Author: Log Kayak Rack

Best Kayaking Destinations Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina is a city of creativity, excitement and promise. Located where the Saluda and Broad Rivers merge to form the Congaree in town, Columbia offers a range of opportunities for outdoor adventures.

Columbia Kayaking Destinations

Escape the bustle of Columbia and get lost amidst the fresh air, cool waters and old growth hardwood forests at these top-rated places to kayak and canoe in the natural beauty that surrounds the city.

Congaree National Park

Gadsden, SC

Congaree National Park is a 26,692-acre national park in central South Carolina, about 18 miles from Columbia. Winding through the heart of the park is Cedar Creek, a blackwater stream that offers a unique kayaking experience. Paddle past the park’s old-growth bottomland hardwoods which are some of the tallest trees in eastern North America and diverse wildlife that includes otter, deer, turtles, wading birds, and even the occasional alligator. The entire marked Cedar Creek Canoe Trail is about 15 miles and starts at Bannister’s Bridge and goes all the way to the Congaree River.

Lake Murray

Columbia, SC

Lake Murray near Columbia, SC, is a popular kayaking destination that offers calm waters and scenic views. The lake is massive, with 650 miles of shoreline. You’ll find everything from wide open spaces with gentle waves to small islands and coves to explore. Dreher Island State Park is a popular launch site, offering access to 12 miles of Lake Murray Shoreline, calm waters and many scenic coves and inlets. You’ll also have a chance to spot lots of wildlife including egrets, herons, turtles, river otters, muskrats, eagles and even deer.

Saluda River

Columbia, SO

The Saluda River is a principal tributary of the Congaree River and offers diverse kayaking experiences that range from gentle floats to more challenging whitewater sections. Near downtown Columbia, you’ll find the Lower Saluda, a 10-mile section that’s been designated a State Scenic River. There are several access points including Saluda Shoals Park and the Saluda Riverwalk. Rapids, up to Class IV, can be found downstream of the I-26 bridge.

Broad River

Columbia, SC

The Broad River is another principal tributary of the Congaree River. It runs through the heart of Columbia but with pines and hardwoods lining both sides of the river, you’d never know it. Fifteen miles of the upper Broad River have been designated as a State Scenic River. Here you’ll find abundant wildlife including a variety of birds and fish as well as river otters, muskrats, deer and coyotes. You can also launch from Saluda Shoals Park and enjoy a scenic route dotted with boulders and islands.

Congaree River

Columbia, SC

The Congaree River itself is also a popular spot for paddling, with a designated blue trail that offers a longer route and scenic areas such as sandbars, bluffs and floodplains. Beginning in downtown Columbia, the swift and wide river flows for 46 miles without another access point. You’ll enjoy thickly forested banks, Congaree National Park, as well as plenty of opportunities to spot river otters, birds, deer and other wildlife. It’s possible to complete the paddle in two days, but with abundant camping options it’s more enjoyable as a three-day trip.

Columbia, SC Kayak Storage Racks

Keep your kayak high and dry with Log Kayak Rack. Our beautiful and practical kayak storage racks are made from cedar logs and are designed to keep your kayaks, canoes, SUP and surfboards neat and orderly while providing stunning storage. Perfect for shorelines, cabins, beachfronts, backyards, cities, parks, campgrounds and more, shop our kayak racks online now. Custom kayak storage racks and free shipping are available.

Outdoor Kayak Storage Rack for Hillsides

Ground Buried Kayak Rack for Outdoor Hillside Storage

Outdoor kayak storage is a convenient and popular option. It increases accessibility for frequent paddlers, frees up valuable indoor space, offers better ventilation for your craft reducing the risk of mold and mildew and it can add appeal to your property. However, not all outdoor surfaces are flat.

If you find yourself wanting to store your kayak or canoe outside but are troubled by uneven ground or a sloping shoreline, we have the perfect solution for you.

Ground-Buried Kayak Racks for Hills & Uneven Ground

As the name suggests, these kayak racks are meant to be buried in the ground. They are crafted from weather-resistant cedar logs and are supported by two 4 5/8-inch ground-buried posts, rather than legs that would require a flat surface, allowing for installation on hills and uneven ground.

The two posts can be buried up to 48” deep and they can be buried at different depths to ensure an even, level kayak rack regardless of whether the ground they are being installed on is even or not.

Benefits of Our Ground Buried Kayak Racks

Study and stable, ideal for heavier watercraft.
Ideal for hills and uneven outdoor surfaces where freestanding racks would be difficult to level.
Posts can be attached directly to your dock for convenient on the water storage.
Offer a compact footprint.

Shop Log Kayak Rack for Hillside Storage

If the place you want to keep your kayak happens to be on a hill, don’t worry. We have options for you that hold two to six kayaks or canoes. Our ground-buried kayak storage racks are easy to install on hillsides, uneven terrain and sloping shorelines. They can even be attached directly to your dock. Shop our buried in the ground kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom solution.

Spokane Kayaking Destinations

Spokane, Washington is a lively riverfront destination with unbeatable views, award-winning cuisine and the best outdoor recreation nature can offer. The city is a hub for paddlers of all kinds with over 75 lakes and a dozen rivers to explore.

Top Rivers & Lakes to Paddle in Spokane

Grab your paddle and discover the awe-inspiring kayaking that’s waiting for you in Spokane, Washington.

Hidden Spokane River

Spokane, WA

The Spokane River is a 111-mile-long tributary of the Columbia River that passes through the Spokane Valley and the city of Spokane, Washington. It offers quite a few different opportunities for leisurely urban kayaking, the newest being the Hidden Spokane River. It is between Upriver Dam and McKinstry and is known for its scenic beauty and easy kayaking.

Riverside State Park

Nine Mile Falls, WA

Not all parts of Spokane River are calm. Here in Riverside State Park, you can put your paddling skills to the test with challenging rapids for intermediate and advanced paddlers. Riverside State Park includes parts of the Spokane and Little Spokane Rivers. Both rivers have calm stretches, but Little Spokane is also a great river for spotting deer, moose, birds and other wildlife.

Horseshoe Lake

Deer Park, WA

Just four miles north of Spokane County lies Horseshoe Lake with its scenic kayaking and hidden waterfall. It’s a nice easy paddle with amazing views, calm blue water and more wildlife than other lakes in the area. There are turtles, frogs and deer as well as lots of fish. The waterfall is left from the launch. South of the falls on the east side of the lake is a geological marvel called Devils Well, which is worth a quick hop out of your kayak to admire.

Bear Lake

Spokane, WA

Just north of Spokane, Bear Lake is a 35-arce lake with fishing piers, swimming beaches and hiking trails. A bit smaller than other Spokane County lakes, Bear Lake offers a peaceful and quiet kayaking experience, especially as sunrise. The entire lake can be paddled in about an hour and it’s full of lily pads and fish, but juvenile fishing rules are in place.

Deer Lake

Chewelah, WA

This large, beautiful, freshwater lake has crystal clear waters surrounded by a thick evergreen forest and beautiful mountain peaks. It is one of the largest natural lakes in the region with a depth of 75′ feet and an acreage of 1,150. It also sits at 2,485 feet above sea level. The lake’s calm waters and picturesque surroundings provide an excellent setting for kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. It’s also known for its fishing.

Spokane Kayak Storage Racks

Don’t miss exploring the many lakes and rivers that surround Spokane, Washington. Make sure your kayak is at the ready and protected from damage caused by improper storage with Log Kayak Rack. Our cedar kayak and canoe storage racks are as beautiful as they are practical. They safely store kayaks, keeping them high and dry, and neatly organize shorelines, backyards, parks and rental facilities. Shop our kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom kayak storage solution to meet your Spokane, Washington kayak storage needs.

How to Assemble Your Log Kayak Rack

Log Kayak Rack handcrafts heavy-duty kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) storage racks from northern white cedar logs. Our kayak racks can be shipped free of charge anywhere in the continental United States and hassle-free to Canada. When your package arrives, it will be unassembled in a box. Assembly is easy and can be done in less than an hour.

What You Need to Assemble Your Log Kayak Rack

You will find assembly instructions along with most of the materials you need inside the box.

Each kayak rack comes with:

Feet, Cross Rails, Legs, Upper and Lower Arms, and Lower Support Posts (all labeled)
Instruction Pack
3 Inch GRK Screws
4 Inch GRK Screws
Two Tips, Green and Black for Drill or Screw Gun (in the bag with 3 inch screws)
Decking Screws
Glue

Materials needed, but not Included:

Rubber Hammer/Mallet
Power Drill or Screw Gun
Gloves (optional)

Assembling Your Log Kayak

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, it’s time to start putting your Log Kayak Rack together. We have created several assembly videos to assist. You can watch them here and follow along.

Step 1. Open the box up and unpack materials

Remove the feet, cross rails, legs, upper and lower arms. You will have a different number depending on what size and style rack you purchased, but the assembly follows the same basic instructions. You will also find an instruction pack that has all the screws and glue you will need to complete the assembly.

Step 2. Ready the posts

Grab the parts labeled posts. They are the ones with tenon or protruding end and located the angled holes and apply glue to the inside, wiping around with your finger or glove. Repeat for the second post and place on the floor along a wall that you can use for support.

Step 3. Put the arms in

Start with the pieces labeled lower arms. They will have one hole drilled in the top. Slip them into the glued hole on the post and tap with hammer. Lean it against the wall and then repeat with the top arms.

Then you’ll secure the arms with screws. You’ll need either a drill or ratchet for this part. First, you’ll use the 4-inch GRKs and the black tip to screw the base of each arm to the post. Then, using the green tip and the deck screws, you’ll put two more screws into each arm, one from each side of the post. Repeat for the other side.

Step 4. Connect the base

Now that the sides are done, you’ll want to lay them out on the floor how they are going to go with space for the base in between. Grab the feet or bases and just like you did for the posts, circle the glue around in the hole and wipe it around with your finger or glove.

Then with the longer side under the arms, slip the post into the hole and use the hammer to secure. And do the same thing with the other foot.

5. Attach the cross rails

Start by applying glue to the rail holes in both of the posts. Grab the piece labeled upper rail. Slip it into the upper hole of one of the posts and secure with a 4-inch GRK screw, using the black tip on your drill. Then grab the piece labeled lower rail, slip it into the glued hole and again secure with a 4-inch GRK screw using your drill.

Go ahead and stand that side of the rack up and attach the cross rails to the other post, putting the upper rail in the upper hole and the lower rail in the lower rail. Center them on the post and secure using two more GRK screws.

6. Screw the posts to the feet and add supports

First make sure the base is lined up, tapping it back and forth until the base is parallel with the arms and it’s square on the back. Then put the 3-inch GRKs into the base, one on each side.

Next, you’ll put in the bottom support post, tapping it in and making sure it’s square on the back of the post. Then screw in place from the top with one of the GRK screws and at the bottom with three of the decking screws. Repeat for the other side and now your log kayak rack is complete.

Step 7. Enjoy

Naturally weather resistant, our kayak storage systems will keep your equipment lasting longer, your property looking cleaner, and get you back out on the water faster. Shop our full selection of free-standing, ground buried, wall-mounted and dock-mounted single and multi-kayak racks online now. If you have any questions or concerns while assembling your kayak storage rack, give us a call at 1-715-543-2006. We’d be more than happy to help you through the process.

Where to Kayak near Reston, Virginia

Named one of “The South’s Best Cities on the Rise for 2024” by Southern Living, Reston, Virginia is making waves in more way than one. This charming Fairfax County town offers phenomenal culinary experiences, 800 acres of breathtaking natural beauty, a thriving arts scene and is a constant buzz of excitement.

Kayaking in Reston, VA

From roiling, rocky waterfalls to calm marshlands and scenic lakes, water is everywhere in Fairfax County. The town of Reston has four man-made lakes: Lake Anne, Lake Thoreau, Lake Audubon and Lake Newport. These lakes cover 125 acres and provide recreation as well as storm-water management for the community. Swimming and ice skating are not permitted. However, Reston Association member and their guests can use the lakes for fishing, boating, kayaking, wildlife watching and lakeside picnicking. These four lakes are stunning and calm, but far from the only options for kayaking in and around Reston, VA.

Lake Fairfax Park

Reston, VA

The highlight for avid kayakers of the 476-acre Lake Fairfax Park is its lake. For a small fee, you can launch your own boat and enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery of this 18-acre lake. The park also has a water park, carousel, picnic areas, campgrounds, trails, playground and more.

Pohick Bay Regional Park

Lorton, VA

Pohick Bay Regional Park lies about 25 miles south of the nation’s capital in Lorton, Virginia. The park consists of a spectacular 1,000 bayside acres on the historic Mason Neck peninsula. The bay is a tributary of the Potomac River and offers one of the area’s finest wildlife habitats including bald eagles, great blue herons, ospreys, fish and more. The park also features an 18-hole golf course, camping, an outdoor swimming pool, sailboat, pedal boat, canoe and sea kayak rentals, boating and fishing, miniature and Frisbee golf, four miles of bridle paths, nature trails and much more.

Riverbend Park

Great Falls, VA

With over 400 acres of forest, meadows and ponds, this riverfront park offers spectacular views, beautiful wildflowers, birds and plenty of calm waters to explore. The park runs adjacent to the Potomac River and sits just above Great Falls Park. These calm waters are filled with little islands and rocks for kayakers to explore. The park also offers hiking trails, fishing, a visitors’ center, weekend kayak and canoe rental and riverside picnicking.

Great Falls Park

McLean, VA

A Fairfax County must see, Great Falls Park is a treasure whether you are skilled enough to kayak it or not. The park offers hiking, horseback riding fishing and more as well as great views of the falls that crash over a series of jagged rocks. This section of the Potomac River is open to whitewater boating and varies from Class II to Class VI. Any kayaker to Great Falls Park should be extremely experienced and ready for the river’s challenging currents, standing waves, and hydraulics.

Virginia Kayak Storage Racks

Keep your kayak high and dry with Log Kayak Rack. These beautiful and practical kayak storage racks are made from cedar logs and are designed to keep your kayaks, canoes, SUP and surfboards neat and orderly while providing stunning storage. Perfect for shorelines, cabins, beachfronts, backyards, cities, parks, campgrounds and more, shop our kayak racks online now. Custom kayak storage racks and free shipping are available.

Organize Your Garage with a Log Kayak Rack

Owning your own kayak, canoe or paddleboard is loads of fun. You’re free to paddle whenever and wherever you want but figuring out where to keep your kayak when you’re not using it is not nearly as fun.

Their awkward shape and bulky size can make it difficult to find just the right spot. If you have the space, storing your kayak in your garage is an excellent option. It’s protected from the snow, rain, and UV rays. It’s much better protected from theft, and it is less likely to be damaged. The right rack or storage system can help keep your garage neat and orderly and your kayak easily accessible.

Kayak Storage Options for Your Garage

The right kayak storage system will be determined by your space, needs and preferences. Many people like to hang their boats from the garage ceiling. It certainly takes up less floor and wall space, but it’s not always very practical when you want to use your kayak. We’re all for keeping your garage organized and your kayak out of the way, just not so far out of the way that it becomes a hassle to use it. Our ideal kayak storage keeps your boats and accessories orderly, but also easily accessible.

Wall-Mounted Kayak Racks

We offer a wall mounted storage rack that keeps your kayaks, canoes and paddleboards safe and secure, while only needing a small amount of space. This sturdy, handcrafted storage rack can be mounted right to your garage wall and will leave enough space for you to still park both of your cars in your garage. It will not only help you maximize the space of your garage, but it will keep your canoe, kayak or SUP high, dry and easily accessible!

Free-Standing Kayak Racks

Our free-standing kayak racks are self-supporting and do not need to be attached or anchored to the ground or a wall, making them perfect for inside your garage. You can move it around as needed to clean, organize or rearrange your garage. Our single sided option offers a reduced footprint and can be pushed flush against one wall for even more space saving.

Accessory Organization Racks

If trying to keep your garage organized is your top priority, it’s important to have a designated place for your paddles, life jackets and other accessories. Log Kayak Rack has the perfect rack for that too. Check out our wall mounted paddle rack and our life jacket wall rack for the perfect storage solution to keeping all your accessories neat and orderly.

Keep Your Kayak in Great Shape with Proper Storage

No matter where you decide to keep your kayak or what kind of rack you go with it’s important to remember to keep it off the ground, support the hull, store it upside down and always dry it thoroughly before storing. Shop our entire collection of Log Kayak Racks online now or check out more of our blog posts for other kayak storage tips.

Best Places in Reno to Kayak

Home to crystal clear waters, peaceful mountain lakes and rushing whitewater, Reno is a favorite destination for kayakers. From the Truckee River and Lake Tahoe to secluded dessert oases, northern Nevada is not short on water. Enjoy world-class outdoor experiences only Reno can offer.

Where to Kayak in Reno

Test your strength, patience and sense of adventure with these thrilling kayaking destinations in and around Reno.

Truckee River Whitewater Park

Reno, NV

For adrenaline pumping excitement, look no farther than downtown Reno and The Truckee River Whitewater Park. It backs a punch with 11 drop pools and dynamic features for kayakers to surf, cartwheel, spoof, splat, spin and slalom. The park covers one-half miles with 7,000 tons of smooth flat-top rocks and boulders and is a class 2 to 3 course.

Lake Tahoe

California & Nevada

Lake Tahoe is a large and popular freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. It straddles the border between California and Nevada and is as well known for its beaches and coves as its many ski resorts. It has 72 miles of shoreline for kayakers to explore and 20 public launch sites. Favorite kayaking destinations on the lake include Sand Harbor at Lake Tahoe Nevada State Park, Zephyr Cove, Kings Beach and D.L. Bliss State Park. More advanced kayakers who really want to explore the lake should consider the 72-mile Lake Tahoe Water Trail.

Tamarack Bay on Pyramid Lake

Reno, NV

If you are looking to escape the sometimes-crowded beaches of Lake Tahoe, consider Tamarack Bay on Pyramid Lake. This beach is an isolated and awe-inspiring oasis in the middle of the Basis and Range desert. It is the last remnant of a vast inland lake that once stretched across Oregon, Idaho, California, and Nevada. Today it still covers 125,000 acres and is surrounded by unusual rock formations leading to it being called North America’s most beautiful desert lake.

Washoe Lake

Carson City, NV

Just south of Reno, in a scenic valley is Washoe Lake State Park. This hidden gem offers breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada, Carson and Virginia mountain ranges and a large, shallow lake to explore. While cruising the waters and enjoying the stunning views of the big sand dunes and the backside of Slide Mountain, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that includes Nevada’s iconic wild horses, countless songbirds, hawks and more.

Prosser Boca Reservoir

Truckee, NV

Prosser Reservoir is a beautiful lake in the Tahoe National Forest. It is located about ten minutes north of Truckee and 45 minutes from Reno. Its sprawling shoreline makes it a popular destination for kayaking and canoeing, as well as the fact that motorized boats are restricted to 10mph. It also offers ample wildlife spotting and excellent fishing.

Shop Kayak Racks Online with Shipping to Nevada

Keep your kayak high and dry with Log Kayak Rack and our beautiful, practical kayak storage racks. Made from cedar logs, they’ll keep your kayaks, canoes, SUP and surfboards neat and orderly, providing stunning storage for shorelines, cabins, beachfronts, backyards, cities, parks, campgrounds and more. Shop any of our kayak and canoe racks online now and enjoy free shipping to Reno or contact us for a custom design.

Ground Buried Vs Free Standing Kayak Racks

At Log Kayak Rack, we handcraft heavy-duty kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) storage racks out of northern white cedar logs. We offer a huge selection of commercial-grade kayak racks that can store and display anywhere from one to eight kayaks at a time. Two of our most popular styles include our freestanding and ground buried kayak racks.

Both are great options, but depending on your specific storage location and needs, one could outperform the other. Let’s take a closer look at these two styles and see how they stack up.

Ground-Buried Kayak Racks

As the name suggests, these kayak racks are meant to be buried in the ground. Ours are crafted from weather-resistant cedar logs and have a 4 5/8-inch post that can be buried up to 48” deep.

Benefits & Uses for Ground Buried Kayak Racks

Ground-buried models must be used for outdoor storage.
Once installed, they cannot be easily moved or relocated.
Ground-buried kayak racks can be used on hills and uneven outdoor surfaces where freestanding racks would be difficult to level.
Not only can the posts be buried in the ground, but they can be attached directly to your dock for convenient on the water storage.
They provide added security.
They are ideal for heavier watercraft.

Freestanding Kayak Racks

These racks are self-supporting and do not need to be attached or anchored to the ground or a wall. Ours are each constructed with 4 5/8-inch posts and feet made from weather-resistant cedar logs to keep the rack stable.

Benefits & Uses for Freestanding Kayak Racks

Freestanding kayak racks can be used indoors or outdoors.
There is no need to screw or drill into your walls or the ground.
They can be single sided or double sided.
Freestanding racks require a level surface.
They can be moved much easier than ground buried racks when needed.
In windy locations, ground anchors might be necessary.

Choosing the Right Kayak Rack for You

Before you purchase your kayak rack, it’s important to know where you are going to be keeping it. Our freestanding racks provide great flexibility for indoor and outdoor storage, and they can be easily relocated. But if you are looking to install on a hillside or other uneven surface, on a dock or need the added security, ground-buried is probably the better option. You’ll also want to think about how many kayaks or canoes you are storing and your own style preferences.

Shop our ground buried and freestanding kayak racks online now or contact us for help in select the perfect kayak storage rack for your needs? We’d be happy to talk through the different design options or come up with a custom rack to meet your specific needs. Call Log Kayak Rack at 715-543-2006 or contact us online.

Kayaking Destinations in Stamford, Connecticut

Located along the Long Island Sound in Connecticut, Stamford is a populous city that offers a blend of urban excitement and suburban charm. With 19 miles of shoreline, parks, beaches, rivers and scenic views, this spirited city is the perfect place for your next kayaking adventure.

Best Places to Kayak Near Stamford

From state parks and scenic rivers to the bay, here are some of the best places to kayak in and around Stamford, CT.

Cove Island Park

Stamford, CT

Cove Island Park is a beautiful 88-acre park with a wildlife sanctuary, two beaches, paths, trails and more right on the Long Island Sound in Stamford. A tranquil oasis, it offers breathtaking natural scenery, a wide diversity of wild life and a stunning rocky coastline. Launch your kayak from the marina and enjoy exploring Holly Pond, Cove Harbor and out into the Long Island Sound.

Sherwood Island State Park

Westport, CT

Sherwood Island is Connecticut’s first state park, and one of its finest with 235 acres of beach, wetlands and coastal forest to explore. It’s located on the state’s picturesque shoreline, making it a popular destination for kayaking and other water sports. The park has a launch for kayaks and canoes on the far west end of West Beach. From here you can explore Mill Creek and the saltmarsh.

Bigelow Hollow State Park

Union, CT

Bigelow Hollow State Park is a literal hidden gem, hidden among one of the largest unbroken stretches of forest in eastern Connecticut. The park is 516 acres of rugged, remote forest, perfect for hiking, boating, fishing and even scuba diving during the summer. For kayakers, explore the shallows of the natural 25-acre Bigelow Pond, the secluded 97-acre Breakneck Pond or the massive 297-acre Mashapaug Lake.

Nissequogue River State Park

Kings Park, New York

This six-mile, one-way journey down the Nissequoque River is filled with winding adventure, scenic views and lots of wildlife. Start from the banks of Nissequogue River State Park, which is located on the north shore of Long Island across the sound from Stamford. You’ll head out into the sound for a bit before the river narrows into small canal paths and finally winds the rest of the way to Paul T. Given County Park.

Hudson River in Cold Spring

Cold Spring, New York

About an hour from Stamford in Cold Spring, New York is an excellent section of the Hudson River for kayakers of all experience levels. You’ll paddle the narrowest section of the Hudson River, traveling past tall cliffs and through the Constitution Marsh. You’ll enjoy exceptional views, lots of opportunities to spot wildlife as well as wading pools and waterfalls. Tours are available through Hudson River Expeditions.

Shop Kayak Racks Online with Shipping to Connecticut

Can You Store Your Kayak Outside?

Owning a kayak and being able to head out on the lake whenever and wherever you want is great, but kayaks are big and bulky and finding a place to store them inside can be challenging and inconvenient. Keeping them closer the water and at the ready would be ideal, but is it OK to store them outside?

Indoor vs Outdoor Kayak Storage

Keeping your kayak indoors offers the best protection. It’s better protected from the elements like direct sunlight, rain, high winds, hail and snow. It’s harder for someone to steal or vandalize and it’s less likely to become inhabited by a small critter. But it’s not always very practical. Storing your kayak outdoors is fine, as long as you take a few precautions.

How to Safely Store Your Kayak Outdoors

Proper storage is key to keeping your kayak in tip-top shape and protected from damage. A good storage location is one that limits exposure to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight and moister. You’ll also want to keep it off the ground. Here are some tips for storing your kayak outside.

Keep it Shaded

A nice shady spot will help protect your kayak from harmful UV rays and excessive heat. If your property doesn’t offer a lot of natural shade, consider placing it below the eaves of a roof or under a strung-up tarp. We do not recommend wrapping the kayak in the tarp. This can create a wet environment that promotes mold or fungal growth as well as hold snow or rainwater, which can deform the boat and exceed the weight limits if using a kayak rack.

Protect from Moisture

Constant exposure to rain and snow can degrade hull materials overtime. When storing your kayak outside, make sure you store it upside down so water can’t collect in the kayak. You can also wrap each kayak in a waterproof and UV-protected kayak cover for additional protection.

Keep it Off the Ground

Use a kayak rack or suspension cords to keep your kayak off the ground. Storing your kayak directly on the ground or floor can cause hull deformation and exposes it to dirt and moisture.

Keep it Clean

You should always give your kayak a rinse off before storing it to remove dirt, sand, salt and grime.

Distribute the Weight

Uneven weight distribution or even tight straps can cause hulls to deform over time. A quality rack can help make sure your kayak is properly and evenly supported.

Protect it from Theft

With outdoor storage, unfortunately, you may need to consider protecting your kayak from being stolen. Keep it hidden from view, if possible, and consider adding a security cable and lock.

Outdoor Kayak Racks

Log Kayak Rack handcrafts heavy-duty outdoor storage racks for kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle board (SUP) from northern white cedar logs. We offer a huge selection of commercial-grade kayak racks that can store and display anywhere from one to eight kayaks at a time. Our kayak racks are naturally weather resistant and designed for indoor or outdoor use to keep your equipment lasting longer, your property looking cleaner, and get you back out on the water faster. Shop our full selection of free-standing, ground buried, wall-mounted and dock-mounted outdoor kayak racks online now or contact us for a custom solution to your outdoor storage needs.