Your inflatable kayak is zooming you down the rapids and giving you the thrill of your life. Your heart pounds as you tilt left and right at the mercy of the waves.

You crash into a monster wave. You are hurled in the air and then dropped back into the rapids with walls of water splashing around you.

Faster and faster you go, sliding through the water like a rocket through space.

Suddenly, you lose control and crash into the bank. With a deep breath, you climb out of your kayak and pull it onto the shore.

But what do you do now? What are some ways that you can store your inflatable kayak? 

Can you store your kayak while it is still inflated? If so, can you store it outside?

Let’s find out.

Three Ways To Store An Inflatable Kayak

Wouldn’t it be nice to just stay in your inflatable kayak indefinitely? Unfortunately, work, family matters, and other obligations don’t allow for that.

Mother nature also refuses to cooperate. Snow and other storms mean that your kayak must be stored sooner or later.

So when storing your kayak is necessary, what are the best ways to do it?

One great way is to store it in your vehicle. First, deflate the kayak. Be sure that the air is completely out.

Next, carefully fold the kayak. You want to make it as small as possible, without creating rigid creases or wrinkles.

Put the folded kayak into a dry bag. The bag can be of any material that will protect the kayak from heat.

Store the bag in the trunk or rear seat of your vehicle.

You also can store an inflatable kayak in your garage, if your garage is cool and well ventilated. Again, fold the kayak, unless your garage is spacious.

Consider your personal situation. Will a dog or cat have access to your garage? If so, do not store the kayak there.

Claws are meant to cause destruction. Even if your garage has an elevated platform, cats can find their way up there.

Inspect your garage for small holes. If rodents can get in, they too can damage your kayak. 

Have an exterminator visit before storing your kayak in your garage. A small expense now can save you a big expense later if your kayak is damaged and you need to buy a new one.

Besides, riding in a kayak is like riding on a horse. Once you get used to it, you want to keep doing it.

A third option is to store your kayak in a storage facility. Some facilities have units that are designed with watercraft in mind.

Hideaway Storage is an excellent choice. Hideaway prides itself in keeping its storage units clean and secure.

Their units are affordable and come in different sizes. You get 24-hour access, and you are able to manage your account with them online.

Best of all, their staff is very familiar with the storage needs of watercraft owners, including kayak owners. They even have a frequently updated blog that gives tips to novice storage facility renters. 

Whatever storage method you choose, be sure the location is cool, and that it eliminates sunlight.

Inflatable kayaks include rubber and plastic. Neither of these materials stands up well in sunlight or hot temperatures.

Can An Inflatable Kayak Be Stored Inflated?

Although you can store your inflatable kayak any way that you like, the real question is whether it is advisable to store it while it is still inflated.

The answer is a resounding “no!”

If you do so, you will cause long-term damage to your kayak. This will cause the skin of your kayak to be strained, which can lead to tears. 

Because of the resulting stress on its seams, this will also make the kayak skin prone to punctures. 

Also, if you leave your kayak inflated for a long time, the air inside will expand. This can result in a rupture.

You certainly don’t want to be out on the rapids in a patched-up kayak. That would be like riding a roller coaster without pulling down the safety bar.

You want to feel as safe as possible when water is splashing off your face. Spend a few extra dollars to protect yourself and your investment.

Can You Store An Inflatable Kayak Outside?

An inflatable kayak can be stored outside. But once again, this is not the best option.

Heat can blister the kayak material. Besides, there are more rodents and critters outside to damage your kayak than there are in your garage.

If you live in a mild climate, your risk of damage from the weather is less. Storms will be less likely to rip the kayak skin. Sunlight will be less likely to strain the kayak skin. But these risks are still possible.  

If you decide to store your kayak outside, be sure to protect it with a strong cloth cover. Purchase an animal repellent spray and spray it in a circle around the kayak. Visit frequently to check if there is any weather or pest damage. 

Effective animal repellents include Bobbed, Bonide, Havahart, Safer Brand, PlantSkydd, Natural Armor, PetSafe, Exterminator’s Choice, Mighty Mint, and others.

Depending on where you live, one repellent may be better than others. Different repellents are also more effective for different types of animals.

Choose an animal repellent that comes with a trigger sprayer if available. If not, transfer the repellent to a spray bottle for easier use.

Keeping moisture, heat, and pests away from your kayak is mandatory to protect it during outside storage.

How To Prepare A Kayak For Storage?

Ultimately, whether you choose to store an inflatable kayak indoors or outdoors, there are some things you can do to best prepare it for storage, according to Pump Up Boats.

First, before storing, wash your kayak thoroughly. Remove all dirt and any debris. Leaving these on during storage will stain and damage the fabric.

Use a cleaner that is specially designed for inflatable boats. You will find these in your local marine store. Do not use steel wool, abrasive scrubs, high alkaline cleaners, ammonia, bleach, toluene, MEK, or other solvents.

All of these will weaken the material of your kayak. They also cause decolorization. You want to look good as you are hopping over and gliding through the waves.

Dry your kayak completely before storing it. Start with the outside of the kayak, using a dry towel. Deflate the kayak. Position it sideways and upside down to make sure all of the water is out.

Use a separate towel for each area of the kayak. Fold up the kayak and store it. 

Conclusion

Properly storing your inflatable kayak  is important to keep it in good condition. You can store it in your vehicle if you keep it dry and fold it correctly.

You can also store your kayak in your garage, as long as you keep animals and rodents away.

Storage facilities are another option, especially those that have staff who are knowledgeable of the needs of kayak owners. Wherever you store your kayak, be sure the location is dry and cool. Avoid sunlight, as this damages rubber and plastic.

It is not advisable to store a kayak inflated. But you can store a deflated kayak outside if you keep it covered. Take precautions to keep animals and rodents away.

Following these suggestions will help you to keep your kayak in good condition and will give you confidence to challenge those furious rapids.