Is your kayaking gear and kayak in good shape for venturing out on the ocean this season? Winter storage for kayaks can be challenging, even for us at the kayak shop. Every season when we bring the kayaks out of hibernation, we take the following action before getting out on the water.
1. Thorough cleaning and inspection
Dirt and grime collects in and on kayaks no matter how hard you try and keep them clean. The first clean of the season is the best time to assess what work needs to be done to make sure you are safe for your first trip out. As you clean your kayak think about points 2-6!
2. Replace bungee lines and hard lines
The bungee cords on your kayak are there to help you store the essentials (like your pump, throw bag and paddle float…more on these below). Loose bungees may lead to lost equipment. If they are getting loose you can simply pull them tighter and re-secure them to your kayak. Eventually they will need replacing, but simply tightening them often suffices for a few seasons. The hard lines that run on the outside of your kayak from stern to cockpit and from cockpit to bow are there to allow you to move from one end of your kayak to the other while in the water without letting go. They are an important safety feature. Make sure they, and their connection to the kayak, are secure otherwise they may fail you when you need them most.
3. Test your foot pedals
Foot pedals should be easily adjustable yet lock securely in place so they do not slip when you apply pressure to them. If they do not slide smoothly on their runners they may simply need the runners rinsing with fresh water to remove salt build up or sand and pebbles.
4.Rudder check
Make sure your rudder works and the lines controlling it are in good condition. A malfunctioning rudder can cause loss of control which can be very dangerous in rough conditions. Make sure you have full turning both left and right, and that you can raise and lower your rudder easily if needed whilst paddling.
5. Hatch covers
Check hatches are watertight. All hatches let some water in if your kayak is submerged long enough, but making sure that your hatches do not let in water easily is essential. Test them by spraying them with a jet of water from a hose, this will simulate waves breaking over your kayak effectively. Make sure the hard covers, neoprene covers, and straps and lines holding the hatches in place are in good condition. A hatch cover at the bottom of the ocean is not much use to you – trust me, we’ve found out the hard way!
6. Water tight
Check your kayak doesn’t take on water. A small impact on fibreglass can sometimes cause water to be able to penetrate your cockpit through the hull. Even if it is only enough to cause discomfort it should be looked at carefully to make sure it cannot become a bigger problem easily. We test our kayaks by filling the cockpit with some water while the kayak is on a cradle above ground so we can spot any dripping. Much easier than trying to find any leak while paddling!
Okay, so you've checked your kayak. Ready to go???
Not so fast….what about the other things you rely on when out on the ocean. Here is a checklist for everything else we can think of.
1. Check your pumps work efficiently
If you need to bail your kayak out, being able to do it quickly is critical. A faulty pump is no use to anyone. We often find that a poorly performing pump can be easily cleaned out, removing dirt and pebbles allowing it to work again in just a few minutes.
2. Is your throw bag (tow line) in good condition?
Will your throw bag unravel easily if you need to be towed, or to tow someone else? Unravel it, wash it in clean warm water, dry it out and then carefully repack it so you know if will serve you well if needed.
3. Test your paddle float
Paddle float buoyancy diminishes over time but your reliance upon will not! If you kayak solo, a capsize can be costly, especially in early and late season conditions. The best way to test it is by practicing a self-rescue, using it as you would in a real situation. We run courses Capsize Recovery courses throughout the season if you are concerned about doing this test and are looking for guidance and support. Alternatively you can test your paddle float by simply submerging it in water and letting it rise to the surface, you will feel it spring back to the surface if it is in good shape.
4. What about your paddle and spare paddle?
Check the blades and shaft of your paddle. Blades eventually wear out, especially if used to pry yourself away from rock and docks. The shaft of the paddle weakens over time, particularly at the connection point of any two-piece paddle! Make sure you can trust it to serve you well. Always carry a secondary means of paddling in case your paddle breaks or you lose it in rough conditions. Most modern paddles are designed to float, but don’t take my word for it – when in shallow water, make sure yours does by testing it!
5. Is you PFD in good shape?
A Personal Flotation Device may be the last thing you put on before getting into your kayak, but that doesn’t mean it is the least important! A Canadian study shows that 80% of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacked/PFD. PFD buoyancy deteriorates over time. Test yours before you go out, like we do every season! And wear it!
6. Marine radio
If you are taking a marine radio with you, make sure it charges effectively and holds a charge for a decent amount of time. Ours only last a few seasons before they need replacing.
Think about whether a first aid kit is something you need with you. The shoreline can be pretty unforgiving if you need an unplanned stop.
If you have checked all the above, then your kayak and safety equipment are in good shape to hit the water. – see you out there!
Coming soon….our blogs on “What to wear kayaking in early season” and “Full day and Multi-day Float Plans – why do I need one?”