Three Tips for Storing Your Recreational Equipment Safely

Enjoying the great outdoors isn’t something you need to put off until warmer weather. If you have recreational equipment like skis, kayaks, boats, and snowboards, you have the gear you need to turn any time of the year into an awesome adventure! Of course, the last thing you want to see is your equipment gathering dust and deteriorating in storage between seasons. Taking proactive steps to protect your recreational gear while they wait in storage is essential for keeping your gear ready year-round. Here are three tips you can follow to guard your gear in storage.

#1: Skis and Snowboards

Snow may appear pristine and clean, but skis and snowboards can gather quite a bit of grime while tearing up the slopes. No matter the type of ski (cross-country or downhill), snow sport gear needs love and attention before they store during the summer.

Before they go into your storage unit, make sure you take care of three things in particular. First, give them a good general cleaning; salt, dirt, and grease that get left behind after an exciting season can deteriorate the fiberglass and metal components. Next, check the edges of the skis and snowboards. Look for signs of rust or burrs from collisions and wear. If needed, check with a local ski shop during the off-season for great deals on repairs. Lastly, you will want to put a fresh coat of wax on the bases and edges to keep rust from forming. Once these steps are done, you’ll be confident your skis and snowboards will last in storage safely.

#2: Kayaks and Boats

Kayaks and boating equipment may look rough and ready to conquer the water, but in truth, a lot can happen to your vessel during the cold months, even while sitting motionless in storage. The way you store your kayak can make the difference.

At Slater Transfer & Storage, you will not have to worry about protecting your kayak and equipment from the elements. But that is just the first step. The next is deciding the orientation and method of storing your kayak. Don’t keep your kayak on the ground unprotected; this will definitely cause scrapes and bumps that can put holes in your vessel. Hanging your kayak from the ceiling is a good solution so long as nothing is twisting or pulling the frame, especially cords. When possible, let your kayak sit on hanging straps, or secure them using manufacturer-certified crossbars. Avoid leaning your kayak against a wall too, as you may come back ready to go to find your kayak’s stern dented

#3: Storing Soft Equipment

When we say soft equipment, we mean everything else that you might need for outdoor fun. This includes Camelbacks, gloves, backpacks and camping equipment, walking sticks and poles, ponchos and jackets, etc. We know all this equipment may have uses outside of vacations, but we also know your home’s storage can pile up fast, especially if you have a busy life.

First, protect anything that is made of cloth in plastic bags or containers. This will ensure it can resist anything that might make it deteriorate, like mold and rot. It isn’t a bad idea to store your gear in bins according to their use, such as keeping hiking and camping gear together. Clean winter coats, gloves, boots, and beanies before storage, and keep objects like lanterns and flashlights clear of batteries while not in use to prevent rust and corrosion on the battery connectors.

Slater Storage & Transfer has the right storage to make sure your gear is protected! Contact us to have peace of mind about the security of all your recreational equipment. Give us a call today!