I continue to learn about kayaks and what things are called. I was calling the Sprayskirt something different then what the real name is, I like to think I know my stuff as much as I can. I will visit 3 online stores to get information about what Sprayskirts are and what they do.
The three online stores I researched was Dicks Sporting Goods, REI, and Walmart.
The first online store I looked at was Dicks Sporting Goods, they had one spray skirt to choose from. Here is the information I find:
Harmony Fusion Kayak Sprayskirt
Don’t take on excess water, the Harmony® Fusion Kayak Sprayskirt will ensure water stays out of the hull when the water gets rough. Slip the sprayskirt on, secure the edges around the rim of your kayak and stay comfortable and dry throughout your trip. The double stitched stitches and sealed seams enhance water-resistance while the shock cord waist provides a snug fit against your body.
FEATURES:
- Keeps water from entering the cockpit
- Function and durability at a value
- Adjustable shock cord waist, tunnel and rim
- Double stitched and seam sealed enhance water protection
- Brand : Harmony
- Country of Origin : United States of America
The spray skirt at Dicks cost $49.99 and a customer rating of 4 out of 5 stars.
The second online store I went to was REI and as always they have a lot of free information. They like to educate their customers.
Here is some of the information I find at REI:
Spray Skirt Parts and Materials
Anatomy of a spray skirt: Spray skirts are made up of a tunnel, a deck and a rand. The tunnel is worn around the paddler’s torso. The deck is the skirt portion that radiates out from the tunnel to cover the boat’s cockpit. The rand, or the edge of the spray skirt, holds the deck taut by fastening over the cockpit coaming (the lip of the cockpit).
Cockpit fit: With so many cockpit sizes and shapes, a one-size-fits all skirt is not an option. Fortunately, spray skirt manufacturers have done the hard work, and have created elaborate sizing charts for you. You don’t need to measure your cockpit, but you do need to know the brand and model name of your kayak.
If you can’t find your model in a sizing chart, then consider a custom-made skirt. Contact spray skirt manufacturers, local paddling shops and paddling clubs to see what they recommend.
Torso fit: Nylon tunnels typically have an adjustable one-size-fits-all design. If you get a skirt with a neoprene tunnel, though, you need to measure the circumference of your “midriff” (the tunnel top sits higher than your waist, but below your chest). Then use that measurement and a skirt’s tunnel sizing chart to pick your tunnel size.
Tips for putting on your spray skirt:
- To get a good fit at the waist, put on your spray skirt before you don your PFD.
- When attaching your skirt to your boat, start behind you. Slip the rand edge underneath the coaming at the rear of the cockpit. Hold it firmly there as you work your way around to the front of the cockpit, slipping the remaining rand edge under the coaming as you go.
- If your spray skirt has shoulder straps, readjust them after attaching the skirt rand to the cockpit. The goal is to ensure you have a taut deck surface.
- Always double-check that the grab loop is on the outside. In a capsize, you need to be able to instantly find and yank the loop to release the skirt.
Third I went to Walmart for Sprayskirts. They had the most to select from with the most name brands.
Here is some information I got from Walmart:
Level Six Excursion Spray Skirt
$81.95
2-day delivery
Color: Midnight Black
FEATURES of the Level Six Excursion Spray Skirt
- 0.5mm Neoprene Waistband
- Adjustable Tunnel With Removable Suspenders
- Implosion Bar
- Bungee Rand
- Mesh Pocket For Storage
- Reflective Piping
- Waterproof
I like the Level Six Spray Skirt the would go great with many of the great sit-in kayaks. Go Shopping for Kayak Spray Skirts at Walmart
What brands are there for sprayskirt?
- Harmony Fusion
- Fosa Universal
- Level Six Excursion
- Hilitand
- Eeekit
- Anauto
- Attwood
- Wilfront
- Ymiko
- Hurrise
What is the best sprayskirt for my sit-in kayak?
Best Kayak Spray Skirt Overall
Seals Tropical Tour Ver II Spray Skirt
This spray skirt is a mix of neoprene and nylon. You will find this beneficial since it keeps you dry and delivers additional warmth. The Tropical Tour Ver II has a pair of adjustable suspenders so you won’t need to worry about the spray skirt slipping away from your body. Another decent feature of this spray skirt is that it comes with a zipper-enabled mesh pocket. This provides protection and accessibility for your small accessories. This spray skirt has a band attached to its anterior rim. You should find this handy in affixing and removing the spray skirt from the cockpit of your kayak. The seams of this spray skirt are double stitched which improves the durability of the spray skirt and ensures water doesn’t enter the cockpit.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Breathable
- Handy pocket to store gear and accessories
- Adjustable Suspenders
CONS
- Can be a little tight around the chest/abs area
SEALS Extreme Tour Sprayskirt
The Seals Extreme is made from neoprene. You will find this beneficial considering the taut nature of neoprene. Also, it delivers warmth and allows ventilation of your skin. Another feature is the 4mm thickness of the spray skirt’s deck; this is great since it enhances the durability of the spray skirt. This kayak skirt has a pair of suspenders which you will find of immense help in keeping the spray skirt in place. The Extreme Tour has a visible band on its anterior end which is useful in securing the spray skirt on the rim of the cockpit. It should also come in handy when removing the spray skirt.
PROS
- Fits well
- Suitable for cold conditions
CONS
- You might find it uncomfortable during warmer weather
- The suspenders are frail and could get worn out with time
What is the life span of a sprayskirt?
The life span of a sprayskirt depends on many factors like wear and tear, are you using it in whitewater rafting, many times a year do you go kayaking, and how long are your trips when you go kayaking.
Additional Information: Fishing Maps that might be helpful for your next fishing trip.
Conclusion
Hope this post was helpful to you and that you have a very successful trip fishing with your friends and family! Check out the other sections of my blog for more tips on KayaksBoats.
Please visit our Sponsors: