A Kayak Spray Skirt Should Fit Your Kayak -- And You

The kayak spray skirt--also known as a spray deck--is another important kayak accessory. If you think of your kayak as your "jeans," then the spray skirt is the "belt" that holds your Levis in place. The kayak spray skirt needs to fit you--and your boat--like a glove.

The kayak spray skirt is an integral part of the boat/paddler equation. The spray skirt keeps water out of the cockpit, and helps keep your upper body warm in cold climates. Make sure to choose a spray skirt that has been designed for the type of kayak you'll be using. Touring kayaks generally use water-resistant nylon skirts with shock cords sewn into them, while playboats and other whitewater kayaks use single piece neoprene models. The spray skirt consists of a tunnel--the section that fits around the paddler's waist--and the skirt itself, which attaches to the coaming (the rim of the kayak's cockpit).

When shopping for a kayak spray skirt, always try it on over the clothes you'll be wearing while paddling. There's nothing worse than spending hours in a tube of neoprene that's too loose or too tight. Also, a loose or ill-fitted skirt can cause the kayak to be much less seaworthy--especially in rough water or while performing an Eskimo roll. A good test is to push down on the skirt while you have it on--it should fit snugly without slipping down.

Once you've tried on several for size, you might consider buying your kayak spray skirt from one of the online retailers. Many online stores offer a huge selection of makes and models, and the money you save can be significant.