Drying the inside of your inflatable kayak is an essential step in putting it away in storage, and should be done every time to ensure no funky smells or mildew has a chance to take hold. While some kayaks like the Aquaglide Deschutes and Cirrus UL sport integral drain plugs in the floor, these aren’t universal
The best practices we’ve come up with through our testing are as follows: Begin by dumping any standing water out of your kayak and really give it the business with a good shake or three. Any water left you’ll have to go after, so save yourself the hassle. Then, open up any deck closures and remove any internal floors. Run a dry microfiber towel along the inside and be diligent about mopping up any liquid you find.
Once you’re satisfied with your work, it’s time to let the sun do its magic — or, in the absence, a well-ventilated room. Leave your kayak unrolled until it is entirely dry before putting it away, and it’ll be ready to go the next time you want to paddle.