I got to be in a safety video!
This is a short video on why a river boat isn't safe to take out on open water, why a spray skirt is essential, and what happens without the right gear.
Are you kayaking in rough conditions? A spray skirt can help to stop water entering your craft.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1A4LWKhgqN/
5 Comments
Dave@lemmy.nz · 3 pts · 1y
Nice!
I have to ask - is not wearing a spray skit in the ocean a common problem? Are there lots of people that go kayaking without it and need rescuing?
thevoyagekayaking@lemmy.nz · 3 pts · 1y
It's not particularly common, but mostly because beginners tend to be out on sit on top boats. Although there was a fatality in Wellington Harbour a few years ago, on Christmas eve, where the paddler had a sit in boat with no spray skirt.
It's also good information for a sea kayak with bulkheads, you won't flood the boat completely, but it will be less stable.
Dave@lemmy.nz · 3 pts · 1y
For sit on top, how does the spray skirt advice work come in, or is the advice not to use one in the ocean?
I would expect it would not flood like you did in the video because the whole boat would be sealed and watertight?
thevoyagekayaking@lemmy.nz · 3 pts · 1y
A sit on top is considered self bailing, so no skirt needed. The paddler sits above the waterline, and there are holes through to the underside of the boat.
Dave@lemmy.nz · 2 pts · 1y
Ah yip, I misunderstood your previous comment. Beginners tend to be in sit on top boats, so the issue with sea spray without a skirt doesn't apply. However, it does happen occasionally, hence the safety video.