Kayaking and paddleboarding are some of the best outdoor fun you can have. Storing the equipment? Not so much. If you own your own kayak or paddleboards, and you use them often enough that storing them offsite in a storage unit isn’t practical or convenient, you will be looking for a way to store them at home. The home garage offers a number of ways to store your kayaks and paddleboards without giving up the space you need for your vehicle while keeping your kayak.
Use a wall rack. Wall space is often wasted space in the garage, so hanging your kayaks or paddleboards on the wall is a great way to store them without giving up floor space. You can purchase a rack, or you can easily build one out of the PVC pipe. Hang your kayaks and paddleboards horizontally rather than vertically with this method. Secure the stern first, and store your kayak with the cockpit facing out. If you have multiple items to store, it’s easy to create or purchase a rack meant to hold more than one.
Look up. The suspension is a great way to store kayaks and paddleboards. Using only sturdy straps and eyebolts, you can suspend your equipment from your garage ceiling. Store with the cockpit up (for kayaks). You can store multiple kayaks or paddleboards this way, but each item should have its own set of eye bolts and straps — do not store items hanging from one another.
Stand it up. Freestanding racks can take up some floor space, but these sturdy steel beauties will hold multiple kayaks and paddleboards easily and securely. When purchasing a rack, look for one made of steel and that is secure on its feet. You may find a model that you can secure to the wall to prevent tipping. As always, store kayaks with the cockpits up.
Cover your equipment. For kayaks especially, take the time to cover your equipment. These keep garage critters, dirt, dust, and loose debris from getting into the cockpit. It also protects the equipment from water damage. Remove the cover and check the equipment periodically, but leave the cover on for the majority of the time your equipment is being stored.
Be sure to unpack. Before storing your kayak — this is less of an issue with paddleboards — be sure to remove any loose gear or supplies from the cockpit. Double-check before you secure a cover on the cockpit.
Keep it dry. Make sure your equipment is dry before you put it into storage. Even a small amount of residual damp can damage your kayak or paddleboard. Covering your equipment (as above) helps to prevent water damage during storage. If you know your garage leaks, either fix the leaks or be sure to store your kayak or paddleboard far away from the leak.
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