Nick1979

I ended up purchasing the Snap Dragon Ocean Tour EXP flirt. Hopefully their sizing chart is accurate. Can't wait to try it.

4 hours ago, jmcotton said:

Nick, I had the same problem with my first neoprene spray skirt. I'd broken my wrist in the winter and bought an expedition model neoprene skirt which was really reinforced. I had a hard time getting it on, let alone off. I replaced it with the snap dragon model and I can get it off several different ways now. I can pinch the side and pull it off, I can use the emergency strap, I can push it forward and off and if need be I could probably climb out of it as it velcros around the waist. The pushing forward then up is the key. My first spray skirt was nylon and I got used to it just easily popping off so I had to practice the forward push, then up. Good luck! 

Which model Snapdragon did you get?

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments. I have settled on a Snap Dragon skirt. Does anyone have their "flirt" tunnel models, where the tunnel is a bit shorter for added comfort? I am debating between the shorter "flirt" style and full length tunnel. 

I am in a search for a new spray skirt that fits my kayak better, as my current one is too tight. Since I will be getting a new skirt, I can reconsider what might be the better option for me - a full neoprene skirt or a touring skirt with a neoprene deck and a breathable tunnel? Which type do most people use here? I am not a rolling junky and don't play in surf. 

Thanks for the tips

On 6/7/2017 at 10:42 AM, David M said:

Nick, Kudos to you for raising an issue we have all had to deal with at one time or another... an ultra-reliable wet exit that works in all conditions and then... setting up the skill development for a solid self-rescue.   As you indicated, and others have echoed, properly fitting and functioning equipment is foundational.  Building confidence and self-awareness follows closely behind.  

One of the things that I have found helpful at those junctures, especially underwater is to keep my eyes open.  During practice I will also periodically wear a diver's mask to reinforce the practice   I realized I was keeping my eyes closed quite a bit.  The mask allows you to observe what's happening at key steps and make quick  adjustments.  Naturally, we have to also acclimate to exercising the new skill without the mask.

One piece of advice I was given along the way was to work on my hang time. That is, increasingly getting comfortable upside down and simply staying there for increasingly long periods.  I've drawn on that practice over and over again when sometimes it's best to let whatever knocked you over pass or subside before attempting a self-rescue.  

These kinds of things are ideal for the NSPN winter pool sessions and the weekly practice sessions recetntly posted on the site.

Good luck!

Good words, thank you. For someone like me, for example, opening eyes would be a bad idea. I wear contacts and the water was murky brown due to algae with almost no visibility. But wearing swimming goggles and practicing with them in a pool setting would be something I have to try. 

On 6/7/2017 at 6:26 PM, cgr said:

An IR bungee skirt will also stretch. Try leaving it on the boat a couple of days. A skirt will also go on and off easier if it's wet.

 

Are you able to put the skirt on the rim by yourself easily?

With a lot of pulling yes. Not too easily, no.

This is all very helpful. I felt I needed both hands to pull adequately the front of the skirt and somehow I was able to free myself while underwater. It wasn't a good experience. There is not way I can do it with this skirt one hand only. 

Could someone explain step by step what is done during a wet exit, including the removal of the skirt? And I assume this is done while one is upside down in the water. This will help me determine what part was my skirt's fault and what part was me now knowing what to do properly. I think it is both for sure.

Valley Etaine 17.3 composite.  Skirt is Immersion Research touring "medium" cockpit, with a bungee cord. Yes, my kayak being FB has a very pronounced lip that locks the sprayskirt in place, making it very hard to put on and remove. I am looking at Seals skirts (size 1.4 for my kayak). If I get 1.7 would that be a better solution assuming it would still stay on?

How tight should a spray skirt fit the cockpit of a kayak? I am asking, because my new sprayskirt (which I like a lot) has been a real pain to remove during practiced wet exits. It has a strap across for "emergency removal" which could not even get it removed as I was underwater and struggling to get free. It is the correct size for my kayak, but I am already thinking of getting a size larger. I am not comfortable knowing that the skirt would make it very tough for myself to detach from the kayak once in the water.

Glad you are okay! VW golf sportswagen, Subary Outback, or any other vehicle with longer roof that has long (!) integrated rails along the length of the roof. This will allow for spread of the cross bars if needed. Some cars have poorly designed side railings that only run tho-thirds the length of the roof. Avoid those.

If you had a dry test of the Prana, try it on the water. It may be just the perfect boat for you, but only you would know if you paddle it on the water.

I am just curious, why is the post about Lincoln kayaks?

Cd also lists that boat for M to XL size paddler. Not what you are looking for, in my opinion. You need to try in person any kayak, for the right feel and fit. 

Prana is a playboat , if I am not mistaken. My advice is cancel, there are better options for your price. Try and chose in person. P&H Cetus LV, Valley Etain 17.1, NDK Romany, there is also Current Designs Willow which is for the petite paddler. 

Thank you all for the answers, I will be ordering a Kokatat gore tex front entry suit. 

Last question - has anyone used the NRS Cruix suit? Thanks

Does anyone know this fellow kayaker from Lynn, Mass? Apparently he is an avid sea-kayaker-fisherman. Perhaps he may be in this group already.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x41PuTenPgM&list=PLv_KX5WmAY-v4NPAjCDPpx3UG3cCo9-Y7&index=1

Thank you, sounds like Kokatat is really a good choice. Does anyone have any input on the Stohlquist Amp suit? 

Sounds great, very interested. Thank you!

Does one need to be a paid member to attend?

I am wondering what dry suits people use and how happy they are with that they have? I may be on the market for one soon, moving up from my semi-dry paddle suit.

Thanks

Just wondering if anyone is taking advantage of the warmer air temps and is planning to hit the water this weekend. I could possibly try the Upper Mystic Lake tomorrow...

Indeed I have, and now I am selling them..... will be ordering the Thule 883, thanks to Joseph for enlightening me. I think I will enjoy more kayaking trips!

Thanks for the tips. JoeB, my car is the same as yours - a 2016 Outback. I opted for the J rack because it was the only factory approved kayak carrier, with adapters that fit the cross bars. Do you mind telling me what exact model Thule kayak mounts you have? It sounds like this can be the solution for me. J racks are tought for one person. 

Thanks again

With risk in asking a question that may have been discussed previously, I need some advise on how to lift a 17ft sea kayak onto my car roof by myself. The weather will be very nice tomorrow, and I would like to try a little paddling session nearby. If I could only lift my kayak... I had a very difficult time last week (on another great day), just to fail at lifting the kayak onto my car's J rack. That was the end of my trip before it even started. What do you guys/gals do - any tips and tricks are welcome. Just for information, my car is a Subaru Outback.

Thank you,

Nick