By kayaking we are able to experience the outdoors in a unique way, with the world taking on a distinctly different perspective when viewed from the water. But like any activity: there is no substitute for experience. Get out there and paddle, explore, discover and learn, but make sure to follow the guidelines outlined within this owner’s manual, and enroll in a course from a certified instructor before taking to the water.

One of the beautiful things about kayaks is their ease of use, but even though kayaking can be very straight forward, it’s always a good idea to get professional instruction when starting any new activity. This owner’s manual is a great way to get an overview of kayaking, but it is not a substitute for lessons from a qualified instructor. Certified instruction will give you a strong base of skills and the knowledge to safely enjoy your time on the water. Across the world there are organizations devoted to educating paddlers and after you’ve taken a basic course your learning doesn’t have to stop. Once you’ve got the proper foundation, there’s a wealth of information from which to learn. Kayak specific magazines, DVD’s, books and websites exist as well as a host of advanced courses.

Maintenance

We’ve put a lot of time and thought into providing you with a quality kayak and stand behind our product 100 percent. By reading your kayak’s warranty agreement and following a few simple maintenance steps, you can insure years of hassle free use:

• Be careful when setting your kayak down on rough or hard surfaces.
• Make sure the drain plug is closed tightly before heading out on the water.
• Always try to slide in and off a sandy beach. Never place your kayak on a surface that may cut or push inward the hull during entry.
• Regularly inspect the hull and outfitting (seat, thigh braces, backband, footbrace) of your kayak to insure their condition and retighten screws if necessary.
• Pay specific attention to the grab handles of your kayak, making sure they do not become loose or damaged.
• Take care to protect your kayak from long term exposure to the sun’s rays or extreme heat, which can contribute to weakening of the plastic/composite and
  deformation of the hull. Ask your dealer about products designed specifically to protect your kayak against the sun.
• Rinse your kayak well with fresh water to help get rid of sand that can effect the performance of your rudder and gradually wear away at the hull.
• Never leave salt water inside a composite kayak as it will not dry out. The kayak may absorb the water and become heavier.
• To insure the continued dryness of the seals on your hatches, inspect and treat them regularly with a revitalizing formula such as Armorall.

Transportation

When transporting your kayak care should be taken to avoid potential damage or distortion to the hull. A good rack system allows you to transport your kayak on the top of your vehicle safely and securely. If your kayak is constructed out of a composite material you will want to add some foam padding to your roof rack or invest in a padded kayak cradle. Remember... damage caused by kayaks flying off car roof tops or deformations caused during transport are not covered by the warranty.

• To avoid loss or damage, remove all accessories before transporting the kayak
• For the safety of you and your kayak, all but the shortest boats should be car-topped by two people, placing the kayak on a quality roof rack. Practice common sense lifting techniques, using your legs, not your back to raise the kayak onto the rack.
• Once the kayak is on the roof rack, hull side down or on it’s side, use a pair of straps or ropes to secure the midsection of the kayak to the roof rack, taking care not to over tighten.
• Each end of the kayak should be tied to the bumpers of the vehicle. However, be careful not to cinch down these bow and stern lines too tightly as that will increase the likelihood of hull warpage.
• To avoid hull deformation, do not leave the boat tied tightly to the vehicle for an extended period or in the hot sun.
• If you kayak extends more than 3.5 feet (1 meter) behind your vehicle attach a red flag to the end of the boat to alert fellow motorists.
• To transport multiple kayaks, use a stacking bar and appropriate padding, placing each kayak on it’s side, with hull against hull to prevent deformation.
• After a long day on the water, REMEMBER THAT YOUR KAYAK IS ON THE ROOF. You do not want to drive into the garage with it still on the rack. It may sound strange... but it happens.

Repair

Your kayak’s hull and outfitting are built to withstand the strains of kayaking, but occasionally the stresses of the paddling environment may necessitate a repair. In the case of a break or a defect in your kayak on the water, you should carry in your dry bag a roll of duct tape. Afterwards, for everything from simple repairs to hull replacement contact your retailer. With their knowledge of techniques and access to replacement parts your kayak will be as good as new in no time.

Storage

For long term storage and to prevent hull deformation, your kayak should be kept on it’s side, preferably on a padded rack. Take care to protect it from long term exposure to the sun’s rays or extreme heat, which can contribute to weakening of the plastic and deformation of the hull. You may also want to cover the cockpit to guard against dust and debris. Always make sure that your kayak is dry before winter storage, and leaving small openings such as, the drain plug, will provide better ventilation.

Adjusting your kayak

Your position and comfort in the kayak play a huge role in the enjoyment of your time on the water. The three main contact points between you and your kayak are your buttocks, thighs and feet. Proper kayak outfitting maximizes contact with all three of these points, allowing you to sit upright with good posture, and letting you paddle more efficiently, for a longer period of time. Always adjust your outfitting on a soft, non-abrasive surface. If the surrounding land is unsuitable, simply place the kayak in some calm, shallow water and make your adjustments there. Regardless of where you complete your adjustments, remember that the goal is to maximize comfort and control.

Important Areas of Adjustment

Seat Certain kayak models have an adjustable seat, allowing you to move forward or back to fine tune your position in the boat. This can help with fit and with also with adjusting trim in shorter boats. Some models also include a trimmable shim foam underneath the seat pad. Known as thigh support, this pad will help you obtain the most comfortable and efficient lower leg position depending on your morphology. Simply release the two velcro attachments in front of your seat, trim the shim to the appropriate thickness, and reattach the velcro.

Backband When properly adjusted a backband should help you sit upright in your kayak, with good posture. It should not be so loose as to allow slouching forward or backwards, nor so tight as to cause discomfort. All of our sit-in kayaks feature a backband that can be conveniently adjusted from the front while sitting, allowing you to easily customize your fit, even while on the water.

Important Areas of Adjustment

Hip pads Certain kayak models come with easily adjustable hip pads. By simply unscrewing the thermoformed hip pad with a standard Phillips screw driver, these hip pads can be moved forward and upward to obtain a custom fit. You can also customize the contact between your hips and your kayak by inserting one of the foam blocks provided with your kayak. Feel free to cut the blocks to the desired thickness and when you’re finished simply pass the screws back into the thermoformed hip pad, through the foam spacer and into the side of the seat.

Footbraces Adjustable via a rail or webbing system, properly adjusted footbraces increase your control, letting you put the kayak on an angle for turning or for bracing in an oncoming wave. Certain models of footbraces also control the kayak’s rudder. A properly adjusted footbrace should allow your knees and thighs a snug fit under the cockpit or thighbraces of your kayak. Footbrace adjustment may be specific to the system you have in your kayak:

• Rail footbrace system (kayak without rudder) Adjustment is easy. Simply pinch the trigger on the rear of the foot pedal to release the locking mechanism. Once released you can move the foot pedal forwards or backwards along the track to customize your fit. You can even tighten the footbraces while seated by using your feet to pull them forward.
• Footbrace system with rudder Designed to allow you to fit your footbraces without affecting your rudder control system. Pull the straps to move the foot pedals closer to you. To move the pedals further away from you simply release the ladder lock on each strap and the pedals can be slid further into the kayak.

Skeg and Rudder

A skeg lowers into the water along the axis of the kayak, improving the straight line tracking of your kayak in certain conditions, but has no ability to control directional changes.

A rudder helps in straight line tracking, but with its directional abilities can also aid turning. Useful for larger kayaks such as tandems, the
rudder is not a replacement for proper kayak steering techniques, but with good technique can help you better control your boat.

Both skeg and rudder can be lowered and raised while seated in your kayak by the cord positioned to the side of the cockpit. To lower the skeg or rudder simply disengage the cord from the nylon cleat, let out the cord until the skeg/rudder falls into place and then make sure to secure the cord back in the cleat once the rudder is lowered. To raise the rudder simply reverse the process.

Essential accessories and clothing

Rules and regulations vary from country to country. Consult the local Coast Guard or similar organization as it is up to you to educate yourself regarding the navigation rules and requirements of your specific region.

Important factors to keep in mind regarding marine navigation and right of way include:

• Visibility Kayaks can be difficult to see from a distance, especially in marginal conditions. To help your visibility choose brightly colored clothing and always carry signaling equipment.
• Right of way When crossing, vessels should defer to the right (starboard) side. Remember this and you’ll be better able to understand the behavior of other vessels on the water.
• Other users On certain waterways you may find yourself paddling, your kayak may be the smallest vessel on the water. The U.S. Coast Guard does not mention kayaks specifically in it’s regulations regarding right of way, but common sense dictates that the law of tonnage applies: If a vessel is bigger than you, stay out of it’s way.
• Buoys All regularly traveled waterways have buoys to aid navigation. Often times they mark a channel or an area of restricted navigation. Most authorities will be happy to explain what each buoy indicates.

Recommended accessories

• Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Regulations vary by country. Refer to relevant section.
• Skirt Keeping you and your kayak warm and dry, the skirt is worn around your waist and attaches around the cockpit of your kayak, preventing splashes from waves
  or your paddle from entering. Designed of either nylon or neoprene, different models offer varying degrees of warmth and water tightness. Regardless of the type you
  choose, make sure that the grab loop located at the front of your skirt is always accessible in case of a wet exit.
• Paddle Your means of propulsion, the kayak paddle is perhaps the most personal piece of equipment a kayaker uses. With models existing for all paddling styles and
  budgets, you’ll want to try out several different types and lengths before deciding on the right paddle for you. Factors to consider when choosing your paddle include
  length, blade shape, and material.
• Paddle float An invaluable tool allowing you to "self rescue" in case of a capsize. The paddle float slips over the blade of your paddle, giving the blade flotation
  and allowing it to be used as an outrigger, stabilizing you kayak and permitting you to get back in from the water. Although a straightforward technique, every
  paddler venturing any significant distance away from shore should get proper instruction on how to get back into their kayak using the paddle float.
• Sound signal You are required to have an easily accessible sound signaling device, such as a whistle or fog horn, to help in navigation and to alert larger
  watercraft to your presence in low visibility conditions.
• Marine chart and shoreline topographical map If venturing into the ocean, or large lake, it’s important to be aware of your position at all times. Keeping
  an accurate marine and shoreline topographical map with you in a waterproof sleeve will help prevent against getting lost and energy depleting navigational errors.
• First aid kit A simple first aid kit should contain materials for treating blisters, minor wounds, burns and trauma. There are many companies that offer outdoor
  specific first aid kits. Regardless of what type you choose, make sure you keep your first aid kit safely inside a dry bag and that you update it’s contents regularly.
• Sun protection Water reflects much of the sun’s rays, amplifying their effect. Wearing proper sun protection while out on the water is critical. Items like
  sunglasses, a hat, and of course sunscreen, all help you protect yourself from the sun. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen frequently.
• Drinkable water and a snack Dehydration can cause fatigue and misjudgment. Keep things fun by making sure to carry along enough drinkable water and
  appropriate snacks to keep energy levels high throughout your trip.
• Distress signal All kayaks used on Coastal waters, large lakes or bodies of water more than 2 miles (3 km) wide must be equipped with approved distress signals.
  There are many types of distress signals, each with it’s own advantages and disadvantages. Choose your distress signal(s) according to Coast Guard requirements.

Mandatory Accessories United States of America

In the United States boating regulations vary from state to state but on a national level the United States Coast Guard requires that:

• All recreational boats must carry one wearable PFD for each person aboard. The USCG divides PFD’s into 3 categories: type I: off shore type II: Near shore type III: flotation aid
• Your kayak must include a system to signal your presence such as flares, signal mirror or flashlight
• All recreational vessels, including kayaks, are required to display navigational lights between sunset and sunrise and during other periods of reduced visibility like fog, rain or haze.
• The USCG, working with affiliated local organizations, offers all small craft owners a free, annual Vessel Safety Check (VSC). An educational procedure, rather than an enforcement of the law, the VSC helps to increase the safety of everyone involved with small craft boating.

For more information on the United States Coast Guard Regulations visit: http://www.uscgboating.org

Mandatory Accessories Canada

Many paddlers are surprised to learn that the Small Vessel Regulations enforced by the Canadian Coast Guard establishes a minimum of safety equipment that you must carry with you in your kayak (or any boat under 6 meters in length)

• Personal flotation device (PFD) Easily the most important safety gear you will ever own as a kayaker. When selecting your PFD you’ll want to make sure that it is certified by the Canadian Coast Guard and that it is designed specifically for paddling. Look for a comfortable, customizable fit that allows movement of your
  shoulders and torso. Make sure to select a PFD that is designed to float your weight and that is designed in a highly visible color. We recommend you wear your PFD at all times as it not only will add buoyancy in case of a swim, but also helps you stay warm and can even protect you in case of a fall on slippery shoreline rocks.
• Spare paddle Usually a 2 or 4 piece "break-apart" design, every group should carry one. Often times it can be secured on the deck of your kayak via shock-cord deck rigging, easily accessed in case of an emergency.
• Throw bag Make sure you carry with you a throw bag with at least 45 feet (15 meters) of cord. In an emergency situation it can literally be a lifeline between you and your paddling partners. If need be, your cord can also function as a towline between kayaks and around camp it can serve double duty as an excellent way to
  hang clothes up to dry.
• Bilge pump or bailing scoop For emptying water from your kayak while out on the water nothing beats the efficiency and ease of a hand pump (especially double action models.) If you don’t have a pump, a bailing cup or scoop is required to help get rid of excess water. The addition of a sponge lets you soak up the last
  remaining drops of water keeping you kayak warm and dry.
• Sound signal You are required to have an easily accessible sound signaling device, such as a whistle or fog horn, to help in navigation and to alert larger watercraft to your presence in low visibility conditions.
• Signal/running light Between sunset and sunrise, or during times of reduced visibility such as fog, you must remain visible with the use of a running light (a waterproof flashlight will do). Reflective clothing or strips on your PFD can also help keep you visible.

For more information on the Canadian Coast Guard Regulations visit: http://www.ccg-gcc.gc.ca/

Choosing your Clothing When selecting what to wear, remember that your choice should be made on a combination of air AND water temperature. As with many outdoor activities you’ll want to use the layer system, wearing distinct layers of clothing rather than one or two thick layers. In all but the warmest conditions you’ll want your outermost layer to be made of a water and wind proof material. For your under layers, avoid clothes made out of cotton. Although comfortable off the water, when wet cotton offers no insulating value and is very slow to dry. Instead choose insulating clothing made of synthetic fibers. As well as wicking moisture away from your body, this system allows you to easily adapt to changing weather conditions.

If you are venturing offshore or may encounter turbulent water keep in mind the following rule of thumb: If the combined total of the air and the water temperature is under 100 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) you will want to wear a wet suit or drysuit.

• Wet suit Available in full suit, shorty and "farmer john" styles, a wet suit is composed of flexible 3 or 4mm neoprene that works by allowing a thin layer of water between your skin and the neoprene. This layer of water is warmed by your body and helps fend off hypothermia. A wet suit should be neither so tight that it causes restrictions of your movement, nor too loose that it allows water to run freely into and out of the suit.
• Dry suit/dry top Available in one or two piece versions, a dry suit uses water tight gaskets at the neck, wrist and ankles to keep you dry. A dry suits’ impermeable outer fabric does little to help insulation, instead allowing you to wear insulating layer underneath.

Adapt to changing weather conditions by carrying extra clothes in a dry bag and don’t forget a good hat to reduce your exposure to the sun.

Excursion planning

Safety precautions Your personal safety, and the safety of your group, begins with you. Never paddle alone or stand up in a kayak. Be over cautious with children. Never allow minors to kayak without adult supervision. You’ll have the most enjoyable time possible if you choose a destination suitable for the abilities of your group. Make sure that even the least experienced paddler in your group is able to cover the distance you have chosen to paddle and always keep in mind that changing weather conditions, winds or currents can greatly alter the characteristics of your trip. Even the shortest excursion on the water can benefit from a minimal amount of planning so whether you’re headed out for a half hour or a couple of days take the time to ask yourself the following questions:

• What are the water conditions and are they liable to change?
• What is the weather forecast?
• Are their currents or winds we need to take into account?
• What is our exposure to the elements?
• Is there other vessel traffic on the waterway we should be aware of?
• Is our planned trip reasonable considering our group’s experience and abilities?
• Have we brought with us all of the essential equipment and accessories?
• Have we brought along enough water and energy rich food?
• Have we included warmer clothing in case the weather changes?
• Do I have a method to signal/communicate?
• And perhaps most importantly: HAVE I FILED A FLOAT PLAN?

When setting out, even if it’s just for a quick afternoon paddle, take a few minutes to file a float plan. Leave information on departure/arrival times, # of people in your group, planned destination and the color of your kayaks with a responsible friend. If setting out alone, leave an envelope with this information labeled FLOAT PLAN on the dashboard of your car. Play it safe, respect yourself and respect the water. Warning: failure to follow the above safety precautions may lead to serious injury or death. The use of alcohol or drugs will affect your judgement and coordination and impair your capacity to safely operate a kayak.

Kayaker’s Code of Ethics Kayaks allow us to experience the beauty of the water and explore areas virtually untouched by man. It is our responsibility to keep these areas pristine during and after our visit insuring our enjoyment, and that of other users, for generations to come. This kayaker’s code of ethics can serve as a general set of guidelines to help limit your impact on the paddling environment:

• Try to remain courteous at all times and respect fellow kayakers as well as other vessels. Offer your help to those is difficulty
• Respect private property
• Never camp on an island less than 60 meters wide or that serves as the home for a colony of birds or seals
• Wash should always be done away from the water, with a biodegradable soap. Do not wash anything (dishes, clothing or yourself) directly in the water.
• Use a stove rather than a fire for cooking your food
• Pack out all of your trash and verify that there is no trace of your visit before leaving your campsite.
• For their safety and yours, stay at least 200 meters away from wildlife. Reduce your noise level and speed when observing wild animals

Check List

Paddle on a small lake or river

EQUIPMENT
This equipment is mandatory by law in Canada

Approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
Whistle attached to your PFD
Signal/Running light
Bilge pump or bailing scoop
Throw bag (15m)
Additional break-apart paddle
Paddle float
Cockpit skirt

ACCESSORIES

Map of your route in waterproof cover
Sponge
Sunglasses with strap
Sunscreen
Water and food
Topo map in waterproof cover
Insect repellent
Knife
Dry-bag
First Aid Kit

CLOTHING

Hat
Watershoes or sandals
Wool socks
Shorts or pants
Polyester T-shirts
Long sleeve synthetic shirt
Water/wind proof shell
A spare set of clothes in the dry bag

For cold weather or cold water
Dry or wet suit
Fleece or woolen shirt
Wool beanie

For a coastal or seafaring trip ADD

EQUIPMENT

A kayak with a minimum length of 13’ (4 meters)
Fog horn
VHF or weather radio
Appropriate Distress flares
Compass of GPS
Nautical weather forecast
Survival knife

ACCESSORIES

Marine chart
Tidal table
Binoculars
Flash light
Duct tape
Energy Bar
Fresh water

CLOTHING

The basics listed, plus clothing for cold water

Dry/wets suit
Neoprene gloves and booties
Beanie or headwarmer
Keep in mind that even in summer the water is almost always colder than the air temperature

For an expedition of several days ADD

Tent and groundcloth
Sleeping bag
Stove
Small shovel
Shelter tarp
Kayak Repair Kit
Sewing Kit
Water purification method
Small cord 3mm x 20 m
Spare batteries and candles
Dry bags for all the material
Signal mirror
Radar reflector

ACCESSORIES

Personal medications (if any)
Spare glasses or contact lenses
Emergency food
Spare maps
Cookware
Plates, cups and utensils
Appropriate food
Toilet paper
Rigid storage container

CLOTHING

Spare Clothing
Synthetic underwear
Warm socks
Pants
T-shirt
Fleece or other synthetic shirt
Extra shoes
Extra beanie
Towel
Waterproof pants