Kayak and Paddleboard Storage at Home

Kayaks and paddleboards are long, awkward and more delicate than they look. Stored badly, plastic hulls can dent or warp, inflatable boards can crease, and anything left in strong sun can fade and weaken. Stored well, they will be ready for years of summers. Here is how to give a boat or board a good home.

The three principles

• Support evenly. Spread the weight across two or more wide, padded contact points.
• Protect from sun and weather. UV is hard on plastics and composites over time.
• Keep it off the ground. Moisture, pests and accidental damage all live at floor level.

How to position a kayak

Many kayaks store well on their side, resting on the stiff edge of the hull, or hull-up, resting on the deck. Resting a plastic kayak flat on its hull for long periods can create dents, especially in warm weather. Place supports roughly a third of the way in from each end, near the boat's bulkheads if it has them, and check the manufacturer's guidance for your model.

Paddleboards usually store best on their rails (edges) with the deck facing the wall, or flat on padded supports, deck-down. Keep fins off, or make sure they are not bearing weight.

Rack styles

Indoors versus outdoors

Indoor storage in a garage, shed or basement is usually kinder to boats. If indoor space is not available, store outside under a roofline, deck or lean-to, with a breathable, UV-resistant cover. Avoid wrapping tightly in plastic tarps, which can trap moisture and heat. Keep the cockpit covered so rain, leaves and animals do not collect inside.

Snug straps, wide pads, no sun. That covers most of it.

Inflatable boards and kayaks

Rinse with fresh water, especially after salt water, and dry completely, including seams and valve areas. For long storage, many makers suggest deflating and rolling loosely rather than folding hard creases, though some boards can be stored partly inflated. Follow your board's instructions. Store in the bag, somewhere cool and dry.

Paddles, vests and accessories

Hang paddles vertically on a wall rack or on hooks. Life vests should be rinsed, dried and hung on wide hangers somewhere airy, not crushed in a bin. Keep leashes, pumps, dry bags and spray skirts in a labeled bin next to the boats so a trip starts with one grab.

Security

Boats stored outside are easy to walk off with. A cable lock through a secure point on the boat and around the rack adds a lot of friction. Keep boats out of direct sight from the street where possible, and record serial numbers.

Winter storage

Before winter, clean, dry and inspect the boat. Store it where it will not collect snow or ice, and check it occasionally. The backyard shed guide covers long-item cradles and damp control in more detail.

Lifting and loading safely

A kayak or a hard board is heavy and long, and most storage accidents happen while moving them rather than while they sit on a rack. Plan the route from rack to car before you lift, keep the path clear, and use two people for anything that is awkward alone. Mount racks at a height that lets you slide the boat on and off without lifting it over your head. Ceiling hoists should have a locking mechanism and be rated above the weight of the boat.

Before the first paddle

At the start of the season, look the hull over for dents, cracks or deep scratches, check hatches and seals, and make sure any rudder or skeg moves freely. For inflatables, inflate to the recommended pressure the day before and check that it holds. Try on life vests too, especially for growing kids. A short check on land keeps the first day on the water relaxed.