How to Make an Outrigger for a Kayak

Sea kayaks are made to stay afloat and not roll as a general rule. There are times, however, when large waves and swells compromise this stability. When you paddle in open ocean or rough waters it helps to have an extra level of stability. Make an outrigger to give the kayak extra support. These outriggers go together quickly and break down almost as fast, which allows impromptu use without altering the basic design of the kayak. Single and tandem kayaks benefit from this piece of gear.

Things You'll Need

  • 2-piece spare paddle(s)
  • Inflatable or non-inflatable rescue paddle-floats
  • Deck bungees
Show More

Instructions

  1. Single Kayak

    • 1

      Remove the spare two-piece paddle from the kayak deck (where a spare paddle is typically stored). A two-piece paddle is best as it feathers and stores more efficiently. Push the two pieces together to make the kayak paddle. Feather it to a 45 degree angle with the blades.

    • 2

      Blow-up the paddle-float if yours uses a bladder. Before the paddle-float is fully inflated, slide it over the spare paddle's blade into the dedicated sleeve and then blow up fully. If you have a non-inflatable paddle float, slide the blade-sleeve over one of the spare paddle's blades.

    • 3

      Push the non-float blade of the spare under the front kayak deck bungees (These are criss-crossed bungees found on almost every sea and touring kayak. They are made for above deck storage and paddle systems such as this).

    • 4

      Lower the float side of the paddle onto the water surface, on the side away from the waves or rough swells.

    • 5

      Lean into the outrigger side to gain extra stability with the outrigger.

    Tandem Kayaks

    • 6

      Follow Section 1, Steps 1 and 2 for each outrigger set-up. For tandem kayaks, bring along two spare paddles and two paddle-floats.

    • 7

      Push one outrigger set-up through the front deck bungees and then second outrigger through the rear deck bungees, behind the rear paddler's cockpit.

    • 8

      Lower the float side of the outrigger systems onto the water surface, as much in unison as the situation allows between front and rear paddlers. Keep the outriggers on the opposite side of the kayak to the waves or ocean swells.

    • 9

      Coordinate leans toward the outrigger side between front and rear paddler.