How to Correctly Rig a Kayak Anchor

Sea and touring kayaks are made for stable paddling, often for long periods of time. In addition to the touring capabilities, these kayaks make stable platforms for fishing, diving and photography. An anchor system needs to be used to keep the kayak in a partial-static position on the water. There are two methods of anchoring these forms of kayaks: sea socks and hard anchors. Rig your kayak for one or both to ensure staying put when you want.

Things You'll Need

  • Marine rope
  • Knife
  • Lighter
  • Carabiner or quick clip
  • Sea sock
  • Milk jug
  • Sand and funnel
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Instructions

  1. Sea Sock Anchors

    • 1

      Cut a 12 to 15 feet of marine rope and thread it to the sea sock. A sea sock is an "underwater parachute."

    • 2

      Tie the opposite end of the rope to a carabiner or a quick clip. Attach the carabiner or quick clip to a deck bungee on the kayak.

    • 3

      Open up the sea sock when ready to deploy. Unfold the fabric so it resembles a sideways parachute.

    • 4

      Drop the sea sock into the water and paddle forward two or three strokes to get the sea sock open and underwater, slowing the kayak to a near crawl. Use a sea sock when stopping in deep water.

    • 5

      Store the folded sea sock under a deck bungee for quick access when needed.

    Hard Anchor

    • 6

      Fill an old and clean milk jug with sand. Use a funnel to make the filling easy.

    • 7

      Tie marine rope to the milk jug handle and to the carabiner or quick clip. Clip the carabiner or quick clip to deck bungee cords. Store the anchor between the legs in the cockpit for quick access.

    • 8

      Hold the rope in one hand and the jug in the other, and slowly lower it over the side, letting rope out slowly so the jug goes down, hitting the bottom.

    • 9

      Place the rope over the wave or swell side of the boat and let the kayak drift around the anchored jug.