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Caring for your kayak

Most damage to kayaks occurs out of the water, because of rough transportation or poor storage.

The family car offers both subtle and spectacular ways to destroy your new boat. So before setting off to the river or coast make sure that your kayak is safely secured to the roof. Tie flags to the bow and stern if the kayak's longer than your car.
Over winter, store your kayak away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can break down finishing coats on top-range boats, and it may warp plastic kayaks. Make sure the hull is well supported if you're storing your kayak on racks. A sagging hull will lead to stress fractures and warping.
At the beach, carry your kayak over rocks and concrete on your way to the water. Even durable plastic hulls will wear down if they're dragged along rough surfaces.
Once you've finished kayaking in the sea, wash the boat in fresh water and dry it thoroughly. Remember to rinse and dry the internal compartments too before storing your kayak as salt water is corrosive. In fact, it's best to leave all hatches open when storing the boat. This allows air to circulate through the compartments and reduces humidity inside the boat.
Make sure you wash and dry your kayak after a day's paddling in fresh water, too. Many aquatic pests are spread from waterway to waterway on the hulls of boats. Rinse your kayak, paddle and footwear with a solution of dishwashing liquid (five percent) and water - and then dry thoroughly - to slow the spread of algae such as didymo in our lakes and rivers.