Killer Kayak Customization

Field trip: Paddler Development Weekend

Killer Kayak Customization - Deception Pass

Killer Kayak Customization. Saturday Session (before dinner) on how to customize your boat

  • Easy

Outside dining hall after Saturday classes have ended.

**This clinic is open to everyone. It will take place after the Saturday courses have ended and before dinner**

There are so many cool things to make your kayak more comfortable, safe, and higher performance. We will move from boat to boat and show these features. You will walk away with detailed instructions on how to accomplish the improvements (it is unlikely we can work on your boat during this session). Some materials will be available at no charge or a minimal cost for you to take away.

  • Knee bracing for that “bomb-proof” roll. Last thing you want on a brace or roll is for your knee to slip off. A secure foam wedge allows your knee to flawlessly pull hard and right the boat.
  • Skeg emergency string- skeg center drilled to prevent the knot from jamming in the skeg box
  • Underdeck pump and/or stow bag- get your pump out of the bungies! And create an extra storage spot for your binoculars, lunch, or whatever
  • Spare paddle stow systems, including for one-piece Greenland
  • Kayak Sailing rig- fun, and cover more ground with less effort
  • Hatch cover tether- attach your hatch cover tether system such that they are completely on the inside, using halibut line and a “Huki” attachment anchor inside the boat that you glue on with epoxy
  • “Rebar” installation- be kind to your rescuer’s hands and make it easier to grab your own deck lines if you are swimming. This "rebar" is black or clear tubing that slips over the deck line. And speaking of deck line, we'll point out how you may need to skip one of the recessed deck fittings to make it easier to get your hands under deck lines during a rescue.
  • “Grab and Go” deck loop for getting your boat quickly out of the surf, and keeping the boat upright
  • Wash & work racks- made from PVC pipe. Get your boat off the ground. Make these yourself for about $30 per set of two. These fold up and hang on the wall when not in use.
  • Bear vault setup- stow that vault in the unused place ahead of the foot pegs. But you have to craft an abrasion-resistant sleeve for your drybag enclosure
  • Solas reflective tape so you can be seen at night- apply to both the paddle and the boat
  • Toggle- eliminate finger traps by going to either a single “clean” line, or at least eliminate the “trap”.Why write on your boat surface? Add this special vinyl adhesive shaped just right for your boat with a cool color. Write on it with a grease pencil, and use a magic eraser to remove
  • Bow/stern “bumpers”- decrease the severity of impact to a rock wall, or an impalement to a fellow paddler, with this special tape and foam chunk
Route/Place

Deception Pass



  • Sea Trails Deception Pass and Skagit Bay WA101

    NOAA Bellingham to Everett No. 18423

    NOAA Anacortes to Skagit Bay No. 18427
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Come as you are.

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