How to Care for Your Kayak Properly
5-minute read
The proper care of your kayak, paddle and gear ensures they’ll last for decades of fun and adventure on the water.
Proper care means years of kayaking enjoyment (Photo courtesy of Five2Nine)
Keeping your boat and gear in top shape isn’t difficult. It just takes a little forethought and consistent habits. And of course, what applies to kayaks applies to canoes, paddle boards and packrafts too.
Keep Your Kayak Clean
Especially if you paddle in salt water, it’s important to rinse your boat, paddle and gear well after each excursion. Don’t let salt corrode the materials by allowing it to sit in between your outings.
Rinsing is also important when your kayak or gear has silt or mud on it after paddling. Separate your paddle at the ferrule to allow it to dry thoroughly.
Many states and provinces require careful rinsing of all boats when you take them from one body of water to another. This is to prevent the spread of invasive aquatic species, which has become a huge environmental issue.
Keeping your kayak clean will help it look great even after many years of use, and helps preserve the health of the waterways you paddle.
Store Your Kayak & Gear Out of the Sun
If you store your kayak outside during paddle season, keep it out of the sun to avoid fading colors and the eventual breakdown of the materials. Find a spot that’s in the shade most or all of the day.
Care for your paddle and other gear ensures a long life (Photo courtesy of Five2Nine)
A kayak cover is another option. Unlike a plastic tarp, the material breathes while keeping out the elements.
Many kayakers use a spray or rub-on UV protector like the marine-grade 303 Protectant. You’ll need to carefully follow the instructions and apply it once a month for the best results. It’s water-based without harmful silicone oils, petroleum, alcohol or mineral oil. If you kayak often and your climate is sunny, regular application will help extend the life of your boat.
Best Scenario: Store Inside on a Rack
If you have the space, your best scenario is to store your kayak inside on a hanging rack when you’re not using it and during the off-season. This keeps the boat’s weight off pressure points and out of the sun.
Keep a breathable kayak cover over it for long-term storage to prevent dust buildup. A cover will also keep spiders, mice and other little neighbors from moving in.
Don’t Drag Your Kayak Over Rough Ground
One of the worst things for any boat is to drag it over gravel, sand, grit and rocks to get it to the water, your vehicle or its storage spot. A kayak’s material is tough, yes—but even tough materials wear out on rough surfaces.
If your kayak is too heavy for you to transport from one place to another, consider investing in a kayak cart. Or you can rely on a friend to help you carry it by using the bow and stern handles.
A small kayak cart like this one makes transporting easy (Photo courtesy of Takashi Morimoto)
Transport Your Kayak Safely
Learn how to strap your kayak to your vehicle safely and securely. This isn’t just to keep your boat from damage, but to keep other drivers and their vehicles safe on the road.
You can transport a hardshell kayak on your vehicle roof, pickup bed or trailer. If you plan to put your boat on the roof, invest in a kayak rack—or for a smaller budget, a pair of foam racks. Cam straps are ideal for easy tie-downs.
Stick to Weight Limits
Know the weight limit of your kayak and stick to it, especially if you use it for kayak camping. If you bring a lot of gear, distribute the weight evenly throughout the boat. This will help with stability on the water and help prevent unnecessary stress on your kayak.
Check It Over for Damage
At least once a season, look your kayak over for deep scratches, cracks and signs of wear. You can buy repair kits for kayaks of all types. Keep up with minor repairs in the off-season so your boat is ready to go during your favorite paddling months.
If your kayak has major damage, look for a local paddle shop that offers repair services. It’s possible it can be fixed, saving you the cost of replacement.
Do You Have an Inflatable Kayak?
If you have an inflatable kayak (or canoe, packraft or SUP), these same guidelines apply. In addition, be sure to let an inflatable thoroughly dry before you roll or fold it up to put it back in its storage bag. This will prevent mold from developing between paddle trips.
Optimal long-term storage for an inflatable boat is inside your home—a closet, basement room or other space that’s out of the way but temperature-regulated. Extreme cold and heat can weaken the materials over time.
Caring for Your Paddle and Other Gear
Use the same forethought and habits to care for the rest of your kayaking gear too, including your paddle. Clean your gear between paddle trips and give it a chance to dry (out of the sun).
We recommend you store your paddle and other gear inside to extend life and performance. Separate the two parts of your paddle to allow any inside moisture to evaporate. Keep the blades from rough surfaces. Keep your paddle away from heavy objects that may fall on and damage it.
When you transport your gear, have a place for everything in your vehicle so you don’t inadvertently throw a heavy pack on your delicate electronics or paddle shaft. A paddle bag is a great option to keep your paddle(s) protected both when transporting and storing.
(Photo courtesy of Headwaters Kayak)
When you properly care for your kayak and paddling gear, there’s no reason they shouldn’t last for several decades. Protect your investment and enjoy your paddle time!
What paddling questions can our friendly Customer Service team help you with? Contact us here: 715-755-3405 or [email protected]
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