About Neoprene Spray Decks

An essential piece of equipment for any kayaker, according to the Imperial College Canoe Club, a spray deck works to prevent sinking. Neoprene spray decks work well for even the most active kayaker, able to endure rolling and bracing.

  1. Purpose

    • The spray deck, also called a spray skirt, attaches around the waist of a paddler and hooks over the rim of the cockpit to create a seal. This seal prevents water from coming into the boat.

    Construction

    • Three basic parts make up a spray deck; the torso or tunnel, deck and rand. A paddler wears the torso around the waist, while the deck stretches from the waist to the rim of the cockpit. The rand sometimes works as an elastic cord, which then hooks to the cockpit to pull the deck taunt.

    Benefits

    • A neoprene spray deck measures about 3 millimeters thick and makes a tighter seal and better prevents water leakage than nylon spray skirts. In addition, whitewater paddlers and those who paddle in cold water prefer neoprene spray skirts, according to the KayakWiki.