How to Fit and Attach a Spray Skirt for a Sea Kayak

Fitting your spray skirt can be a bit challenging at first, but with a few hints and practice rounds it will become a snap - literally!

Instructions

1. Step into your spray skirt with the tube end facing up. You'll want to do this before putting your life vest on.

2. Pull the skirt up to your torso so that the bottom of the tube is resting just below your belly button. Now you can put on the life vest.

3. Step into the kayak and slowly take a seat. As you sit down, make sure the apron (the wide part of the skirt which attaches to the kayak) is out of the way as you get all the way into the cockpit.

4. Reach both hands behind you and place the rim of the apron along the rim of the cockpit, also called the coaming.

5. Continue to pull the apron along the sides of the coaming, making certain that a seal is made between the neoprene and the plastic.

6. Keep each side of the apron equally stretched as you come closer to the nose of the coaming. You'll want to keep the pull strap of the apron out the way at this point, so that it does not get caught under the seal.

7. Reach the tip of the apron to the coaming's nose and snap it into place, completing the seal. This part can require a little elbow grease, so don't be surprised if it takes a couple tries.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have trouble getting the apron all the way to the nose, make sure the sides of the neoprene are equally stretched. You may have to start the process over to remedy the problem.

• After sealing the apron to the coaming, make certain that the pull strap to the apron is completely free. This is of utmost importance, as you will need strap in order to escape the kayak in the event of a capsize.

• Sea kayaking can be a very fun and relaxing sport. However, as with any sport dealing with open water, it has many inherent dangers. When learning how to sea kayak, it is a good idea to seek out professional instruction.