Spray Skirt Repair 101

The torn or punctured spray skirt. Every paddler, from Hole Rat to Creek Freak, will have to deal with this one sooner or later.


No worries!


Start by cleaning and air drying your skirt.







Then trim away all of the loose fibers from around the puncture.


















Make certain that you do both sides.
























When you've finished that, get your adhesive (I prefer Aqua Seal) and apply some to both edges from both sides of the tear.
Hold the edges apart until the Aqua Seal begins to get tacky, then press the edges firmly together.
































When the two pieces have bonded together, apply more Aqua Seal to the backside of the repair. Smooth the adhesive out to help insure a clean seal around the cockpit rim.










You can take some 4-way stretch fabric and make a patch to go over top of the repair for a pro finish. (I don't usually use a patch on top of kevlar)



Don't toss that old spray skirt, fix it!


Peace,
JAH WILL

JAH WILL Blind Date line on Boxcar Falls

JAH WILL Blind Date line on Boxcar Falls

JAH WILL Loves Gorilla

Here's some old footy from the Gnarrs! Me running "Gorilla" on the Green River Narrows

Gear Check

With all the new folks expessing interest in whitewater paddling.
I thought I'd post this equipment refresher...

___Paddling gear needed to kayak___

1. boat
2. helmet
3. spray skirt
4. PFD
5. paddle (handpaddles)

- (elbow gaurds if creeking)


___Additional gear every boater should carry___

6. throw bag
7. float bags


___gear every creeker should carry___

8. pin kit -

a. prusiks (made w/ smaller diameter rope than throw rope)
b. angled locking carabineers (3 ea.)
c. locking pullies (2 ea)
d. 6’ of nylon webbing (1” width)

9. first aid kit
10. river knife
11. spare handpaddles or breakdown paddle
12. additional rope (50 ft)

______________________________________________________
Here are some links for rescue gear and methodology

METHODOLOGY

Considerations for Rope Rescue (2002) - download pdf
(Although a little out of date, still a great resource.)
http://www.basarc.org/papers/roperescue/index.html
_______________________________________________________

GEAR

Prüssik - example of...
http://www.student.virginia.edu/~brmrg/knots/prussik.html

Carabiners - you want the screw lock type
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportFamille?Famille=34

Pullies - reduce friction and give greater pulling power to mechanical advantage systems.
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportProduits?Produit=348
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportProduits?Produit=385
http://en.petzl.com/petzl/SportFamille?Famille=11

Rope/Knot Savvy - details on tying knots
http://www.student.virginia.edu/~brmrg/knots/knots.html
http://www.climbing.ie/knotstop.html
_______________________________________________________

Basic Pin Kit - pictures w/ descriptions

Kayak Carrying Harness

How to carry your heavy kayak through the woods

You can do this for around $15.00, have fun!

Peace,
JAH WILL

MATERIALS

1. 14 ft cam-strap --- (1 ea) $11.00 ea. @ NOC

2. 6 ft foam fun noodle --- (1 ea) $1.00 ea. @ Big Lots