| der to ensure that a kayak continues to deliver | | | | shining for many days to come. To remove stains and |
| supreme performance for years to come, the paddler | | | | tar, using an elbow grease or baby oil is a good idea |
| must take good care of the kayak. Regular repair and | | | | as they are mild yet effective cleansing agents. |
| cleaning can go a long way in maintaining the kayak in | | | | After every kayaking session, start the cleaning |
| top condition. In fact if paddlers are particular about | | | | process by draining out all water from the kayak. |
| cleaning the kayak after every outing, then it can | | | | After wiping the insides of the kayak, position it upside |
| prevent the kayak from deteriorating and maintain it | | | | down to dry it thoroughly from inside. Also, take out all |
| for years to come. | | | | the smaller accessories to dry out in the sun. Any |
| Kayak Cleaning Guidelines | | | | moisture content can damage the kayak parts and |
| On a regular kayaking session, the kayak is exposed | | | | hence it is necessary to store the kayak only after it is |
| to lot of dust, dirt and other elements. Due to the | | | | completely dried out. |
| increase in pollution in the waterways the kayaks are | | | | It is important to wipe the cockpit area as much as |
| more prone to dirt and germs. Cleaning the kayak | | | | possible as it is a likely area for bugs and other insects |
| regularly is not very difficult and requires very little time | | | | to reside and breed. A sponge is an ideal cleaning |
| and effort on the part of the kayakers. | | | | material as it is gentle on the kayak surface and at the |
| Cleaning Tips | | | | same time removes all scum and dirt effectively. |
| The starting point of cleaning the kayak is to wash the | | | | After a sea kayaking session, it is very important to |
| hull thoroughly with fresh clean water. This would help | | | | clean the metallic areas as they could be damaged |
| in cleaning all the dirt, germs and any insect attack | | | | due to salt corrosion. Hence, all metal and rubber parts |
| from the kayak. Washing the kayak with water | | | | must be cleaned with soap and water solution to keep |
| immediately after a kayaking session is the best kayak | | | | them clean. |
| cleaning tip. | | | | UV Protection |
| However, just washing the kayak with water is not | | | | Often kayaks get exposed to the strong UV radiation, |
| always sufficient. It is recommended that paddlers use | | | | which can damage the hull permanently. To protect |
| soap water to wash the kayak and clean it from all | | | | the kayak from UV rays, kayakers must use sprays |
| the grime. Using a mild soap should do and ideally the | | | | like 303 Protectant that form a protective layer on the |
| kayak should be washed before and after every | | | | kayak and ward off the harmful rays. Cleaning the |
| kayaking session. Paddlers must avoid abrasives and | | | | kayak once a year, with the spray is sufficient to |
| solvents as they could cause harm to the hull. | | | | secure it from the harmful UV rays. |
| For fiberglass kayaks, paddlers can also use fiberglass | | | | These are some of the most effective kayak cleaning |
| wax generally used for polishing cars. The wax polish | | | | tips that can help in keeping the kayak brand new for |
| would give a great finish to the kayak and keep it | | | | many years. |