How to Store Kayaks - 10 Practical Kayak Storage Ideas

Kayaking is a great physical pastime for getting some exercise while enjoying nature. While you could rent your kayak, this gets tedious and means you are dependent on someone else. Instead, owning your kayaks means you can head out on the water for free any time you want. You just need to figure out where to put your kayak when you’re not using it. What you need is a kayak storage rack.

These kayak storage ideas will help you figure out what to do with your kayak while you’re not out on the water.

1. Beachside Kayak Storage

If you’re lucky enough to live near the beach, then you could skip the hassle of transport and keep your kayak directly on the beach. You’ll see this commonly done with hard shell kayaks. A freestanding rack is ideal because it gets the kayak off the ground.

Yellow kayaks lined up on the shore of a calm lake surrounded by rocky mountains under a clear sky

Covered dock kayak storage with colorful kayaks stacked on racks over the water, offering easy access for paddling adventures

White kayaks stored upside down on a green artificial turf near a dock, ready for use on a calm, misty waterfront

Colorful kayaks stacked on racks by the waterfront, with boats and a crane in the background

A stack of colorful kayaks on a metal rack by a beach, with a scenic view of the ocean and distant trees

Kayaks stacked on racks overlook a marina with boats on a sunny day

Colorful kayaks stacked on a rack by a sandy lakeshore

A rack holds several colorful kayaks near a waterfront pathway

Colorful kayaks stacked on racks by a lake

Colorful kayaks lined up on grassy shore by a lake — Source: @boatinginboston via Instagram

Make sure to always turn them upside down while on the rack. It should also have a cover overhead. This will protect the kayaks from the sun’s harmful UV rays. You don’t want the molded plastic growing brittle and cracking from exposure.

2. Simple DIY Kayak Rack Construction

While there are many fancy kayak storage racks and kits that are available, you don’t have to go this route. Instead, you can easily create a DIY kayak rack plan. Use a tape measure to plan out the size and shape of your rack. Then use wood to build the rack.

Two colorful kayaks stored on a wooden rack beside a green building — Source: @diesel_sprague via Instagram

Three kayaks stored on wooden racks in a garage: red kayak on top, orange in the middle, and gray at the bottom — Source: @windroseranch via Instagram

Be sure to reinforce it will plenty of support. You also want to make sure that it stays stable once the kayak’s weight is on the rack. To protect your kayak, add foam padding to the support rails.

3. Waterside Dock Storage for Kayaks

When you live on the water, the smartest storage option is a dock. This puts your storage location right on the water. Then you have easy access to your recreational kayaks whenever you want them. You could even put your inflatable kayak or canoe on the dock. While they may be more expensive, invest in a floating dock. They are made of durable PVC material and float on the water right at the edge.

Colorful kayaks on a dock beside white swan paddle boats on a calm lake

Brightly colored kayaks stacked on a dock by a calm lake, with one kayak ready in the foreground — Source: @boatinginboston via Instagram

Rows of colorful canoes stacked on a wooden dock

Racks filled with colorful kayaks under shelter at a dock

Stacks of colorful kayaks in yellow, green, and blue are lined up on a dock by a serene lake — Source: @boatinginboston via Instagram

Floating wooden platform with an L-shape, featuring a safety handrail on one side, set on a body of water near a dock — Source: @chesapeake_dock_outfitters via Instagram

On the water side, it slants down towards the water. That way, you can easily slide the kayak off into the water or paddle up on it.

4. Freestanding Storage Racks

The easiest kayak storage idea is a freestanding storage rack. You buy it, set it up, and put your kayak on it. If you only have one kayak, there are simple two-stand sets that you can fold up and tuck out of the way when not needed. Or you can move them around as needed.

Covered wooden kayak rack storing red and yellow kayaks, providing protection and easy access for outdoor adventures

Two yellow kayaks mounted on a wall rack against a white background

Three kayaks—yellow, green, and red—are stored on a wooden rack — Source: @boldcitybuilders via Instagram

If you can’t afford to buy the specialty kayak stand, an even easier alternative is to set up two sawhorses. Just be sure to turn the kayak upside down when placing it on the supports.

5. Indoor Garage Kayak Storage Ideas

If you have a large garage, then it makes sense to bring your kayak indoors for garage storage. An indoor kayak storage rack will help keep your kayak looking and performing to the best of its ability for longer. With indoor storage, your kayak is protected from the elements, such as UV rays and fluctuating temperatures.

Covered outdoor kayak storage with colorful kayaks neatly stacked beside a small wooden building, surrounded by tall pine trees

Covered metal kayak racks storing colorful kayaks and paddleboards, offering organized and weather-protected storage near the water

Colorful kayaks stored on metal racks in an outdoor shelter

Rows of colorful kayaks and canoes stored on racks inside a dimly lit boathouse

Colorful canoes stacked in a metal rack, overlooking a marina and cityscape in the background

Two kayaks, one blue and one green, stored on a wall rack in a garage — Source: @cwp_woodworks via Instagram

Two kayaks, one yellow and one green, are stored on a garage wall rack with a ladder stored above them — Source: @fliesbyfletch via Instagram

Wooden kayak storage shed with neatly stacked kayaks inside, providing a secure and organized space for gear protection and easy access — Source: @henkes_officiella via Instagram

You can stand them up vertically with a rope securing them to the wall if you have a tall garage ceiling. For small spaces, it can make more sense to suspend them from the ceiling.

6. Ceiling Kayak Storage: Maximizing Vertical Space

If you lack the necessary floor space for storing your kayaks, it’s time to look up for your storage solution. Start by looking for a ceiling joist to mount your ceiling rack from. This will give it the necessary support and strength needed to hold the kayak’s weight.

Blue kayak suspended from the ceiling in a garage using a pulley system, maximizing storage space while keeping it easily accessible — Source: @a_hayes_ via Instagram

You can buy a mounting hardware kit like Rad Sportz. Once installed, a long cable will release the loops, lowering them to make it easy to put your kayak through the holding loops. Then pull the cable through the pulley system to raise your kayak out of the way. Underneath, you have your storage space back.

7. Outdoor Kayak Storage Options for All Needs

Kayaks can be quite large, making them cumbersome to keep in your garage. What you need is an outdoor kayak storage solution. It could be a wall-mounted option, freestanding rack, or even a kayak trailer on wheels.

Stacked colorful kayaks on a rack beside a pebble pathway

Stack of colorful kayaks and canoes arranged in a wooded area near a waterway, surrounded by trees and foliage

Colorful kayaks stacked on a trailer near large rocks, with two green kayaks, a yellow kayak, and two red-and-white kayaks on top

Rows of colorful canoes stacked on wooden racks, set against a backdrop of vibrant autumn trees

Wooden outdoor kayak racks with colorful kayaks neatly stored in a shaded area, providing easy access for paddlers

Colorful canoes stacked on a rack between autumn trees and a pine — Source: @aframeonfindley via Instagram

Colorful kayaks stacked on wooden racks outdoors, surrounded by trees and grass — Source: @boatinginboston via Instagram

Covered wooden kayak rack with colorful kayaks stored under a large tree draped in Spanish moss, creating a scenic outdoor storage space — Source: @lindsaymarie1783 via Instagram

Three kayaks on a rack by a lake, surrounded by green grass and trees in the background — Source: @ttspecialtyproducts via Instagram

The type of outdoor storage that you decide to use will depend on your budget, available space, and the number of kayaks you need storage for. Simple wall-mounted hooks are affordable but limit the number of kayaks you can hang. A large freestanding unit can be more expensive but ideal for storing many kayaks.

8. Vertical Kayak Storage for Space Efficiency

When you head to an outdoor sporting goods store, you’ll likely see the kayak on display standing upright. This is done because you can easily store multiple kayaks in a smaller space. You can take the same approach with your at-home kayak storage. It could be a freestanding rack or individual blocks for each kayak stand.

Colorful kayaks lined up vertically on a wooden rack by a lakeside

Vibrant kayaks stored upright in a neat row by the waterfront, creating an eye-catching rainbow display ready for adventure

Colorful kayaks stored upright on a grassy shoreline, with a bicycle parked nearby, ready for outdoor adventures on land and water — Source: @markj29a via Instagram

You should also have an adjustable strap that wraps around the middle of the kayak or a second loop mounted higher on the wall for safety purposes. This secures the kayak to the wall while in a vertical storage position.

9. Versatile Wall-Mounted Kayak Racks

Wall mounted racks are one of the most common storage methods because you can mount them on any wall at any height. They typically come as individual hooks that are bolted to the wall. You place the kayak in the hooks and then use the straps to secure the kayak in the hooks.

Two kayaks, one green and one orange, mounted on a garage wall with paddles and life vests — Source: @sherri_marie_b via Instagram

Two canoes mounted on a wooden wall by a pebble beach — Source: @Ideas via Instagram

The Suspenz EZ Kayak Rack is a popular option. You can essentially build your own wall rack because the individual hooks are mounted separately. This lets you mount them where you have the available wall space.

10. DIY Freestanding Wood Kayak Rack

If you have a lot of kayaks that you need storage space for, then building a wood rack is an ideal option. You can easily build a freestanding rack from available kits. Most kits can hold three to six kayaks. They will feature two arms for each kayak. You’ll place the kayak in from the side so that it rests on the two supports.

Sturdy wooden kayak rack holding bright blue kayaks in a tiered design, providing organized and accessible outdoor storage — Source: @a2oproperties via Instagram

Compact wooden kayak rack attached to a shed, neatly storing colorful kayaks in a narrow backyard space for efficient organization — Source: @just_jack_d via Instagram

Two canoes stored on a wooden rack outdoors — Source: @labradorkid via Instagram

Sturdy wooden kayak rack holding a blue and an orange kayak, neatly stored outside a garage for easy access and space-saving organization — Source: @stephencaugheyjoinery via Instagram

Wooden kayak and canoe racks storing colorful boats in an outdoor setting, offering organized and easy access for paddlers — Source: @Ideas via Instagram

This is the most user-friendly method because it’s easy to take the kayaks on and off. An alternative option is where the kayaks get placed on the stand from the end. This style of rack is best when you don’t have enough room to load them from the side, such as when the rack is on a dock.

Can you leave kayaks outside in the winter?

Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to leave your kayak outside during winter. Warm climates that don’t experience snow and ice are suitable for outdoor winter kayak storage. Colder climates that do experience snow and ice can cause damage to your kayak. In addition to creating dents, the freeze and thaw cycle can crack the molded plastic of the kayak.

Can you sit in a kayak on the ground?

You shouldn’t leave your kayak sitting on flat ground for longer than a few days. Kayaks aren’t designed to sit on their hull for extended periods. The excess weight of the kayak will cause the kayak to flatten and damage the exterior of the kayak.

How do you lock a kayak outside?

If you decide that storing your kayak outside is the best option, you’ll want to secure the kayak to the rack. Otherwise, you risk someone walking away with your kayak. To do this, start by running a lock cable through the scupper plug holes and handles, then around the secured rack and locking it. To prevent temptation, place the kayak in a storage bag or cover it with a tarp. That way, it’s not readily seen.