How To Store A Kayak Vertically? 3 Benefits Of Storing A Kayak

For the best kayaking experience, your kayak must be in excellent condition. You won’t be bothered about this problem if you maintain it properly.

Kayakers advise keeping the equipment vertically for the best result. But how does it work? How to store a kayak vertically?

Do not look any further because you are at the right place. We will cover everything you need to know about storing kayaks right here. Let’s check!

How To Store A Kayak Vertically?

Some regions allow kayak public storage. However, this approach comes with risks. Instead, you should keep your gear at home for the best observation.

The method for storing a kayak vertically varies depending on whether you want to keep it indoors or outdoors.

Indoors

If you choose to store a kayak indoors, you have two options: adopt the stern position or buy a wall rack.

Storing kayaks indoors is good because it offers security and protection from external elements, such as weather and animals. Moreover, you can control the temperature better.

When placing the kayaks indoors, make sure that you have cleaned and dried them thoroughly. Otherwise, the moisture will build up and degrade your boat.

If you want to use your kayak regularly, indoor storage also gives an advantage of better maintenance.

However, if you are not a frequent kayaker, make sure that you keep it out of your way for a long time until your next launch.

Outdoors

If there isn’t enough internal space, though, you might choose to store your kayak outside. The outdoor storage area needs to be dry, clean, and far from the street.

For a temporary solution, you can buy a kayak rack. But if you have enough time, we will highly recommend building one. Here is how to do it:

Put 10-feet PVC pipe together to form a 1×4-feet frame.
A kayak of 12×18 feet should fit easily into this frame.
Slightly place the kayak inside the newly-built rack from the bottom up. Ensure that the cockpit is facing out while the stern is facing down.
Your kayak will bend if you hang it incorrectly because too much pressure may build up in that section.

Indoor storage doesn’t require you to cover the kayak unless you want to avoid dust buildup. Yet, if you intend to store it outside, you should attach a tarp or buy a weatherproof cover.

Benefits Of Storing A Kayak Vertically?

There are some reasons why kayakers should store their kayaks vertically. The primary three are as follows:

Space

Space springs to your mind first when it comes to storing anything. If you live in an apartment, space becomes a precious thing.

Keeping a kayak vertically gives you much more storage room for other household items. Using the space vertically can free up a lot of horizontal space. Your room will look much more spacious.

Additionally, if you choose this storage method, you won’t accidentally trip over your kayak and risk damaging it.

Number of kayaks

If you only have one kayak, storing it will be much easier than working with two or more. Specialty kayaks are also a headache.

However, if you keep them vertical, you will save more space.

Holding everything neatly tucked away together can also simplify storing multiple kayaks.

Security

Storing kayaks vertically can keep them safe. They won’t fall over whether they’re on a rack or sitting on a stern due to accidents or movement.

Things To Consider When Storing A Kayak Vertically

Location, positioning, temperature, and protection are all critical for storing kayaks. Here is what we suggest.

Location

Keeping the kayak somewhere that won’t interfere with your daily activities is essential. Yet, it should still be easily accessible.

There are two things to avoid when choosing a location for your boat:

Sunlight: Direct sunlight and high heat can break down the kayak material, making it prone to breaks and cracks.
Animals: Nocturnal critters may access your kayak. They can bite the material and cause damage to its bright, new surface.

The best place to store your kayak is a workshop, shed, and garage. These places can keep it safe and away from curious animals and direct sunlight.

Leaving kayaks outdoors is not a good idea. You can’t protect your gear that way.

Indoor storage should be your way to go if possible. You can always keep an eye on your kayak for a long time.

Positioning

Two techniques for vertically storing your kayak won’t harm the hull. They also make sure to distribute the weight evenly.

Stand on stern

The most well-liked vertical storage option is to have the kayak stand on the stern. The cockpit should face out in this method.

Before starting, pad the stern and tilt it slightly against the wall. Also, ensure that the stern is secure enough not to slide or tip over.

Lean against a rack or wall

You can also kayak wall racks or lean your kayak against the wall. These methods are the most straightforward.

If your storage area doesn’t have high enough ceilings to handle a kayak that is at least 12 feet long, wall racks may be your best alternative.

Use wall racks with robust straps on one side of the cockpit to prevent stress straining on the kayak hull.

Temperature

One of the key elements of maintaining your kayak is controlling the temperature in the storage room.

A kayak can rapidly deteriorate if it endures a temperature that is either too hot or too cold, regardless of whether you keep it horizontally or vertically.

If you store your kayak in the garage, ensure that your gear doesn’t become overly heated.

Otherwise, outdoor storage requires an additional insulation layer. You can wrap it with a form-fitting cover.

Last but not least, if you use a tarp, it shouldn’t contact your kayak. If so, humidity may get trapped and cause mold development.

Protection

Protect the tail and hull of your kayak properly. It would be best to tuck a blanket or a thick towel under the stern in a crate.

The sides may move. To avoid it, attach pegs on both of the kayak sides and secure it with a strap.

Extra Tips When Storing A Kayak

Aside from what we have discussed, you need to keep in mind these tips while storing your kayaks:

The metal components will remain conditioned and in good working order with a little oiling.
All bolts and screws on your kayak and its accessories can have their threads greased.
Do not hand the kayak using its grab loops. The hull of the kayak will bend as a result of the weight on it.
Give your kayak a deep cleaning with water and mild soap before long-term storage, making sure to reach every nook and cranny.
If you think there may be a chance that your kayak may be exposed to the direct sun, UV-protecting sprays can help.
To protect the kayak from theft, find a position that is out of view and concealed. Also, make it hard to remove the kayak from its location.
Using foam supports on the floor underneath the cockpit’s two sides is ideal.
Do not store the kayak upright, like when you are floating in it. This method makes it bend because of the whole weight imposed on the hull.
Also, avoid keeping the kayak upside down. This method will put more weight on the stern and bow or other components of the kayak that protrude.

Conclusion

Storing kayaks vertically can keep them secure. This storage method will be even much better if you have two kayaks or more to deal with.

While storing your kayak, pay attention to other factors, such as temperature, location, positioning, and protection. Then, your gear will be in good condition.

If you have any problems when maintaining kayaks, please comment below.

Thank you for your interest in the article!