The Benefits of Storing a Kayak in a Storage Unit

Kayaking is among Canada’s most enjoyable pastimes. While a kayak’s long, awkward shape provides the perfect vessel to make the most of long summer days, it also makes winter storage a nightmare! Thankfully, a good storage environment and proper maintenance practices make storing a kayak affordable, efficient, and easy!

3 Tips to Remember While Storing a Kayak

1. Constant exposure to natural elements will quickly degrade the quality of your kayak – it’s imperative to create a balanced environment for the vessel. Too much bright sunlight will damage the material, but dark and damp exposure will damage it just the same. Be mindful about the hull warping from too much heat, but also keep in mind that extreme cold also has the potential to damage the hull (especially fibreglass hulls). 
2. Cleanliness is also important when storing a kayak. Excess dirt, water, and grime will stagnate and promote mould growth (see the last point about damp storage). Make sure to give your kayak a thorough cleaning and let it air out before you finally store it for winter. This will ensure a crisp kayak for the forthcoming summer. 
3. Kayaks aren’t cheap! Don’t lose your precious boat because of lazy storage practices. It’s important to keep it out of view, fastened into place, and locked behind a secure door. Thankfully, Acceptable Storage offers professional winter kayak storage services for the Ottawa region. In addition to our 24/7 security, your kayak is kept on a specialized storage rack that prevents warping and it’s climatized to the perfect temperature to ensure that your kayak is in top shape for next season!

How Additional Storage Units Help with Kayak Storage

Garage and shed space are sparsest in winter. Chairs, bins, cars, and other large objects take up valuable real estate – why bother even attempting to store a kayak? The kayak’s unique shape and its delicate material demand a specialized storage environment that meets the aforementioned requirements. The optimal solution is an additional storage unit. These environments offer optimal temperatures for your kayak (or canoe) while keeping it secure from theft and unwanted damage. 

Another reason to keep your kayak in a storage unit is the availability of useful maintenance services that are typically offered by the storage company. High-end storage providers, such as Acceptable Storage, offer complimentary services that allow you to perform off-season maintenance to your kayak. Wash racks, vacuum stations, and garbage disposal are some of the many services typically offered by quality storage services that keep your kayak and garage free from clutter. 

How to Prepare Your Kayak for Use After Winter

It’s important to appropriately prepare your kayak for the summer season after a winter in storage. While storage unit services are safe and secure, it’s a good idea to inspect your kayak before using it.

Make sure to check the hull first and foremost. Look for any warping or depressions in the hull. While these are unlikely, you can leave in the sun’s heat for a couple of hours to re-shape it. After a hull inspection, make sure your accessories are in top shape. Bungee cords, rudders, and paddles should be adequately inspected before use. 

Make sure to maintain upkeep on the kayak during the summer months as well. While you may not be storing it during the summer season, the services typically offered by high-end storage companies will prove useful for quick and clean maintenance. 

Keep Your Kayak Safe and Clean with Acceptable Storage

Contact Acceptable Storage today to reserve your storage unit for this upcoming winter! Forget the hassle of garage storage and uncomfortable home maintenance, make use of our specialized storage racks and maintenance stations. Our expert kayak storage services are only a short 15 minute drive from the Ottawa downtown core and are guaranteed to keep your kayak healthy and secure.