Accessories: Pump It Up

April-May 1997

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by Chris Ladner

Getting water out of your kayak efficiently is critical to safe paddling, and it is a Coast Guard requirement that every boat be equipped with a pump or bailing device. There is a range of pumps on the market.

HAND-HELD PUMPS

The early Aleut kayakers used a pumping device similar to an oversized drinking straw. The pump consisted of a 15" hollowed wooden tube which they stood up in the water at the bottom of the kayak. After sucking the water into the chamber of the tube with their mouth, a finger was placed over the end to seal it, whereupon the tube was pulled out and the water dumped over the edge by breaking the seal.

Today, the common Scotty or Beckson hand pump has become the most popular paddler's pump. It is inexpensive, light, durable and available in different lengths. The longer the pump, the larger the volume of water pumped (40 and 20 liters/min, respectively, for 24" and 15" pumps), yet the most work. If you are short in stature in a smaller boat you may want to consider a shorter pump.

By itself, the hand-held pump will sink, so it should be wrapped in a pump-sleeve of closed-cell foam for flotation and secured to the kayak with a cord and clip.

To remove water, the pump is inserted down the tube of the skirt or between the skirt and the cockpit coaming. The disadvantage is that your hands are not available to brace or turn in the waves while pumping.

DECK-MOUNTED PUMPS

Deck-mounted pumps are hand-operated and work by intaking water through a hose lying on the floor of your kayak, trapping the water behind a rubber diaphragm, and forcing it out through an exit hose connected to a hole in the hull. The pump is generally mounted behind the paddler, and although awkward to reach, requires only one hand, allowing the other to brace.

These pumps are rated at 20-40 l/min and are advantageous in that they can't be forgotten or lost.

FOOT PUMPS

A foot pump requires a mounting and some even come connected to your foot pedals (for boats without a rudder). There is a New Zealand design that consists of a soft rubber hose and box assembly connected to an exit hole in the hull. By pumping the hose with the feet you can pump the boat out. The huge advantage to these pumps are that your hands are free to paddle and brace, but due to the low volume rating (4-8 l/min), foot pumps should be supplemental to a high-volume system.

ELECTRIC PUMPS

Another way to keep your hands free is to install a battery-operated pump. The Geyser line of pumps made by Eddyline are self-contained in a waterproof plastic case and come in portable or fitted models capable of volumes of 25 to 60 liters per minute. At this rate you can empty a fully-flooded single kayak in less than 5 minutes or a double in 8-10. Remember to check the AA alkaline or rechargeable NiCad batteries regularly. Expect to pay at least $150 US for this safety feature.