Winter Kayak Care

kayak boat rack image by Sirena Designs from Fotolia.com

After a long and hopefully active and successful season of playing on the rivers, if you are a whitewater boater, or in the ocean, if you are a sea kayaker, come fall it is time to prepare your boat for winter storage. Unless you are one of the lucky ones who can boat year-round, fall is a good time to examine and clean your boat, whether a whitewater or a sea kayak, so that it is in good shape when you are ready to return to the water in spring.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Sponges
Garden hose
Razor blade
Duct tape
Slings with ceiling attachments (optional)

Step 1

Place the kayak on a flat surface in the sun and empty out any loose parts.

Step 2

Open the drain plug and tilt the kayak to drain any water that is still in the boat.

Step 3

Wet a sponge and use it to gently wipe the interior of the boat clean, reaching as far into the boat as you can.

Step 4

Spray the inside of the kayak with water and then tilt it upside down and let it dry.

Step 5

Look at the exterior of the hull for any divots or pieces of plastic that have curled up. Use the razor blade to shave these off close to the surface of the boat.

Step 6

Use duct tape wrapped around your hand, sticky side up, to remove any dirt or salt buildup around gaskets and drain holes on the boat.

Step 7

Stand the kayak on its stern, leaning gently against a wall, in the garage during the winter. Keep the boat out of the sun and the elements, as they can damage the boat. If your garage is not big enough to let you stand the boat up, hang slings from the ceiling and slide the kayak into the slings.

Tips & Warnings

If you are boating in cold water during the winter, clean the boat out every time you use it and then store it in the garage. Do not leave it in lying in the snow.

Article Written By Candace Horgan

Candace Horgan has worked as a freelance journalist for more than 12 years. Her work has appeared in various print and online publications, including the "Denver Post" and "Mix." Horgan holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history.

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