If you are ever in the market for kayak accessories, ensure you get yourself the best kayak spray skirt. Its work is to help keep you dry while kayaking in different water bodies. It will also have other benefits, as we will see later in the guide.
There are thousands of manufacturers. So, what makes some better? That is something we want to consider in this guide. It will help you understand why you need a kayak spray skirt and how you can pick the best model.
Quick Picks: The Top-RatedKayak Spray Skirts
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What is a Kayak Spray Skirt?
A kayak spray skirt can be defined as a waterproof cover that goes over your kayak cockpit to protect the user from easily getting wet. The spray skirt would have holes for your waist and are generally easy to set up.
You should find many people who love kayaking opting for such types of accessories because of such functionality.
Why You Need Kayak Spray Skirt
The most obvious reason you need the best kayak spray skirt is to keep the water out. This will help you enjoy better paddling without always getting wet.
The spray skirt can still be customized to be equipped with other kayaking accessories. So, look at the usability options of the spray skirt before buying.
The spray skirt will also protect your legs from the scorching sun. You may be outdoors for hours, so it is best to have a form of protection.
A good spray skirt will also be comfortable. As such, you will notice that the spray skirt will be great for more comfort outdoors when kayaking.
How to Choose a Kayak Spray Skirt
The Materials
Multiple options are available when it comes to materials. The most common include neoprene, nylon, or a combination of both.
The neoprene material is a top option since it is rugged and will provide the best warmth when the water is cold. The material is also good in terms of withstanding the water waves or in case you roll the kayak. It is why they would be a great option for sea and whitewater kayaking.
Neoprene also offers a tight seal. As such, it should keep the water from getting into the cockpit all the time.
Nylon kayak spray skirts are also a top choice since they are more comfortable. They are mostly great for moderate conditions you might have in mind for kayaking. Most people find it easy to attach and detach the nylon kayak spray skirts most of the time.
Some models combine the use of these two materials. The neoprene material is for providing a tight seal, while the nylon material improves breathability for comfort.
Setting Up
You should always consider the process of setting up the best kayak spray skirt. The process largely depends on different setup methods. Most of them would have cords, where you pull them to hold the kayak spray skirt correctly over the cockpit. There is no doubt you would enjoy using such a mechanism.
If the model has a different method, check out the product manual to learn more about using it correctly.
Right Fit
You also have to consider the fit if you hope to end up with the best kayak spray skirt. There are two types of fittings you have to consider. They include the cockpit fit and the torso fit.
The cockpit fit is all about the size and shape of your cockpit. Will the spray skirt fit correctly? Well, in most cases, manufacturers will have charts detailing which size of spray skirt is the right one for your cockpit size. It would be nice to measure your cockpit before picking the best spray skirt.
There is also the torso fit too. Some models would be adjustable so that you get the right fit. However, always look at the spray skirt’s size around the chest band to see if it can fit you correctly.
How to Use a Kayak Spray Skirt
As mentioned earlier, a kayak spray skirt is meant to cover the cockpit area. So, it needs to be set up over the cockpit for correct use.
Here are some of the things to do to start using the spray skirt;
- Step into your preferred spray skirt and pull it up until it is at your waist level
- Proceed to get into the cockpit and sit comfortably
- Go ahead to pull the spray skirt flaps and attach them to the cockpit rim. Do this for all the sides, front and back.
- Always ensure the spray skirt is covering the whole cockpit to keep the water out.
The attachment method depends on the model. Some would have cords that make it easier to attach and pull the cords to make a watertight seal.
If you have to remove the spray skirt, simply pull its cord forwards then backwards. You can always refer to the product manual to understand more about how to operate the spray skirt.
Product Reviews of The Best Kayak Spray Skirt
This is a top consideration for anyone who needs the best kayak spray skirt. The product comes from a top brand, so it is an assurance you can end up with a high-quality product.
The spray skirt is available in multiple sizes. They include large cockpit, medium cockpit, and small cockpit sizes. All these sizes are crucial for ensuring you get the best one that can fit your kayak better. If it is not the right fit, you will not handle your paddling better.
The use of reinforced neoprene material improves the overall quality and durability of the spray skirt. You can be sure that the spray skirt can stand up to abrasion without any compromising stretch.
A durable coating underneath the skirt will provide the user with an excellent grip and a watertight seal. Even if the water sprays onto the skirt, it will not get to you.
Having a shock cord makes it easy on and off. Most people will find it a great option to consider getting for themselves.
Pros
- The material is strong and durable
- The use of a cord makes it easy on and off
- It has a durable underneath coating
Cons
- It is pricey
This best kayak spray skirt is more affordable than what you get above. Even if it is more affordable, the performance is still impressive. It will still work great as a spray skirt to keep the water out of the kayak.
There are several sizes available. Each size corresponds to specific kayak sizes, so ensure you get the correct size. As an example, the P13 model will fit cockpits from sizes 52 to 56 inches in length and 22 to 24 inches in width.
The manufacturer made the spray skirt using durable nylon and an adjustable neoprene chest area. As you can see, it should be good in terms of durability. The chest band has removable suspenders, so it is easy to wear the spray skirt.
Since the suspenders are adjustable, it is easy for people of different sizes to use the same suspenders. This generally improves the versatility of the spray skirt.
You will also like the water-resistant tunnel zipper. This allows the hot air to vent out when it is unzipped easily, but it keeps you dry whenever the zipper is closed.
Pros
- Made of durable material
- Has water-resistant tunnel zipper
- Available in multiple sizes
Cons
- The suspender adjusters can break easily
Anyone looking to spend their money better would still consider this best kayak spray skirt. Many people would enjoy using it thanks to its durability. The use of heavy-duty rubber rand hugs means you get a more durable spray skirt.
Still, the cockpit rim will offer a watertight seal than when using a shock cord. It is easy to see why this would be a popular choice for advanced paddlers.
Another thing to like about this product should be Kevlar-reinforced neoprene material. Such a material would provide superior protection against cases of abrasion. You can even use the spray skirt in tough conditions, and it will work great.
A durable coating underneath provides you with an excellent grip and still a watertight seal. This feature will help keep the water out of your kayak generally.
The tunnel has an extended body tube with an additional conical-shaped seal to improve the spray skirt’s functionality. Most will find it as a nice way of keeping the water out.
Pros
- Made of heavy-duty rubber
- Has reinforced neoprene for more protection
- The durable underneath coating keeps the water out
Cons
- Limited size options
This is another Perception kayak spray skirt. It shows how the brand understands the needs of its customers. So, besides working as the best kayak spray skirt, this one will also be great at keeping the sun off your legs.
It is designed to help maintain the open cockpit feeling. You should not feel like it is taking up too much of your open cockpit feeling while kayaking.
The manufacturer recommends it mostly for the sit-inside kayaks. If you have the other types of kayaks, consider a different option.
Users will easily consider it also because of the price. It is one of the cheapest on this list, making it a great choice for those on a budget.
The spray skirt is made of durable urethane-coated nylon. This material should help keep using the spray skirt more often without necessarily replacing it.
An implosion bar will also prevent the water from pooling on the top of the spray skirt. This is a nice way of keeping you dry too.
Pros
- It helps maintain the open cockpit feeling
- It is easy on and off
- Having an implosion bar prevents water pooling
Cons
- Not the best for large kayaks
This is another affordable option to consider. It works great mostly for sit-in kayaks. The model is easily adjustable to work on cockpit sizes of up to 40 inches long and 22 inches wide.
The manufacturer made it using durable 210 denier nylon. This type of nylon is great for ensuring durability. You are likely to use it more often without worrying that it will not work great.
The model also has a dual-size adjustability option. This will ensure you end up with a tight fit. It is always crucial to have a tight fit for keeping the water out.
The seams of this spray skirt are PVC sealed. The result is that the seams are water-tight.
There is a mesh bag as an added option so that you can always store it correctly.
Pros
- It fits a wide range of cockpits
- Made of durable 210 denier nylon
- It has PVC sealed seams for water tightness
Cons
- The materials can easily fade
FAQs
What is the role of the best kayak spray skirt?
A spray skirt is essential for keeping the water out of the kayak cockpit. You will not always have to get wet all the time when kayaking.
Are kayak spray skirts safe?
They are mostly safe for most people. Even if something goes wrong and you roll the kayak, they are still easy to get off and get out of the kayak.
Is it hard to wear a kayak spray skirt?
No. Most people find it easy by reading the product manual. You simply wear it up to your waist and get into the kayak to attach it over the cockpit. It should not take more than four minutes to wear it.
Conclusion
At this point, you get the idea why the best kayak spray skirt is necessary. It will give you the best protection from water pooling to end up with the best kayaking experience. Your personal items in the kayak cockpit will also be protected. As such, go ahead and pick the right spray skirt to improve your kayaking trips.