For years I’ve been hemmin’ and hawin’ about what sort of kayak rack I should get – heck we made a whole page right here on BornToPaddle.com all about How To Choose A Kayak Rack. You readers probably thought that was for your benefit – actually I was trying to figure it all out myself!

Well, I’ve finally made my decision about which kayak roof rack is right for me. I’m one person with one boat and one car. Some of the racks out there were just too much rack for me. I have a factory roof rack, which some rack systems aren’t compatible with. Quite honestly, I just wanted something easy, something I could snap on, load the boat, tie ‘er down and be on my way. No fuss, no muss, that’s me.

So…I’ve decided to go with foam blocks. What a load off my mind. They fit my factory rack, they hold the kayak away from my car’s roof – so no scratching, denting. They even came with all the tie downs I need. It’s so simple, it’s 1-2-3.

If you’re interested in simplifying your life a bit (with regard to an easy, affordable, yet quality kayak transport rack system) I highly recommend any of these options – notice that these are inexpensive roof rack solutions that work:

Kayak Stacker Foam Block Kit Kayak Stacker Foam Block Kit Stacker Blocks stabilize and protect the kayak during loading and transport. Contains two blocks and two 12′ straps.

Deluxe Foam Block Kayak Kit – Deal of the Day! List Pice $49.95 Save $17! Deluxe Foam Block Kayak Kit – Deal of the Day! List Pice $49.95 Save $17! Malone Foam Kits & Blocks offer an affordable transport system for your canoe or kayak. We use the finest EVA closed cell foam and all of our foam products are made in the USA.Deluxe Kit Includes: Two 4″ x 4.75″ x 18″ Blocks One 15′ Over-Hull Strap Two 9′ Block Straps Front & Rear Tie Downs Two S-Hooks, Tote Bag

Standard Foam Block Kayak Kit Standard Foam Block Kayak Kit Malone Foam Kits & Blocks offer an affordable transport system for your canoe or kayak. We use the finest EVA closed cell foam and all of our foam products are made in the USA.Standard Kayak Kit Includes: Two 4″ x 4.75″ x 12″ Blocks One 15′ Over-Hull Strap Front & Rear Tie-Downs Two S-Hooks Tote Bag

Hopefully your kayak is stored in a safe dry place.
If you live in a warmer region you may still be paddling, although with the weather lately even the warmer regions haven’t been too warm!
Have you protected your kayak from the elements?
The best storage area would be indoors like a garage, basement, or shed. I’ve seen kayaks stored under a house (in the crawl space), a large bedroom closet, and in a living room on its side between the couch and the wall. You would not have even known it was there if you didn’t look.
If you do not have room to store indoors than store under a shelter or overhang.
Whichever storage method you use will depend on the space you have available.
How will you store your kayak?
You can hang them on straps, stand them upright, and store them upside down or on their side. I have stored my kayaks using all of these methods.
Storing your kayak off the ground will protect your kayak from moisture and extreme temperature changes.
Don’t forget the cockpit cover! This will help keep bugs and other pests from making your kayak their home.  I have cockpit covers on all my kayaks. This way I don’t have to check for spider’s every time I go paddling!
No shelter available?
If you do not have a shelter you can build a very simple one using a weather resistant tarp. You will want to hang the tarp over your kayak. Do not wrap or cover your kayak with the tarp because this may promote moisture and mold.
You can hang your kayak from straps or place it on sawhorses. You will want to support your kayak and distribute the weight evenly at several points along the length. You can use straps or cradles to distribute weight evenly.
Have you protected your kayak against theft?
If you are storing you kayak outside, find a spot that is hidden from view. You don’t want to make it easy for someone to just carry it off. You may want to consider locking your kayak to heavy or non movable objects using a cable and lock.
Where do you store your kayak? We would love to hear from you.