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How you store your kayak matters – whether it is for a few weeks or for the whole winter. A kayak that is stored correctly and in a suitable place keeps its condition for many years, and you also reduce the risk of it being stolen. Here is a practical guide to storing hard-shell and inflatable kayaks indoors and outdoors.
Generally speaking, a kayak is best stored indoors. Wind and cold rarely damage a kayak – sun, UV light and dirt do, as they dry out seals and hatch covers and can fade the hull.
If you cannot store your kayak indoors, find a suitable place outdoors. The advantage is that it takes up no space in your home and is quick to get on the water. The downside is more exposure to moisture, dirt and insects, so clean the kayak now and then.
The material also matters. Kayaks made of durable materials such as polyethylene or fibreglass usually cope better outdoors than wooden kayaks, which need more maintenance.
The garage is a good and common place for the kayak and its gear: there is usually enough space, a stable temperature and easy access to the car when you want to load up. Avoid putting the kayak directly on the floor – use wall mounts, cradles or a kayak rack instead.
With a wall mount for kayak you hang the kayak neatly on the wall. Place the brackets a bit higher up to save floor space – they fold in when not in use. The brackets are sold in pairs, screwed to the wall and placed approx. 1.5–3 m apart, so the hull is supported near the bulkheads.
Transport cradles are one of the simplest storage solutions. They are made to be clamped onto a roof rack, but work just as well as supports when the kayak rests on the floor or on a pair of wooden trestles – and they spread the load over a larger part of the hull.
Kayak racks come in several models, but it is also easy to build one yourself with a saw and a few boards. Pad the contact points with foam or old carpet so the hull is not scratched.
One big advantage of an inflatable kayak is that it takes up hardly any space when packed. Before storage, rinse it with fresh water, let it dry completely – inside the seams and valves too – and pack it loosely in its bag. Store it dry, dark and frost-free, for example in a cupboard or a storage room, and keep it away from sharp objects and rodents. If you have the space, you can also store it slightly inflated, which is gentle on the seams.
Ask your local canoe or boat club whether they rent out kayak spaces. Prices vary, but you get easy access to the water and often new paddling friends too. Your national canoe federation usually has a list of clubs.
A plastic kayak can be stored outdoors even in winter, as long as it is protected. Some kind of roof is always better than leaving it in the open – a large tarpaulin or a simple homemade shelter is often enough. A waterproof kayak cover that encloses the whole kayak keeps out rain, snow, dirt and UV light.
Many people store the kayak upside down under the eaves of a house so that snow does not pile up on it. If you do, raise it slightly off the ground, for example on cradles or trestles.
If there is any risk of theft, lock the kayak with a cable lock. Run the cable through the seat inside the cockpit or through the lock eye that some kayaks have.
Make sure no water collects in or on the kayak and freezes – in the worst case, ice can cause cracks. Store the kayak as dry as possible, and a nylon transport cover over the cockpit keeps rain and leaves out.
Find wall mounts, cradles, covers and carts in our transport and storage collection, and read how to transport your kayak safely.
