Live in an apartment but love kayaking? Some may find some conflicting issues here but believe us, it can be done.
In our opinion, ensuring the proper storage of your kayak is just as crucial as using it for a fantastic summer adventure. After all, a kayak is a valuable investment, and the last thing you want is for it to suffer damage during the winter months. So, if you’re no longer planning kayaking adventures at the end of summer, let’s discuss how to store your kayak properly to ensure it’s in top-notch condition when you’re ready to hit the water again.
Storing Your Kayak Outside in Winter
The first step in preserving your kayak’s integrity is to store it from late summer to early winter. Neglecting to do so could result in damage that may ruin your kayaking plans for the next summer season. But fear not – you can indeed store your kayak outside during the winter, provided you follow the right guidelines. Without further ado, we believe it’s time to dive into our comprehensive guide on how to properly store your kayak in the great outdoors during the winter months.
The Basics of Storing a Kayak in an Apartment
Now, let’s address the challenge of storing a kayak in an apartment, especially when space is at a premium. While it’s easier to store a kayak with ample space using racks and covers, we understand that not everyone has that luxury. So, here are some handy hacks to help you make the most of your limited apartment space while storing your kayak safely.
Before tucking away your inflatable kayak for the season, it’s crucial to ensure it’s in prime condition. To achieve this, we recommend these tips for proper kayak storage:
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Keep It Deflated: It’s essential not to keep your inflatable kayak inflated for too long, as temperature fluctuations can lead to air expansion inside the kayak, potentially causing damage.
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Vary Your Rolling: When storing your inflatable kayak, remember to roll it differently each time. Repeatedly rolling it in the same way may result in seal formation on the skin and weak spots.
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Choose the Right Storage Spot: Whether indoors or outdoors, make sure your kayak is stored in a cool, dry place. For outdoor storage, shield it from water, direct sunlight, and excessive exposure to the elements.
How Do You Store an Inflatable Kayak?
Before storing your inflatable kayak, wash it thoroughly and make sure it’s completely dry. To ensure that your kayak is at its best, here are some tips you can follow to understand how to store your kayak properly.
Don’t keep the kayak inflated for too long. If you keep your kayak inflated, it can become damaged due to changes in temperature that cause air to boil inside your kayak. This expansion can cause rupture.
Roll your kayak differently each time you store it. Rolling it in the same way every time can lead to the formation of seals on the skin and weak spots.
When storing your kayaks, make sure to store them in a cool, dry place. If you’re storing them outside, ensure that water, sunlight, and air do not enter the body.
How to store a kayak in an apartment
As winter sets in, and your kayaking adventures take a hiatus, you’ll need to find a suitable spot for your kayak within the confines of your apartment. Here, we’ll explore two viable options:
Use the ceiling
Ceiling Storage: Utilizing your apartment’s ceiling is an ingenious way to save floor space while safely storing your kayak. Simply hang a sturdy rope from the ceiling and then suspend your kayak from the rope. To prevent any damage, consider adding foam padding where the kayak meets the rope.
Use a Kayak Rack
If you have a bit of extra room to spare, a kayak rack can be a fantastic solution. While it does require some floor space, it’s a reliable and efficient way to keep your kayak organized and easily accessible. However, if space is limited, the ceiling storage method may be the more suitable choice for you.
Therefore, proper kayak storage is essential to keep your prized possession in excellent condition for your next adventure. We believe that with these tips, you’ll be well-prepared to store your kayak safely, regardless of whether it’s in your apartment or braving the elements outside.
Happy kayaking, and see you on the water when the season returns!
