Hand pumps are very commonly carried by sea kayakers. Since using a hand pump to get the water out often depends upon the spray deck keeping more water from getting in, spray decks become part of a rescue scenario. How do you see spray skirts functioning in a rescue?
In a rescue situation, if you are in the process of bilging, you’re probably over the hard part of the “rescue.” Now you’re just cleaning up before you move on. If you are in a place where you can bilge (i.e. use two hands to operate a bilge pump) you are probably in relatively calm water and therefore not in much danger of taking on anymore water, so you can leave your spray skirt off the cockpit while you pump. However, if you are in rougher water that’s throwing waves onto your deck and you are continuing to take on more water, you can put your spray skirt back on your cockpit, but leave a small opening on the side for the bilge pump to stick out of; that is if you are stable enough in your boat to work the bilge pump without flipping over again. If you have a friend with you, have them help stabilize your boat so you can get the water out. If you are on your own, you will probably be better off paddling and bracing to stabilize yourself until you are in calmer water where you can then use your bilge pump to get the water out of your boat.
– NRS
Click here to read bio
Until the introduction of the “Pumphouse" feature by Seals Sprayskirts, a portion of the skirt had to remain unattached to the cockpit while pumping. This allowed for even more water to enter the kayak during pump operation (with the exception of boats equipped with internal bailing systems.) For the majority of paddlers who paddle in light to moderate conditions, a spray skirt performs a “comfort function.” For any paddling above moderate conditions, a spray skirt also performs a necessary safety function by keeping water out of the cockpit and providing a level of insulation in a cold environment.
– Joe Galea and Christina Laird, Seals Sprayskirts
Click here to read bio
In conversations with instructors and expedition paddlers, it’s clear that the need for proper instruction in rescue techniques can’t be overstated. There are lots of good instructors across the country that can teach proper techniques for maximum safety and rescue.
In the most extenuating circumstances, pumps are not used. Emptying the boat with the help of a fellow paddler or getting to shore and then emptying the boat is what happens. In lesser conditions, a pump may be useful. Several different methods are taught, one of which is putting the pump tube down the tunnel of the spray skirt. In this case, having a little looser fitting tube works better. Another consideration is going with a shorter tunnel height with a material that has some stretch to it. Another method is lifting the side edge of the spray skirt and placing the pump between the legs, pumping with one hand and holding the spray deck steady. For this method of pumping, the spray skirt edge needs to be cupped well around the bow and stern to stay on the rim.
Having an opening for a hand pump in the deck may lead to pooling as well as a durability issue. Over time, the area for the opening may become susceptible to leaks resulting in water drips onto the lap. Using one solid piece of neoprene results in a longer lasting skirt.
– Rich Wilson, Snap Dragon
Click here to read bio
Are there alterations a kayaker can do to the kayak coaming (whether composite or plastic) to improve the seal, release or durability of a spray skirt?
Other than smoothing off any burrs or cuts in the coaming, the best solution for seal, release and durability is to select a skirt that fits properly.
– NRS
Click here to read bio
Over the years we’ve learned of many homegrown remedies to skirt slippage. Our feeling is that the kayak manufacturer has an obligation to its customers to provide a rim that will allow a spray skirt to function. We are still awed at the number of boat designers, kayak marketing gurus and engineers who under-appreciate this responsibility. Our opinion is that the only responsibility of the paddler should be to assure that no sharp points appear along the rim that could tear the fabric of the spray skirt.
– Joe Galea and Christina Laird, Seals Sprayskirts
Click here to read bio
Snap Dragon doesn’t recommend alterations as they may jeopardize the warranty. If there is a problem with the deck edge, Snap Dragon can re-sew the shock cord to either loosen or tighten the fit. Some apply a sticky substance underneath the deck edge, but in reality it restricts the stretch and ultimately the fit of the skirt onto the deck. For plastic rims, a light sanding around the rim is beneficial.
– Rich Wilson, Snap Dragon
Click here to read bio
When is it time to replace a spray skirt? What signs of wear or aging should a kayaker look for?
The skirt is one of your pieces of gear that takes the most abuse. You wear it every time you paddle. It gets beat on by the sun and water. You stand on it when changing out of your grundies, it braves sticks and thorns on the way to the put in and you routinely smack it with your paddle. Skirts probably wear out faster than any other piece of gear, not because they have failed, but because we have beaten them into submission. Skirts are also one of the most crucial pieces of gear, one of your five essentials, so be sure to look for trouble areas. Check the color. If the skirt is faded, that’s a good indicator that it has taken a lot of UV abuse. Not only will this degrade the material itself, but also the stitching, the glue and other components. Holes are obviously a good indicator of wear. Be sure to watch for wear around the grab loop. You don’t want to yank on that for a wet exit and have a handle come off in your hand. Inspect the stitching on your skirts from time to time. UV, saltwater and chlorine from pool sessions can wear out the threads very easily and also the material between the stitches can degrade, causing the stitches to pull out. Another key area to watch for on rubber rand skirts is the glue between the rand and the skirt material. As this glue degrades, the rand can come away from the material causing leakage and possibly a safety issue. Those are just a few areas to look at, but as with all your gear, regular inspection before and after use along with some preventative maintenance will greatly increase the life of your spray skirt.
– NRS
Click here to read bio
When is it time to replace a spray skirt? You'll know it when you see it (or feel it). We see many buying second or third skirts just to buy up into new features or for reasons related to improving paddling abilities.
What signs of wear or aging should a kayaker look for? In our experience the most common would be seam tape starting to peel or crack, the coatings or films on nylon fabric skirts starting to delaminate or neoprene showing signs of tears or abrasion.
– Joe Galea and Christina Laird, Seals Sprayskirts
Click here to read bio
Neoprene becomes porous over time. Water can enter the cockpit through the neoprene. To check for this kind of leakage:
1) Standing over the kayak, place the skirt onto the cockpit.
2) Gather the tunnel together so no water can enter.
3) Using a garden hose, run water all over the deck.
4) Remove the skirt and check for any water in the cockpit.
Check the deck edge to make sure it is fully intact.
Check that the grab loop is securely fastened to the deck.
Tubes generally wear out from delamination caused by UV rays, saltwater or chlorine. Always rinse the skirt after each use in fresh water and dry away from direct sunlight. Never dry in a clothes dryer.
– Rich Wilson, Snap Dragon
Click here to read bio
