Kayak Spray Skirt
A kayak spray skirt is designed so the tunnel of the skirt fits around your waist and the skirt itself fits over the cockpit rim of the boat. Snug-fitting all-neoprene kayak skirts work best for practicing kayak rolls or paddling in rough water or surf.
Recreational kayakers who will be using the spray skirt to keep out the occasional water splash prefer water-resistant nylon skirts because they are inexpensive and provide good ventilation. Sea kayakers who enjoy more extreme pursuits may prefer an all neoprene skirt, or a skirt made of waterproof Gore-Tex material. These skirts usually have additional features like extra pockets or hand warmers. Whitewater skirts are made from 100% neoprene with a shock cord that secures the skirt to the cockpit. Neoprene is waterproof and more durable than nylon skirts. Spray skirts usually range in price from $25-$95. There must be dozens of old skirts lying around in someone's old garage ready to get thrown away by old school boaters who don't get out on the water anymore.
Without a spray skirt your boat would fill with water. Just determine what type of boat you have, and then match the size of the cockpit to the skirt size. If the spray skirt is too loose, it may be dislodged by a wave. Try attaching a new skirt to the boat and keep it there for a few days to loosen it up before you use it. Or, try wetting the skirt before attaching it.
Some people would have you believe a spray skirt or spray deck is an accessory. Unless you want a wet lap, get in the habit of always wearing your spray skirt. Snug-fitting all-neoprene kayak skirts work best for practicing kayak rolls or paddling in rough water or surf. A well-fitting spray skirt is tight in front of the paddler, so that water doesn't pool up. If you really push down just ahead of the tunnel (the part around your waist) the skirt should not pop off the coaming. Every spray skirt should have a grab loop at the front, to help you release it in the event of a capsize. The zipper allows you to step in and out of the spray skirt while it remains attached to the cockpit rim. Half Spray Skirts are also available and combine super functionality with clean design. You can also mount this over your full-enclosure skirt for an easy-access cockpit pocket, and splash protection. Great for applications where a full skirt is unnecessary. A kayak spray skirt has one basic, but very important function to keep water from pouring in through your cockpit.
Kayaks
| 