Kayak racks are not strictly necessary, but they are one of the best ways to store a kayak safely and prevent hull damage over time. The alternatives, including ceiling hoists, wall mounts, and sawhorses, can all work just as well depending on your space and budget.
This article covers the main reasons to use a kayak rack, the alternatives available, and how to choose the right storage solution for your situation.
Why Use a Kayak Rack?
The primary purpose of a kayak rack is to distribute the weight of the kayak evenly across the hull. Storing a kayak incorrectly, such as flat on the ground hull-side down or leaning against a wall on a single contact point, concentrates the weight on a small area of the hull and causes deformation over time.
Deformation is particularly common in rotomolded polyethylene kayaks, which are more susceptible to warping than fibreglass or composite hulls. A kayak stored flat on the ground in a hot garage can warp significantly over a single summer as the hull softens in the heat and hardens again when it cools.
A kayak rack distributes the weight across two padded contact points positioned roughly one third of the kayak’s length from each end, which prevents pressure from building up at any single point.
Safety
A kayak stored on an unsecured surface is a genuine safety hazard. A 20kg (44 lbs) kayak falling from a wall or sliding off a flat surface can cause serious injury. Dedicated kayak racks and wall mounts are designed to hold the kayak securely and prevent accidental falls.
Protecting Against Environmental Damage
Storing a kayak on a rack in an enclosed space protects it from UV damage, temperature extremes, and moisture. Direct sunlight degrades hull materials over time, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles in cold climates can cause cracks in fibreglass and composite hulls.
If indoor storage is not available, use a UV-resistant waterproof cover over the kayak on the rack to provide equivalent protection.
Types of Kayak Storage
Freestanding Kayak Racks
Freestanding racks stand independently in a garage or storage area and can hold one or more kayaks. They are the most flexible storage option as they can be moved and repositioned without any installation. Most freestanding racks are adjustable in height and width to accommodate different kayak sizes.
Freestanding racks work well for paddlers with multiple kayaks or those who want a portable storage solution that can be moved between properties.
Wall Mounts
Wall mounts attach to wall studs or masonry and hold the kayak horizontally on padded brackets. They are space-efficient and keep the kayak off the floor, which is useful in a small garage. Installation requires drilling into the wall, but most wall mounts take less than an hour to install.
The RAD Sportz Kayak Wall Hangers are a well-reviewed and affordable option available on Amazon.
Ceiling Hoists
Ceiling hoists use a pulley system to raise and lower the kayak from the ceiling. They free up floor and wall space entirely, making them ideal for small garages. The kayak is raised to the ceiling when not in use and lowered for paddling sessions.
Look for a hoist rated for at least 56kg (125lbs) and make sure it is mounted into ceiling joists or solid timber rather than plasterboard.
Sawhorses
Sawhorses are the most affordable storage option and can be set up in minutes without any installation. Padded wooden or metal sawhorses placed roughly one third from each end of the kayak provide adequate weight distribution for short and long-term storage.
Read: Can You Store a Kayak on Sawhorses?
Final Thoughts
Kayak racks are not essential, but they are one of the best investments you can make for long-term kayak storage. The alternatives, including wall mounts, ceiling hoists, and sawhorses, all work well when used correctly. The most important principle regardless of which system you choose is to keep the kayak off the ground, distribute the weight evenly across the hull, and protect it from direct sunlight and moisture.
For a comprehensive guide to all aspects of kayak storage including indoor, outdoor, and seasonal storage, read our guide on how to store a kayak.