Important Notes on Transport Options

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to Call the Showroom for assistance.

• Bulkheads: The primary function of bulkheads is that of safety. Dry storage compartments is also an added benefit to having a kayak outfitted with bulkheads. If a kayak overturns, properly constructed bulkheads with a sealed hatch cover will trap air in these compartments and allow the kayak to float, even if the cockpit fills with water. The bulkheads also allow for easier draining of the kayak during rescues than with a kayak of non-bulkheaded construction. Bulkheads can prevent water from flooding the entire waterline of the kayak, but if your kayak does not have them, use Float Bags to mitigate water entry into the fore and aft of the kayak.
  
  
• Hatches: Come in various styles. Usually a heavy rubber Tupperware sealing type tend to be the driest. Allows access to your gear that is stored under deck in the area walled off by the front or rear bulkhead.
  
  
• Important Note on Hatches & Bulkheads: Some kayaks have hatch covers but do not have bulkheads. It is important to learn about your kayak and these important safety features. Take a look under the deck to check for bulkheads and always check that your hatch covers are properly sealed prior to launch and after any hatch access.
  
  The safety function of a bulkhead & hatch combination can only be accomplished when the hatch is properly sealed during any on water activity.

The River Connection offers a full range of bulkheaded kayaks from Impex Kayaks; P&H Kayaks; Venture Kayaks and; Prijon.

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Q. Perimeter Lines & Deck Bungees

• Perimeter Lines: Perimeter Lines are load bearing ropes threaded through fittings called padeyes that are often recessed into the deck. Perimeter Lines allow for moving the boat around on the water hand over hand instead of having to wrestle with a wet slippery spindle or wet top deck. Perimeter Lines also allow you to manage your kayak when you are out of it, on a dock or in the water, or for someone else to hold onto while they are in their boat during a rescue. Use of these lines can also be of benefit to stabilize a kayak whilst you get out a snack or drink from your day hatch.
  
  
• Deck Bungees: Bungee cords typically criss-cross the front and rear decks are handy keepers of necessary on water items like water bottles, map cases, spare paddles and squirt guns. Bungee cords are not designed for heavy load lifting but rather convenience. Some manufacturers use Deck Bungees in an arrangement behind the cockpit for paddle placement/attachment during a self rescue.
  
  
• Important Notes on Perimeter Lines & Deck Bungees: Some kayaks do not have Perimeter Lines or Deck Bungees. It is important to learn about your kayak and the use and important safety features of these systems. Take a look under at the deck of your kayak and if your kayak does not have Perimeter Lines or Deck Bungees most kayaks can be retrofitted with these lines. Please Call the Showroom for assistance.

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Q. Toggles & Carry Handles

• Toggles: These T shaped corded handles at the ends of the kayak are not for carrying the boat but rather for controlling it by yourself if you happen to be out of it or for another boater to hold on to help guide and control your kayak.
  
  
• Carry Handles: Strongly attached handles or load bearing corded handles that are used for carrying the boat.
  
  

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Q. Cockpit Configuration

The Cockpit is the control center of your kayak and contains several features that will be important to the fit, comfort and efficiency of your time on the water.

• Adjustable Foot Braces / Foot Pegs: Foot braces will allow you solid purchase with your feet and can move fore/aft depending upon the paddler leg length and type of footwear being worn. These should be sturdy enough that pressure can be put upon them at every stroke without them flexing or bending. Adjustable foot braces can be a convenience but also allow for proper fit in a kayak, but if your kayak does not have them, most kayaks can be retro-fitted to use Adjustable Foot Braces.
  
  
• Seat Pad: Provides comfort but also keeps you from slipping around in the seat therefore improving the power transfer from your paddle through your body to the hull of the kayak.
  
  
• Seat: The seat of the kayak should be of close enough of a fit to make contact with the sides of the seat but not feel like the seat is pressing in on you. The shape of the seat pan should help keep you centered in the kayak. Better fit will help in smooth power transfer to the hull of the kayak and will also help keep the kayak trim and level. Proper seat, footbrace & thighbrace configuration is the main connection for heeling the boat during turns or countering the action of waves.
  
  
• Backband or Seatback: Both the backband and / or seatback provide support in the lower back just a bit above the iliac crest of the hip. Too tall of a seat back will interfere with body movement during paddling and create a chafing point. A properly fitted backband or seat back will allow you to maintain good paddling posture over distance with far less fatigue. Your best paddling position is with an upright, relaxed posture. A proper backband / seatback will help support you and attain this posture during all water conditions.
  
  
• Thigh Braces / Thigh Pads: Thigh braces, often referred to as thigh pads are flanges at the front sides of the cockpit. Thigh braces create a larger surface area for contact between the top an inside of your lower thigh to brace against the kayak. Thigh braces are a major connection point for control of your kayak.
  
  
• Coaming: The coaming it the lip that runs around the cockpit opening. This lip is the edge that the sprayskirt will attach to in order to keep water out. It is also a reinforcing feature of the deck adding rigidity to the kayak. The River Connection offers a full range of spray skirts / spray decks, you are always welcome to visit the showroom to peruse our in-store selection. For online information about spray skirts, we also suggest you take a look at Spray Skirts.
  
  
• Important Notes on Cockpit Configuration: Proper seat, footbrace & thighbrace configuration is the main connection for control of the kayak, heeling the boat during turns or countering the action of waves. Most kayaks can be retrofitted for proper comfort. There are a variety of aftermarket items that will help your time on the water be more enjoyable. We invite you to take a look at some of the items that can installed such as Foot Braces footbraces or Gel Seat Pads.

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Q. Skeg or Rudder

• Skeg: A skeg is a retractable mechanical blade that can protrude downward from the underside stern end of the kayak to provide lateral stability commonly known as tracking. As little or as much skeg protrusion may be used to achieve as hard of tracking on a course is as desired according to the peddler’s preference and conditions. Skegs are typically used when paddling across windy stretches.
  
  
• Rudder: A rudder is a retractable mechanical blade that is typically activated by a pulley system on the aft deck to provide lateral stability commonly known as tracking. Once deployed, the rudder may be pitched from side to side by tension on the adjusting cables which run to sliding foot pegs. By changing pitch (side to side movement of the rudder blade), the paddler can change course. Changing pitch is typically done by changing foot position. Usually a bit of practice is required with a rudder because your feet are not evenly positioned on the foot pegs and differing pressure will be experienced on the legs against the thigh braces.
  
  

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 Important Notes on Transport Options

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