Classic Ranking Race

It doesn’t exactly keep you dry but dry-er than without one. They also provide some insulation on cooler days. The spraydeck fits around the coaming (the ridged edge) of the cockpit by means of elastic and can be tough to get on. The key is to start putting the elastic in place behind you, while it is still loose, then work your way up each side to the front where it is easier to pull tight. Be sure to leave the grab loop accessible. This is the “ripcord” you pull to separate you from the kayak in the event of a capsize.

After you have put on the sprayskirt, put on your PFD (Personal Floatation Device) which some call a lifejacket. The reason that you put this on after the sprayskirt is for the two to act like roof tiles, by shedding water. If you put the PFD on first and then the sprayskirt, all the water will drain inside and you’ll get really wet. The PFDs come in several sizes: extra small/small, medium, large/extra large.

Please get one that fits you properly. Properly means that when you do up the zipper and tighten the side straps, it stays in place and doesn’t end up around your ears if you reach up. Please note: forgetting to wear, do up, or adjust your PFD is like not wearing a car eat belt. There’s no time to put one on after the incident. Please wear the same size PFD each week so that, if everyone does this, everyone can wear the right size