Winter Kayak Care

When winter comes, it is time to decide how to properly store your kayak. It is more complicated then summer storage, since exposure to the snow and the elements could leave your kayak in poor condition, explains KayakAlberta.com. Following proper winter kayak storage techniques will help ensure your kayak lasts for years to come.

  1. Remove Salt Residue

    • Do not put away your kayak without cleaning it thoroughly. A great danger to the kayak is salt. The salt from the water can crystallize on the boat, corroding the pulleys and screws of the kayak if not properly removed, according to Smart-Start-Kayaking.com. When these are corroded, the structural integrity of the kayak is damaged. To remove the salt, wash the kayak carefully using only fresh water, says PaddlingInstructor.com.

    Clean the Inside

    • To clean the inside, remove all of your belongings from the kayak, including straps, seats and hatch covers. Smart-Start-Kayaking.com recommends pulling the plug to drain any water in the kayak, as well as getting rid of any bugs. Hose the loose dirt out of the kayak, then wipe it down with a sponge. Rinse it thoroughly.

    Clean the Outside

    • Flip the kayak over and wipe the outside of the kayak with a sponge until all residue, such as mold or scum from the water, is gone, instructs Smart-Start-Kayaking.com. This will keep it from eating away at your kayak. Rinse it one more time. No soap is needed for your kayak, says KayakAlberta.com, which recommends using regular fresh water from the tap.

    Dry the Kayak

    • The kayak should be dry before putting it away, says Sit-On-TopKayak.com, since a damp kayak could grow mold. To do this, tip over the kayak so that the underside of the kayak is facing up, and stand it upright. This position will allow the excess water to run off most easily, says KayakAlberta.com. When there is no more water dripping off, wipe the kayak with a dry towel.

    Proper Indoor Storage

    • There are several options to for winter storage. The best place for a kayak in the winter is indoors, since the materials will not be subjected to snow, ultraviolet rays and harsh cold, says BorealDesign.com, a kayak design company. One option for indoor storage is to purchase a cover for the kayak. Another option is to hang the kayak, says Sit-on-TopKayak.com. Specialized kayak hangers are available at sporting goods or online stores that sell kayaks and accessories.