Kayak History
A kayak is a lightweight, narrow boat that is paddled by a double-bladed paddle. A typical kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each of which seats one paddler. The kayak was invented by indigenous Aleut, Inuit, Yupik, and maybe Ainu hunters in the world’s subarctic regions.
They hunted in inland lakes, rivers, and coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean, North Atlantic, Bering Sea, and North Pacific oceans using the kayak. The original kayaks were made of sewn seal or other animal skins stretched over a wood or whalebone skeletal frame.
Can you store a kayak in a garage?
Kayaks are large and bulky, making storage a difficulty. Storage and handling will keep your kayak in good condition and safe from damage. The question is how will you store your kayak? Well, you have two options: Indoor and outdoor.
Outdoor storage – Many new kayak owners do not fully plan for the additional storage space that their new kayak would need. Outdoor locations such as under a deck, beneath the eaves of a roof, or behind a strung-up tarp are all viable possibilities for protecting your boat.
Indoor storage – Because of the protection it provides from the elements, keeping your kayak indoors, whether in your house, garage, or shed, is the recommended alternative. This is a good choice especially if you have a large space. This will ensure the safety of your kayak.
If you reside in a colder region or in an area with a wide range of weather, indoor storage is the way to go. One good choice for storing or keeping your kayak is your garage at home.
There are numerous advantages to keeping a kayak in the garage, including the fact that it is locked up and safe from prospective burglars, as well as being sheltered from the climate. Many people prefer to store their kayaks indoors, and how you store your kayak is critical to its longevity.
Kayak Storage Options
Ceiling Rack- Keep your kayaks on the ceiling to save valuable floor and wall space. This is a great option for those who wants to save space on their garage. Also good for those who has a limited space only.
D-Ring- A D-ring is a type of hardware that is frequently used as a lashing point for straps or clips. It is shaped like the letter D and serves as a secure point for secure attachments of different goods or equipment.
Simple Pulley System- Keep your kayaks overhead with a pulley system that includes a safety lock mechanism which not only makes lifting easier but also prevents accidents.
Wall-Mounted Rack- Use wall space instead of floor space to protect your kayak and make place for your automobiles. This rack is protected from scrapes and dings by extra-thick foam padding.
Wall Hooks- Hang your kayaks on the walls inside or outside the garage to save up valuable floor space.
Strap System- You may hang two kayaks on a wall or suspend them from the ceiling using this adjustable strap system.
Freestanding Rack- It includes stabilizing feet that can be permanently attached to the ground for more security, and it comes with wheels so you can move it around the garage as needed.
Tips for storing a kayak in the garage
Maintain the cleanliness of your kayak – First and foremost, it is critical to clean your kayak before storing it. It’s a good idea to rinse it after each paddle to help prevent the spread of invasive species. Dirt and filth can dig their way into the hull of your kayak over time, causing it to wear out prematurely. That’s why cleaning is an important aspect of boat maintenance.
Cockpit cover – If you have a sit-in kayak, you should have a cockpit cover. Cockpit coverings keep creatures from creating a new home in your kayak, which would be an unpleasant surprise for everyone.
Include UV Protection – It’s also a good idea to spray it down with a UV-protective spray before storing it especially if you have a hard-sided kayak. Coating a UV-protective coating to your kayak will help keep it in good condition throughout many years of paddling.
Perform a bow-to-stern inspection – Look for any loose screws, especially if your kayak has a lot of different components. If you detect any loose screws, make sure to lubricate them before tightening them. Before storing it, give it a bow-to-stern inspection to ensure that everything is in working order.
Do not place your kayak on a flat surface – It’s not advised to keep it there for weeks or months. This considerably raises the chance of deforming the hull of your kayak and shortening its lifespan.
Tight straps should be avoided – Never overtighten your straps. Straps that are too tight exert too much strain on your kayak, which can cause the plastic or fiberglass hull to distort or split.
Temperature regulation – The environment in your garage can have a big impact on the longevity of your kayak. In an optimal way, you should try to control the climate as much as possible to protect your new kayak. A space heater can help protect your kayak from cold temperatures.
Position of the kayak – One thing to remember is that you should never put your kayak on a hard surface for a long period of time. Like leaving it on the floor for a long time. This can cause warping and damage to the hull.
Weight should be distributed evenly – When storing your kayak on a rack, you must ensure that the kayak is supported in several areas. Padded cradles or nylon straps that conform with the hull can be used to support the kayak.
Take the accessories off – Don’t forget to remove your kayak’s accessories, such as your paddle, dry bag, and bilge pump. Inspect the compartments on your kayak and keep your accessories properly. Make sure its free from other objects that can damage it.
No space
If you don’t have enough space, like a large garage to store a typical kayak, don’t fret because you still have options. You can buy an inflatable kayak. If you don’t have enough space in your garage to store a hard-shell kayak, inflatable kayaks are an excellent alternative. Its easy to bring or to transport and it does not need a large space for storing.
Wrapping it up
Kayaks are large pieces of equipment. Finding a sufficient storage location that does not take up a lot of space in your garage is always a difficulty. Especially if you don’t have a garage that has an enough space for storing large objects like a kayak.
Yes, you can store your kayak outside, but here are some reasons why it might not be the best choice in terms of kayak longevity. So, you must keep in mind the tips mentioned above so that your kayak will be in its best condition every time you will need it.
It’s a good idea to store it in your garage but you must assess how much space you have and which application is most suited to your needs. It will be secure and shielded from the elements outside that can damage it.