The first thing a kayaker can do to make sure the skirt is safe is to ensure that the release handle is outside the skirt. A handle doesn’t do you any good if it’s inside the boat! There are a variety of features that can make some skirts a little more “wet-exit” friendly. A skirt that has the release handle slightly off center has real advantages. Having the release point slightly off center allows the skirt to peel off easier because it is not pulling against one of the strongest tension points. This design feature also brings the handle a little bit closer to the paddler. Our largest recreational spray skirt has a skirt release point on the back as well as the standard release in the front area for boats that have really large cockpits.
When most people need to make a wet exit from their boat, it isn’t a calm, slow process. Usually you’ve missed your roll about three times and now would be a great time to get some air in those lungs. You ditch your paddle and start slapping your hands along the cockpit rim, hoping to strike eject gold, but darn it that spray skirt handle can be elusive. So another feature to look for is a handle with a molded grip. This feature is great when you’re wearing gloves.
Finally, practice your wet exit to become familiar with the procedure. And if you’re practicing it in a swimming pool, do it with your eyes closed. You probably won’t have that crystal clear water when you need to use it in a real situation.
–NRS
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Generally speaking, if users are able to put the skirt on by themselves, they also have the ability to remove the skirt during a wet exit. A problem could occur during wet exit if that person required assistance with installing the skirt onto the cockpit rim. To be sure, while seated in the kayak, the user should practice removing the skirt on dry land and if possible during wet exit under the watchful eyes of others.
– Joe Galea and Christina Laird, Seals Sprayskirts
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Novices to sea kayaking should seek instruction. Magazines and internet sites, such as
Sea Kayaker, are great sources for instructional programs.
Practice, practice, practice. If you are new to the sport, you should gain confidence that the skirt can be popped off easily. The proper technique is to lean forward, reach for the grab loop, pull forward and then up. This can first be done on land and then in a pool session. Some skirts come with a secondary release strap that runs laterally across the deck. Pulling up on either end of the strap releases it from the side of the cockpit. After fitting the skirt onto the boat, ALWAYS check to make sure the grab loop is outside and didn’t get trapped inside the cockpit while fitting the skirt onto the rim.
Make it a habit to give the grab loop a tug after fitting the skirt onto the rim.
Look for a reputable manufacturer that has been producing spray skirts for a number of years.
– Rich Wilson, Snap Dragon
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How should a kayaker decide between nylon, neoprene or hybrid?
Different skirt types offer different benefits for different styles of boating and the different styles of paddlers. An all-neoprene skirt fits the cockpit and the paddler snugly. This is generally going to be the driest skirt and is great for paddlers who enjoy paddling in heavy water and surf. Because of the snug fit around the waist, it tends to be the driest skirt to roll in as well. But be aware, the snug fit on the cockpit means a neoprene deck will be the hardest to get on and take off of the coaming.
Basic nylon skirts are nice for calm water with little or no waves. These are great because they are usually inexpensive and a good way to keep the water that drips off the paddle out of the boat and off of your legs. What is much more common in today’s sea and touring kayaking are skirts made of breathable waterproof materials. These skirts can be as expensive, if not more so, than their neoprene counterparts. A waterproof breathable skirt is a great option for serious boaters paddling in a variety of conditions. These skirts are going to breathe and that’s going to help prevent your boat from getting overly hot (it’s amazing how damp your paddling gear gets just from perspiration). These skirts are generally easier to get on and off and can fit a wider range of cockpit sizes. The addition of an implosion bar can keep the material from sagging and water pooling on the top deck of your skirt. These skirts also have adjustable tunnels, which tend to be more comfortable and cooler. An adjustable tunnel also lets you open the top of the skirt when in calmer water to get some airflow into your boat. Many of these skirts will also feature suspenders to keep your tunnel up when you loosen it for ventilation.
The hybrid skirts offer some of the best of both worlds. A tight neoprene deck that is watertight and shrugs off heavy waves and an adjustable, breathable nylon tunnel are the normal ingredients in a hybrid. Hybrid skirts are a favorite of outdoor programs because they are designed to fit a wide range of paddlers.
–NRS
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We believe that this decision is based upon what paddling conditions are to be expected. For light to moderate conditions we would suggest a nylon skirt. For moderate conditions in cold weather or cold water we would suggest a hybrid (neoprene deck with fabric tunnel). For extreme conditions where low bracing and rolling is highly probable, we recommend to our customers a neoprene skirt.
– Joe Galea and Christina Laird, Seals Sprayskirts
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It depends on the water conditions. For recreational paddling on calm bays and lakes, nylon skirts work fine. Nylon skirts can be a good back-up skirt for extended trips as they may be tightly rolled up so as not to take up much room. The most comfortable model of nylon skirts is a waterproof/breathable version.
For the most demanding situations such as ocean surf, rivers, or waterways that have a history of winds, an all-neoprene skirt is the best. A neoprene deck is the best for keeping water from coming in under the rim, while a neoprene tube will be the best for keeping water from coming in over the top.
For the paddler that wants a drier fit around the rim but still is looking for a little more comfort than the neoprene tube, a hybrid skirt often known as Neo-Nylon works well. Snap Dragon’s Glacier model is extremely popular as it has a nice wide band of neoprene with two Velcro closures that allow the tube to stay up nice and high.
– Rich Wilson, Snap Dragon
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