Now that the weather is getting colder and it’s time to put your boat away for the season, where and how are you going to store your kayak?

That’s a good question. And there are many answers depending on your available storage space. If you have space in a garage then this would be an easy answer for you. But, for many kayakers, this answer may not be so easy.

First, think about sheltered available space that you might have. You want to keep your kayak sheltered from the outside and safe. Here are a few storage ideas:

• Garage
• Shed
• Car Port
• Basement
• Large Closet

I have actually stored or seen kayaks stored in all of the above places. I have even know someone that has their 9.5 foot kayak stored on it’s side in their living room behind their couch! You wouldn’t even have known it was there!

After you have found that perfect safe storage space, then the next question will be:

How Do I Store My Kayak?

Good question again, but not so easily answered. The storage system you use will depend on the storage area you choose. You can hang your kayak from straps, stand them upright, store them upside down, or on their side. You can purchase a kayak storage system or you can make a storage system on your own. However you store your kayak you will want to support your boat and distribute the weight evenly.

Here are a few kayak storage systems you might be interested in:

Talic Sea Horse Kayak Storage Rack	Talic Full-Tilt Kayak Condo Storage Rack	Kayak Storage Hoist
Malone J-Dock Kayak Storage Rack	Surf To Summit Kayak Storage Wall Hanger	Talic Cayuga 2 Kayak Storage Rack

For more information on storing a kayak, Click here and go to our Storing a kayak, choosing the right kayak storage page.

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.