Storing A Kayak

Kayak Storage

When not in use you will need to store your kayak correctly to prevent it’s hull from deforming, cracking or even fading. The best place to store a kayak is in a heated indoor room with a kayak storage rack. However not everyone has access to these ideal conditions so below we shall give you a few more pointers and tips to take care of your kayak.

Weather And Elements

The weather and elements pose the most threat to your kayak when you are not using it with camping or any trip. The sunlight has the properties to just about degrade any material that a kayak’s hull is constructed out of. Such materials are fibreglass, coated fabric and plastics which all suffer from continual direct exposure to sunlight. So when you have finished with camping and all outdoor activities for the season and need to store you kayak, then always consider protecting it from direct sunlight.

Camping and Outdoor Equipment

Storing A Kayak

As well as sunlight, the weather itself can cause hull materials to oxidize or degrade. So if you store your kayak outside you have to ensure that the rain and snow can’t collect in the tarp and hence weigh the tarp down so that it comes in to contact with the kayak. Prolonged exposure to cold conditions can also have an adverse effect on a kayak. The cold can actually damage the fabric skins especially those used in inflatable kayaks. You may be able to store your kayak in an outside building that does not have heating though. This is better than storing the kayak outside, but you must remember to take precautions because repeated freezing and thawing will damage a fibreglass kayak if water has managed to seep into any of the seams, joints or cracks in the hull.

Salt water

Salt water can degrade hull materials as well as corroding metal parts. So if you kayak in the sea then after each use you must wash down the kayak thoroughly with fresh water to remove all salt elements. Under no circumstances store your kayak after sea use without washing it down first with fresh water.

Cockpit Cover

Many people actually overlook the cockpit of the kayak when it comes to storing. A cockpit cover installs with a bungee system around the cockpit coaming and is made from a waterproof material of some sort. The reasons for using a cover on the cockpit is to keep any moisture out of the cockpit and to prevent any insects or debris from entering as well. You may live in parts of the world where the spiders are poisonous for example and an open kayak that is stored for a while provides an excellent secluded abode for a spider. And the last thing that you want when you go camping and kayaking again is to have a spider like that walking around the kayak while you are using it. Most cockpit covers can also be secured to the kayak by strap or hook so you do not lose the cover during transportation. So if kayaking is your outdoor activity when camping, then a cockpit cover is a must have item for your camping and outdoor equipment.

There are also sun protective sprays that you can buy for your kayak. These are a good idea even if you do have a tarp. At the beginning of the season you should always a generous coating of this sun protection spray to your kayak to help see it through the season. These sprays are not expensive and are well worth the investment of including in your camping and outdoor equipment.

Always Distribute The Weight Evenly

When you come to store a kayak for any given length of time it is imperative that you ensure an even distribution of the kayak weight. The reason for this is because if there is an uneven distribution of weight a hull can deform or even bend. The most susceptible hulls to bending are plastic and fabric hulls. However wooden hulls and fibreglass can also bend over time.

So when storing you need to support the kayak at several points along the length of it with padded cradles that have angled surfaces and wide nylon straps that are suitable and match the curve of the hull. To ensure this you will need a proper kayak storage rack, but if you are any good at DIY then you can construct something similar that will suit your needs.

Things NOT to do when storing a kayak

No way should you ever support your kayak from it’s ends only or stand it up on just one end. This will lead to eventual destruction and pain on your wallet. When hanging the kayak up don’t hang it from it’s grab loops. If storing it on the ground don’t lay the kayak on it’s side on a flat surface for a long period of time. And never ever store a kayak near or next to a high heat source such as a water heater or furnace.

If you do not have any space in your home or have a garage then try to find a shaded area in which to keep the kayak. You may not even be able to find a shaded area around your home. If this is the case then the next step is to get yourself a weather resistant tarp that is large enough to cover the whole of the kayak hull at all times of the day. If you do use a tarp, then always suspend it above the hull. If you don’t suspend the tarp, you run the risk of mould or fungal growth on your kayak. These growths occur in wet conditions when the tarp has contact with the kayak.

When the season is over you should apply another generous coating of this sun protection spray to your kayak before storing it. This will help shield the kayak from sunlight and oxidation.

If you have an inflatable kayak you need to keep this stored indoors if storing it for a long time. You must also ensure that the kayak is properly disassembled as well.

Examples Of Kayak Storage

Full Tilt Kondo

This particular storage rack has the advantage of being very easy to install and use. Not only being simple to use, the full tilt condo guarantees that the next time you take your kayak to water it will be in pristine condition. This is because when you store your kayak this way there are no pressure points that can actually dent or scratch your kayak. When using the condo your kayak simply rests on the two wide straps that can be adjusted separately to accommodate the specific shape of your kayak.

Hanging Kayak Wall Rack

If you have more than one kayak that you need to store then the hanging kayak wall rack is a very good solution for you. They are very simple to use as well and are great space savers. They are perfect for use in your garage, storage room in your house or the basement. The hanging wall rack can comfortably store up to 3 kayaks securely and safely. The hanging rack uses a pair of webbing loops that hang down from the ceiling or stud anchors. The kayaks are stored sideways which means that space requirements are quite minimal.

Kayak Storage Hoist

This particular method of storing the kayak is one of the most popular used by enthusiasts. To set it up though is not as easy as the previous 2 systems. It comes with mounting hardware which you need to install to ensure a secure working system. The hoist system will work on any ceiling or open rafters and stores the kayak well out of head room and well out of the way. The system works with a rope system that supports both the bow and stern ends of your kayak. The rope system is also adjustable to allow you to raise or lower your kayak. Included with this is also a safety release mechanism.

Kayak Covers And Bags

Finally another kayak storage method is that of using covers or bags. These were designed and manufactured to give the paddler an easy option for covering and protecting their kayaks whilst in storage. Most of the bags and covers will be constructed out of high quality polyester which is completely UV resistant as well as having water resistant coatings. This makes them ideal for storing the kayak outdoors. They will protect your kayak from the sun and if the weather takes a turn for the worse, they cope with any rain thrown at them with ease.