The size of kayaks makes them somewhat difficult to Store. They’re big, and finding them a place safe enough place shielded from weather elements can prove a challenge. But that should not make you store it just anywhere. Learn about how to store a Kayak here, so that it remains in good shape, free from damage and its life extended.

Where to Store Your Kayak

Storing your Kayak indoors is better, but you can still store it outside, provided the place is adequately shielded from the extremes of weather like direct sunshine, rain, and snow. Moisture can ruin your kayak, and it’s essential that the place you store it be dry. Store it in a place with not too high temperatures; too much heat damages a kayak. Cool conditions won’t damage your kayak, unless the temperature drops to freezing point and rises again, in which cause your kayak would be prone to damage.

Storing a Kayak; Indoors vs. Outdoors

Indoor storage protects your kayak from weather extremes, theft, and many other dangers. It requires space, though, which can be impossible if you live in a small rented house. In such a case, it would be inevitable that you store your kayak outside.

If space and security is a problem, you can look for kayak storage services, if at all they’re available in your area. But that should be a last resort in case you’re unable to store it yourself.

If you have to store it outdoors, simply simulate the indoors environment. Find a strong tarp and cover your entire kayak with it. Better still, position the kayak under a shade where it’s protected from direct sunshine together with the tarp. The shaded area can be the garage, under the roof eaves or any other place that’s shielded and safe.

Kayak Storage Tips

1. Clean the kayak before storage

Do this using water ( freshwater and not sea water). You can use a mild soap to do so; strong soaps, detergents, and chemicals can result in damage to your boat. Before storing it, make sure it’s thoroughly dried, so you don’t end up storing it with moisture and having mold grow on its walls.

2. Store it above the ground

Use a rack to keep it off the ground ( you can make one or purchase it if you don’t have the materials and know-how). Use some soft padding on the rack to protect the walls of the kayak. Place the kayak on its side and never the hull; the kayak’s sides are stronger compared to its bottom side.

If you are storing the kayak for long, ensure you change the side that lies on the rack every month. It will avoid subjecting only one side to pressure and causing deformities.

Alternatively, you can suspend the kayak using homemade straps or you a purchased system made to specifically for suspending kayaks during storage. When hanging your kayak, avoid using its grab loops to do so, or it will result in a bent kayak over time. Run the straps around the whole body of the kayak. Hang the kayak with its hull facing up.

3. Be gentle on the kayaks body

This is important if you use suspend system to store your kayak. The straps you hang it with should not cut into its body. Avoid the use of thin ropes, and provide padding where the straps meet the kayak’s frame to reduce pressure. Pressure points will, with time, damage your boat.

Better still, mount it on a wall on racks; it’s way safer than hanging, as it will not possibly lead to a deformed kayak.

4. Store it in a place readily accessible

Just because you’ve stored your kayak away doesn’t mean you won’t be needing it for long. Anything can come up that would require you to retrieve it for use. If stored indoors, don’t hide it too much or lock it up too tightly to make it a task to get it out.

You may also need to inspect it for damage periodically, so store it in a way that you can access it without difficulty.

5. Protect it from theft

Depending on the security level of your neighborhood, you may want to include safety measure in the way you store your kayak. Make it hard for a thief to run away with your Kayak by keeping it out of public view, or by making it hard to move it easily. You can do this by running a strong cable through it and tying it firmly so a thief would find it hard to move it.

Knowing how to store a kayak the right way saves you from having a damaged kayak. Poor storage causes deformities, mold growth or security issues. Always store your kayak where it’s safe.

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