Each kayaking journey involves lots of paddle sessions. It is undoubtedly a recreational activity. But it may lead to a mess if the paddlers end up gathering water. Honestly speaking, there is no specific way to avoid this problem completely. However, some preventive measures can help us out for sure. Today, we are sharing the details about how to paddle a kayak without getting wet.
Strategies to Stay Dry While Kayaking
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Preparation
The kayakers often get wet because of water splashes on their shirt and pants. So, you have to be careful in selecting the kayaking clothes. Wearing a thick cotton fabric is the worst decision you can ever make for paddling. You will find thousands of water-resistant clothes specially designed for kayaking. Try to put on gloves so that your hands do not get wet. Don’t forget to bring extra clothes in a ziplock water-proof bag.
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Replace your paddle with a better one
A variety of kayak paddles are seen in the market. The majority of them come with grooves. Such kayak paddle blades can hold water during every movement. As a result, the water slides down the rod and gradually falls on your body. Besides, many users prefer concave blades that can carry way too much water. Though they boost the overall performance, there is a high chance of getting wet. Try to stop using these types unless you want to cover a longer distance with minimum effort.
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Add drip dings on the shaft
There is also a solution for staying dry without compromising the speed. As we know, most water gets into the fishing kayak by dripping down the shaft. You can install a few drip rings to prevent it. They are nothing but rubber rings, which you should place on both ends. They will prohibit most water penetration. They are excellent for winter days when we badly want warmth and dryness. You can either purchase top-quality drip dings or make your own easily.
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Prioritize longer lengths for low angle
A higher stroke angle leads to more water running down the shaft. And it happens when you use a short paddle. The same situation arrives with paddling too hard. Who knows, maybe you will find yourself surrounded by the water before reaching the destination. Therefore, try to create small strokes every time with a long paddle. This lower angle paddling method will keep you safe from water splashes. But don’t get a super long paddle that you can’t handle properly; otherwise, you may suffer from severe wrist and shoulder fatigue.
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Attach spray skirt on the top of sit-in kayaks
A spray skirt can be a solution for the sit-in kayak owners. It is a flexible water-proof cover that sits around passengers’ waists. It is usually made of nylon, neoprene, or other water-tight fabrics. In order to find a good one, make sure that it offers a firm fit around your torso. But it should not be too tight to hamper comfort and mobility. Some of them may contain shoulder straps enabling us to adjust them as per need.