Simple Tips to Care for Your Inflatable Kayak

By Mary Brey

It took you a while to take the idea of an inflatable kayak seriously, but after that first trip out on open water, you are hooked! Now you're worried about keeping your kayak around for years to come. Taking proper car of your inflatable kayak will ensure that it stays durable and reliable for years of adventures.

Simple care guidelines:

Give it some sunscreen!

To keep the PVC material of your kayak strong and long lasting, it is highly recommended to protect it from damaging UV rays and the elements. The most reliable and easiest way to do this is to spray it with 303 Protectant. (Google it)

Also, try to wait until you are at water's edge before inflating your kayak, and once inflated, keep it out of direct sunlight when on dry land. Besides damaging the outer layers and shortening your kayak's life, the hot sun can cause the air in your kayak to expand.

Inflate it properly!

The safest way to inflate your kayak is with a manual foot or hand pump. This gives you much more control and prevents overinflating which will damage your kayak. If you do use an electric pump, stop it before it gets near full and finish filling manually. It is hard to overinflate a kayak, but to err on the side of safety, you may also want to use a gauge.

Also, as mentioned above, extreme heat will cause the air chambers to expand. If you will be in such situations, you may want to release some air after several hours.

Give it a bath!

Before storing your kayak, make sure that it is squeaky clean. First, make sure that all air valves are closed securely. You can purchase special cleaning solutions for your inflatable kayak, or simply use a MILD solution from your home. Simple dish detergent and hot water work well. Thoroughly wash all surface area of your kayak, removing all dirt and grime. Make sure to rinse well and allow time to completely dry.

Tuck it away!

The majority of damages to inflatable kayaks are the result of improper storage. As stated above, make sure your kayak is clean and completely dry before folding and storing. Even a small amount of moisture is enough to favor the growth of mold and mildew and greatly shorten the life of your kayak. Once folded up, find a place out of direct sunlight with rather constant temperature and low humidity and tuck your kayak away until the next adventure calls.

Remember, 70% of the earth is covered with water. That's a lot of kayaking waiting for you! If you follow these simple steps to care for your inflatable kayak, you will have years of adventure and enjoyment.

Mary is happily residing in paradise and kayaking almost daily in the clear, turquoise waters of Cozumel. Accompanying her is her first love, Angel and her second love, her Sevylor Pointer 1 kayak [http://www.sevylorkayak.net/sevylor-pointer-1-kayak/]. She shares here her knowledge of her Sevylor Kayak and other models at [http://www.sevylorkayak.net].

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mary_Brey/1114222
http://EzineArticles.com/?Simple-Tips-to-Care-for-Your-Inflatable-Kayak&id=6935160