Waterproof Kayak Cover

The best kayak cover

Premium cammo kayak cover. Made from the very finest Oxford cloth, this kayak cover will protect your kayak from rain, snow, dirt, dust and UV rays. If you're a serious kayaker looking for longevity in your kayak, this is the cover for you.

When your kayak is not in use, you need to make sure that you’re storing it properly. To do this, you should be using a kayak cover. Kayak covers are incredibly simple, but they will make a big difference to the long-term condition of your kayak. Using one is an easy way to keep your kayak looking and feeling brand new. 

Maybe you need a waterproof kayak cover for outdoor storage, or a simple cover to make transport easier. Whatever the case, a kayak cover is an important accessory for any kayak owner. Follow this guide for everything you need to know about kayak covers.

What is a kayak cover?

A kayak cover is designed to keep your kayak in perfect condition while it's not in use. As you have probably guessed from the name, kayak covers take the form of some kind of durable material that wraps around a kayak. These are usually fastened with a bungee cord or rope system. Kayak covers should easily fit around a kayak and firmly stay in place. You just need to pull them over the kayak, and they should tightly cover it up. 

A kayak cover is usually waterproof, being designed to protect the kayak from all kinds of weather conditions. Using a kayak cover is a good idea for any type of kayak storage method. It can keep out dust, insects, water, rain, snow, frost, mold, mildew, and anything else that could damage your kayak. The covers should be UV protected to prevent damage from the sun.

These covers are also used to help protect kayaks while they’re being transported. Adding that extra layer of protection can go a long way in protecting the kayak from scratches, dings, and damage on the road. Kayak covers are really simple accessories but play an important role in protecting your expensive, beloved kayak.

Different types of kayak covers

Kayak covers all follow the same general idea. However, there is a range of different styles you can choose from when selecting a kayak cover. Of course, this should mainly depend on the size and styles of the kayak that you own. 

Some kayak covers take the form of a big sock. With these designs, the kayak slips into a small opening at one end of the kayak. This covers the kayak completely. The end with the hole is then fastened with a drawstring or zip to seal off the kayak. 

You can also get a kayak cover that just slips over the top of the kayak. These usually use a bungee cord inside the lining of the cover. The cover is stretched over the top of the kayak from one end to the other. This covers up the exposed top half of the kayak while the kayak is being stored. 

Another type of kayak cover is just a big piece of material that you wrap the kayak up in. This is fastened down with ropes or cables. This type of kayak cover allows you to fit all kinds of shapes and sizes. It does require a bit more effort to use. 

Different types of kayak covers are designed to fit different types of kayaks. This means the covers differ in length, width, and shape. 

These covers are also different based on what they’re meant to protect the kayak from. Some covers are completely waterproof and some aren’t. Some covers are more padded, and some offer complete UV protection. 

What to look for when buying a kayak cover

Before you go out and buy any kayak cover, you need to make sure that it’s the right choice for your requirements. Here are some of the most important considerations to make when you buy a kayak cover.

Size

First and foremost, you need to make sure that the kayak cover is the right size for your kayak. It should be just a bit longer than your kayak. This is to make sure that the kayak cover is easy to put on, leaving a bit of wiggle room, while still fitting tightly around the kayak to offer good protection. 

If the cover is too short, then your kayak won’t fit inside it, or it will be a complete hassle to put on. If the cover is too long, then it might be too loose around your kayak, which could affect its protective function. 

Carefully measure your kayak first, and make sure that the cover is the right size. This needs to include the length, width, and height of the kayak

Shape

Different kayaks come in different shapes, and your kayak cover should match this. Beyond the size of the cover, it should also match the way your kayak curves. You don't want the cover to be too baggy or too tight in certain areas.

Kayak covers are usually made for specific types of kayaks. Some kayaks have sharper ends, some are flatter, some are rounder, etc. When you put your cover on, the entire kayak should be covered perfectly without leaving any extra space open. 

There are two options to achieve a perfectly shaped kayak cover. You could buy a cover that is specially designed to match the shape of your kayak. This way, you know that the cover will fit. The other option is to get an adjustable kayak cover. These covers use stretchy bungee cords or adjustable straps that can be changed to fit a range of different shapes. 

No, your kayak cover doesn’t necessarily have to match the shape of your kayak 100%. It can still work if it’s a little bit loose in areas. However, this can make it more difficult to store and travel with your kayak. It could also affect protection against bumps and dings. 

Material

Like surfboard socks the material of the kayak cover will make all the difference. Ultimately, this determines how much protection the cover offers, and what kind of situations it can be stored in. 

Most kayak covers are made from some kind of polyester fabric to offer a good range of protective qualities. The bottom line is that the material should be soft against the kayak, but protective enough to keep your kayak in perfect condition. 

You also want the cover to stay in great shape after loads of use. The material should be durable, and suitable for being left outside in all kinds of weather conditions. 

If you will be using the kayak cover for traveling, then try to choose one that is made from a relatively thick material. This will offer more protection against bumps and scratches.

Water-Resistance

One of the main uses of a kayak cover is to offer protection against water - like rain or dew. If your kayak is being stored outside, or in a damp place, then make sure the cover is properly water-resistant. 

Some covers do not offer this feature at all, so it’s important to look out for it. And yes, your kayak is designed for use in the water, but unwanted exposure to water during storage could result in the kayak being damaged. 

UV Protection

Prolonged exposure to the sun can also leave lasting damage to your kayak. The best type of kayak cover should be made from a fully UV-resistant material to protect it against harmful UV rays. This is especially important if you plan on storing the covered kayak outdoors. 

Even if you store the kayak inside, there is still a chance that it will be exposed to prolonged sunlight. After some time, this can damage both the kayak and the kayak cover. To keep your kayak looking and feeling brand new, you want to make sure that it is properly UV-protected.

Fastening System

The fastening system of a kayak cover is one of the most important elements to consider. This makes a big difference to how easy the cover is to use, and how effective it is in keeping the kayak well protected. 

Popular options include elastic or non-elastic drawstrings, adjustable straps, and zippers. Each of these offers its own unique benefits and experience. 

Make sure that the system you choose fastens the kayak cover firmly into place without requiring too much effort. The system should make it easy to slip your kayak into while still providing complete protection.

Benefits of using a kayak cover

Kayak covers provide many important advantages. Your kayak can be a big investment, so you want to make sure that you keep it in top condition. Here are some of the main benefits of using a kayak cover:

• Kayak covers offer protection against water damage while in storage
• Covers prevent dust from settling over the kayak
• The cover can offer UV protection to protect it from exposure to sunlight
• Kayak covers help to protect against scratches, bumps, and dings
• Covers keep out bugs and insects
• They can add an extra layer of protection to your kayak while traveling
• Kayak covers make it easier to store your kayak, as you can keep them outside and in exposed areas

Conclusion

You really don’t want to pull your kayak out of storage, only to find it damaged, wet, and dusty. Using a kayak cover is an easy way to avoid this. 

No matter how you store your kayak, using a cover will add that extra layer of protection that you might need. This is an easy way to keep your kayak in perfect condition, giving you total peace of mind when it’s in storage.

FAQ’s

Can you store kayaks outside in winter?

If you store a kayak outside in winter, it could get badly damaged by overexposure to rain, snow, ice, and harsh weather conditions. With a good quality kayak cover, you can store the kayak outdoors. This will offer a durable layer of protection against the elements. 

What are kayak cover made of?

Kayak covers can be made from all kinds of materials. Usually, they are made from some type of hard-wearing polyester fabric. This should be durable, waterproof, UV-protected, and tear-resistant.

Are kayak covers necessary for storage?

Many people don't use kayak covers, but they should. A cover will add an important extra layer of protection against all kinds of external forces. This allows you to safely store your kayak in an outdoor, exposed area.