If you’re an avid kayaker, you probably don’t want to have to hang up your paddle for the winter.
But if you live in an area with cold weather and snow, you probably can’t wait to get back on the water as soon as the weather starts to warm up.
In that case, you need to make sure your Kayak is properly stored during the winter months. So how can you make sure your Kayak stays in good condition throughout the winter months? In this article, we look at the different aspects of storing your Kayak outside in winter.
How to Store Kayak Outside in Winter
Here is a brief explanation of how to store your Kayak outside in winter:
First, Find a sheltered spot. Ideally, you should find a spot that’s out of the wind and sun. A garage or shed is ideal, but if you don’t have either of those, try to find a spot beneath some trees.
Second, Clean your Kayak. Before you store your Kayak for the winter, give it a good cleaning. This will help to prevent any mould or mildew from growing over the winter months.
Third, Cover your Kayak. Once it’s clean, make sure to cover your Kayak with a tarp or other waterproof material. This will protect it from the elements and help to keep it clean.
Finally, Support your Kayak. Don’t just let your Kayak sit on the ground all winter long. Invest in some support so that you can store your Kayak off the ground. This will help to prevent any damage to the hull of your Kayak.
Important Storage Guidelines
01. Always keep it Covered: You should keep your Kayak covered when you store it outside during the winter for several reasons. First, it will protect your Kayak from the elements. Second, it will keep snow and ice from building up on your Kayak.
Third, it will help to keep your Kayak clean and dry. Fourth, it will help to prevent critters from making a nest in your Kayak. Lastly, it will help to keep your Kayak looking good for years to come!
So, how do you go about covering your Kayak? There are a variety of ways that you can do this, but one of the easiest methods is to purchase a tarp that is designed specifically for kayaks.
Another option is to use a piece of PVC pipe and some Bungee cords to create a makeshift cover. Either way, make sure that your Kayak is completely covered and snug so that no snow or rain can get in.
02. Never touch the Ground: There are a few reasons you should never store your Kayak outside on the ground during the winter. The first reason is that it can cause the Kayak to freeze to the ground.
If this happens, you may not be able to get the Kayak free, which could damage it. Secondly, storing your Kayak outside on the ground during the winter can cause it to become damaged by snow and ice. Lastly, leaving your Kayak outside in cold weather can also lead to corrosion and rusting.
03. Always keep it Empty: There are a few reasons you might want to keep your Kayak empty when storing it outdoors in cold weather. For one, if there’s any water left in the Kayak, it could freeze and cause damage to the boat.
Second, if there’s any snow on top of the Kayak, that could also freeze and add extra Weight, which could cause the boat to break or buckle. Finally, leaving your Kayak empty will help prevent any unwanted pests or animals from taking up residence inside!
04. Never store it with Dirt: When storing your Kayak outside during the winter, it is important to keep it clean in order to prevent it from becoming damaged.
Of course, you should also take care to keep any other outdoor gear clean and stored properly in order to prolong its life and functionality.
One of the main reasons why it is important to keep your kayak clean when storing it outside during the winter is because dirt and debris can cause the Kayak to become scratched or gouged.
This is especially true if you are storing the Kayak on a rough surface, such as concrete or gravel. Even if you are storing the Kayak on a soft surface, such as grass, dirt and debris can still easily find their way onto the Kayak and
How to Store Kayak Outside in Winter
05. Always store it Out of Natural Obstacles: There are a few reasons why you might want to store your Kayak out of natural obstacles during the winter. First, kayaks are generally made of materials that can be damaged by cold weather. Storing your Kayak in a place where it will be exposed to the elements can damage it and shorten its lifespan.
Second, ice and snow can block access to waterways and make it difficult or impossible to get to your Kayak when you want to go paddling. Third, if you live in an area with frequent flooding, storing your Kayak out of natural obstacles can help protect it from being swept away or damaged by floodwaters.
Finally, bears are known to sometimes prowl around campgrounds and other areas where people store their kayaks, so it’s always best to err on the side of caution and store your Kayak in a place where bears are unlikely to find it!
06. Never leave Snow Load: Leaving snow load on your Kayak can damage the hull and affect the Kayak’s performance. When adhered to the hull, snow acts as an insulator, slowing down the process of heat transfer from the water to the air.
This can cause condensation to form beneath the snow, which can lead to freezing and cracking of the hull. In addition, once frozen in place, removing snow load from your Kayak can be difficult and dangerous. It’s much better to avoid all of these potential problems by simply storing your Kayak inside during the winter months.
07. Always balance the Weight Evenly: There are a few reasons why it’s important to maintain the correct weight balance in your Kayak when storing it outside during winter. First, if the Kayak is too heavy on one side, it could tip over and sustain damage.
Secondly, incorrect weight balance can cause the Kayak to sit unevenly on its supports, which could lead to warping or other damage. Finally, maintaining a proper weight balance will help keep the kayak stable so that it’s less likely to be blown around by strong winds.
08. Never underestimate the Tie-Downs/Lock-Ups: It’s important to use tie-downs or lock-ups if you store your Kayak outside in the winter because the harsh weather can cause a lot of damage.
For example, the wind can blow it around, and the snow can pile up on top of it, which can make it very heavy and difficult to move.
Plus, if there’s water or ice on the ground, it could easily freeze and crack the Kayak. So be sure to use some type of security system to keep it in place!
Different Storage Ideas
– Hang it under an Outside Open Air Roof: If you want to hang your Kayak under an outside open-air roof during winter, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
For starters, you need to make sure that the roof is strong enough to support the Weight of the Kayak. You also need to take into account the fact that snow and ice can accumulate on the roof, so you’ll need to be sure that the Kayak is properly secured.
One option is to use straps or hooks specifically designed for hanging Kayaks. You can find these at most outdoor sports stores. Another option is to use rope or bungee cords. Just be sure that whatever you use is sturdy and won’t slip or come loose.
Once you have your Kayak securely attached to the roof, you’ll need to take measures to protect it from the elements. One way to do this is to cover it with a tarp. You can also use a Kayak cover, which is specifically designed to protect against weather damage.
– Hang on a Wall: There are a few different ways that you can hang a kayak on an outside wall during winter. One way is to use kayak wall hangers. These hangers are designed specifically for kayaks and will provide a secure and sturdy holder for your boat.
Another option is to use straps or ropes to secure the Kayak to the wall. This is a more temporary solution, but it can be effective if done correctly. Finally, you can also store your Kayak inside during winter and bring it out when you’re ready to use it.
Whichever method you choose, make sure that your Kayak is securely attached to the wall so that it doesn’t fall and become damaged.
– Place inside an Open Air Storage Shed: Open-air storage sheds are great for seasonal items like kayaks, but you’ll need to take a few extra steps to protect your Kayak from the cold weather. Here are a few tips:
Cover your Kayak with a tarp or tarps. This will help keep the snow and ice off of it. Take the paddles and other accessories inside your house or garage. You don’t want them freezing up on you!
If possible, put your Kayak on some sort of racks or stands inside the shed. This prevents it from being In direct contact with the cold ground. To further prevent freezing, you can place a space heater in your shed (be sure to unplug it when you’re not using it).
– Hang or Store under a Deck: There are a few things to consider when storing a kayak under an outdoor deck during the winter. First, you’ll want to make sure that the Kayak is well secured so that it doesn’t blow away or get damaged by snow or ice.
Second, you’ll need to take into account the fact that the Kayak will be in a shady, damp environment and make sure that it is properly vented to avoid mildew or other damage.
Finally, you should consider using a cover or tarp to protect the Kayak from the elements. By following these simple tips, you can safely store your Kayak under an outdoor deck during the winter months.
– Store on a Rack: Storing your Kayak on an outside rack during the winter can be a great way to keep it out of the way and protect it from the elements. Here are a few things to consider when doing so:
First, make sure that the rack is made of materials that can withstand cold weather. Metal racks can rust and break down over time, so opt for something made of plastic or PVC. Then, consider how you will secure your Kayak to the rack.
If there are straps or bungee cords included with the rack, make sure to use them! Otherwise, you can purchase some separately at your local hardware store. Finally, remember to cover your Kayak with a tarp or leave it inside a storage shed.
Recommended Products
01. Kayak Wall Storage Straps
Keep your Kayak securely stored with the help of these reliable and durable wall storage straps.
Crafted from high-quality materials, these straps can each handle up to 100 pounds, making them perfect for storing heavier kayaks.
The fully adjustable design means that you can easily find the right fit for your needs, while the included carabiners and mounting eye bolts make installation a breeze.
Enjoy peace of mind knowing your Kayak is safely stored off the ground and out of the way with these reliable storage straps.
02. Rad Sportz Kayak Wall Storage Hooks
Rad Sportz Kayak Wall Storage Hooks are the perfect way to keep your Kayak or paddleboard neatly stored and organized in your garage or shed.
The hooks are made of sturdy powder-coated steel, with nylon straps and clips to hold equipment up to 125 pounds.
They’re easy to install, with minimal assembly required, and come with foam padding to protect your Kayak or board from scratches.
you can find the Best Angler Kayaks here.
03. Rad Sportz Kayak Storage Rack
Rad Sportz Kayak Storage Rack is the perfect addition to your home if you love spending time on the water.
This freestanding rack can hold up to 2 kayaks, paddleboards, or race canoes and is made with a powder-coated finish and UV protected cushioned sleeves making sure it lasts for years to come.
Whether you use it indoors in a shed or garage or outdoors on a deck, this kayak storage stand will keep your equipment safe and compactly stored.
Visual Explanations
i. Winter Kayak Storage 01:
ii. Winter Kayak Storage 02:
Related Matters
01. Is it OK to leave the Kayak outside in winter?
Yes, you can leave your Kayak outside in winter. The main concern is that the Kayak will be covered in snow and ice, which can add a lot of Weight and make it difficult to move.
If possible, try to clear off the snow and ice so that it’s easier to move the Kayak around. You may also want to consider moving the Kayak into a garage or storage shed if you have one available.
02. Will a kayak crack in cold weather?
Yes, a kayak can crack in cold weather if it isn’t properly cared for. When the temperature drops, the water inside the Kayak expands and puts pressure on the hull. If the hull is old or damaged, it can crack under this pressure.
To avoid this, make sure to winterize your Kayak by cleaning and lubricating it before storing it for the winter. You should also check for cracks regularly and repair them as soon as possible.
03. Can you use a kayak in the snow?
Absolutely! While you might not think of a kayak as a wintertime vessel, many people enjoy paddling in snow. It’s a great workout and a fun way to enjoy the winter scenery.
Just be sure to dress properly for the cold weather and be aware of changing conditions.
If you’re new to kayaking in the snow, it’s best to start out on calm waters with an experienced partner. With proper preparation and safety precautions, you can have a great time kayaking in the snow!
04. What happens if I leave my Kayak on the ground in the winter?
If you leave your Kayak on the ground in the winter, the cold temperatures could cause the plastic to crack.
Additionally, if there is any type of moisture present (either from rain or snow), that could cause the Kayak to rust.
Therefore, it’s important to either store your Kayak indoors or put it up on a rack so that it’s off of the ground and can’t be affected by the weather.
05. How do you lock up a kayak outside?
There are several ways to lock up a kayak outside. One way is to use a cable or chain locking system that wraps around the Kayak and is secured by a padlock.
Another option is to use a U-bolt-style bike lock that attaches through the Kayak’s cockpit and secures with a padlock.
A third option is to use specially designed kayak security straps that wrap around the boat and are attached with carabiners or clips.
Whichever method you choose, be sure to inspect your locks regularly and replace them as needed to ensure your boat remains safe and secure.
