Omar Khalid
Kayaks are a considerable investment, so it's important to know how to store them properly to protect them from damage and theft. When storing a kayak, there are three factors that can cause harm: heat, time, and stress. To avoid damage, it's important to keep the kayak out of direct sunlight, as UV rays can cause kayaks to fade and become brittle over time. It's also important to keep the kayak dry and to distribute weight evenly to avoid deformation. If storing a kayak outside, it should be covered and locked to deter thieves and protect it from the elements.
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What You'll Learn
Store indoors, out of direct sunlight
If you're storing your kayak indoors, it's best to keep it out of direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays that accompany bright sunlight can degrade kayak hull materials, including plastic. Extreme heat can cause deformation of hull materials, so it's important to keep your kayak away from heat sources, out of rooms that get very warm, and away from direct sunlight. If you're storing your kayak in a garage, make sure it's in a dark area, away from direct heat sources.
When putting your kayak in storage, it's worth taking the time to put it away carefully. Even if your kayak is only in storage for a week, keeping it safe and protected from damage during that time is important. If you're storing your kayak indoors, it's a good idea to use a cover to protect it from dust and critters. You can buy a special kayak cover, use a cover for the cockpit, or use a simple tarp or cloth cover. If using a tarp, create some space between it and the kayak so that moisture isn't locked inside.
If you have an inflatable or folding kayak, storage is simple: you can loosely roll or fold your boat and stash it in a cool, dry place. If you have a traditional hard-shell kayak, the size and heft of the boat can make it challenging to find a storage spot. Most paddlers use either a rack or suspension system to support their kayak. When using a rack, protect the hull (bottom) of the boat by using a rack that either supports the boat on its side or allows you to position the boat hull-side up.
To store your kayak horizontally on its side, tilt it so that it rests against a wall at an angle, with its cockpit facing out. The side of a kayak is one of its strongest parts, so it won't dent easily. However, to avoid dents, flip it onto its other side once a month. You can also store your kayak vertically against a wall, with its stern touching the ground and its bow up towards the ceiling. To protect your kayak and help it stay in place, put some padding underneath it.
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Use a rack or suspension system
If you have the space, storing your kayak on a rack or suspension system is a great option. This will keep your kayak off the ground and help to prevent damage and deformation to the hull.
You can buy a rack designed specifically for kayaks, or you can make your own. If you're handy, you could build a wooden or metal rack that will securely hold your kayak. When using a rack, you can store your kayak on its side or hull-side up. If you store it on its side, be sure to place something soft underneath it, like a towel, to protect the hull. And don't forget to flip the kayak to the other side every so often to prevent flat spots from developing.
Another option is to hang your kayak from the ceiling using a suspension system. You can purchase a suspension system designed for kayaks, or you can make your own using wide webbing straps. Just be sure not to hang the kayak from its grab loops, as this can cause it to sag and develop a banana shape. To protect the hull, hang the kayak so that the hull faces up toward the ceiling.
Whether you use a rack or suspension system, it's important to keep your kayak clean before storing it away. Rinse it with freshwater to remove any dirt, sand, or salt, and let it air dry before putting it away. You should also distribute the weight evenly to prevent deformation over time. Use padded cradles or wide nylon straps that match the curve of the hull to support the weight of the boat at points along its length.
Using a rack or suspension system is a great way to keep your kayak off the ground and protect it from damage. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions to ensure your kayak stays in good condition.
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Protect from theft
Kayaks are an investment, so it's important to protect them from theft. Leaving a kayak unlocked and in the same place can make it vulnerable to theft. Here are some ways to protect your kayak from being stolen:
Firstly, if you can, store your kayak inside a house or garage. If you don't have space, try to keep your kayak hidden from view and ensure it is locked and secured. You can use a vehicle steering wheel lock across the cockpit to make it unusable or thread a durable security cable through a sturdy part of the kayak and lock it to a post, fence, or building.
If you must store your kayak outdoors, keep it covered with a UV-protected tarp or a fitted cockpit cover. You can also use a large garbage bag with a drawstring. Ensure the kayak is locked and consider using a cable or chain lock through the scupper holes or grab loops.
To protect your kayak from theft, it is important to take these precautions and make it as difficult as possible for potential thieves. By storing your kayak securely and safely, you can have peace of mind that your kayak is protected.
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Cover the kayak
Covering your kayak is an important step in storing it properly. Whether you store your kayak outside or inside, it is a good idea to use a cover. This will protect your kayak from the elements outside and from dust and critters in a garage. You can buy a special kayak cover, use a cover for the cockpit, or use a simple tarp and drape it over your kayak for added protection. If you are using a tarp, it is best to create some space between the tarp and the kayak so that water or snow will not build up on top of the kayak if it is stored outside. This will also ensure that any remaining moisture is not locked inside the kayak.
If you are storing your kayak outside, it is important to keep it covered with a UV-protected tarp. The sun's UV rays can cause a kayak to fade and, in extreme cases, damage the plastic. The UV rays break down the plastic that kayaks are made of, causing them to become brittle over time. Therefore, it is always best to keep your kayak stored out of the elements in a climate-controlled environment.
If you are storing your kayak inside, it is still a good idea to cover it to protect it from dust and critters. A special kayak cover or a simple tarp can be used for this purpose. Keeping your kayak covered will also help to protect it from any extreme temperatures that it may be exposed to indoors, such as heat from a furnace or air conditioner.
In addition to covering your kayak, there are a few other things to keep in mind when storing it. Firstly, it is recommended that you do not store your kayak directly on the floor or ground, as this can cause deformation to the hull and expose the boat to moisture and dirt. Instead, use a rack or suspension system to support your kayak. You can buy or make your own rack that will hold your boat off the ground. When using a rack, protect the hull of the boat by supporting it on its side or allowing it to rest hull-side up. Alternatively, you can hang your kayak from the ceiling using a suspension system or wide webbing straps. To best protect the hull, hang your boat so that the hull faces up toward the ceiling.
Lastly, remember to keep your kayak locked up and secure, especially if it is stored outside or in an unlocked area. Kayak theft is on the rise, so take measures to protect your investment. You can use a lock if storing it outdoors or keep the indoor location locked and protected with alarms, cameras, or other security tools.
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Keep it clean
Keeping your kayak clean is an important part of storing it properly. Before storing it away, give your kayak a thorough rinse with freshwater to remove any dirt, sand, salt or grime. Be sure to get into the nooks and crannies, like the rudder, rudder cables and foot braces.
If you've been kayaking in saltwater, it's especially important to give your kayak a freshwater rinse, as salt can be corrosive if left on the kayak's surface. You should also wash your kayak with a mild soap and water mix a couple of times a year, avoiding solvents or strong chemicals that could damage the kayak. If your kayak is particularly dirty, you can use a mild all-purpose cleaner, such as diluted Castile soap, and a sponge to wipe it down.
Let the kayak air out and dry completely before storing it away. This goes for inflatable and folding kayaks, too. If you're storing your kayak outside, cover it with a UV-protected tarp or a simple tarp with space between it and the kayak to avoid a build-up of water or snow. You should also cover the cockpit with a fitted cover or a large garbage bag with a drawstring.
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Frequently asked questions
It is best to store your kayak indoors in a locked area, such as a garage, basement, shed, or any other indoor storage area. If you must store it outside, keep it covered with a UV-protected tarp and locked to prevent theft.
To prevent damage, avoid hanging your kayak from its grab loops as this can cause it to sag and deform. Instead, use a rack or suspension system to support the weight of the kayak and protect the hull. Keep your kayak away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture to prevent warping, fading, and other weather-related issues.
It is recommended to store your kayak horizontally on its side, tilted at an angle against a wall with its cockpit facing out. This prevents dents and flat spots from developing. You can also store it vertically with its stern on the ground and bow towards the ceiling, but it may be less stable and require more support.
If your kayak is stored on its side, it is recommended to flip it onto the other side every so often or at least once a month to prevent dents and flat spots from developing on one side.
Cover the cockpit of your kayak with a fitted cockpit cover or a large garbage bag to prevent pests and critters such as snakes, lizards, spiders, and squirrels from making their home in it.
