If you are considering kayaking as a hobby or sport, the first thing to consider is how much you are willing to spend on a new or used kayak along with the cost of any essential accessories you will need. The next thing to consider is where you will store your kayak when you are not using it.

Not many people take into account the cost of buying all the accessories for the kayak, which together will often be more than the price of the kayak itself. A decent paddle set isn’t cheap and can run anywhere from $60 to $500 or more. There is also the cost of a life jacket, wet gear, gloves, paddles, paddle leash, dry bags, kayak carts, etc. The list is almost endless, and before you know it, you’ll have spent far more than your original planned budget.

To keep the cost down, it is worth considering buying used kayaks. Kayaks are very durable and used kayaks will typically only have sustained superficial scratches to the hull from general wear and tear.

However, you should check any used kayak for cracks, cracks, or punctures, especially if it is an inflatable kayak. Also, always check the quality of used kayaks when good natural light is available.

Once you’ve purchased your kayak or canoe, you’ll need convenient and accessible storage facilities.

If you’ve opted for an inflatable kayak, storage won’t be a major problem, as an inflatable kayak can be neatly stored in a closet, under a bed, or in the attic. Before storing an inflatable kayak for any length of time, you must ensure that it is completely clean and dry or there is a risk that it will develop mold and eventually rot.

Storing a plastic kayak isn’t as easy as an inflatable kayak, but with that said, depending on the size of the boat and the space you have available, it doesn’t have to be that difficult either.

If you have a garage or shed, the easiest way to store your kayak is to hang it on the bars on the wall. This will keep the kayak out of harm’s way and provide the best form of storage as you won’t be constantly tripping over it or having to move it to get to something else. Also, hanging your kayak on the bars on the wall will ensure that any residual water drains completely.

You can even purchase a mechanical pulley system that will allow you to store your kayak on the roof of your garage. This has the added benefit of allowing you to store your kayak paddles and accessories inside the hull and makes it easy to mount to a roof rack by simply driving your vehicle directly under it.