How to Store a Kayak in a Storage Unit
There’s truly nothing like summer kayaking! It’s the best way to relax, unwind, and spend time with friends and family – all in the comfort of your own little water boat. But, then there’s the post-summer question of how to store a kayak when you’ve finished the season? And, where exactly is the best place to store that kayak?
Well, fortunately, the experts at Fairfax City Self Storage are here to help you answer all of your kayak storage questions, including the best kayak storage tips, locations, preparation, and more! Keep reading to learn how you can properly store your kayak this season and check out our Fairfax City storage blog for over 50+ storage solutions that can help you during your next clear out!
Storing a Kayak: Where to Start
So, you’ve just finished a long summer season and you’re wondering how to store a kayak for winter. Well, we’ll help you get started.
To begin, we always recommend storing a kayak in a secure, climate-controlled storage unit, as these types of storage units are designed to eliminate the risk of mold/mildew build-up and overheating which can cause serious damage to your items.
Once you have a climate-controlled storage unit, here are the next three (very important) steps you’ll need to take to ensure your kayak is in perfect condition for next summer.
Step 1: Preparation
Preparation is key when planning to store your kayak as it will remove any old debris, moisture, dirt, or unsavory lake/river critters that may still be on your kayak. To properly prepare your kayak, you’ll want to hand wash it with dish soap and warm water.
It’s that simple. Rinse it with a hose and let it air dry for a day. Also, make sure to repeat this step with any kayaking accessories you have like the paddles, a floatation device, or a pump.
Step 2: Suspend Your Kayak
Once you’ve found your climate-controlled storage unit, it’s time to decide where you’ll store your kayak. We never recommend leaving your kayak directly on the ground as the hull of the kayak can flatten over time and eventually become crushed due to the excess weight.
We recommend suspending your kayak on a freestanding kayak storage rack that doesn’t require intensive installation, but is just as safe and reliable as a ceiling suspension rack. This will ensure that your kayak is elevated and properly aerated to reduce moisture build-up.
Step 3: Store Your Kayak Accessories
This might seem like an obvious step, but you’d be surprised how many people focus on kayak storage and forget to include their kayak accessories. Keeping these items together will ensure that next summer, when you take your kayak out of storage, you can easily find your accessories and won’t have to repurchase paddles because you forgot where you placed the last set.
Best Kayak Storage Tips
After you’ve accomplished these three kayak storage steps, you might think you’re good to go, but wait – there’s a few more tips we want to include just so that you can feel 100% secure in your kayak’s storage.
Store Your Kayak Horizontally
It’s very important that you store your kayak horizontally and not vertically to ensure that the shape of your kayak remains in the best condition. Anything that is holding up a kayak vertically runs the risk of altering the shape of the bow or damaging the stern if dropped.
Fix Broken Parts Before Storage, Not After
If you notice any scraped, cracks, or damage to your kayak, fix it then! Don’t wait until next season to make changes as these cracks can let in moisture, dust, and debris, causing even more damage than was there to begin with.
Avoid Fully Wrapping Your Kayak
Finally, when wrapping your kayak for storage, opt for a wrap that has a tent-like shape. This will allow for the kayak’s material to “breathe” and reduce moisture from being trapped at the bottom of the boat.
Store Your Kayak at Fairfax City Self Storage Today
Keep your kayak safe and working at its best for decades with proper storage techniques and options, available at Fairfax City Self Storage! For over 30 years, we’ve been helping people store their treasured items and keep them safe with affordable, temperature-controlled, and drive-up storage units they can depend on.
For more information on how to store a kayak or to find a storage unit for your boat, contact the team at Fairfax Self Storage today and we’ll help you get started!