If you’re like most people, you have a lot of things taking up space in your home. And if you’re a kayaker, you probably have a kayak or two taking up even more space. Since so much paddling gear, including the vessels themselves, is usually big and bulky, it can be tough to find a convenient place to store them. Let’s discuss several different ways to store your kayaks so that they’re out of the way but still easily accessible. We’ll also give you some reliable options to consider, as well as a DIY option for the creative person.
Before Getting Started
Before physically moving your kayak to go and store it, you should first take its measurements. This is important because you’ll want to make sure that the kayak will actually fit in the space you have available. Once you know how much space you have to work with, you can start considering the various ways to store the boat. You should also consider the weight of your kayak when deciding how to store it. Some methods are better suited for lighter kayaks while others can accommodate heavier ones.
Remember that storing your kayak indoors is going to be the best option to protect it from the elements (of course). If you have to store it outdoors, you’ll need to cover it with a tarp or something similar to protect it from the sun, rain, and other elements. Kayaks can be expensive, so you want to make sure that you’re taking good care of them properly!
Options for Storing Your Kayak
Racking
One of the most common methods for storing kayaks is with racks. This is a great option if you have multiple kayaks that you need to store, as well as if you have limited space. There are many
different types that you can choose from, so it’s important to select the one that will accommodate your needs. For example, if you have several kayaks, you might want to consider a wall-mounted rack. If you have a lot of space, you could use a floor rack. And if you’re short on space, there are even ceiling-mounted racks available.
A nice feature of the rack-style kayak storage is that you can sort the kayaks by accessibility. A kids kayak can go on the bottom run, so younger people can easily get to it, and you can save the top rung for someone’s kayak who is stronger and taller.
When choosing, you’ll also want to consider the weight limit. Some racks are only meant for lighter kayaks, so if you have a heavier kayak, you’ll need to find one that can accommodate its weight. The Store Your Board brand has a nice, freestanding kayak stand for those who have a little space to work with. It fits up to for kayaks, has a weight capacity of 400 pounds, and is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. And it doesn’t need to be mounted to anything, so it’s great for people who don’t want to drill holes in their walls or ceilings. This rack is by far one of the easiest ways to store your kayak, but you may need to get an expansion post if your kayaks are wider than 30 inches.
- Recommendation: The rack from StoreYourBoard (here on Amazon) is our top choice when it comes to a freestanding stand. It works well for both paddleboards and kayaks. This is an option for people who have that coveted 3/4 car garage, or some space in their yard where the kayaks can be stacked. While this particular model is designed to be “over the water” and mounted to a dock, it also works well for a freestanding rack.
Suspension/Wall System
Another option for storing your kayak is by using a suspension system. These systems hang your kayak from the ceiling, so they’re ideal for people who have limited floor or wall space. They’re still a nice option if you want to be able to take your kayak down and put it away quickly–not so much as a rack, but it does the best job of freeing up ground space. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that suspension systems are not meant for heavier kayaks. If you have a heavier boat, you’ll likely need to find another method for storing it, unless your system is capable of supporting heavier weights.
There are many different types of these systems available, so evaluate them carefully. For example, the Suspenz Ceiling Rack: it’s primarily designed as a stand up paddleboard (SUP) rack, but you could store a small kayak under 100 pounds up there! The best part about hanging your boats from the ceiling is that it keeps them up and completely out of the way. However, getting them up and down may take a little more work. You can go for the Malone Paddle Gear SlingTwo as a cheaper option. It’ll take some time setting up, but it’s a great way to store multiple kayaks on a budget.
Alternatively, you can go for a wall storage system like the Malone YakSwing. With this, you can easily fold it against your wall when it’s not in use to save on space. It carries kayaks up to 150 pounds, and it’s also incredibly affordable.
- Recommendation: We really like the Suspenz wall system (find it here) which works great not only for kayaks but for stand up paddleboards or even a shallow canoe, too. You aren’t limited to mounting on the interior wall of your garage, as the photo shows. This system works great for mounting on the exterior of a shed or garage, or even on a wooden fence (assuming the fence is built to withstand some load). Here.
Do It Yourself (DIY) Upright Storage
If you find that other options aren’t quite doing it for you, then you can always go the DIY route. DIY options are nice because they’re customizable for any space. You can use PVC pipes, old kayak paddles, or even tree branches to create a one-of-a-kind storage solution for your setup. One excellent and simple DIY design is an upright storage system by Ralph Blackwelder on YouTube.
This system consists of a homemade rack that’s mounted against the wall, but you can buy one instead. You just need something that’s wide enough to secure your boat, while also making sure that there’s something keeping the kayak off your walls. Then on the floor, you can place something like a foam rubber into a non-skid box–anything that won’t slide around. This will keep your kayak in place. Finally, you can use a bungee cord or any kind of rope that hooks around your kayaks to keep them tightly secured. Overall, this is a very inexpensive DIY storage setup that can cost you less than $30 to do!
When it comes to DIY options, you have the freedom to use your creativity to come up with the perfect solution for your space!
Double Check
Once you’re happy with your setup, check around to see if your kayak’s weight is evenly distributed. If the weight is uneven, it could cause the boat to tip over and possibly sustain damage. Uneven distribution could also bend or change your kayak’s form, so it’s important to be as precise as possible when setting up your storage system. Ensure all the scraps, cords, and hooks are tightened properly, and that your kayak is well-secured.
