this post was submitted on 16 Feb 2025
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I got to be in a safety video!

This is a short video on why a river boat isn't safe to take out on open water, why a spray skirt is essential, and what happens without the right gear.

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[–] Dave 3 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) (1 children)

Nice!

I have to ask - is not wearing a spray skit in the ocean a common problem? Are there lots of people that go kayaking without it and need rescuing?

[–] thevoyagekayaking 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

It's not particularly common, but mostly because beginners tend to be out on sit on top boats. Although there was a fatality in Wellington Harbour a few years ago, on Christmas eve, where the paddler had a sit in boat with no spray skirt.

It's also good information for a sea kayak with bulkheads, you won't flood the boat completely, but it will be less stable.

[–] Dave 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

For sit on top, how does the spray skirt advice work come in, or is the advice not to use one in the ocean?

I would expect it would not flood like you did in the video because the whole boat would be sealed and watertight?

[–] thevoyagekayaking 3 points 6 days ago (1 children)

A sit on top is considered self bailing, so no skirt needed. The paddler sits above the waterline, and there are holes through to the underside of the boat.

[–] Dave 2 points 6 days ago

Ah yip, I misunderstood your previous comment. Beginners tend to be in sit on top boats, so the issue with sea spray without a skirt doesn't apply. However, it does happen occasionally, hence the safety video.