Is a spray skirt necessary?
Do I need a sprayskirt for my kayak? Whether you need a kayak skirt or not really depends on the kind of kayaking you’re doing. If you’ll be in warm, sheltered, flatwater lakes for the majority of your paddling, you can get away without one.
What is a spray deck for kayaking?
A spraydeck (sprayskirt in N. America, akuilisaq or tuiitsoq in Greenland) is a flexible waterproof cover for a boat (in particular for a kayak or a canoe) with holes for the passengers’ waists. Spraydecks are used to prevent water from entering the boat while allowing passengers to paddle or row.
What is a rand skirt?
Rand skirts seal around a rim much like a Tupperware lid seal – its more of a mechanical lip-locking seal than a bungee seal. As a result, rand skirts are very resistant to implosion/explosion.
Do you need a Spraydeck to kayak?
For whitewater kayaking, you need a boat, paddle, spraydeck, buoyancy aid, helmet, clothing suitable to the conditions and footwear which is safe and sturdy enough for safety on the bank.
Are neoprene spray decks waterproof?
The reassurance of neoprene on the deck, but the comfort and breathability of waterproof fabric round the waist. This combination is especially favourable if you embark on longer paddles, whether that be out at sea or inland.
How do I choose a spraydeck?
For most whitewater paddlers, a neoprene spraydeck will be the best choice. The two main types to choose between are rand and bungee, with most whitewater kayakers favouring the bungee style. If you are paddling harder whitewater, where implosions are likely, then a rand spraydeck will be the best option for you.
What is the rim or raised lip around the edge of the cockpit that used to keep water out and where a spray skirt may be attached?
coaming
The coaming is the edging around the cockpit. It’s watertight and used to attach your spray skirt to the boat. This is also sometimes called the cockpit rim.
Is a spray deck waterproof?
Waterproof. The neoprene spray deck helps stop water getting in as you paddle.