In this article, we’ve reviewed our top picks for beginner whitewater kayaks. You’ll also find a comprehensive guide to help you decide which one is best for you.
When buying a kayak, storage requirements should be one of the top deciding factors.
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Where are you going to store your vessel? How much space will it need?
Unless you have an inflatable kayak, you’ll need AT LEAST 10 to 12 feet by 2-3 feet wide for short recreational kayaks and even more than that for larger fishing or touring kayaks.
It should be someplace safe where the kayak won’t get bumped, banged, or damaged. You can’t just leave the kayak on the floor and hope it survives the winter. Improper storage can damage the hull, rendering your expensive kayak useless.
A kayak storage rack, either wall-mounted or freestanding, will make it easier—and a whole lot safer—to store your vessel.
In this article, we take a look at some of the best kayak storage racks, both indoor and outdoor, in all the variations and styles you could ask for. We’ll walk you through the buying process, explain what to look for and what factors are most important to consider, and make our recommendations to help you pick the absolute BEST kayak storage rack for your home.
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Quick Answer: Best Kayak Storage Racks
- Best Kayak Storage Rack Overall: RAD Sportz Kayak Storage Hooks
- Most Portable Kayak Storage Rack: Suspenz Universal Portable Boat Stand
- Best Outdoor Kayak Rack: RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack
- Best Indoor Freestanding Kayak Rack: RAD Sportz Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack
- Best Ceiling Mounted Pulley System: RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Set
- Best Ceiling Mounted Bar Rack: StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack
- Best Multi-Purpose Kayak Storage Rack: Wintek Heavy Duty Giant Arm Hang-It-All Wall Mount
- Best Budget Two-Kayak Storage System: Malone J-Dock Hybrid Kayak and Gear Garage Storage Racks
- Best Storage for Kayaking Families: RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Rack for 4
- Best Space-Saving Wall Mount: Wallmaster Kayak Storage Hooks
Comparison Table: Best Kayak Storage Racks
| Model | Specs | Where To Buy |
 RAD Sportz Kayak Storage Hooks | Weight Capacity: 125 lbs. Mounting: Wall-mounted Dimensions: 29 x 13.5 x 3.75” Item Weight: 8.11 lbs. | Amazon |
 Suspenz Universal Portable Boat Stand | Weight Capacity: 100 lbs. Mounting: Freestanding foldable stand Dimensions: 22.3 x 15.6 x 4.25” Item Weight: 6.61 lbs. | Amazon |
 RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack | Weight Capacity: 175 lbs. Mounting: Freestanding Dimensions: 30.5 x 17.5 x 10.5” Item Weight: 52 lbs. | Amazon |
 RAD Sportz Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack | Weight Capacity: 175 lbs. Mounting: Freestanding Dimensions: 29.25 x 17.5 x 10” Item Weight: 54.24 lbs. | Amazon |
 RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Set | Weight Capacity: 125 lbs. Mounting: Ceiling-mounted hoist Dimensions: 13.47 x 12.25 x 4.57” Item Weight: 13.2 lbs. | Amazon |
 StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack | Weight Capacity: 150 lbs. Mounting: Ceiling-mounted Dimensions: 31.89 x 8.35 x 2.56” Item Weight: 15.74 lbs. | Amazon |
 Wintek Heavy Duty Giant Arm Hang-It-All Wall Mount | Weight Capacity: 100 lbs. Mounting: Wall-mounted Dimensions: 16.77 x 11.61 x 2.95” Item Weight: 3.5 lbs. | Amazon |
 Malone J-Dock Hybrid Kayak and Gear Garage Storage Racks | Weight Capacity: 200 lbs. Mounting: Wall-mounted Dimensions: 5 x 10 x 16” Item Weight: 6 lbs. | Amazon |
 RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Rack for 4 | Weight Capacity: 220 lbs. Mounting: Freestanding Dimensions: 51 x 47 x 72” Item Weight: 67.1 lbs. | Amazon |
 Wallmaster Kayak Storage Hooks | Weight Capacity: 78 lbs. Mounting: Wall-mounted Dimensions: 15.71 x 6.57 x 3.9” Item Weight: 4.37 lbs. | Amazon |
WHY TRUST US: Here at Paddlingspace.com, we spend more time on the water than we do in the office. We paddle, kayak fish, and camp as often as we can, so we know exactly what kayakers and kayak anglers need. Each year, we independently research, review, and rate the best kayaks, canoes, and paddling gear. Our experts analyze hundreds of products to find out key differences, pros, and cons of each product. We only make money from ads or if you purchase through our links. No sponsored posts or biased reviews here, period.
Top-Rated Kayak Storage Racks
Best Kayak Storage Rack Overall: RAD Sportz Kayak Storage Hooks
Designed for easy installation and secure storage, these wall-mounted storage hooks provide you with a stable place to store any kayak up to 125 pounds.
The cradle-style hooks are padded with foam to cushion your kayak and prevent scratches or damage as you load and unload.
Assembly is a breeze—you’ll need only the sort of small tools you already have around your house (drill/screwdriver, tape measure, etc.)—and you only need to anchor them to the wall studs to make them truly sturdy.
It’s a truly user-friendly storage option perfect for garages with limited space, and at a price you’ll absolutely love.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Powder-coated steel, foam padding
- Weight Capacity: 125 lbs (56.69 kg)
- Mounting: Wall-mounted
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 29 x 13.5 x 3.75” (73.66 х 34.29 х 9.52 cm)
- Item Weight: 8.11 lbs (3.67 kg)
Most Portable Kayak Storage Rack: Suspenz Universal Portable Boat Stand
These freestanding kayak “stands” are the ideal option for those who want to take a storage option with them on the go.
The lightweight aluminum stands can be folded up and tossed into your trunk, then quickly set up at the lake, river, or oceanside to provide you with a secure, sturdy place to store your kayak when it’s not in use.
They’re not very tall—just 17”—but you’ll find they are surprisingly stable, even on uneven ground, and will provide you with a convenient, fully portable storage option. They’re built for both indoor and outdoor use, with a powder-coating finish that makes them resistant to rain, snow, and sun.
With a 100-pound weight capacity and easily movable to accommodate the size of your kayak, you’ll find they’re an excellent option if you have plenty of storage space in your backyard/garden/shed.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Aluminum frame, stainless steel hardware, hard plastic padding, cloth straps
- Weight Capacity: 100 lbs (45.35 kg)
- Mounting: Freestanding foldable stand
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 22.3 x 15.6 x 4.25” (56.64 x 39.62 x 10.79 cm)
- Item Weight: 6.61 lbs (2.99 kg)
Best Outdoor Kayak Rack: RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack
Looking for something a bit more heavy-duty? This freestanding kayak storage rack is definitely a good choice to consider.
Built from stainless steel and finished with a weather-resistant powder coating, it’s a tough-and-rugged rack that can handle even the worst winter weather and summer storms without showing signs of wear or tear.
The rack is sized to hold two kayaks, with a weight capacity of 175 pounds and foam-covered arms that will protect your kayaks from scratches or damage.
RELATED: Best Kayak Lock for 2023: How to Keep Your Kayak Safe and Secure
The frame is very stable and can even be bolted to the ground to ensure it never tilts or tips over.
It’s compatible with not just kayaks, but also wakeboards, surfboards, paddleboards, and canoes, making it one of the best storage options to consider if you enjoy a wide range of water sports.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Stainless steel frame, scratch-resistant foam padding
- Weight Capacity: 175 lbs (79.37 kg)
- Mounting: Freestanding
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 30.5 x 17.5 x 10.5” (77.47 x 44.45 x 26.67 cm)
- Item Weight: 52 lbs (23.59 kg)
Best Indoor Freestanding Kayak Rack: RAD Sports Freestanding Kayak Storage Rack
This kayak rack is designed to occupy less space in your garage or storage shed. It provides a secure place to keep your kayaks and other watercraft.
This freestanding rack is built from stainless steel and powder-coated to be rust-resistant should you use it outdoors. The arms are padded with a UV-resistant foam material.
However, you’ll find it’s particularly useful indoors thanks to its adjustable height. You’ll be able to set how tall you want the rack to be, allowing you to store more items either above or below it.
With a 175-pound weight capacity and two storage racks, This kayak stand is perfect for a paddling couple with limited garage space. It’s one of the sturdiest, steadiest kayak racks you’ll ever find.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Powder-coated stainless steel, UV-protected nylon padding
- Weight Capacity: 175 lbs (79.37 kg)
- Mounting: Freestanding
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 29.25 x 17.5 x 10” (74.26 x 44.45 x 25.4 cm)
- Item Weight: 54.24 lbs (24.6 kg)
Best Ceiling Mounted Pulley System: RAD Sportz Kayak Hoist Set
If you’re looking for an incredibly well-priced and versatile storage system for your kayaks, this is definitely an option we highly recommend.
The ceiling-mounted pulley system allows you to safely store your kayaks overhead, clearing up garage wall and floor space. When the time comes to take the boats out on the water, they are a breeze to load/unload.
The kayak rack uses nylon straps, rubber-coated hooks, and a rope-and-pulley system to hoist your kayak up to the ceiling. It’s designed with a safety locking mechanism that will guarantee your kayak never falls, tips, or tilts.
With a 125-pound weight capacity, it’s an excellent option for most fishing and touring kayaks, even larger-sized kayaks. Best of all, it will require virtually no effort to hoist/lower the kayak—the pulley does most of the work for you!
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Nylon straps, rubber-coated hooks, steel pulley system
- Weight Capacity: 125 lbs (56.7 kg)
- Mounting: Ceiling-mounted hoist
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.47 x 12.25 x 4.57” (34.21 x 31.12 x 11.6 cm)
- Item Weight: 13.2 lbs (5.99 kg)
Best Ceiling Mounted Bar Rack: StoreYourBoard 2 Kayak Ceiling Rack
Keep it simple and sweet with this ceiling-mounted bar rack! The two-sided rack gives you overhead storage space for two kayaks. Built from heavy-duty steel, it can hold up to 150 pounds and is sized to fit kayaks up to 30” wide and 18” deep.
The beauty of this rack is that you can adjust the storage length during the installation process. If you need storage space for longer kayaks (12’+), mount them a bit farther apart. For shorter kayaks (6-8’ kids’ kayaks), you can simply install them closer together.
Assembly and installation are simple, and the accompanying instructional videos will walk you through the entire process in a matter of minutes.
And, just to make sure your kayaks are fully safe, the rack comes with quick-lock attachments that will prevent them from sliding off.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Heavy-duty steel
- Weight Capacity: 150 lbs (68.03 kg)
- Mounting: Ceiling-mounted
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 31.89 x 8.35 x 2.56” (81 x 21.21 x 6.5 cm)
- Item Weight: 15.74 lbs (7.14 kg)
Best Multi-Purpose Kayak Storage Rack: Wintek Heavy Duty Giant Arm Hang-It-All Wall Mount
Sometimes, you just want to keep things simple and cheap! With this all-purpose wall-mounted storage rack, that’s exactly what you get.
The rack is made from tubular steel powder-coated against rust and protected using hard plastic (which shouldn’t scrape your kayaks, but consider using a pool noodle for added protection). At 10 inches tall and 16 inches long, the hooks are large enough to support most kayaks 10 feet or smaller, as well as paddleboards, bikes, ladders, and wakeboards.
The hooks come in a four-pack, which means you basically get two kayak racks for an incredibly low price. You’ll have to add your own straps for maximum security, or you can just use these as a cradle to hold the kayaks without the use of straps.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Tubular steel, hard plastic protection
- Weight Capacity: 100 lbs (45.35 kg)
- Mounting: Wall-mounted
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 16.77 x 11.61 x 2.95” (42.6 x 29.48 x 7.49 cm)
- Item Weight: 3.5 lbs (1.58 kg)
Best Budget Two-Kayak Storage System: Malone J-Dock Hybrid Kayak and Gear Garage Storage Racks
This is a hybrid cradle-sling mounting system that will allow you to safely store two kayaks at a bargain price.
The cradle is made from lightweight but durable aluminum. It comes with a pair of buckle load straps that are secured to the cradle’s base itself to provide a sling for a second kayak beneath.
The cradle is large enough to store a larger kayak or canoe, and the sling straps can be easily adjusted—or even changed out if you want to store wider or deeper kayaks.
With a 200-pound weight capacity, it’s capable of holding more weight than most of the other double-storage racks on our list!
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Aluminum
- Weight Capacity: 200 lbs (90.71 kg)
- Mounting: Wall-mounted
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 5 x 10 x 16” (12.7 x 25.4 x 40.64 cm)
- Item Weight: 6 lbs (2.72 kg)
Best Storage for Kayaking Families: RaxGo Freestanding Kayak Rack for 4
If you’re a family of kayakers, you’re going to need a rack that can hold all of your boats. This four-kayak freestanding rack may be just what you’re looking for.
It’s tough, built from heavy-duty steel, and is compatible with all water sports equipment—not just kayaks, but canoes, SUPs, surfboards, and wakeboards.
The dual-tripod feet will keep the rack steady even if it’s unevenly loaded. With a 220-pound weight capacity, it’s a rack sized perfectly for all of your family’s kayaks.
Bonus: If four-kayak storage isn’t enough for your family, consider this SIX-kayak rack.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Heavy-duty steel, foam padding
- Weight Capacity: 220 lbs (99.79 kg)
- Mounting: Freestanding
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 51 x 47 x 72” (129.54 x 119.38 x 182.88 cm)
- Item Weight: 67.1 lbs (30.43 kg)
Best Space-Saving Kayak Rack: Wallmaster Kayak Storage Hooks
These kayak hooks may look like your classic wall-mounted kayak storage rack, but they come with one very convenient feature: they’re designed to fold up.
Yes, that’s right, they’ll fold up against the wall when not in use, making them ideal for maximizing garage space.
These hooks don’t have the highest weight capacity—just 78 lbs. But they’re solidly built from durable square tube steel and adjustable enough that they can store deeper and wider kayaks.
The powder-coated arms are resistant to rust but may scratch your kayaks, so it’s a good idea to use added protection (in the form of pool noodles or other padding) to protect your hulls.
You’ll find assembly is a breeze and convenient, versatile storage is a guarantee with these bad boys.
Technical Specs:
- Materials: Square tube steel
- Weight Capacity: 78 lbs (35.38 kg)
- Mounting: Wall-mounted
- Dimensions (L x W x H): 15.71 x 6.57 x 3.9” (39.9 x 16.68 x 9.9 cm)
- Item Weight: 4,37 lbs (1.98 kg)
How to Choose the Right Kayak Storage System: Factors to Consider
Types of Kayak Storage Racks
There are three basic types of kayak racks:
Freestanding Racks
Freestanding kayak racks are, as their name suggests, built to stand on their own. These are typically solid, well-built frames made of wood, durable plastic, or metal.
They have 4-8 legs (depending on their length) and anywhere from one to eight racks capable of supporting the weight of a kayak.
There are both indoor and outdoor freestanding racks, too.
Indoor racks are typically used in the garage and utilize lighter-weight materials (such as sturdy aluminum).
Outdoor racks are larger and use heavier-gauge materials (such as steel or wood) that are finished with a weatherproof coating to make them resistant to the elements.
Wall Mounts
Wall-mounted kayak racks are secured to the wall studs of your garage, basement, or storage shed, which enables them to support the weight of your kayak.
Typically, you’ll find either solid metal cradles or webbing slings/straps secured to metal mounting hardware (like eye hooks or regular hooks).
The great thing about wall mounts is that they occupy less space and allow you to safely store the kayak off the ground and out of the way. However, you do have to have a solid, permanent wall capable of bearing the weight.
Ceiling Mounted Racks
Ceiling-mounted kayak racks are mounted to the roof studs and are designed to elevate the kayak high above the ground and out of your way. They can be great if you have a small garage with limited space to park your car, but plenty of overhead storage room.
There are three main types of ceiling-mounted racks to consider:
- Bar-style. This is basically a solid metal bar that is suspended from a frame secured to the roof.
- Cradle/Sling-style. Webbing or durable strap cradles are suspended from eye hooks anchored into the ceiling beams.
- Pulley system. This is a more complex (and expensive) storage system that utilizes a system of pulleys, ropes, and either a cradle, sling, or bar that can be lowered to load/unload your kayak and raised to store it high overhead.
Ceiling-mounted kayak racks are great if you’re a taller paddler and your garage has a high roof. Shorter paddlers may have a hard time safely lifting and lowering their kayak from an overhead rack.
RELATED: Hang Your Kayak! Best Kayak Hoist Systems for 2023 Reviewed
The pulley systems will make storing the kayak easier, but they tend to be very costly compared to a simple bar or cradle/sling system.
Note: If you’re a handy person, you can always DIY your own inexpensive and customized kayak rack. We’ll get into this in a later article—for now, we’re focusing on the awesome storage options already available for you to buy ready-made.
Budget
This is always a factor to take into account when shopping for kayak equipment.
The cost of a kayak rack starts at just $40 or $50 for the simpler options, but when you get into the fancy pulley systems or the larger outdoor freestanding racks with built-in roofs, you can easily end up spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
So how much do you really want to spend on a kayak rack?
Let’s be clear: you should never skimp on quality. Always buy a rack that you know can hold the weight (see the section below) and is made of durable, long-lasting materials. The last thing you want is to be replacing your kayak rack every couple of years!
But you should think about what storage options are best for your budget and your available space.
Wall-mounted racks tend to be the cheapest and easiest to install.
Ceiling-mounted racks will require equipment to install (ladders, drills, etc.) and will definitely be a pricier option.
Freestanding racks can be fairly inexpensive if you’ve got the space for them, but you might spend a bit more buying a tarp or building some sort of roof/shelter to protect your kayaks from the rain, sun, snow, and wind.
Number of Kayaks
Storing a kayak is easy if you just have one—you can typically find or make space in your garage pretty simply.
But what happens if you want to take your partner kayaking? Or if you want to have kayaks for your kids, or for your buddies to go fishing with you?
The more kayaks you own, the more storage racks you’ll need.
Most storage racks are designed to hold ONE kayak. That means you’ll need to buy one rack for each kayak you own.
However, you can find some wall-mounted or ceiling-mounted racks that can hold two kayaks (or sometimes more). Freestanding racks can accommodate up to EIGHT kayaks—though those are some big racks!
Size of Kayaks
The weight of your kayak will vary depending on the materials used in its construction as well as its size.
Wooden kayaks tend to be the heaviest option around. Fiberglass and rotomolded or thermoformed plastic kayaks weigh significantly less.
The longer the kayak, too, the heavier it will be. Child-sized kayaks between 6 and 8 feet long will weigh far less than an extra-large 12-, 14-, or even 16-footer.
It’s VERY important that you find a storage rack that can accommodate both the size and weight of your kayak.
Most racks are sized for the “standard” 10- and 12-foot options, meaning they’re usually large enough to handle a smaller 8-footer. However, if you’re paddling an oversized 14-footer, the body may be too large or wide to sit properly in the rack, and you risk the kayak tipping over or falling off.
Weight of Kayaks
Weight capacity is also an incredibly important factor.
When I bought my 14-foot Azul Riot, I was upgrading from a standard-size/weight Pelican Summit 100X. I already had a simple buckle-secured sling rack attached to my garage wall, so I figured it would suffice to hold the weight of my larger, heavier kayak.
Fast-forward a few months, and I’m coming home from a paddling trip and storing my kayaks when the sling buckles CRACK on me.
Luckily, I was still supporting the kayak so it didn’t fall, but had it been fastened at the time, it could have damaged my kayak.
Since then, I’ve upgraded to heavier-duty straps to support the weight of my larger-and-heavier-than-average kayak.
I cannot overstate this enough: Make sure the kayak rack can handle the weight! Think about it breaking/falling off the wall and cracking on the ground, or, worse, falling from a ceiling mount to crash onto your car.
ALWAYS check the weight capacity when shopping for a kayak rack.
Location and Space
Where are you going to be storing your kayaks? Outside, in your backyard, or along the side of your house? On the wall or ceiling of your garage? In your basement or storage shed?
The location where you’ll store your kayak will often decide what kind of kayak rack suits your needs best.
For example, if you have a small one-car garage too narrow to wall-mount a kayak but a ceiling too low to accommodate a ceiling-mounted rack, you’re pretty much forced to go for an outdoor freestanding rack or consider mounting it in your shed.
On the other hand, if you’ve got a high-ceilinged garage, you can use a ceiling-mounted rack.
Or, if you have a wider garage (or a two-car garage with lots of storage space), a wall-mounted rack is a great budget option to consider.
Assembly Requirements
This is a factor for people who are less “handy” to take into account. If you don’t have the skills or tools to install a complex ceiling-mounted pulley system, you may have no choice but to go with a simpler wall-mounted option or even a freestanding rack that is literally joined together by bolts or with parts that click into place.
Accessory Storage
Last, but not least, you need to consider where you’re going to store your gear: paddles, lifejackets, fishing poles, spray skirts, and so on.
The last thing you want is to be running all over your house collecting the items you need to go paddling. Consider a storage solution that keeps both your kayaks and accessories in one convenient, easily accessible location.
FAQs
Should you store your kayak upside down?
If possible, yes! Storing a kayak upside down (particularly on ceiling-mounted racks) avoids dents and prevents the hull from bending, warping, or deforming.
Can you store a kayak upright?
You’re better off not storing your kayaks upright (standing up). When you do, all of the weight rests on one end, and over time, this will warp or bend the kayak. You can store a kayak upright for a day without too much cause for worry, but for anything longer than 24 hours, you’re better off storing it on a rack. Or, if you have no rack, flip it upside down and store it on flat ground.
Can I stack my kayaks on top of each other?
If you are in a situation where you need to stack kayaks—such as when transporting them on your roof with no rack—it’s okay to stack the kayaks with the cockpits facing each other. Use a strap to secure them in place. However, if you have to do this, you’re better off placing them side by side (again with the cockpits facing each other). This prevents either kayak from bearing all the weight of the other, and the sides are sturdy enough to avoid warping or deforming while they’re strapped down.
How can I safely store my kayak outside?
Try to store it under protection (a roof, a covered porch, or even a tarp will do) to keep it out of the rain, snow, and/or sun. Keep the kayak dry and check regularly for signs of weather or moisture damage. Cover it to prevent animals from getting inside. If you don’t have racks, use sawhorses to lift the boat off the ground and reduce exposure to dampness.
Can you leave kayaks outside in the winter?
You can, though it’s best for your kayaks to be stored indoors where it’s warm (or above freezing temperatures, at least).
If you have no choice but to keep them outside during the winter, make sure to clear off any fallen snow or debris regularly. If it piles up, the weight can warp, bend, or even crack the kayaks.
Plastic kayaks become brittle and can be more easily damaged in the winter cold. Make sure there is no water in the kayak or any cracks, as water will expand when it freezes and could damage the kayak.
Best Kayak Storage Racks: Final Verdict
All of the kayak racks I discussed above will provide you with a simple, reliable storage solution for your kayaks. Hopefully, you found one that suited your specific needs, the space available to you, and the size/weight of your kayak.
While I recommend the RAD Sportz Kayak Storage Hooks, it’s always good to have options to choose from. It’s all about finding what’s best for you!
If you have any thoughts, comments, or feedback on the review, feel free to drop them below. Or if you’ve got a favorite rack that has worked well for you, I want to hear about it!
