The Docksider


Our Dock Mounted Kayak Lift Rack

by Leave a Comment

How to Store Your Kayak for the Off-Season

Wall Mount Conversion Kit

As kayaking season winds down, it’s important to take steps to properly store your kayak for the off-season. Improper storage can lead to damage that shortens the lifespan of your kayak, but with the right techniques, you’ll be able to enjoy your boat for many years to come. 

1. Avoid Exposure to Sunlight, Moisture, and Extreme Temperatures

Sunlight and UV rays can cause your kayak’s material to degrade, especially if it’s made of plastic. Likewise, extreme temperatures—whether hot or cold—can warp or crack the hull, while moisture can lead to mold and mildew. If possible, store your kayak in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

  • Indoor Storage

If you have room in your garage, shed, or basement, indoor storage is the best option. It protects your kayak from both weather and temperature extremes. Make sure the area is dry and ventilated to prevent condensation from building up around your kayak.

  • Outdoor Storage

If indoor storage isn’t an option, be sure to cover your kayak with a weather-resistant tarp. Ensure the tarp is loosely fitted to allow airflow and prevent mold.

2. Keep Your Kayak Off the Ground to Protect the Hull

Storing your kayak directly on the ground can cause the bottom of the boat (hull) to deform under its weight. Prolonged pressure can also lead to cracks over time.

Consider the Wall Mount Rack Kit to transform your Docksider Lift & Storage Rack for wintertime storage. This kit allows you to easily store your kayak inside a garage, shed, or cottage, away from harsh winter weather. Keeping your kayak off the ground and out of the elements helps extend its life and ensures it’s ready for action come spring.

3. Clean Your Kayak Thoroughly Before Storage

Dirt, grime, and saltwater can cause long-term damage to your kayak’s exterior if left untreated. Before storing your kayak for the winter, clean it with fresh water to remove any debris, especially if you’ve been paddling in saltwater environments.

Once clean, let your kayak dry completely to prevent moisture buildup during storage. Any lingering moisture can lead to mold, mildew, or rust on metal components, so be sure to store your kayak only when it’s fully dry.

4. Add UV Protection for Outdoor Storage

If you must store your kayak outside or in a spot that gets some sunlight (like near a window), applying a UV protectant can help shield it from the sun’s damaging rays. Many marine-grade UV protectants are designed to work on the materials used in kayaks, such as polyethylene, fiberglass, and even inflatable models.

Properly storing your kayak for the off-season is essential to maintaining its condition and performance. Using the Wall Mount Rack Kit, you can easily take your kayak from dockside to inside, keeping it safe from the winter weather. 

by 1 Comment

The Many Health Benefits of Kayaking and Paddle Boarding

By Ed Wrobbel, www.DockCraft.com

paddle boarder and kayakers

I was perusing the internet and came across numerous articles associated with the health benefits of kayaking and paddle boarding. Actually, any paddle sport.

The many articles claim 8 to 20 “top” benefits which I found very interesting.

Kayaking and Paddle Boarding skills can easily be learned in a day. And can be improved upon with each trip you take, all while benefiting your physical and mental health.  Of course, the more often you paddle, the greater benefit you’ll receive.

Physical Benefits of Kayaking and Paddle Boarding:

A low impact activity  – Even if your joints are weak, paddling will help you benefit from aerobic fitness, strength building, and greater flexibility. Don’t risk wear and tear on your joints and tissues, go paddling.

Burn those Calories    – Paddling along at 5 miles per hour, without wind and heavy currents, will burn approximately 400 calories per hour.

Fitness – While paddling, every mile you travel it will require approximately 500 strokes.

Core Strength – Every time you complete a stroke, your abdominal muscles contract and do a fair amount of work. Stronger core muscles will help you in all activities, increasing your endurance and changing the way your body looks.

Arm Strength – During a kayaking session the two main by-products of the work is exercising the biceps and triceps. As you are taking a paddle stroke, the bicep in one arm is pulling the lower part of the paddle and the tri-cep in the other arm is pushing the top of the paddle forward thus putting torque on the paddle which creates work for both muscles. Each session will build your upper body strength overall.

Leg Strength – Your legs are an important part of balance within the kayak and the rocking of your board as you paddle. As you learn a better paddling technique you learn to work the legs with the hips to help turn, stabilize or brace the kayak or board.

Cardiovascular – Low impact exercises like kayaking and paddle boarding certainly support heart health. Paddling, even just fifteen minutes per day, will improve your cardiovascular system. You can alter your kayaking or paddle boarding sessions to be as easy or challenging as you want. The faster you paddle, the harder your heart pumps to get moving.

Balance – I recently had an ankle injury and my Physical Therapist had me doing balance exercises while standing on a semi hard foam pad. Similarly, the more you practice paddle boarding, the better your balance will be both on and off the water. Paddle boarding develops your sense of stability which helps in daily life as well as in other sports.

Vitamin D – is something that our bodies need to function properly. Those who don’t have a healthy amount in their system are prone to fatigue, depression, bone weakness, chronic pain and more. Being outside in the sun helps your body get that special vitamin it needs to function properly. Just remember to bring sun screen!

Mental Benefits:

Stress Reduction – It’s a long day at the office, you are thinking of all those emails you have to send and the demands of your deadlines. Well forget all of that stuff and jump into a kayak after a long day of work! Truth is there are lots of ways to de-stress … going to the gym, going for a walk …but none of them can compare with the tranquility of floating on the calm water and being in the great outdoors. Spending a few hours under the sky, on the water watching the colors of the blues, the greens, the grays, and the browns is enjoyable. When you add the physical activity of paddling it can greatly reduce stress allowing you to think clearer and giving you a better night’s sleep.

Emotional – The time spent in nature is probably one of the most surreal things you can experience!  If you are a couple kayaking with a favorite activity such as fishing or touring then it increases your positivity tenfold! It also provides the opportunity to bring people closer together such as families, couples or friends!

Mental Clarity – It has been proven time after time that doing some sort of physical activity then returning back to work helps you get through the day with more focus and determination. This is no different when kayaking! Being out in the open water is very meditative and allows your brain to release those thousands of thoughts that are racing through your brain and instead, enjoy the moment. In fact, many people make it a routine to do some kayak exercise after work as it helps them de-stress and enjoy being in the moment. When you’re paddling over the lake or the sea, you might find that your daily stress and worries are left ashore. While paddle boarding, your brain is focused on the physical movements and environment of paddle boarding, leading to mental clarity and a chance to disconnect from the world of social media, work, and other everyday details.

For those waterfront owners, spend your energy on your paddling journey.

Use the DockCraft Industries Kayak / Paddle Board Lift and Dock Storage Rack

Stow your gear until your next journey.

It’s Neat / Convenient / Affordable

Just Load, Lift, and Store!

www. DockCraft.com

by 2 Comments

What Type Of Kayak Should I Buy

February 3, 2019 | By Ed Wrobbel, DockCraft Industries LLC

So, you’ve decided to make the plunge; and purchase your own kayak!

Then you go to your local sporting goods store or you shop online only to see the vast selection of kayaks available.  Now what?  How do I decide?

First, you need to decide if you will be kayaking on Flat water or Whitewater rapids.

If you chose Whitewater, I would venture to think that you already know enough to select the kayak of your dreams!   Therefore, we will concentrate more on Kayaks for Flat water adventures.

Flat water kayaks are grouped into two main categories:

Sit-On-Top Kayaks and Sit-In Kayaks.

choosing a kayak

Sit-On-Top Kayaks have seats molded in the top of the Kayak where you sit.  Your whole body is exposed to the sun and water – You will get wet!  These are great for people with long legs.  If you (and your pet) intend to go swimming; these kayaks are easier to get in and out of than Sit -In Kayaks.

Sit-In – Kayaks have a seat within the shell of the Kayak.   Most typically, you sit in a cockpit while your legs are surrounded by the shell of the Kayak.  They are a bit more difficult to get in and out of than Sit-On – Top Kayaks if swimming.  However, the cockpits tend to be roomier than one would imagine.

Next, types of Kayaks:

Recreational Kayaks –

These are designed for the casual paddler interested in recreational activities on a lake or flatwater stream. These kayaks are characterized by having a larger cockpit opening for easy entry and exit and a wider beam / width (27–30 inches) for more stability on the water. They are generally less than twelve feet in length. The weight of these kayaks typically range from 40 to 60 lbs.

The design makes them slower than a longer boat would be, but lighter, more maneuverable, easier to handle in and out of the water, and less expensive. Due to the wider hull, recreational kayaks will not track (maintain a straight line) as well as longer, narrower models.

Touring Kayaks –

Sea / touring kayaks are built to stroll through water for longer miles. The designs provide better speed and gliding experiences for the longer distance, as well as extra storage space for carry-ons.

These Kayaks are typically 12 to 20 feet in length with a beam / width of 18 to 24 inches. They typically weight between 55 and 75 lbs.

This design tends to trade off maneuverability and stability for speed and performance.

Tandem Kayaks –

Tandem Kayaks are typically 13 to 20 foot in length with a beam / width of 30 to 34 inches.

As there is more surface area in contact with the water, these kayaks take a little more energy to paddle.

Typical weight of these kayaks range from 60 to 85 lbs.

Pro’s:

  • Why paddle alone? – It’s easier than paddling a single kayak once the two of you are in sync. Enjoy the experience with someone else!!!  It is less expensive than purchasing two single kayaks.
  • Some manufacturers have a Tandem / Solo Conversion kit.  These allow a person to sit in the middle of the kayak to make it easier for the solo paddler to manage the tandem by themselves.

Con’s:

  • The tandem kayak is also known as the “Divorce kayak”. The biggest con is not having the freedom to do as you please. If you are not ready to work as a team, this definitely is not the kayak suited for you! Your day can turn from fantastic to horrible one paddle at a time and then the blame game starts.

Fishing Kayak –

Most fishing Kayaks are 11 to 16 foot in length with a width of 30 to 38 inches.

The extra width provides more stability for standing and moving around, especially with sit on top kayaks.

Typical weight ranges from 70 to 90 lbs.

The Sit-On-Top Kayak is preferred by many as this type of Kayak allows the angler to easily add accessories, and enables them to get out and wade more easily. However, this can be a wet ride at times!!!

Some anglers prefer the Sit-In Kayak, or cockpit” style Fishing Kayak (they have a much larger cockpit opening than the typical Sit – In Kayak). The cockpit boats are great when fishing cold water, and can be a much drier ride. And, since you’re actually down inside the boat, your center of gravity is lower and stability is often improved. However, being down inside a boat of this type makes it harder to get out should you decide to wade.

Aside from the types of kayaks an option to consider (available from many manufacturers) is a Peddle Drive system (similar to a bicycle).  This option drives built in fins or a propeller to supply your propulsion when peddling.

Beyond understanding the characteristics of the various kayaks there are other factors that need to be considered when purchasing your kayak.

Weight – Make sure that the weight of the kayak is within your means of being able load, store and launch your kayak.

Color – for safety sake!

Choose a color based on safety and the ability to be seen by others on the water. Yellow is the most visible color, followed closely by orange and red.

Blue, green, and even white will seem to blend in with the color of the water or surf.

Transporting your Kayak Home:

Once purchased, you will need to get your Kayak home!  If you do not have a car top carrier (which in most likelihood you could purchase at the location you purchased your Kayak), a pickup truck or a larger SUV, you could always rent a trailer from a local trailer rental agency.

Car topping your kayak to your launching site:

There are several sporting good stores or online stores where you can purchase a car top Carrier for Kayaks.

Do you have waterfront property?

Check out the DockSider Kayak Dock Lift and Storage Rack @ www.DockCraft.com

Our Kayak Lift and Storage rack offers convenient launching and storage capability right where you need it – On your Dock!  We have models that will suit your needs; whether you enter your kayak directly from your dock, or if you board your kayak while you are in the water.

DockCraft Industries patented design allows you to load and lift your Kayak directly from the water. With our leverage assisted design, you only lift a fraction of your kayak weight!  Keep your Dock clear for safe passage.

Watch our videos at https://dockcraft.com/product/kayak-dock-rack/

Half way down the page; select the video’s tab.

And Finally, Kayak Winter Storage –

In the Off Season, you will need to store your Kayak away from the water.

There are many Wall Mount racks available on the internet that will satisfy this purpose.

You could also utilize the DockCraft Wall Mount Conversion Kit.  This Kit will modify your DockSider Dock Lift and Storage Rack to a Wall Mounted Rack.

Use your favorite Browser, and search for: Paddling, Kayak, or Paddle Board – and one of the following: