Rec / Touring Kayak Gear Spring Check List

Bryan Hume Flatwater Kayaking
July 24th, 2022 4 minute read

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Well, spring is finally here and paddling is on everyone’s mind. Lakes have opened up and it’s finally time to hit the water! There are a few things that need to be done before you head out onto the water this season.

Rec / Touring Kayak Check Up

Dusting off the cobwebs and getting rid of last year’s grit and grime inside and out is a great place to start for your annual spring kayak medical checkup.

Ensuring that your kayak is in great working order offers you peace of mind. Given all the vibration of transporting kayaks to those magical paddling spots we were at last year, bolts and screws can loosen.

Start at the bow of your kayak and work your way to the stern checking to see that all bolts and screws are tight. No paddler needs to discover mid-trip that a foot peg or a deck line has come loose.

The skeg cord and rudder lines are important to inspect to ensure that they are working properly and not frayed or rusted. Make sure that the skeg and/or rudder deploys properly before getting out on the water.

Bulkheads offer flotation to your kayak in the event of a capsize. Have a look to see if any part of the bulkhead has come loose. If there is a section where the sealant has given way, it can be as simple as reapplying the appropriate brand of sealant for you type of kayak (rotomold plastic or thermoform etc.)

Weathered deck lines and bungees can become a problem. We rely on deck lines for safety and bungees to attach and secure gear. Take the time to ensure these are both in good condition and functional and replace if needed.

General Gear Check

At the end of the paddling season some of us may hurried to put gear away, perhaps not in an organized way. Spring is a great time to lay out all you gear and assess what you have.

Check to see if everything is in good shape and what you might want to add to your kit this year. Clean out dry bags, duffle bags, phone cases etc. and repack your gear in an organized accessible way.

Safety Gear Check

Aquabatics Flat Water Season Opener

It's critical to make sure your safety gear is in good shape. Putting on that PFD is a good way to make sure the clips, zippers and all pockets are cleaned out and working properly.

Test out your bilge pump to see if it actually pumps water.

Ensure paddle floats are in good order and hold air (if yours is the inflatable type).

Repack your throw bag as well to ensure there are no tangles. This is also a good time to practice a few throws to ensure you're throw bag ready and able to toss someone a line in the event of a water emergency.

Every paddler should have a basic first aid kit with them. Take time to have a look through yours and restock supplies as needed.

UV Protectant

303 Aerospace Protectant is a great product to protect rotomold plastic kayaks from UV damage. It should be applied to latex gaskets on padding apparel periodically to extend the life of latex gaskets. It also helps keep ferrules on two piece paddles working smoothly.

303 Aerospace Protectant

$25.95

303 Aerospace Protectant is the most powerful UV screening protection ever made. Use it on lots of boating and household gear. Originally developed for aerospace and aviation applications, 303 repels harmful ultraviolet radiation and is really helpful in prolonging the… Read More

The best product to get the shine on your thermoform kayak is Delta Novus Kayak Polish which comes in a three bottle kit to clean shine and protect your Delta kayak.

Delta Novus Kayak Polish Kit

$29.95

Keep your Delta Kayak looking shiny and new! Novus cleaners and scratch removers gently clean the surfaces of your Delta Kayak without scratching. Leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static. Resists finger marking and contains… Read More

Roof Rack Reminder

Now that you're all ready for the open water, take a few minutes to check out you roof rack and all transportation components.

Every year there are reports of roof rack failure that result in boat and vehicle damage, or worse. Ensure the cross bars are solidly in place, and that J hooks or other kayak mounts and straps are functioning properly.

Thule Hull-a-Port

$279.95

High-performance and easy-to-use J-style kayak rack. Specifications Load capacity 34 kg Dimensions 45.7 x 16.5 x 41.9 cm Rubber cover for strap buckle Yes Length of straps 2x9.5' Lockable No One Key System compatible No Fits Thule AeroBlade Yes Adapter/s… Read More