A spraydeck is an essential piece of kayaking equipment, helping to keep water out of your cockpit and allowing you to paddle confidently in a wide range of conditions. However, understanding how to fit, use and release your spraydeck correctly is fundamental to staying safe on the water.
Whether you're new to kayaking or have years of experience, it's important to regularly check your equipment and practice safe exit techniques.
Why Spraydeck Safety Matters
A correctly fitted spraydeck creates a secure seal around your kayak's cockpit, helping to prevent water entering while paddling through waves, whitewater or challenging conditions.
However, in the event of a capsize, you must be able to release your spraydeck quickly and easily to exit your kayak safely.
At Nookie, we design our spraydecks with safety and functionality in mind. Our spraydecks feature a front release handle, with a contrasting colour to improve visibility. Some products also feature an additional knee-strap release system, providing a second method of releasing the spraydeck.
Regardless of which spraydeck you use, knowing how to release it confidently is just as important as knowing how to fit it.
Spraydeck Safety Information
For your safety, always ensure your spraydeck is correctly fitted and that you are familiar with its quick-release system before entering the water.
- Fitting: Start at the rear of the cockpit and work the shockcord around the rim, finishing at the front. Ensure the spraydeck is securely seated around the entire cockpit.
- Quick Release: Always ensure the front release handle is clearly visible, accessible and positioned on top of the spraydeck. Never allow it to become trapped beneath the cockpit rim. Where fitted, ensure the knee-strap release is correctly positioned and accessible. Familiarise yourself with both release methods before use.
- Practise Before Use: Familiarise yourself with fitting and removing your spraydeck, including practising a wet exit in a safe, controlled environment.
- Correct Fit: Check that your spraydeck is the correct size for your kayak's cockpit and that it can be released easily.
- Training: Seek appropriate instruction and regularly practise safe exit techniques to maintain confidence and competence.
- Care & Inspection: Regularly check your spraydeck, release handle and shockcord for signs of wear or damage. Clean and maintain your equipment to ensure reliable performance.
IMPORTANT: Never use a spraydeck unless you are confident that you can release it quickly and safely in the event of a capsize.
Understanding Your Spraydeck's Release System
The front release handle is designed to provide a quick and accessible way of removing your spraydeck from the kayak's cockpit.
Before every session, ensure that the handle sits clearly on top of the spraydeck at the front of the cockpit. It should never be tucked underneath the cockpit rim or obstructed by other equipment.
To release the spraydeck, locate the front handle and pull it firmly forwards and upwards to disengage the elasticated edge from the cockpit rim.
Some spraydecks, including the Nookie Shock Deck, Como Deck and some customised options, incorporate an additional knee-strap release system. This provides an alternative release method, allowing the paddler to disengage the spraydeck using upward pressure from their knees.
Paddlers should familiarise themselves with the specific release systems fitted to their spraydeck and practise using them in a controlled environment before heading onto the water.
Practise Makes the Difference
Even experienced kayakers should regularly practise releasing their spraydeck and exiting their kayak.
A controlled wet-exit practice session, ideally with a qualified instructor or experienced paddler supervising, helps develop familiarity with the equipment and confidence in the event of an unexpected capsize.
Remember that conditions on the water can change quickly. Being comfortable with your equipment and knowing how to respond is an essential part of responsible kayaking.
Looking After Your Spraydeck
Regular inspection and maintenance will help keep your spraydeck performing as intended.
After use, particularly in saltwater, rinse your spraydeck with fresh water and allow it to dry naturally. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during storage and check regularly for signs of wear, particularly around the cockpit seal, stitching and release systems.
Extra Care After Paddling in Treated Water.
Particular attention should be given to rinsing your spraydeck after paddling at artificial whitewater courses, swimming pools and other facilities where the water may be chemically treated.
Venues such as Lee Valley White Water Centre use treated water, which can contain chlorine or other water treatment chemicals. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals, particularly when equipment is not rinsed after use, can contribute to the deterioration of neoprene, latex coatings, stitching and other components over time.
Always rinse your spraydeck thoroughly with clean, fresh water after every session, paying particular attention to the cockpit seal, release handles and stitching. Allow it to dry naturally, away from direct sunlight and heat, before storing.
Regular rinsing and proper care will help prolong the life of your spraydeck and maintain its performance and reliability.
If any part of the spraydeck is damaged or the release system is not functioning correctly, do not use it until the issue has been resolved.
Paddle Safely, Paddle Confidently
At Nookie, we believe that good equipment, appropriate training and regular practice all contribute to safer, more enjoyable time on the water.
Taking a few moments before every session to check your spraydeck, confirm the release handle is accessible and ensure the equipment fits correctly is a simple habit that every paddler should develop.