How to put on a spraydeck

A spraydeck covers the cockpit opening on a closed cockpit kayak. It's designed to keep water out and makes it easier to paddle on open water, the sea and white water.

It is not suitable for beginners as practice is needed to be able to remove the spraydeck and exit the kayak after a capsize.

Spraydecks are made from waterproof fabric or neoprene and are sized for most kayaks.

They have a handle at the front of the spraydeck that is used to pull off the spraydeck after a capsize or at the end of your trip.

It can seem daunting when first using a spraydeck. For this reason, it is best to practice capsizing and removing your spraydeck in safe conditions like a sheltered area or swimming pool. You should be confident in doing this before you move out onto more tricky water.

With that said, spraydecks are a brilliant piece of equipment to use as they keep you dry and warm and allow you to roll your kayak after a capsize.

Let's see how easy it is to put on a spraydeck.

Dave putting on his neoprene spraydeck

There are two stages to putting on the spraydeck.

Firstly, the spraydeck is stepped into and pulled up around your waist. Some spraydecks have an elasticated pull cord to secure it and others rely on the tightness of the material at the waist. It's important that the spraydeck is pulled up high to avoid water being able to go over the top.

Secondly, as you sit in the kayak, you need to fit the spraydeck to the cockpit.

The best way to do this is to start at the back of the cockpit. Roll the spraydeck material over the lip of the cockpit and begin to move around either side towards the front of the cockpit.

As you near the front, grab the front of the spraydeck near the handle and push it onto the cockpit. This is not usually easy and does require both hands to push the spraydeck on.

If the back 'pops off' simply start again. Keep relaxed and focus on keeping the spraydeck over the cockpit rim.

Once the back of the spraydeck is on, the trick is to get the front on as soon as you can. This generally allows you to quickly move to either side to finish fitting the spraydeck.

Finally, finish applying the spraydeck to the cockpit being careful it does not 'ping' off.

As a check, move both hands around the cockpit to check that 100% of the spraydeck is on the cockpit. Even small gaps will mean water will come in or the spraydeck could pop off.

If the spraydeck is neoprene and super tight to fit, it may be better to get it wet first. This can allow a little more stretch in the spraydeck.

Applying the spraydeck to kayaks made of fibreglass or carbon kevlar can be a little harder due to the finish of the material. Plastic kayaks are easier as they provide a much smoother surface finish. Spraydecks are easier to remove from plastic kayaks for this reason.

The handle of the spraydeck must be visible and available to grab at all times. It's worth practicing being able to grab the handle while on dry land. Being familiar with where it is and what it feels like will help you when you capsize and need to find it.

For a great seal to the cockpit, a neoprene spraydeck is recommended. These are super tight and provide a near water tight seal. They are more difficult to remove and should only be used once you have practiced removing them in a capsize.

To remove the spraydeck, grab the handle and pull it forwards and away from the cockpit following with a lift upwards to pull the spraydeck off. Usually the tightness of the spraydeck will allow it to 'pop' off.

You are usually going to be putting the spraydeck on either on the shore before launching by seal launch or low side launch or when on the water after a high side launch. It is more difficult when you are on the water especially if there is current or waves.

Keeping your kayak close to the shore and stable can be tricky. You might be able to use your paddle to bridge across to shore or rest your elbow on the bank while you put on your spraydeck. With practice, you can push away from the shore and put the spraydeck on while drifiting. Make sure you hang on to your paddle though!

Practice is needed to ensure you can quickly apply the spraydeck before any water goes into the cockpit or you drift downstream.

Once you get your technique sorted for putting on your spraydeck, it will become second nature and you'll enjoy doing it.

Check out this page too:

Choosing a spray deck

Have fun and happy paddling!

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