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.

Don’t put your cockpit cover on your kayak yet!

If you’re an experienced paddler, looking for a paddling event before Christmas, have finished all your Christmas shopping, and is available on December 12, than you might want to check out the Deception Pass Dash in Washington.

 This 6 mile challenging race starts and finishes at Bowman Bay in Deception Dash State Park, Oak Harbor Washington.

 According to their website:

All seaworthy crafts are welcome: canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and surf skis.

 You do not need to be an expert paddler to participate but all racers should have significant paddling experience and proven self-rescue skills.

 Pre-registration is required. If you are interested in kayaking or canoeing this event, late registration is until December 10th.

If this paddling event is too challenging for you, you might want to consider volunteering. They are looking for land and water assistance.

 Check out their website to find at all the requirements to enter this paddling challenge.

For more information and to find out how to register, please click here to go to our Races and Event page.

To find other places to paddle, kayak and canoe all over the USA, go to our Places to Paddle page and click on any state, or check out nationwide kayak, canoe and paddle events and races on our Paddling Events and Races page.

If you would like us to post your favorite place to paddle, kayak or canoe or your favorite paddling event or race, please use our handy contact form to send us the details.