Kayaking spray skirts have one purpose to keep water out of a kayak. For choosing the right spray skirt, think about three main things: the type of the spray skirt, the size of the cockpit and the size of the tunnel. There are three main types, simple bungee, advanced bungee and spray skirts with corner style.
The edge of the cockpit decides what size will fit best.
How to Choose the Right Kayak Spray Skirt
Spray skirts come in two sizes: one for the deck of the boat and another for the body. To find the right deck size, ask the maker, that is the safest way. The size of the spray skirt deck depends on the brand and model of the kayak.
Cockpits can have the same basic measurements for maximum length and width, but their shape differs a lot between different boats. Because of that range of sizes and shapes, there is no one-size-fits-all spray skirt.
The newest creek kayaks usually require XL deck, while more small river boats and playboats fit size L. Even so always measure the cockpit of your boat and check the advice of the maker, to make sure about the best choice. Some spray skirts have universal tunnel size that fits many waists. With full neoprene spray skirts the tunnel is not adjustable, so choose exactly the right size.
There are tools for measuring where you choose the type, brand and model of the boat. They then show the suggested deck size for the spray skirt and the dimensions of the cockpit. If your boat is not on the list, you can get a custom spray skirt.
The choice of spray skirt size is very personal thing. While many expect a big spray skirt for a wide cockpit, some rather use XL. First measure the edge of the kayak cockpit yourself.
Take the measuring tape, note the length and width of the cockpit, later compare them with the chart of the spray skirt that you think about.
If you hesitate between two sizes, the bigger spray skirt will fit a more small cockpit more than the small one fits the big. Tandem spray skirts fit a two-person kayak with one open cockpit. It is made up of two parts with separate grab loops that connect in the centre.
For a tandem boat with two separate cockpits you need two different spray skirts.
Numbers like 1.7, 2.2 or 2.7 mark the sizes of spray skirts. Many commercial kayaks today use 1.4 or 1.7. You commonly can switch between 1.7 and 1.4 based on what you like.
After you find the right size, the next important choice will be between corner and bungee style spray skirt.
