Safe Kayak Storage With Self Storage

Summers in Ontario are spectacular and offer an almost endless range of activities. With a seemingly endless number of lakes and rivers in the province, kayaking is high on the list of popular activities to enjoy in the season. Any paddle enthusiast will tell you that this can take up a fair amount of space, especially when you need to put it away for winter. Don’t let this put you off if you are considering purchasing a kayak, because there are plenty of options to easily store it away for the winter!

Kayak Storage, A Problem Solved With Self Storage!

Using a climate controlled self storage unit to store your kayak is the best way to keep it protected and in the best possible shape over the winter. As possibly one of the largest items to store for the winter, a kayak needs to be stored carefully. It is preferable to store them indoors, otherwise there is a risk of the fibreglass cracking with repeated freezing and thawing. Doing this also avoids any other problems that can be associated with outdoor storage such as theft, UV damage, unwanted animal visitors, and more.

Picking the right unit:

Self storage units come in all shapes and sizes, which is fortunate because kayaks and canoes also come in a variety of sizes. For smaller models like river kayaks you won’t need the largest storage unit. Something a little bigger like a canoe or sea kayak will need a larger unit, a 10x10 or larger in this case would be the best option. If you’re looking to stow away an inflatable kayak for the winter and don’t quite have enough space at home you’ll only need the smallest unit. If you’re looking for an extra touch of convenience you could consider a drive up unit. This means you’ll always be able to drive right up to your unit to load and unload without having to worry about stairs or elevators. Learn about the different unit sizes you can make use of at Burlington Storage Barn here.

Preparing your kayak or canoe for storage:

Follow some simple steps to make sure that your kayak or canoe is in the best condition for storage;

1. Hand wash your kayak or canoe with warm soapy water.
2. Rinse it off with a hose to clean off any excess soap.
3. Make sure it is completely dry.

Safe Kayak or Canoe Storage:

Once you’ve picked out your unit and are ready to store your craft, you need to think about how you’re planning to store it in the unit. It’s never recommended to leave a canoe or kayak on the flat on the floor as it will damage the bottom over time. Instead, try one of these storage unit friendly methods for keeping it safe:

1. Use a freestanding storage rack:There are a number of racks available that will safely store your kayak which don’t require any installation, this means they’ll easily work with your storage unit.
2. Make One Yourself:Use a couple of wooden planks up against a wall of the unit to securely lean your kayak at an angle. Using this method you’ll need to turn it every month or so to keep the weight evenly distributed.
3. Adapt your car rack:As you probably already have a car rack for transporting your kayak, you can make the most of it by adapting it for longer term storage. Most can be placed on the ground to be used for winter kayak storage.

Storage units at Burlington Storage Barn come in a variety of shapes and sizes, meaning that there’s plenty of space no matter the type of kayak you’re looking to store. You can choose a drive up unit for easier loading and unloading, and best of all you don’t have to sign a long term contract meaning you can enjoy safe kayak storage for as long or short a time as you like. Find our unit rates here.