Martin Creek Kayak Storage Solutions
By Mike Toma-QWS Kayak Instructor
No garage, no walls, no problem! For some of us boat storage can become one of the biggest challenges when purchasing our first kayak. If you're like me when you arrive home with your new purchase you are proud and display a grin that Batman's nemesis the Joker would most admire. Along with the excitement and adrenaline rush you experience when you picture yourself becoming "one with your boat", you are faced with the reality that your kayak will 
never look as good as it does at this very moment. It is inevitable that common wear will produce the casualties associated with normal use on your favorite river or lake; however, properly storing your kayak will help you avoid dings and dents when your faithful companion is not being used. Enter, Martin Creek, a company providing kayak storage solutions for those of us who are space challenged and for those of us who are not.
Martin Creek Kayak Storage Solutions is located in Sandy Springs, South Carolina and is operated by Christy and Marcus Williamson. Martin Creek offers four different products that store kayaks by utilizing free standing j-racks, stud/wall mounted j-racks and portable foam kayak parks. Our focus for this segment of Gear Jabber will be on Martin Creek's JR-2600 J-Rack for wall/stud applications.
The JR-2600 is constructed of lightweight aluminum and is powder-coated for protection from the elements, including salt water. The JR-2600 comes complete with a pair of j-racks, hardware, neoprene sleeves, outdoor safety straps, and instructions.
The JR-2600 is designed to store your kayak on its side for a cost of $69.00 before shipping. Storing a kayak on its side is desirable and helps relieve stress from the top and bottom hull in its resting position. The JR-2600 can hold kayaks up to 90 lbs. and 28" wide. The inside dimension of the "J" is 14" and the total extension from the mounting service is 16". The 16" wall extension is what was most important to me for my storage solution. I simply could not afford to take up much space within my carport for fear of encroaching on my wife's precious parking space. In our house the kayak is viewed as the "other woman".
The JR-2600 is a very versatile rack. It can be used for docks, decks, patios, garages, basements and in my case car ports. The ideal attachment method spaces the two j-racks approximately 48" apart. The height or distance from the ground is entirely up to you. My carport application presented a challenge because my 4"x 4" support posts are eight feet apart. After discussing my dilemma with Christy I constructed a frame made from wolmanized
pressure treated 2"x 4" and attached it to the car port header and one support post (please see photo attached). The frame was indeed the ticket and provided the necessary attachment points for the JR-2600, resolution is a beautiful thing! My kayak is now safely nestled within my carport and easily accessible for even the most spontaneous kayak outing.
Martin Creek is another great example of a company that was created by kayakers to solve problems for kayakers. Some of the best lessons learned have come from conversations with other paddlers and students who have attended our classes. I was fortunate to find Martin Creek on Paddling.Net and hope to pass the good word to others. Martin Creek is also a sponsor to Paddling Net, www.paddling.net, and for those of you who are members of their Paddle Perks program you can take advantage of the10% discount that is offered from Martin Creek. If you wish to contact or view other Martin Creek solutions visit martincreek.com. Thanks for reading and hope you will visit the next segment of Gear Jabber.