Wave Sport Kayak Owner's Manual - page 5
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CARE / MAINTENANCE
CARE
HULL DISTORTION
Our rotomolded kayaks are made of high-density
linear polyethylene, which is virtually maintainance
free. A minimal amount of care in storage and
transporting will help the kayak maintain a like-new
condition for many years.
Polyethylene will become more flexible when in
warm conditions such as a hot, sunny day. Improper
storage or transportation of a plastic boat, especially
in the heat, can potentially distort the shape of the
hull on your boat.
If your kayak does become the victim of slight
distortion, correction is a simple process. Brief
exposure to the heat of the sun is often all it takes to
restore the hull to its original shape. If that doesn’t
work, the hull can usually be restored by applying
heat to the outside of the boat with a hair dryer. Take
care – high, focused heat could cause damage.
When the hull is pliable enough, it can be pushed
back into shape by hand. A weight can be placed
inside the boat to maintain the shape of the hull
as it cools. Allow 24 hours to ensure the process is
completed.
CLEANING
Usually, a quick rinse of fresh water is all that is
necessary to keep your kayak clean and functioning
in good order. This is very important after paddling
in salt water. Be sure to rinse the skeg, cables,
and foot braces with fresh water to remove salt
residue. To minimize long-term degradation caused
by UV exposure, use an ultraviolet protectant such
as 303 Protectant, available at your local dealer or
HarmonyGear.com.
However, a certain amount of impact and abrasion
damage is to be expected due to the nature of
whitewater paddling.
Continual exposure to abrasion can roughen the hull
surface. Scratching is often cosmetic or superficial
and requires no repair.
It is important to be able to determine when
damage is cosmetic or extends to impacting the
structure of the hull. Impacts are much more likely
than scratches to result in structural damage. Inspect
your hull after suffering a collision.
As strong and durable as it is, polyethylene is not
indestructible. However, should the worst happen, it
is repairable – simply contact your local Wave Sport
dealer.
REPAIR OPTIONS
Although it is unlikely that your Wave Sport kayak
will need any repairs during its lifetime, it is pos-
sible that a hull crack or puncture may occur due
to extreme impact or contact with a sharp object.
If this happens, contact your local Wave Sport
dealer to determine if the damage falls under the
boat’s warranty (see warranty section).
We will need the serial number of your kayak, a
good description of the damage (a photograph
is required) and a description of the incident
during which the damage occurred. All of this
information will help us determine the best
course of action.
WARNING
Avoid dragging your kayak across the ground to
prolong its life and maintain its look and perfor-
mance. Two people, using the carrying handles,
is the best way to transport a longer kayak.
ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST:
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD
)
A USCG approved, comfortable and secure fitting
PFD should be worn at all times. Shorter PFDs are
available that are ideal for kayak paddling.
HELMET
A helmet should be used in rivers that are very
shallow or that feature rapids above Class I and any
other situation in which capsizing could result in your
head hitting a jagged or hard surface. You should
always wear an appropriate helmet while paddling
whitewater.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
USCG regulations require an audible signal device (a
horn or whistle) to be used in all watercraft.
PERSONAL GEAR
Items you should keep with you on every trip include
sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, plenty of drinking water,
insect repellent, compass, waterproof flashlight,
matches or lighter, pocket knife, and a first aid kit.
DRY BAG
An ultra-light and water-resistant dry bag is a good
idea for storage and an extra level of protection and
accessibility for gear.
SPRAYSKIRT
A sprayskirt is worn by the paddler to create a
watertight seal, preventing the cockpit from filling
up with water You should always paddle with a spray
skirt in place to facilitate rolling and prevent the
kayak from getting swamped.
WHITEWATER PADDLE
Typically, a whitewater paddle will be shorter than
the average touring paddle and have a larger blade
face. Your local Wave Sport dealer should be able to
help you decide on a paddle to suit your needs. It is
always a good idea to carry a backup paddle that can
be broken down to fit in the stern of your kayak.
FLOTATION BAGS
If you are forced to exit your kayak and it becomes
swamped, recovery becomes more difficult. By
installing inflatable float bags you can reduce the
volume of water a swamped kayak will take on.
Typical installation on a kayak will be two bags, one
on either side of the stern pillar.
THROW BAG
In the event of an emergency while on the water, a
throw bag can help you reach a swimmer or help
free your kayak. A throwbag should have a minimum
of 50 feet of cord.
ACCESSORIES
PADDLES
Premium paddles with innovative materials and
patented technology unmatched on the water.
www.atpaddles.com
ACCESSORIES
A complete line of paddling accessories and
outfitting at the best value in the industry.
www.harmonygear.com
ACCESSORIES
Premium sprayskirts and dry gear with material
bonding techniques that set the standard in
innovation.
www.bombergear.com
GET MORE ACCESSORIES
To find out about many more accessories available
for your Wave Sport kayak, visit these websites: