KAYAKS-4U

SELECTING A KAYAK SPRAY SKIRT

What do you need to know about a kayak spray skirt? First there are different types of kayak spray skirts. There’s neoprene skirts, nylon skirts, and a neoprene skirt with a nylon tunnel. All have there advantages depending on which kind of kayaking you are doing. Second you need to know how it should fit. Third what price range can you afford?

Neoprene kayak spray skirts are good for whitewater kayaking. Neoprene is waterproof and they attach to the cockpit coaming (rim around the cockpit) of the kayak. These are often more expensive than nylon skirts but keep the water out during the turbulent ride of a river creek, or waves. The Neoprene keeps the kayak from filling with water and keeps the water out in case you fall out or capsize.

Touring kayaks can usually get by with the nylon kayak spray skirt. The nylon is cheaper and gives better breath ability than neoprene. The nylon is used to keep out the occasional splash of a wave or paddle. If you’re going to do some big waves and go a little crazy then you can choose a neoprene skirt and a nylon tunnel.

When sizing a kayak spray skirt make sure to size the skirt to the boat and the tunnel to your waist. The fit on the coaming should be snug. Make sure if you are a whitewater kayaker the fit around your waist lets you easily release the skirt in case you are upside down in the water.

Additional information can be found in from our recommended kayak accessories section.