Re: [Paddlewise] Sprayskirt Question

I'm more in line with Jennifer. I gave up on "touring" or "sea kayak" spray
skirts last summer and went back to using my white water neoprene spray
skirt. It stays on tight, it doesn't allow water in, and has no straps to
slide off my shoulders (which always makes me feel like a superannuated
ingenue). The downside to w/w sprayskirts is that they fit really tight;
sometimes you have to get them wet to get them on when you start out. This
can make you feel somewhat insecure if you feel your spray skirt should come
off easily. Trust me... when you need it to come off.... it comes off!

I now have a larger assortment of touring spray skirts (complete with
straps!) that came along with a second-hand Mariner Escape and will test
them next season. Perhaps one of them will be useful.

Find a friend with an assortment of both w/w and touring spray skirts and
try them. Our group has our own version of a paddle fest in the spring where
we all bring everything we have (paddles, spray skirts, kayaks, PFDs, etc)
and everyone tries them out. This gives you a good chance to learn what fits
you best (and worst) and is a good chance to practice rescue techniques and
rolls too.

Craig Jungers
Moses Lake, WA
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