How to safely store a kayak?

 Autumn and winter are times when a large number of us will go on kayaking trips less and less often. Those who have made their own kayak must take care of this.

Where and how to keep your kayak during the winter? How do you store it properly so it doesn't get damaged?

Drain the remaining water in the kayak

We should always store kayaks completely dry. If there is any residual water left in the cockpit or compartments then damage to the kayak can occur during storage due to freezing and thawing. This is especially important if you store the kayak in an unheated area.

The exact method of draining the kayak of water depends on the type of equipment you have. For ordinary kayaks, where you sit inside, most of the water from the cockpit and compartments should be pumped out using a bilge pump or removed with a sponge.

Repair any damage

After the end of the season of use, carefully inspect the surface of the kayak for damage during rafting. All possible damage should be repaired even before storing the kayak.

If there are cracks or cavities in the plating, you may not do without reaching for the help of specialists, especially in the case of polyethylene kayaks.

We also recommend reading the article How To Transport A Kayak In A Truck.

Clean the kayak thoroughly

Before storage, the kayak should also be very thoroughly cleaned of all dirt. The best way to do this is to use warm water mixed with a little liquid, such as soap, and scrub it inside and out with a sponge or brush. After washing the canoe, you need to rinse it thoroughly, wipe it with a dry cloth or towel and let it dry completely.

The right place to store a kayak

When we own a kayak we need to find a place to store it. Due to the dimensions of kayaks, this is not so easy. The most popular touring kayaks are about 3.5 - 5 meters long, so an apartment in a block of apartments is unlikely to be suitable for this. It is also not advisable to store the kayak outside. Variable weather conditions in autumn and winter, falling snow and rain, and low temperatures can lead to damage to the kayak.

The best solution seems to be a garage or other utility room with adequate space and interior conditions.

If we don't have a suitable garage or other space to safely store a kayak, we can consider using self-storage facilities.

In what conditions to store a kayak?

The room where we will store the kayak should be large enough for the kayak to fit in without any problems, and at the same time not interfere with the normal use of the place.

 Make sure that the place where the kayak is stored is dry and away from heat sources - heating devices or brightly lit windows. Excessive heat causes kayaks to sag during storage, and the sun's UV rays can cause the kayak to fade. It is best to ensure that the room is at a constant temperature and humidity.

The kayak should also not be exposed to chemicals, solvents, or other substances that can damage it.

It will be interesting to know Kayaking is a Great Workout and Here's Why.

How to store a kayak?

Special portable racks, as well as brackets and various types of wall-mounted hangers, can be purchased in sports or travel equipment stores to help us store our kayak.

A portable rack is easy to set up, does not require mounting hardware, and can be temporarily moved outside, for example, but takes up a lot of floor space.

Holders and hangers attached to the walls will allow you to effectively use the space that is not used on a daily basis. With their help, the kayak can be "attached" not only to the walls - horizontally and vertically - but also suspended from the ceiling. The suspended system will work well for high rooms or garages.

The mounts are attached to the wall or ceiling with screws and bolts, which are included in the set. Each time, we need to make sure that they are well seated, so that the kayak does not slip on us, fall on someone's head, damage the car and other equipment stored in the room, and is not damaged itself.

When placing the kayak on any suspension, also pay attention to ensure that its weight is distributed evenly. This will prevent the hull from deforming.