Kayak Spray Skirts - Staying Dry
A kayak spray skirt has one basic, but very important function--to keep water from pouring in through your cockpit. Some people would have you believe a spray skirt or spray deck is an accessory. It's really as much a part of your kayak as your paddle. Unless you want a wet lap, get in the habit of always wearing your spray skirt. Most paddles come with drip rings, and most drip rings let a steady trickle of water down the paddle shaft that is destined for your lap.
And don't forget those big power boats: When a wake-making powerboat goes by and the wave created by his wake rolls up on the deck of your kayak and fills your cockpit.......you'll wish you had your kayak spray skirt in place! :)
The kayak spray skirt is a water-resistant barrier that seals around your abdomen and the boats coaming to keep water from entering the kayak through the cockpit. Spray skirts are made out of neoprene wet-suit material or coated nylon fabric. The rubber material is flexible; it stretches taut over the coaming and gives a snug fit around your waist, forming a positive seal and a smooth surface that sheds water.
Coated nylon provides greater ventilation and a more comfortable fit. Nylon spray skirts are less expensive and more durable. It won't stretch, so it's not as snug and it will tend to pool water. Not a good thing if you're caught in the rain. Some models use both materials--neoprene to stretch over the coaming and nylon fabric around your abdomen--taking advantage of the best qualities of each and making a nice compromise. Snug-fitting all-neoprene kayak skirts work best for practicing kayak rolls or paddling in rough water or surf.
Fitting Your Kayak Spray Skirt
A well-fitting spray skirt is tight in front of the paddler, so that water doesn't pool up. It should be snug around your waist, but not so tight as to be confining or affect your breathing. If you really push down just ahead of the tunnel (thepart aound your waist), the skirt should not pop off the coaming. It should be tight enough so that when you hook the edge around the back of the cockpit coaming and pull it forward, it doesn't slip free. More important, it should not be so tight as to be difficult to pop free when you want to release it. Every spray skirt should have a grab loop at the front, to help you release it in the event of a capsize.
Who Makes Spray Skirts?
Among the companies that make spray skirts:
Spray skirts usually range in price from $25-$95. Shop around and check out the various designs--and remember--a dry boat is a warm boat!
Other Kayaking Accessory Essentials
- Hand Bilge Pump
- Rescue Line
- First Aid Kit
- Large Sponge
- Map Case
- Spare Paddle (Two-Piece for ease of transport and storage)
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