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Kayakers are choosy about their gear. When a boater starts kayaking, he/she often buys one or two brands of kayaks, like Riot or Wavesport for example, and then will never paddle another boat for the duration of their kayaking careers. This brand loyalty doesn't stop with kayaks either; it continues on to PFD's, drytops, and, (you guessed it) skirts.
The Skirtworks bungee on the kayak. A good fit.
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I really like the handle from a safety standpoint. I remember once as a rookie accidentally tucking the handle under the rand. I didn't need it that time, but if I had it might have been disasterour. And once this year I saw that I had done it again. I added a piece of tubing and plastic tape to the handle so it will be really difficult to "tuck" in the future. But SkirtworkS solution is more idiot proof. My grandson (16) will be using the skirt, not me. I like the extra level of security, and it makes him more confident. The handle is easier to find in a panic situation than a free floation one. - Gordon Evans |
Not too long ago my husband and I started our on-line store, WakaWai, selling whitewater kayaking gear. One our first vendors was SkirtworkS SpraySkirts. They have a line of sprayskirts that are solid, dry and strong. Something, of course, we all want in a sprayskirt.
About 2 months ago, just before our family trip to Colorado, we received a particular sprayskirt from SkirtworkS to try out. I was in the market for something different than my usual, flimsy, leaky skirt. My husband put the order in and SkirtworkS put something together that was above and beyond what I expected. I received the Basic Hybrid Skirt, Ladies Fit. Although, what really caught my attention was the Quick Grab Ripcord.
Now a little about me as a paddler, I have been paddling for about 8 or so years. A solid class IV boater now the mother of a one year old. Since becoming a mother my heightend sensitivity to safety has become even greater. Some may even call it paranoia. I have always triple checked (or more) my grab loop before putting on the river, while floating to the first rapid and after every few rapids. I have always had a nagging fear in the back of my head about the grab loop. Call me crazy, but it is just one of those things. So when I saw the Basic Hybrid with the Quick Grab Ripcord it was love at first sight. I knew this skirt was going to be perfect for me.
My first run with the skirt was a small section of Boulder Creek in Boulder, CO. The fit of the skirt to my Mini-Mystic was snug as a bug. Feeling good and confident that I was going to finish my run clean and dry. And I did.
The next run, however, was not as pretty as my first run. The lack of confidence in my rusty skills showed up when I barely got worked in a little hole and, yes, I swam. But the sprayskirt came off with a swift tug. The grab loop was right there.
I cannot express how worry free this system is and just how wonderful that is for me. One less thing to forget when you have all your other gear to check. Sure, after time checking your gear is second nature and you roll through your head checking off the list. But also, sometimes you simply forget because we HAVE done it so many times. I guess my point is that this skirt is worth taking a moment to review for yourself. It is knowing that someone is taking the time to produce a product like this. It is worth saving that extra moment before launching and being certain. -Greyson Briere |
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