Wave Sport Kayak Owner's Manual - page 4
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4
STORAGE / TRANSPORT
STORING YOUR KAYAK
Boats made from polyethylene plastic are strong,
rigid and highly impact resistant, but due to the
nature of plastic in general, it is important to store
your boat properly. It is always best to store your
kayak indoors, out of direct sunlight and protected
from inclement weather.
Preferably, you should stand your boat on end or
hang it suspended by slings. Hanging your boat
from its grab loops or handles increases the chance
of warpage. You can also store your boat on the
floor, upside down. When storing upside down, it is
recommended that the load is spread evenly along
the length of the boat.
TRANSPORTING YOUR KAYAK
Because of their light weight and shape, kayaks are
ideally suited for car topping. Your primary concern
in carrying your kayak is that it stays securely tied to
the vehicle. As with storage, another concern should
be potential distortion of the hull.
Car-topping the kayak is best done with a quality
roof rack specifically designed for attaching kayaks
(Thule, Yakima). Foam blocks/cradles attached to the
rack are another option. The boat should be tied to
the vehicle as well as the rack by its grab handles.
Use slings or webbing straps suspended from the ceiling or wall.
Use foam to pad the areas where the kayak comes into contact with the wall.
Foam cradle or pad
Carry a single kayak cockpit down
Carry two or more kayaks cockpit to
cockpit - use upright roof bars
IMPORTANT:
It is recommended to always stop shortly after the start
of your trip to make sure all fittings and connections
are secure and that the kayak will not shift during
travel.
USING FOAM BLOCK RACKS
Foam block racks can be used for short distances or
lower speed transportation. They should be wide
enough for adequate support, as well. Use extra caution
with foam blocks as they are not as secure as cross-bar
racks. Foam blocks also make it essential to tie off the
bow and stern of the kayaks directly to the vehicle.
AIR TRAVEL
Many airlines do not allow kayaks to be transported
on the plane when you travel by air. Contact your air
carrier well in advance of your trip to see if they allow
you to check a whitewater kayak and how much they
charge. You should invest in a kayak travel bag if you
do transport a kayak by air.
CAUTION:
TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER
Position kayak upside down if possible when
inclement weather is threatening. A kayak can fill
with water when it rains and become dangerous
to your vehicle or others as it becomes heavy. Use
a portage cover to seal the cockpit if a “bottom up”
position is not possible. Be sure to periodically check
your straps to make sure they have not stretched
while wet.
SAFETY
Any person using kayaks built and/or sold by Wave
Sport is personally responsible for determining that
their abilities are equal or superior to the conditions
encountered and exercising proper judgment in
choice of where and when to paddle.
Any person using Wave Sport kayaks assumes all
risks and takes complete responsibility for any
and all damages, or injuries, including death,
which may result from use of or participation in
Wave Sport kayaks.
Consult your physician prior to beginning your
paddlesport training.
DON’T :
• Never exceed your ability and assess how far and
how long you can paddle or swim.
• Never paddle alone.
• Never consume alcohol, drugs, or any other
substance that may affect your coordination,
judgment, or ability when paddling.
• Never paddle in flood conditions.
• Never allow minors to use the boat without adult
supervision.
• Avoid bracing yourself in the kayak in such a way
that you have to release any outfitting to escape.
• Do not impair entry or exit access to the kayak
when installing additional outfitting.
DO:
• Wear a Coast Guard approved personal
flotation device (PFD).
• Wear a helmet when paddling whitewater or
in the ocean.
• Get paddlesports instruction from a licensed or
certified instructor.
• Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold
water and/or weather can result in hypothermia.
• Check your equipment prior to each use for
signs of wear or failure.
• Scout unfamiliar waters. If necessary, paddle to
shore and carry your boat past uncertain areas.
• Stay aware of appropriate river water levels, tidal
changes, dangerous currents, and weather
changes.
• Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for
use and outfitting of your kayak.
• Leave your paddling location and agenda with
someone at home before departing.
• Obtain certified first aid and rescue training
and carry first aid and rescue equipment.
• Always use supplemental flotation.
WARNING:
Kayaking can be hazardous with potential risk of
serious injury and even death.