Author: MJT
The Need For The Kayak Accessory
Kayaking is a simple sport. It is all about a person, a
basic boat and a paddle. The paddle is a matter of choice. The European paddle
can increase speed while the Greenland paddle helps
maintain stability. The kayak can be chosen to fit the type of water that will
be traveled and the kind of sport that will be played. Whether sight-seeing or
competitive whitewater racing, there is a kayak specifically made to fit. But a
kayak and paddle alone is not enough. Rough water means waterproof gear. A
tight kayak means special foot gear. Safety calls for helmets and flotation
devices. Unless you live on the shore of a lake, river or ocean, you will need
a way to get your kayak to water.
Getting Started
Start with clothing. Water sports demand a special type of
clothing. It must be waterproof but not trap perspiration against the skin. The
original kayak accessory was a suit made of the same type of animal skin as the
covering of the kayak which was sewn to the kayak for a completely waterproof
outfit. Today’s fabrics don’t need to be sewn to the kayak to provide
waterproof protection. Remember to wear synthetics, not cotton, to find
clothing that will allow freedom of movement and be durable. Dress in layers.
Feet confined in narrow kayaks need waterproof sandals or booties rather than
clunky boots. They should be flexible but have protective soles for use on
land. Gloves are the kayak accessory that will protect the hands from cold,
water and blisters. There are even gloves available that attach to the paddle.
A kayaker has more contact with the water than most boaters
do. A kayak rides low in the water and can turn over. On top of that, there
isn’t much water displacement in the thin silhouette. That means that taking on
water can mean trouble. The kayak accessory designed to avoid that trouble is
the sprayskirt. It fits over the paddler with suspenders and covers the chest
down over the opening of the kayak. A simple sprayskirt can keep the paddle
splash off your lap or the rapids out of the boat. With the danger of water in
the boat, you will need all of your gear to be waterproof. Each kayak accessory
should be made of water resistant material – like a vinyl food cooler that
floats – or be stowed in a vinyl gear bag shaped to fit in the confined space
of a kayak. A good kayak accessory is a flotation device for the paddle. Bright
colors make it easier to find in rough water, too. Whatever kayak accessory you
need, you will find that the sports outfitters are way ahead of you.
Tags:
| 
Print this page
