Kayaking Tips – Maintaining And Storing Your Kayak

Okay – so you have purchased a brand new touring kayak. Do you know how to look after it?  Buying a kayak is no different than many other purchases. Kayaks require a careful maintenance program that should be undertaken after every use. If you use your kayak in saltwater then this maintenance program is even more important.

Having made that point, it should also be pointed out that a maintenance program is actually quite straightforward. Central to this program is cleanliness and that starts with thoroughly washing the paddles and the outside of the kayak after every use. The inside is an area that is often overlooked – don’t! Dirt, dust and even gravel can accumulate inside and needs to be cleaned out – again, after every use.

While washing the exterior of your kayak, closely examine the hull for any major scratches or structural damage. Catching these early makes for easier repairs, leave it too late and the structure could fail just when you don’t want it too.

Before storing your kayak, make sure it is thoroughly dry first. Once it is clean and dry, store it somewhere where it will stay dry. If left outdoors, sun, wind and rain can do a lot of damage to a kayak and considering their expense, not a great idea.

Your paddles should also be clean and dry before storage. As with the kayak, check your paddles carefully for any damage. If cracks start to appear, consider replacing them. The last thing you want is for a paddle to break when you’re in the middle of the lake. You may be able to get back to shore, but it will take a lot of work.

Replacement kayak paddles are inexpensive and probably worth having on hand all the time anyway. Look after your kayak and its accessories and you will gain years of use from them.