How to Store a Kayak Properly

Kayaks might seem durable, but storing them incorrectly will cause damage over time and reduce their lifespan. Here’s the definitive guide you need on how to store a kayak in the garage and outside, so you can keep it in the best condition for years to come.

Table of contents:

• How temperature affects your kayak
• How to store a kayak in the garage
• How to store a kayak outside
• Which way up to store a kayak
• Tips recapped

How temperature affects your kayak

Wherever you store your kayak, it’s first important to understand how weather and temperature can damage it, so you can avoid it.

Snow and ice– Freeze-thaw cycles are terrible for your kayak. Repeated contraction and expansion of the plastic due to the cold can cause it to crack and need repairing before you head back out on the water. 

Rain and humidity – Moisture build-up can also wreak havoc on your kayak. It can cause warping over time, plus nasty mould issues.

Heat and sun – UV rays from the sun can cause fading and damage the material of your kayak over a long period of time. Extreme heat can also cause your kayak to warp and become distorted. 

For these reasons, it’s vital to avoid placing your kayak anywhere near a heating unit, too close to windows or outside in extreme weather conditions for a prolonged period of time.

How to store a kayak in the garage

Wash your kayak first

Firstly, you’ll need to make sure that you wash your kayak after use. All you need to use is washing up liquid and water, though there are some specially-made cleaners on the market you can use too.

Make sure you get into every last little crevice to remove all the sand and dirt that has been accumulated. It’s also essential to ensure you’ve correctly dried it afterwards before storing it away to avoid moisture build-up.

Use wall racks

If you’re putting your kayak away for the season, wall or ceiling racks are a convenient way to store your kayak safely. Keeping it on the wall or ceiling will ensure it’s kept out of harm’s way and doesn’t get accidentally dented or damaged.

Just be sure to hang your rack in a convenient place so you can get to your kayak when you need it without much hassle.

In terms of orientation, hanging your kayak upside down is the best way to minimise damage. You can also opt for a rack with padding to lessen the risk of dents.

Ensure weight is off the hull

If you don’t use wall racks, just remember to keep as much weight as possible off the bottom part of the hull. Kayaks sitting on a hard surface for some time can start to warp or dent. Again, lay the kayak upside down to avoid this as much as possible.

Of course, you should also make sure that nothing gets placed on top of the kayak once it has been stored away.

Store away from windows

Remember that direct sunlight and very warm temperatures will damage your kayak and cause fading, so don’t store it near windows in your garage or shed. 

On the flip side, you also need to ensure your garage isn’t too damp and that your boat isn’t stored near condensation to avoid moisture damage.

How to store a kayak outside

Ideally, you’ll want to keep your kayak in a garage or shed – especially long term. But if you’re using your kayak regularly in spring and summer, you might want to store it somewhere more convenient outside so you can access it quickly. 

Here’s how to keep it safe.

Keep it covered

Keep your kayak covered to protect it from weather damage. Kayaks should only be stored outside in temperate conditions. If you live somewhere extremely warm or prone to lots of snow, indoor storage is a much better option.

It’s important to avoid direct sun, or where it can be covered by ice and snow. Good options include:

• Under a waterproof and UV-protected kayak cover
• Under a roof
• On a sheltered porch

Never keep your kayak on the water either, as this can cause it to warp and degrade over time.

Keep it off the ground

Keeping your kayak outside runs the risk of damage from the cold ground and infestation from pests. Ants and spiders can be an issue, as can wasps and bigger pests like mice. 

Keeping the boat off the ground will help keep most of them away, so store your kayak high up, if possible. A cockpit cover is also a good way to keep unwanted critters from making a home in your boat.

Keep it locked up

If you’re choosing to store your kayak outside, be sure to keep it in a secure location and ideally locked up to avoid theft. If you’re storing it on property like a porch, a security camera is a good option too.

Which way up to store a kayak

As mentioned, whether on a rack or placed on a surface, the best way to store a kayak is upside down and flat, especially if you’re storing it for long periods of time. 

Storing it vertically, on its side or cockpit-side up runs the risk of denting it or warping its shape at the pressure points. When using a rack, always keep the bars touching the side or cockpit instead of the bottom. 

How to store a kayak: tips at a glance

Key pointers to take away are:

• Store your boat off the ground to avoid pests and damage.
• Hang it upside down to minimise dents.
• Keep it away from extreme temperatures, direct sun and moisture.
• Ensure you clean and dry it properly before you store it away.

Follow these steps on how to properly store a kayak, and you can ensure it will be safe in storage and ready to hit the water again whenever you’re ready! 

Shop our full range of watersports accessories here at NorthShore Watersports, including kayak trolleys for transporting your kayak easily from storage to your chosen location, plus roof racks and more helpful kayak transport accessories.