Gear: What I Look For In...

June-July 1999

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

by Dan Lewis

We asked a number of our friends in the paddling community to say a few words about an item of gear that's important to them. Some are recreational paddlers, some are guides, but all take their gear seriously. Our Assistant Editor, Sue Handel, starts us off with the following on sprayskirts

SUE HANDEL - What I look for in a SPRAYSKIRT

Besides a snug adjustable fit, I look to the sprayskirt to help keep me warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Thus I have two - a thick black neoprene one for cold weather and a yellow nylon one for warmer days. The colors and materials of each help to absorb/ reflect light and heat.

As for features, my neoprene skirt has some bells and whistles, while the nylon one is very plain. Each has its benefits. The pocket sewn on the outside front torso of the neoprene skirt is handy for storing sunglasses, snacks, etc. and the adjustable waist buckles allow for a tight fight regardless of how many layers I have on (or how many cookies I have stashed!). In these heavy stress areas (including the grap loop), it is important to look for reinforced stitching. I'm careful not to use excessive force on these parts, to prevent tearing. The bonus of the nylon skirt is that while it doesn't have many features, it is also less likely to "breakdown". I'm deliberate about rinsing my sprayskirts and all paddling gear for that matter - in fresh water, and storing them out of the sun to prevent deterioration.

Sue Handel has worked in the paddling industry since high school, in retail, rental, instruction, and guiding-and now is an integral part of Wavelength. She continues to pursue a parallel career as sea kayak guide and is looking forward to pulling out the cooler nylon sprayskirt any day now!

ROB MANSFIELD - What I look for in a DRYBAG

In my experience, few kayak hatch designs are completely waterproof, so waterproofing your gear is important. Dry bags are the answer.

To stand up to the continuous abuses associated with packing a mound of gear into a tiny space, a drybag must be durable and highly abrasion resistant. I have had success with heavily coated nylon and cordurra sacs over other materials. The vinyl varieties are adequate for less intensive use or when protected from abrasion by a nylon stuff sack.

Generally I choose dry bags to fit the particular items I pack regularly and the specific dimensions of my paddling craft. A bag should certainly be smaller than the boat hatch's diameter (less than 25 L; larger is usually an inefficient use of space). The rule of thumb I use for packing is to keep most items smaller than the size of my sleeping bag (15 - 18 L). The more smaller items the better.

All dry bags will allow water to seep through the closure if immersed longer than several minutes. 'Wet' paddlers, like myself, double up dry bags for particularly important or exposed items. Alternatively I use a bag that can be folded more than the minimum 3 folds required for most bags.

For the creative camper, drybags can have a wide variety of uses, from water bags to pillows and floating lawnchairs (really!). Note: Always take a drybag patch kit along in your repair kit!

Rob Mansfield guides with White Squall Wilderness Paddling Centre on Georgian Bay, Ontario (email: squall@zeuter.com). He has grown up in and around boats, paddling the great fresh water lakes and whitewater by canoe and kayak. When on dry land he prefers to travel self-propelled on any thing with wheels.

RUPERT WONG - What I look for in a VHF RADIO

VHF handheld transceivers (radios) are an integral component of on-water safety and group management. While shouting to one another may be economical, it isn't very professional, and can be dangerous, so commercial operators rely on VHFs.

Radios are generally worn on PFDs for easy access. And guides are tuned to each other so they can address situations as they arise, be it changing conditions, group dynamics or wildlife sightings. Radios are also used for monitoring and communicating with other stations, i.e. weather, locals, radio telephone, Coast Guard.

Here's what I look for in a radio as a professional.

• Waterproof (for an added measure of protection radios can be sealed in specially designed bags that allow handling)

• Lock function to prevent accidental input

• Channel display visible in darkness

• One-touch access to CH 16

• Dual watch operation to monitor call channel & CH 16

• 1 & 5 watt output option to conserve power during close range communications

• Recyclable Ni-Cad batteries that can be changed easily & recharged quickly (1-2 hrs)

• Reliable warranty program

On a more recreational level, VHF handheld radios may be used primarily for monitoring weather channels and as a tool for distress or emergency calls, so the features described above may not be necessary. It is advised, however, that your radio be accessible while on-water and adequate measures be taken to protected it against loss and exposure to water if it isn't waterproof. In cases of emergency you don't want to be undoing hatch covers to access your radio, so don't stash it thinking you won't need it on the water. Even in a protective bag your radio may not float, so use a lanyard attachment.

Rupert Wong is owner of West Coast Expeditions, which has a basecamp in Kyuquot Sound. Rupert discovered sea kayaking at the age of twelve through his outdoors club at Hillside highschool. After graduating in Biology from the University of Victoria in 1986 he joined West Coast Expeditions and helped to diversify the nature tour company's offerings to include sea kayaking. To date Rupert has logged over 500 days of professional guiding in class 111 BC waters. He can be reached at 250-338-9789 in Courtney, BC, V9N 7p1. Email: nature@island.net Web: www.island. net/ nature

KIRSTEN MUSIAL - What I look for in a HYDRATION SYSTEM

When asked what I look for in specific paddling gear, right away my thoughts embraced the words "practicality" and "durability". Paddling gear also has to be easy to use in all those wild and crazy situations that ocean paddling offers us.

Of the many 'techy' tools for our paddling pleasure, my favorite would be the hands-free, easy-to-use drinking system. One of the biggest problems we face, as paddlers, is to stay well hydrated. When we are doing long day-paddles or multiple-day trips, it is not easy to remember to drink plenty of water. Often it is difficult to reach or operate the water containers.

Just imagine, paddling for hours into 20 knot winds with a large swell and lots of breaking waves. Sounds like fun, but not the right time to drink from the average water container. A few hours of paddling in these conditions, without drinking any water, would cause you to become dehydrated. When dehydrated, you start facing other problems, such as headache, muscle fatigue, nausea, dizziness, irritability and the list goes on.

I consider the consumption of water a very serious subject. On a typical day trip while paddling I will drink at least three litres of water. Drinking from a bottle demands stopping the kayak and stowing the paddle. But my hydro-cell uses a hands-free tube to deliver water from a flexible pouch, which is protected by a strong nylon shell. I secure the pouch to the boat's back deck or, in heavy seas, behind my seat. The drinking tube is attached to my PFD. So, when it is time to drink, I just grab the tube with my mouth, squeeze and drink.

Kirsten Musial is an instructor and guide who began paddling at age 9 in Germany where she mostly paddled in sprint kayaks. She is in her third season of kayak instruction, and very passionate about the sport of kayaking. She is currently working for Ocean River Sports in Victoria, BC.

CHRIS LADNER - What I Look For in a WETSUIT

The idea that you can keep warm and dry while paddling is a myth. Being warm is the most we can hope for, and our best ally in the quest for warmth is neoprene.

Wetsuits function by trapping a thin layer of water which warms up against your skin, not by letting lots of cold water flow through the suit. So they need to fit well... but not so tight you can't breathe when you sit down - otherwise breathless scenery takes on a whole new meaning!

Features in a wetsuit are as important as the fit. Knee pads that are both glued and stitched are a bonus when you are loading the kayak and preventing premature wear from rubbing in the kayak. Ankle zips with non-corroding zippers make getting a suit on and off a pleasure. Guys will appreciate the front zipper for taking a pee. Some women's suits have a side zip for good looks and ease of entry. Velcro shoulder straps are fine for budget buyers but become bulky and crunchy after all your gear goes on.

Wetsuit styles vary. Sleeveless varieties with a full leg are the best for paddling. Shorties are a summer compromise. Neoprene t-shirts and shorts work well as a summer option and then can be used under a farmer john to make for the best in winter comfort and safety.

Wetsuits can add an incredible margin of survival in cold water. Having a few moments of warmth from a comfortable suit while we recover from our capsize is the goal. Once we are back in the boat our problems are only partially over. A wetsuit will add to your survival time both in and out of the water. Once we have the safe opportunity, it is advisable to land and remove the suit to put on dry clothes.

Caring for your suit is simple. Wash with fresh water and hang to dry and store.

Chris Ladner is owner of Ecomarine Ocean Kayak Centre on Granville Island in Vancouver, BC. He's a long time supporter of the BC Marine Trail Association, hosting an annual fundraising marathon, and has worked closely with other organizations such as the Trade Association of Paddlesports over the years. He can be reached at Ecomarine at 604-689-7575. Check out his website at www.ecomarine.com.

JOEL ROGERS - What I Look For in a PADDLING JACKET

The first thing that comes to mind about good paddling jackets - not dry tops mind you, but jackets - are their total trip versatility. Whatever the brand, a good paddling jacket works both on-water and on-shore. With ease of motion, breathability, short length, hood, pockets and ease of taking on and off en route, it is my favorite piece of sea kayaking gear (save boat and blade).

My paddling jacket is a pricey little item ($295 US) but worth the dent. Newly revamped with better raincoatability and now gusseted at full zip around the neck it is a move toward the gap between the single-use dry tops while still being the around camp warmth, rain and wind layer. The problem is, despite the velcroed cuffs, gusset and waist drawcord, the paddling jacket is not immersion proof. It is not a dry-top.

With its inner liner, it's more than a shell but it isn't intended to be warm. It's perfect for the energy/ heat expenditure when paddling in our Pacific northwest climate. At camp, its layering works well with my pile and poly-pro, making it a near constant companion. Thus it has become a carrier of the many things camp life calls for. It's where my lighter and knife go, where an exhausted finch has gone, where a journal fits.

My only complaint about these coats is the noise they can make -everything else is quiet about kayaking (especially if you have a good stroke) but then, there's the fabric rub - a racket with all these flaps and hoods, zippers and liners. A bit of a din, but what a coat!

Joel is a celebrated Seattle-based photographer and author of the beautiful and soon to be re-released Hidden Coast, Kayak Explorations from Alaska to Mexico (fall 1999 by Alaska Northwest Books) and his annual Sea Kayaking Calendar (the year 2000 calendars are in!). Email: joel®joelrogers.com

JOE MATUSKA - What I Look For in a PFD

I look for comfort, good flotation and visibility in a PFD. When I'm paddling, I want a vest so comfortable that I don't even know it's there, a vest that gives me a wide range of motion and body mobility, unhindered. This means soft, contoured foam flotation, large armhole openings and adjustable shoulder and side straps. I also want a short waisted vest to keep it from riding up around my ears.

Most canoe lifevests are not suitable for kayaking. A mesh pocket in the front is very useful for a whistle, car keys are snack food. In the water, I want a lifevest that floats me nice and high. A brightly colored vest with reflective tape on the shoulders and back will keep me visible, even at a distance. Lastly, be sure you buy quality. You only have one life to slip into your vest.

Joe Matuska, general manager of AquaBound Paddles is a former university instructor in medical microbiology who brings a research and technological development slant to his paddle company, located in Surrey, BC. He began making wooden paddles over 20 years and started creating fibreglass paddles in 1980, since then pioneering techniques with graphite and injection molded plastic. Ph: 604882-2052. Email: sales@aquabound.com Web: www.aquabound.com