Living in an apartment or smaller sized home can present space challenges when trying to own a kayak. The beauty of being a kayaker is the development of our creativity skills. We’re creative on how we transport our kayaks, how we modify our kayaks, how we decorate our gear and equipment, and even how we store our vessels. If you’re wanting to purchase a solid kayak, you are possibly holding off because of the question of storage. These 7 options are possibilities that can be used in houses, carriages, carports, or patios. Let your imagination run and modify these ideas to suit your specific situation.
1. Suspending your Kayak from the wall or ceiling
The ceiling of most rooms frequently goes unused. Low ceilings can make this type of storage challenging, but higher ceilings can allow for Garage, Living room, Carport, or even Bedroom storage.
If you’re going to build this system for yourself, you’ll need pulleys, rope, hooks or carabiners, and possibly ratchet straps.
Alternatively, you can use the same concept to store on the wall.
2. Some kayaks can be stored on point in the corner of a room or in the corner of a patio
Some kayaks are able to be stored on their tip. You may be able to place the kayak on it’s nose or build a small padded frame to seat the nose of your kayak in. There are even rack on the marked now that match the stands you often see in kayak dealerships.
3. Some racks can stack kayaks for confined space
There are racks available at kayak stores like Academy. They are relatively reasonable in price or can be built by a resourceful DIYer.
4. Shanty Style Racks
Some people have no choice but to store their kayaks outside. While you can’t completely control the temperature and environmental impacts, you can still mitigate the factors a bit. A solid roof will limit the snow and rain’s impact on your vessel. Solid sides or a tightly suspended tarp can limit wind, sand, and rain damage. Most importantly, however, remember to leave gaps for air flow to limit heat inside the structure.
5. Storage Units
Storage Units are often available from your apartment complex, or you can rent a climate controlled unit from a local storage facility. Just remember you’ll need to make sure it’s dimensions can accommodate your kayak’s dimensions.
6. Styrofoam spacers
Stacking kayaks on the ground can be done with caution. Concrete will transfer temperature fluctuation to your kayak, so keep your kayak lifted, at least with a few pool noodles or styrofoam blocks.
7. Coffee Table Risers
Does your kayak fit in your living room? Maybe get a couple folding stands and use your kayak as your coffee table between outings. You may also be pleasantly surprised to find that this makes a great resource for doing those DIY projects you’ve been considering.
