Kayak skirts keep water away from the paddler’s body and fit around the opening of a kayak. They can be made of neoprene or nylon and come in full or half styles. Neoprene is better for cold weather and whitewater kayaking, while nylon is lighter and better for touring kayaks.
Kayak skirts are commonly known as spray skirts, and they fit around the opening of a kayak to keep water away from the paddler’s body. The skirt fits snugly around the paddler’s waist or torso, and is attached to the kayak by an elastic band known as a rand. The materials used to make kayak skirts can vary, as can the quality of construction and the intended purpose of the skirt. Neoprene and nylon are the most common material choices for the skirt, and while some skirts are fully waterproof, others are not.
The two general types of kayak skirts are full skirts and half skirts. Full skirts are by far the most common type of kayak skirt, although half skirts have become increasingly popular, especially with kayakers who paddle only during the warmer months of the year. Unlike a full skirt, a half skirt only covers the front of the kayak opening to prevent water from entering the boat. The rear of the opening is left open so air can circulate inside the boat, keeping the paddler comfortable in the summer heat. This skirt is appropriate for warm weather paddlers on calmer waters. Many paddlers choose to have a full skirt and half skirt to be prepared for all conditions.
A full skirt will cover the entire opening of the kayak and will usually extend to the paddler’s torso. This keeps water out of the boat and away from the rower’s body. Neoprene kayak skirts tend to be quite warm, making them a great choice for cold weather paddling. They are waterproof or water resistant and a very tight fit. Neoprene skirts can withstand rolling or turning the boat into the water, and will usually stay in place comfortably. However, they tend to get too hot in the summer months.
Nylon skirts are lighter and only waterproof. They are not as strong or durable as neoprene kayak skirts, so they are generally only used for touring kayaks and avoided by whitewater kayakers. Whitewater kayakers may use kayak skirts that combine nylon and neoprene; nylon tends to stay in place better than neoprene, but neoprene tends to keep the rider drier. The skirt is also less likely to move during rough water if it is made of neoprene. White water kayaks will also use full skirts, as half skirts will allow too much water to enter the boat.
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