5
Caring for your kayak
A
fresh water rinse
for the hull and all moving parts is all that is necessary to keep your boat clean. It is heartily recommended after paddling in
salt water, especially if your boat is outfitted with a rudder system. Thoroughly rinse the rudder, rudder cables, and foot braces with fresh water to
remove dirt, sand and salt.
You should periodically
lubricate
all moving parts (like the foot braces, or rudder) to keep them in top working order. We recommend using
303
®
Aerospace Protectant
, available at outdoor specialty and select home improvement retailers. For polyethylene hulls,
303
® Aerospace Protectant™
can also
be used to protect the luster of the boat’s surface. Learn more about
303
® Aerospace Protectant™
at www.303products.com .
Polyethylene
Polyethylene
is a tough, resilient material which can withstand a reasonable amount of impact and usage over rough surfaces. However, over time
and with continued use, abrasions can reduce the hull’s ability to glide smoothly through the water. You can minimize raised texture on the hull by
scraping the polyethylene ridges off with a sharp knife or buffing them out with sand paper. Also, please remember that the hull is tough, not inde-
structible, but minor damages may be repairable. Contact your local Native Watercraft dealer for additional information and assistance regarding
polyethylene repair
.
Storage Tips
The ideal environment for storing your kayak is a shaded, dry space. Never store your kayak in direct sunlight. Position it upside down with each
end supported on sturdy, cushioned racks. Wood 2 x 4’s covered with carpet or closed-cell foam work nicely (coverings that will either dry quick-
ly or not absorb moisture will keep mildew away).
Polyethylene softens somewhat when it is exposed to extremely warm conditions. If your kayak is strapped tightly to a roof rack or sitting on a
storage rack during a series of hot days, it may deform. You can encourage your boat to “remember” its original shape by unstrapping it and set-
ting it on a flat or padded surface in the sunlight but it may not completely regain its shape if it has been deformed by severely tightened straps or
ropes.
Basic Gear
When you paddle you should always carry safety equipment, carry appropriate personal gear, use a comfortable paddle, and wear a PFD (personal
flotation device).
Paddle
The choice of a paddle is as personal as the choice of your boat. Factors to consider in selecting your paddle include blade shape, length, weight
and material. Synthetic paddles are the most damage resistant. Composite models will generally be lighter and better if you’ll be paddling for long
periods of time. Most paddlers use paddles between 225 and 240 cm in length: you should try different lengths and types of paddles before you
make a purchase, just as you would test paddle your boat.
