What happens once you are done with kayaking? Where do you store your kayak? Most importantly, how do you ensure the kayak is stored correctly?
These are some of the questions you are likely to have in mind if you own a kayak. It is always great if you know how to store a kayak correctly so that it is in the best condition the next time you need to use it.
This guide is for both veterans and newbies using kayaks. It will benefit you to know more about how to store your kayak correctly and keep it in great shape for years to come.
Kayak Storage: Why It’s Important
If you are in this section, chances are you already own a kayak, and you love kayaking more often. You would now want to know why is it even important to store a kayak properly? Here are some of the reasons.
- Whenever you store your kayak correctly, you would be able to protect it from the elements. The elements, in this case, are the rain, sun, and snow. Without proper storage, the elements can lead to warping, fading, and many other damages based on the weather the kayak is exposed to.
- As much as the elements can cause damage, how you store the kayak can also affect it. So, proper storage will prevent dents, distortion, and many other types of damage to the bottom or side of the kayak.
- Still, on how to store a kayak, proper storage will help protect the kayak from theft. Ensure that the storage area to your kayak can be locked. This prevents anyone from easily accessing and stealing it from you.
- You might have seen some people storing the kayak on the ceiling, wall, or any other surface where there is a risk of the kayak falling off. This can easily injure someone, so it is best to consider storing it correctly where it will not fall off.
Once you adopt a better way of storing your kayak, you will start to realize more benefits. Always make sure that you identify suitable locations and the right methods to keep your kayak in excellent condition.
How to Store a Kayak
When it comes to how to store a kayak, you need to ask yourself if it is short term or long term. This is because there might be some slight differences in how you store the kayak in these two different cases.
We will look at either scenario to help you see how best to store the kayak.
1. Short-Term Storage Ideas
First, you have to identify what qualifies as short-term storage of your kayak. Below are some situations that we would term as short-term.
- You use the kayak daily
- You are going away on a vacation
- Short periods in the change of weather
- Taking a break from using a kayak for a short period due to injuries or any other reasons
You can see that these scenarios mean that you might want to use the kayak sooner. Mostly it will be within a few days or weeks.
Even for those who might have to use their kayaks daily, there is still the need to store the kayaks correctly. This will mostly help eliminate dents, people bumping into it, and much more.
If you are considering short-term storage, then you should keep the following tips in mind.
- Always keep the kayak easily accessible. This is because you plan on using the kayak very soon again. Keep it in a place you can access with ease. The last thing you need is to keep it on a ceiling or wall storage where it might be hard to retrieve it more often.
- Even if it is short-term, you always have to put it away carefully. Take the extra time to find the right storage space and set it up nicely. Continuous dropping or bumping into the kayak can lead to damage over time. Thus, the reason for storing it correctly.
- It does not mean you leave it open for thieves to steal it because it is short term. Always lock it up in a safe space where no one can steal it. Some people invest in alarms and cameras to deter thieves from stealing their kayaks.
Proper storage is essential for the proper functioning of your kayak. If you can keep it in the right spot, it would always be easy to take it out for some fun times out in the water.
2. Long-Term Storage Ideas
Short-term storage seems straightforward for most people. However, what happens when you need to store the kayak for months without using it? Let us say it is winter, and there is no way you are kayaking in that kind of weather.
Long-term storage varies a lot depending on the kayak you get for yourself. If it is an inflatable kayak, then it will not be so much of a problem. You simply deflate it and store it in its carry case or somewhere in the house.
If it is the non-foldable or the rigid type, then you will have to find more space to store the kayak. Here is how you would do it.
- The first thing you need to do is figure out the space for your kayak. Space needs to be enough to accommodate the kayak for months. It should not be in a place where you might have to keep moving it around a lot to access other things in the way.
- Another thing you have to do is keep your kayak clean. Before you can store it, clean it thoroughly first. This will ensure that the next time you want to use it, the kayak would still be clean. Also, ensure it is dry before storing to avoid the build-up of mold during the storage period.
- As much as you will not use it more often, it should still be accessible. Another thing would be protecting it from theft. If you enjoy kayaking, the last thing you need is someone stealing your favorite kayak from you.
So far, it is easy to see that how to store a kayak does not have to be hard. You simply need to find the right place to store the kayak correctly. Always make sure it is protected.
Should I Store My Kayak Indoors or Outdoors?
At this point, you are interested in storing your kayak better. However, you will still be torn between storing it outdoors or indoors. There is the need to understand what each option offers and how best to store the kayak in either case.
Outdoor Kayak Storage
Someone who opts for outdoor storage is a person who might have to use the kayak more often. It is why such a storage method is good for short-term storage.
You would want the kayak to be in a place where you can grab it quickly and head out into the water to enjoy paddling.
Even if you are storing it outdoors, you should always keep it out of the water. Some might ask, so where do you keep it? Here are some outdoor storage ideas to consider.
- Store the kayak under a deck
- Store it under a roof
- Keep the kayak on a covered porch
- Store it under a tarp. You can string it up if possible
- Cover it with water and UV-resistant kayak cover
As much as outdoor storage can be good for short-term use, it can be possible to use it for long-term storage. However, look at the weather conditions first. If you live in a mild climate, then it should work great for long term storage.
Make sure to regularly check on the kayak if you store it outdoors. Look for signs of moisture pests and weather damage. Always move it whenever it becomes necessary.
You might have to keep cleaning the kayak more often if you store it outdoors. You also have to consider covering it or moving it indoors when the conditions worsen.
Indoor Kayak Storage
Indoor kayak storage is best recommended for those with enough space. The most common indoor storage option will be the garage. Well, if you have space in your basement, shed, or any other place, go for it.
Some opt for the spare room in their house to store the kayak. So long as it is free pace, it just got work to do now.
Before storing the kayak indoors, there are a few things to keep in mind. Check them out below.
- Make sure that the temperature in the location can be controlled
- Keep the kayak from the window to avoid sun damage
- Do not obstruct pathways with the kayak. Someone is likely to bump into it.
As much as storing the kayak indoors is recommended, ensure that it is not getting into your daily life. As such, you have to only store it indoors where it does not have to be moved more often to use an area.
FAQS
What are some of the places to avoid when storing a kayak?
You should keep the kayak away from wildlife. This is especially the small animals as they tend to build a home in your kayak. So, whether you are storing indoors or outdoors, make sure the kayak is properly covered.
Always try to keep the kayak off the ground. This is if you plan on storing it outdoors. Being in constant contact with the ground can lead to damages such as snow or moisture.
If the area is well-traveled, then do not store your kayak there. This is because it might be unsafe for both your kayak and passersby. They will likely knock into the kayak, causing dents while at the same time getting hurt.
Which weather conditions should you avoid when storing a kayak?
Make sure to avoid areas exposed to moisture, heat, sun, and cold. They will always lead to possible damage that can affect the look and performance of your kayak.
Which storage positions should you avoid?
Proper positioning is important. So, avoid storing the kayak with tight straps, cockpit side up, on its side, hanging it by the handles, and on a wheeled cart.
Conclusion
From the various tips on how to store a kayak above, it should now be easy for you to store your kayak correctly. If you can store it properly, the kayak will last longer and will always be in good condition, ready for the next round of fun in the water.