Spray deck

The skirt part of the equipment in canoeing. It is used to seal between paddler and kayak and usually consists of nylon or neoprene.

While in the water rather Hiking cheaper nylon blankets are preferred, better sealing neoprene covers are preferred for whitewater kayaking, canoe polo or surf surfing.

Fireplace extent

The fire perimeter is the name for the perimeter of opening a spray skirt. Depending on the body size of the paddler the fireplace scope of the spray skirt on the paddlers must be matched. In most spraydecks of nylon or PVC are models that can be set universal ( often with elastic ). It is different with the neoprene spray ceilings, which are particularly popular with whitewater, sea kayaking or slalom paddlers. The neoprene can not be adjusted; therefore, it is necessary that the skirt has an exact fireplace extent. If the chimney is too small extent, the skirt is uncomfortable, is the extent to large, water can get in the space between skirt and body into the boat; depending on outerwear over the spray skirt, a too wide strapless skirt even slide down.

Use

The paddler pulls the skirt before it gets into the boat, over the hips. With a nylon cover there is a rubber at the top, also supports which hold the spray deck, while in a neoprene cover it is held solely by the right fireplace extent. After he got into the boat, he pulls the skirt over the edge ( coaming ) the boot hatch.

The rear end is pulled over the coaming, and then the front part is attached to the front with train. You may not out of the cockpit rim drawn parts on the sides are then drawn over it.

It is important to ensure that the mechanism for releasing the spray skirt is freely accessible. This is usually a strap at the front at the top, which must not be tucked under the cockpit rim. Sometimes it is also a longer strap across the spray deck.

Some nylon blankets do not have installed an additional reinforcement. This spraydecks can even be solved with the legs from the cockpit rim has to. The fixed -seated and more resilient neoprene cover you get but a capsize not solved by high pressures.

When whitewater canoe a spray cover is essential, since otherwise the kayak fills quickly with water. Even an Eskimo roll is harder without spray deck, because the boat is carrier through the penetrated water and become less responsive to the movements of the paddlers; also the canoe would be filled even after setting up partially with water.

For a better seal up a double fireplace in the spray skirt is helpful. However, this only works in combination with a double fireplace at the paddle jacket.

When buying a spray deck you have to make sure that the skirt actually fits on the cockpit rim. There are many different sizes, e.g. 64, 72, 86, 92, 103 cm (= length of the hatch opening.) Especially watch out you have in nylon injection ceilings, since they must fit exactly and not as stretchy neoprene injection are like blankets. However, the case of neoprene spray ceiling is to pay attention to the fireplace extent, this is not as adjustable as with nylon injection ceilings.

There are also spray covers for folding kayaks, outrigger canoes, open 2 - he. Kayaks and canoes, but these are usually only suitable for a particular boat and relatively expensive because they are produced in small series or as individual productions For Canadians they are pulled over tarpaulins.