Kayaking can only be done in the water. You cannot use your kayak on the sand. This means that it has to deal with water.
If you want to know why is my kayak taking on water, you should know that it is quite normal for water to get into your kayak.
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Why is my kayak taking on water?
Water will always enter your kayak. However, if there are large amounts of water entering your kayak then you should:
- Check the drainage plug, scupper holes and scupper plugs for a damaged or bad fit
- On air-inside kayaks, check that the compartment hatches are watertight
- Check the spray skirt for any holes
- Replace damaged fittings and apply a sealant to possible areas that are leaking or punctured.
- Check your kayak for hull damage.
- Ensure that the fittings are secure and tight
- Make sure that the hatch gaskets are not worn out
- On air-on-top kayaks, check that the rudder and pedal mechanisms are secure and the fittings are watertight
Why does water get into a kayak?
A small amount of water entering the cockpit of your sit-inside kayak or the deck of your sit-on-top kayak is not a problem at all.
It is expected and all part of the kayaking experience.
Furthermore, there is cause to worry if there are larger amounts of water entering your kayak. This could be a sign of a problem.
Potential problems that may cause water to enter the kayak
As there are different types of kayaks, in this case, the sit-inside kayak and the sit-on-top kayak, there are different reasons why water may enter into the kayak based on the type of the kayak.
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Water getting into a sit-in kayak
No matter the type of kayak, whether sit-on-top or sit-inside kayak, it is normal for small amounts of water to get into the kayak over time.
Regardless, it may be very uncomfortable for paddlers to paddle in wet areas and have water in their feet.
In sit-in kayaks, most of the water gets into the cockpit from splash rather than leaks. As such, you need to ensure that your spray skirt is in good condition.
In addition, it fits securely around the cockpit opening so that water will not be able to slip through and get into your kayak.
Furthermore, you need to ensure that there are no small holes in it. It is very easy to miss small holes in spray skirts.
You need to check very well as these very tiny holes can allow the entrance of a lot of water into the cockpit, which gathers up over time and becomes uncomfortable for the kayaker.
But, if there are large amounts of water getting into the cockpit, then it may be a sign of a more serious issue. It could be as.
A result of damage in the hull of the kayak, it is recommended that you take your kayak to a professional to check your kayak and fix the hull before using it again.
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Water getting into a sit-on-top kayak
Small amounts of water entering into a sit-on-top kayak is nothing to get worried about although it can be annoying most times as kayakers will have to paddle in a wet area.
If you begin to notice small amounts of water gathering inside your kayak, like a few cups over the space of a few hours, then you may need to check the boat’s hatches.
Hatches that are well maintained do not allow the entrance of water into the kayak.
However, water may splash up over the hatches and settle in the gaps only to fall into the boat when the hatch is open. This is not a big issue
The main cause may likely be a faulty hatch. Small amounts of water can get into your kayak and get bigger over time due to work gaskets in hatches.
This issue can be resolved by getting a new hatch, fixing a new gasket, or using a seal tape if it is a minor problem.
If the problem still persists, has gotten worse or you find an indication of a very serious damage to the hull of your kayak, the it is advised that you seek professional assistance immediately.
Having a lightweight, hand-operated bilge pump can come in handy and help to remove water in your kayak efficiently.
Why do I get so much water in my kayak?
The most used method to keep water out from your sit-inside kayak is by tipping the boat over and allowing the water to run out.
In a sit-on-top kayak, simply remove the scupper plugs and allow the water to drain out although all the water may not be completely removed.
However, if you are out of the water, the best and most efficient way to get water out of your kayak would be by using a lightweight, hand operated bilge pump.
You can also make use of this while in the water and it can be carried easily while paddling.
After using the bilge pump, a sponge can then be used to soak up water that may be left in the kayak.
How do I keep water out of my kayak? How do I get water out of my Pelican kayak?
There are two ways you can get water out of your kayak. If the kayak is not in danger of sinking, the methods to use include:
- You can use a portable lightweight bilge pump to take out most of the water before heading for the shore
- Simply head for the shore quickly than top the kayak over to drain the water.
This may be done several times over for all the water to completely come out of your kayak.
You should not panic when you find water in your kayak. The work of the scuppers is to ensure that the water leaves fast.
However, when this is not the case, you should be ready to scoop water away from your kayak.
Most kayaks come with a scupper, but if your kayak does not have a scupper, you should plan your adventures well to avoid such a situation.
