There’s nothing quite like spending a day on the water in an inflatable kayak. You might be exploring calm rivers, paddling along the coastline, or enjoying a weekend camping trip. Either way, the portable and convenient nature of inflatable kayaks makes them a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors.
When properly maintained, an inflatable kayak will serve you well for many years. However, many paddlers tend to overlook one crucial aspect of kayak maintenance, and that is proper drying before storage.
While it might be tempting to quickly deflate your kayak and throw it into its carry bag after a long day on the water, storing a damp kayak will lead to a range of problems.
Fortunately, drying an inflatable kayak properly doesn't take much effort. With the right advice and a little patience, you can keep your kayak in excellent condition. Keep reading to learn how!
Zebec KXone Slider 410 Duo
Why Proper Drying Matters
Inflatable kayaks are designed for long hours on the water, but they aren't designed to be stored wet. When moisture remains trapped inside the kayak after use, it creates ideal conditions for mould, mildew, and bacteria to develop.
This is evident when kayaks are packed tightly into storage bags where airflow is limited.
Over time, excess moisture might lead to:
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Mould and mildew growth
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Unpleasant musty odours
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Staining and discolouration
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Material degradation
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Damage to seams and adhesives
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Reduced lifespan of the kayak
Be sure to read our blog on how to prevent mould and mildew build-up on your inflatable kayaks.
Common Areas Where Moisture Gets Trapped
A lot of paddlers assume that once the exterior of their kayak feels dry, it's ready to be packed away. However, even in this case, moisture could still linger in less obvious places.
Seams and welded joints hold small amounts of water, while valves and seat attachment points often trap moisture after a day on the water.
Water may also remain hidden within folded sections of the kayak, and condensation can develop inside the air chambers. Taking the time to inspect these areas will significantly reduce the risk of mould and mildew from developing during storage.
Step 1: Rinse Your Kayak First
Before you do any checks, it's important to rinse (not soak) your kayak thoroughly with fresh water, even more so if you've been paddling in saltwater environments. This is because salt residue actually attracts moisture and contributes to long-term wear on the kayak's materials.
How to Rinse Properly
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Remove all accessories, seats, footrests, and storage bags.
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Close all valves securely.
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Use a gentle stream of fresh water to rinse the entire kayak. Use a soapy water mix and non abrasive cloth to remove any stubborn dirt or marks.
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Pay extra attention to seams, corners, and attachment points.
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Remove any visible dirt, sand, or debris.
A clean kayak will dry more efficiently and reduce the risk of contaminants becoming trapped during storage.
Step 2: Remove Excess Water Immediately
Once you've finished rinsing your inflatable kayak, the next step is to remove as much surface moisture as possible. A microfibre towel is one of the best tools for the job. Not only is it highly absorbent, but it's also gentle on the kayak's surface, allowing you to remove moisture without risking scratches or unnecessary wear.
Work your way across the kayak, paying close attention to the side walls and floor joins, cockpit area, seats, handles, deck rigging, and valves where water often accumulates.
It's also important not to overlook the underside of the kayak. While many paddlers focus on the visible upper surfaces, the bottom of the kayak can remain surprisingly wet after a day on the water.
Once you've dried the top, carefully flip the kayak over and thoroughly wipe down the underside before proceeding with the air-drying process. Taking a few extra minutes at this stage will make a big difference and help ensure your kayak is completely dry before storage.
Step 3: Air Dry in a Well-Ventilated Area
Air drying remains one of the safest and most effective drying techniques for inflatable kayaks.
The goal is to allow moisture to evaporate naturally while avoiding prolonged exposure to damaging UV rays. When drying your kayak, fully inflate it and look for an area that provides:
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Good airflow
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Partial shade
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Low humidity
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Protection from direct sunlight
The best drying locations are those that offer good airflow, shade, and protection from direct sunlight. Covered patios, garages with open doors, carports, and shaded backyard areas all work well for allowing moisture to evaporate naturally.
It’s important to avoid leaving your kayak in direct sunlight for extended periods, as prolonged UV exposure weakens PVC and other inflatable materials over time.
Step 4: Dry Accessories Separately
Seats, backrests, storage bags, and foot braces often retain moisture longer than the kayak itself. Accessories should always be dried separately.
Inflatable Seats
If your kayak includes inflatable seats:
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Deflate them fully
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Wipe down all surfaces
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Leave them in a ventilated area until completely dry
Carry Bags
Many paddlers accidentally place a dry kayak into a damp carry bag. Always ensure storage bags are thoroughly dry before use.
Step 5: Use a Fan for Faster Drying
When weather conditions aren't ideal, a fan will significantly speed up the drying process. A simple household fan will improve airflow, reduce drying times and help reach hard-to-dry areas.
Position the fan so air circulates across the kayak rather than directly blasting one section. This method works particularly well in garages, sheds, or covered outdoor spaces.
Step 7: Check for Hidden Moisture Before Deflating
Before packing away your kayak, perform a final inspection.
Run your hands along:
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Seams
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Corners
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Handles
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Valve areas
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Attachment points
If any area feels damp, continue drying until all moisture has disappeared. Even small amounts of trapped moisture may lead to mould growth over time.
Zebec KXone Slider 350
Drying After Saltwater Use
Saltwater environments require additional attention.
Salt crystals may still be present on the kayak even after it appears dry.
To prevent damage:
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Thoroughly rinse with fresh water, use a soapy water mix and non abrasive cloth to remove any stubborn dirt or marks.
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Wipe down all surfaces.
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Allow complete air drying.
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Inspect for remaining salt residue.
Taking these extra steps significantly extend the life of your inflatable kayak.
What About Inflatable SUP Boards?
Many of the same drying principles apply to paddle boards. Whether you own an inflatable sup board or one of the latest inflatable stand up paddle boards, proper drying is essential before storage.
Like kayaks, paddle boards are susceptible to mould, mildew, and material damage if packed away wet. Owners of inflatable stand up paddle boards should:
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Rinse with fresh water after every use
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Dry all surfaces thoroughly
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Store in a cool, dry environment
These simple habits help maintain performance and durability over the long term.
Shark iSUP All Round Ride 10 Foot 6 Inch
Drying During Multi-Day Adventures
Sometimes you're travelling or camping and don't have access to ideal drying conditions.
In these situations:
Use Towels Frequently
Carry one or two absorbent towels to remove as much moisture as possible after each use.
Maximise Airflow
Whenever practical, partially inflate the kayak overnight and allow air to circulate.
Dry Properly at Home
If you must pack a damp kayak temporarily, unpack it as soon as you return home and complete the drying process before long-term storage.
Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes inflatable kayak owners make is packing their kayak away too quickly after use. Even when you're tired after a day on the water, taking an extra 15 to 20 minutes to properly dry it helps prevent trapped moisture, mould, and long-term damage.
It’s also important to avoid harsh heat sources during drying. Hair dryers, heaters, heat guns, and direct contact with hot surfaces all damage inflatable materials and weaken adhesives over time.
Finally, don’t ignore humidity. Even indoors, high humidity slows drying and encourages mould growth. Whenever possible, choose the driest, best-ventilated space to ensure your kayak dries thoroughly before storage.
Storage Tips After Drying
Once your kayak is completely dry, proper storage plays a key role in maintaining its condition. The ideal storage environment is cool, dry, out of direct sunlight and in its storage/travel bag. It’s important to avoid placing your kayak in hot sheds where temperatures fluctuate, as well as damp basements where moisture can slowly build up over time.
When packing your kayak away, try to avoid folding it in exactly the same way every time. Repeated sharp creases in the same locations gradually weaken the material, so varying your folding pattern helps distribute stress more evenly and preserve the integrity of the kayak.
Finally, consider how the kayak is stored within its carry bag. While it may be tempting to seal everything tightly, leaving a small amount of airflow can be beneficial. This helps prevent any moisture from becoming trapped, reducing the risk of mould or unpleasant odours developing.
Keep Your Kayak Well Maintained
Proper drying is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your inflatable kayak. While inflatable kayaks are built to handle challenging conditions on the water, storing them wet leads to mould, mildew, unpleasant odours, and premature wear.
Taking a few extra minutes after each use to care for your inflatable kayak will help keep it in great condition, so it’s always ready for your next trip on the water.
Here at PaddleZone, we have a great range of kayaks and paddleboards that suit your budget and skill level. We’ve also got a fantastic range of paddles, accessories, clothing, and everything else you need to hit the water in style!
To view our full range, visit us in store or contact us online and our friendly, experienced team will be happy to help.
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