is used, the shovel can be removed and used during the winter. The paddleboards go on a rack in the garage while I wait for summer to roll around again.