Spraydecks

A spray deck seals you into the cockpit and keeps water out, so you stay drier wherever you paddle. From light nylon decks for calm water to neoprene rand decks for whitewater and surf, there's a fit for every cockpit and paddling style.

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Which spraydeck you need comes down to one question: how much water do you expect coming over the deck?

That answer points you at either lightweight nylon or stretchy, water-shedding neoprene, and it shapes fit, warmth, and price from there. The kayak spray deck range here spans both, sized around specific cockpit shapes and paddling styles rather than sold as one-size-fits-all.

Whitewater spraydecks

When water is regularly landing on the deck, you want neoprene and you want it to stay put. Whitewater spraydecks use a stretched neoprene deck, and many step up to a thick rubber rand instead of a shock-cord seal, which holds firm under heavy pressure and resists imploding in a hole or a big wave. The trade-off is a tighter fit that takes more effort to release, which is exactly what serious river and surf paddling calls for.

Touring and sea kayaking spraydecks

Long days in changeable conditions ask for a balance of protection and comfort. Touring and sea kayaking spraydecks are often hybrids, pairing a neoprene deck that sheds water with a softer nylon tunnel that breathes around the torso. Look for braced tunnels on sea decks, which stop the tunnel sliding down over hours of paddling.

Recreation spraydecks

For calm lakes, canals, and easy rivers, a nylon spray deck keeps out paddle drips, splashes, and light rain without the snug fit of neoprene. Recreation spraydecks are light, comfortable, and quick to fit, and adjustable waist and cockpit systems make one deck workable across a range of paddlers, which suits families and shared club boats.

Competition spraydecks

Racing rewards low weight and fast transitions. Competition spraydecks tend to be nylon, chosen so they go on and come off quickly, which matters at marathon portages where every second on the bank counts.

Canoe polo spraydecks

Fast, physical play needs a deck that stays seated through contact and quick edging. Canoe polo spraydecks commonly use braces to hold the tunnel in place, and lighter tunnels keep things comfortable when paddling in a rash vest in warmer weather.

Kids spraydecks

Younger paddlers are best matched to smaller cockpits and a fit they can release themselves. Kids spraydecks prioritise an easy, confident wet exit while still keeping splashes and rain out, so newer paddlers can focus on their skills.

Cockpit covers

A cockpit cover seals the boat when you are off the water, keeping rain, leaves, and unwanted visitors out of the cockpit during storage and transport.

Finding the right fit

Sizing works on two things at once: the shape of your cockpit and the size of your torso. Too loose and the seal fails, too tight and it is hard to fit or release, so getting both right matters for comfort and for a clean wet exit. If you are weighing nylon against neoprene or not sure which fit suits your paddling, the how to choose a spraydeck guide walks through it, or call the Dublin store and we will size a deck to you and your boat.

We are an official stockist for the brands we carry, with shipping across Ireland, UK, EU, USA, and Canada. Get the right deck sorted and stay drier next time out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a spray deck (spray skirt) for kayaking?

A Spray Skirt is the term used in North America for what is commonly known as a Spray Deck in Ireland and UK. It is used to seal a paddler into their boat to keep water out.

Do i need a spray skirt for my kayak?

That depends on what type of water your paddling in and your experince level. If you are new to kayaking, you dont need it to learn how to kayak. You can learn and build confidence before tackling a "wet exit".

If your experienced and paddling in rougher waters it is recommended so there is no water getting in the boat. Water in your kayak can cause it to be sluggish to paddle and harder to manover.

What size spray deck do I need?

The size of the spraydeck you need depends on two factors. The size of the cockpit on your kayak and the size of your torso. The measurement of these can be found on a size chart from the manufacturer of your spraydeck. Read our guide on how to choose a spray deck.

How to put on a spray skirt / spray deck?

Firstly step into the body tunnel of the deck and pull it up your torso so that the base of the tunnel is level with your hips. Next sit in your kayak. Following that, hook the rear edge of the spraydeck under the back of the cockpit rim. Feed the edge of the spraydeck around and under the side of the spraydeck rim. Hook the front of the deck over the front of the cockpit rim.

It is important to ensure that the release strap is outside the cockpit and easily accessible.

How long does a spray deck last?

If a spraydeck is washed, dried and stored correctly you should get multiple paddling seasons out of one. This can vary between paddling types.

Spraydecks used on whitewater can wear faster as that type of paddling comes with a more challenging environment and scenarios to cause wear. In contrast someone doing recreational paddling wont experience the same conditions so can expect their spraydeck to last longer.

Ultimatly the lifespan of a spraydeck can vary based on its material, frequency of use, type of paddling and care of user.

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