Kayaking is one of the best outdoor activities, combining physical exercise and enjoyment with scenic views and a connection to nature.
However, investing in a kayak can be expensive, so it is essential to know how to store your vessel when you aren’t using it properly.
The number of people who kayaked at least once in the United States in 2021 was about 18.6 million, following the trend of rising popularity seen since 2010. At the end of that time span, there would have been 87.3 percent more Americans paddling kayaks.
Whether you live in an area where space is limited or have cobbled together enough room for multiple kayaks, this guide will help you make sure that your kayak stays secure and in excellent condition from season to season.
So let’s dive into the short and long-term tips for storing your kayak in Port St Lucie!
Why Store Your Kayak Properly?
There are several factors to consider when deciding how to store and maintain your kayak, whether for a short period until the next trip or throughout the season. Below are the four most important ones:
1. Theft-Prevention & Safety Measures
A good kayak may be a significant investment; unfortunately, the theft of kayaks is a real problem. However, even in the riskiest months, authorities typically report less than a 1,000 cases of kayak theft.
Therefore, it is always a brilliant idea to take the required safety measures to keep it from being stolen.
It’s best to keep your kayak locked up inside the home, the garage, or some other secure location, such as a storage unit. If it isn’t possible, then at least make it hard to take the kayak.
Keep it hidden from view, away from potential thieves, by securing it to a fixed object using a security wire or ring and lock.
2. Protection From The Elements
The hull of your kayak will eventually deteriorate in the sun, salt water, and wind, no matter how well-made it is.
In addition, any kayak that isn’t properly kept can suffer damage from the elements over time. This includes water, ultraviolet radiation from the sun, snow, and frost.
There are proper ways to store a kayak inside and outside, respectively, and both should be avoided if at all possible. If not, you risk having the kayak’s hull cracked, warped, or faded, ruining the kayak itself.
3. Personal Safety
Learning how to store a kayak properly is sometimes forgotten despite its importance.
Consider the potential for harm if a kayak, which may weigh up to 80 pounds on average, were to fall because it was improperly stored.
There is no safe way to suspend a kayak by leaning it against a wall or using any other flimsy technique. In the unlikely event that you survive the fall without harm, the hull will almost certainly be destroyed upon contact.
Short-Term Kayak Storage Ideas
Sometimes you need to temporarily put your kayak out of commission, such as when you know you won’t be using it for at least seven days.
Here are several scenarios in which you may want to consider renting a short-term kayak storage unit:
- Everyday use
- Taking a trip, or a vacation
- Sometimes stormy conditions
- Those who live in warm regions have shorter “off seasons.”
- Setting down your kayak for whatever reason
Careful storage is required regardless of how often you use your kayak. Although if your kayak doesn’t sustain any damage from being stored incorrectly once, doing it repeatedly might have an effect over time.
When you store your kayak for just a few days, you run the risk of leaving it open to theft since you probably won’t take as much care as you would with longer-term storage.
In need of a safe place to store a kayak for a couple of weeks? Depending on the local environment, your storage options may include outdoor and indoor locations.
In general, short-term storage offers greater flexibility than long-term storage, but you should still follow these guidelines to ensure safekeeping:
1. Maintain easy access
Considering how temporary this kayak storage is, you probably don’t want to put it in an inconvenient location. So whenever you want to bring your kayak out on the lake, have it stored on the ceiling or the wall where other things can get in the way.
2. Place it away with attention and care
It’s understandable if you don’t want to put in the additional effort necessary to store your kayak for a short period correctly. It will be in storage.
You should still take certain precautions to ensure the security and protection of your kayak, even if you’ll just be putting it away for a few days.
3. Lock it up
Even if you’re only keeping your kayak overnight, take precautions to prevent it from being stolen.
For example, if you’re keeping it outside, ensure it’s locked up, and if it’s inside, ensure it’s safeguarded by sirens, cameras, or anything else you can think of.
Long-Term Kayak Storage Ideas
Storing a kayak during the summer or for a few months is no problem, but what about the winter or for more extended periods? Several varieties of kayaks have different long-term storage requirements.
A kayak that doesn’t need a hard shell, such as an inflatable one, is easy to store away over the winter. You may store your kayak in a cool, dry area by deflating it and rolling it up or storing it.
Not all kayaks are collapsible or foldable, so you’ll need to think about where and how you’ll keep yours stored for the long haul if you buy one of those models. Be careful you do the following before putting your kayak away for the winter:
1. Check out your space
While you may not give much thought to where you store your kayak for a few weeks, you should consider it seriously when planning for the next months. You shouldn’t keep your kayak where it will get in the way of other equipment, and you shouldn’t leave it out in the open.
2. Don’t let the kayak become dirty
Learn how to properly store your kayak, particularly for extended periods, and know where to keep it. Cleaning your kayak thoroughly before putting it away is the best method to keep it in good condition while it is in storage.
Rinse everything out and dry it well to prevent mold and mildew growth. In addition, you’ll have an easier time retrieving your kayak from storage if it’s been cleaned before putting it away, and any damage should be less noticeable once the season has ended.
Do You Know Family Storage Space Is Here to Help?
Whether you’re looking for a safe place to keep your kayak for just a few days or for the whole season, Family Storage Space Port St Lucie can help. They offer a range of secure, climate-controlled facilities and outdoor storage units with 24-hour access, so you can always get to your kayak when needed.
Visit their website today and find the perfect storage solution for your kayak, or call (772) 337-9199 to talk with an expert about your needs.