Northwest Outdoor Center’s guide to finding the best whitewater or sea kayaking skirt for your paddling style
Table of Contents
Which Spray Skirt is Right for Me?
In this guide we'll help you find which spray skirt material and cockpit size is best for you and your kayak cockpit.
When deciding which spray skirt to choose, think about how you plan on using it.
How often are you going to use the spray skirt?
What kind of paddling do you do?
Do you usually paddle in calm water? Or do you also paddle in breaking waves? Do you like to practice the Eskimo roll?
How do you want the spray skirt to function?
Do you want it for warmth and splash protection? Do you need it to keep your kayak from getting swamped in bigger waves? It can also help with rolling practice.
When you receive a new spray skirt it’s crucial to test it on you and your kayak at the same time. Put on the spray skirt before sitting in your kayak. This helps you feel comfortable wearing it and, most importantly, taking it off the coaming or cockpit rim.
If your kayak has a sharp edge on the coaming, make sure you can remove the spray skirt. Hold the grab loop and push forward before bending your elbow.
Types of Spray Skirts
Nylon Skirts: These are lightweight and can be breathable. Ideal for calm waters and warm weather when you are looking to simply prevent water from getting into the kayak with you. They're less expensive, but may not offer the best durability or seal in rough waters.
Neoprene Skirts: A neoprene spray skirt is a good choice for whitewater and sea kayakers. It works well in moderate to extreme conditions. People who want to practice rolling, play in breaking waves, and keep water out of their kayak will find this helpful. A neoprene deck will provide the best watertight seal, and provides insulation for warmth.
All neoprene sprayskirts from Seals may require a different size than nylon. The Seals fit list will show which size they recommend for each deck material.
Hybrid skirts mix nylon and neoprene. They provide a good balance of waterproofing and comfort. This makes them useful for various conditions. Wearing it is easier than a full neoprene skirt, yet it still provides a snug fit on the kayak in many conditions.
Half skirts: Most often used on recreational kayaks with large cockpit openings, half skirts only cover the front portion of the cockpit. Ideal for smaller bodies of water and calm conditions.
Terminology
Deck – the part of the spray skirt that attaches to the kayak
Tunnel/Tube – the part of the spray skirt that goes around the person
Grab Loop – the part of the spray skirt you use to take the skirt off
Coaming – the lip of the kayak that the spray skirt fits around
Putting a Spray Skirt on a Kayak
The order of putting a spray skirt on the kayak will be back first, up to your hips, then front, then finish off the sides last.
If you wear a spray skirt with a neoprene tunnel, you might find it easier to step into it. You can also put it on over your head. It all depends on your body type.
Use both hands, one on each side, to stretch the spray skirt back and hook it around the coaming behind you until it’s even with your hips.
To keep tension on the skirt, place your thumbs on top. Hook your fingers around the underside. Then, move your hands forward a few inches from the grab loop on each side.
Watch you do not hold the front of the spray skirt too close to the grab handle, as this can lead to the back coming off the coaming.
With the grab loop on top of the deck stretch the front of the skirt on, followed by the sides last.
If the spray skirt has grip strips on the underside, stretch the skirt forward. Place the grips down on the coaming with your forearms. Then, put the front of the spray skirt on.
How to Find your Spray Skirt Size
Different makes and models of kayaks require different deck sizes.
We are happy to help find the correct size spray skirt for your kayak and the one that will work best for you. Contact us by phone (206) 281-9694 or email mail@nwoc.com. If you live in the Seattle area and want to try on spray skirts on your kayak, just bring your boat with you!
Step 1: find the make and model of your kayak by looking at your boat.
Step 2: click the link to find your Seals sprayskirt/cockpit cover size or Immersion Research sprayskirt size.
For Immersion Research you can also measure the circumference of the outer lip of the coaming on your kayak. If your kayak is close to being in between sizes and you want a spray skirt that’s not a struggle to get on, choose the next larger size.
Remember that Seals Sprayskirts may suggest different sizes for nylon decks compared to neoprene skirts or cockpit covers.
Step 3: determine which size will fit around your upper body. Spray skirts can feature a loose-fitting nylon tunnel or neoprene for a tighter fit. This keeps water from entering your kayak.
Available in 3 tunnel sizes for nylon and neoprene/nylon skirts:
Widest measurement between your waist/sternum: i.e. where the top of the spray skirt tunnel would go around your midsection.
Low Slender (24”- 30”)
Standard (30"- 42")
Extra Fit (42"- 52")
For all neoprene Seals Spray Skirts
For all neoprene Immersion Research Spray Skirts
Use your normal pants waist size as a reference point. If you don't know your normal size, use a soft measuring tape to measure your waist. Take this number and subtract 2" then boom, you have your recommended tunnel size.
When choosing a tunnel size if unsure, go with what size you would normally wear.
For me, taking my pant size and subtracting 2 inches would make me a medium. However, I usually do not wear a medium. For me the large tunnel is plenty snug and my typical clothes size.
Spray Skirt Options at Northwest Outdoor Center
Half Skirt
The Seals Splash Deck only covers the front portion of the cockpit. Often used on recreational kayaks with a large cockpit, these are great for paddlers who live in warm places all year. They suit people who paddle only on sunny, calm days. They are also good for those who don’t want to feel trapped by a spray skirt.
Benefits
Less expensive than a full skirt
Fits on the kayak, not the person
2 sizes fit most name brand kayaks
Drawbacks
Lets in some water–only good for exceptionally mild conditions.
Nylon Spray Skirts
The Seals Adventurer is a good example of a nylon skirt that will satisfy paddlers in light conditions. This is a good choice for those paddling in calm places like lakes. It works well where you don’t expect breaking waves. The coated nylon material is easy on your wallet, but not made to withstand frequent use.
Benefits
Affordable option to keep water out and stay warmer on cooler days
Tensioned deck stay helps shed water and minimize pooling
Adjustable tunnel and removable suspenders
Drawbacks
Less durable for frequent use than the Tropical Tour or neoprene options
Not breathable
Less likely to stay on if conditions get rough or if you capsize (which may be a benefit in the eyes of many paddlers)
The Tropical Tour is a waterproof and breathable spray skirt meant for light to moderate conditions. Popular for paddlers in a touring kayak, many people prefer this material over a nylon skirt. Less crinkly and feeling more substantial.
Benefits
Breathable to keep the cockpit a little less steamy on warm days.
Wear guards for added durability and paddle strikes
Pocket to keep things in easy reach
Drawbacks
Not for use in conditions where you have breaking waves across your lap or you want to practice an Eskimo roll. How well the sprayskirt stays on is largely determined by how aggressive the coaming lip is on your kayak
Hybrid Spray Skirts
The Sea Sprite is a store favorite for a few reasons and excels in moderate conditions. We love the snug fit that’s actually no more difficult to put on than a nylon or waterproof-breathable decked skirt.
That’s because the designers sewed the bungee cord directly onto the deck of the skirt rather than running it through a sleeve. This means it is not adjustable. However, in our experience, this is not a problem when you use the recommended size for your kayak. Plenty of stretch exists in both the neoprene deck and bungee to ensure a secure fit.
Benefits
Snug fitting deck without being harder to put on
Hybrid neo/nylon tunnel is much easier to put on compared to an all neoprene skirt.
Stays on better with aggressive edging or rolling
Drawbacks:
Can be warmer without cool water on your deck. In the Pacific Northwest, or anywhere with cool water year-round, it’s easier to cool off than to warm up. Splash water across the deck of your sprayskirt, go in the water before you get in your kayak etc.
If you often paddle in challenging conditions, the Seals Extreme Tour may be a good option for you.
Benefits
Thicker bungee and neoprene deck compared to the Seals Sea Sprite to keep the spray skirt on your kayak.
Added abrasion resistance
Drawbacks
Tighter usually means drier, but also harder to put on
Made specifically for Delta Kayaks, the Neo/Nylon skirt fits all their touring kayaks from the 12s to the 17. Does not fit the 10AR and 12AR recreational models.
Benefits
Snug fitting neoprene deck with a breathable tunnel that's easy to get on and off
Integrated safety whistle on grab loop
Drawbacks
Grip strips on underside of the skirt can make it more difficult to put on
Neoprene Spray Skirts
Whether you are a sea kayaker who enjoys bigger waves or a beginner in whitewater kayaking, the Seals Shocker is a great choice. Both high-quality and affordable.
Benefits:
Tight fit for whitewater or sea kayaking in rough conditions.
Less likely to come off rolling or because of implosions from waves.
Drawbacks:
Neoprene tunnel is harder to get on a less stretchy than competitors
No under deck grip strips to prevent it from moving around in rough water, which also makes it more stretchy and easier to put on.
The Immersion Research Shockwave is an excellent choice if looking for a spray skirt for beginner to intermediate whitewater, or sea kayaking in rough water. Stretchy and made from high quality materials. Backed by Immersion Research’s warranty of free repairs for a year* and reasonable repair rates after that.
Benefits
Extra durability from the casing around the coaming area
More comfortable tunnel with the seam around the deck providing more stretch than the Seals Shocker
Grip strips on underside of the deck reduces it from moving around
Drawbacks
A little less stretchy than similar skirts but noticeably higher quality, more durable materials.
The Immersion Research Klingon provides the driest, most secure fit for intermediate-advanced whitewater and sea kayakers.
Benefits
Schoeller™ Dynamic® reinforced front casing provides extra protection around the cockpit rim
High tension bungee wrapped in neoprene extends down to provide the driest fit
Super sticky silicone grip strips under deck keep it in place even in heavy whitewater
Drawbacks
The extra durability and dry, secure fit do mean it is again more difficult to put on than the Shockwave.
Questions?
Give us a call, email, or stop by the shop anytime we're open.
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