How you store your kayak matters – whether it is for a few weeks or over the Swedish winter. Stored correctly and in the right place, your kayak stays in good condition for many years, and you reduce the risk of theft.

Contents

• Indoors or outdoors?
• Indoor storage: garage, wall racks, kayak cradles and stands
• Rent a kayak space
• Outdoor storage
• Storing an inflatable kayak
• 5 things to avoid

Indoors or outdoors?

In general, a kayak is best stored indoors. Wind and cold rarely harm it – sun and dirt do, drying out seals and hatches.

If you cannot keep it indoors, find a suitable spot outside. The upside is that it takes no space at home and you get on the water faster. The downside is more moisture, dirt and insects, so clean the kayak now and then.

How durable is your kayak? A plastic kayak usually copes better outdoors than, for example, a wooden kayak, which needs more maintenance.

Indoor storage tips

Garage

The garage is a good and common choice: usually enough space, a stable temperature and close to the car roof. Don’t put the kayak directly on the floor – use wall racks, kayak cradles or a stand. With a high ceiling, you can hoist the kayak up with a kayak hoist and save floor space.

Wall racks

With kayak wall racks you hang the kayak neatly on the wall. Mount them a bit up the wall to save floor space; they fold away when not in use. The racks are sold in pairs, screwed to the wall and mounted about 1.5–3 metres apart.

Kayak cradles

Foam kayak cradles are one of the simplest storage solutions. They are made to fit on a roof rack but work just as well as supports when the kayak rests on the floor or on a pair of trestles.

Kayak stand

Kayak stands come in several models, but you can also build one yourself with a saw and a few boards. Pad the contact surfaces so the hull doesn’t get scratched.

Rent a kayak space

Need a storage space? Ask your local boat or canoe club if they rent out kayak spaces. Prices vary, but a club gives you easy access to the water and new paddling friends. The Swedish Canoe Federation’s website, kanot.com, lists canoe clubs across Sweden.

Outdoor storage

A plastic kayak can be stored outdoors even in winter – with the right setup. A roof over the kayak is always better than open sky. A simple shelter, a tarp or a waterproof kayak cover protects against sun, rain and snow.

Some people store the kayak upside down under the eaves of the house to keep the snow off. If you do, put something underneath so it doesn’t rest directly on the ground.

If theft is a risk, lock the kayak with a chain or a locking cable with combination lock, through the seat or the lock loop that some kayaks have.

Avoid water freezing on or inside the kayak – in the worst case it can cause cracks. Keep it as dry as possible and fit a cockpit cover.

Storing an inflatable kayak

Short on space – say, in a city apartment? An inflatable kayak is the easiest solution. Rinse it with fresh water after paddling, let it dry completely and store it rolled up in its bag somewhere cool and dry – a wardrobe, a storage room or the car.

5 things to avoid when storing your kayak

1. Leaving it in the sun for long periods. UV light can fade the colour and damage the material, and heat can soften seals and dry out the hatches.
2. Storing it cockpit-up without protection. Dirt and moisture easily get into the cockpit and hatches. Use a tarp, a cover or a cockpit cover.
3. Putting unnecessary pressure on it. A kayak resting on two small blocks can dent under extra load. Don’t stack things or other kayaks on top.
4. Strapping it down too tightly. Don’t overtighten the straps, however sturdy the kayak feels – it can lose its shape over time.
5. Leaving it on a rough, hard surface. You may scratch the hull when you move it.

Everything for storage and transport

Find wall racks, covers, locks and kayak trolleys in our transport and storage range. Want to see them in person? Visit our shop on Hornsgatan in Stockholm. And if you don’t have space for your own kayak at all, you can always rent a kayak at Långholmen.