I moved to SB 3 months ago and had the same problem. The storage units are expensive, and not convenient for a spontaneous paddle after school or work.

I called every paddle shop in the area about places to store it, and got such helpful suggestions as "why don't you just buy a chain and store it on top of your car." (True story)

I thought about hanging around the marina and seeing if I could find somebody there who would be willing to let me leave it on their dock in exchange for letting the use it sometimes, but never did. Of course, if you're up in Goleta, you want something closer than the SB marina anyway.

In the end, I got as long cable and lock, and talked my landlord into letting me chain it to a fence behind the building. Not the best, but at least it is accessible.

Good luck, and if you find a better solution in the area, please let us all know.

-- Mike