The sun’s Ultraviolet rays will damage any kayak over time. Protect against this damage and slow down the aging process by applying a 303 protection coating to your kayak. The protectant bonds to your kayak surface and acts like a sunblock. For best results apply every 3-5 weeks.
Kayaks can broadly be placed into 3 categories: Sea/Touring , Whitewater and Recreational.
Composite Sea Kayak
A Sea kayak or touring kayak is a kayak developed for the sport of paddling on open waters of lakes, bays, and the ocean. Sea kayaks are seaworthy small boats with a covered deck and the ability to incorporate a spraydeck. They trade off the maneuverability of whitewater kayaks for cargo capacity, ease of straight-line paddling, and comfort for long journeys.
Whitewater Kayak
Whitewater kayaking is the sport of paddling a kayak on a moving body of water, typically a whitewater river. Whitewater kayaking can range from simple, carefree gently moving water, to demanding, dangerous whitewater. River rapids are graded like ski runs according to the difficulty, danger or severity of the rapid. Whitewater grades (or classes) range from I or 1 (the easiest) to VI or 6 (the most difficult/dangerous). Grade/Class I/1 can be described as slightly moving water with ripples but for that reason is not considered ‘Whitewater.’ Grade/Class II/2 can be described as moving water providing some small degree of challenge. Grade/Class VI can be described as extremely severe or almost unrunnable whitewater, considered almost certain death, such as Niagara Falls.
Recreational Kayak
A Recreational Kayak is a type of kayak that is designed for the casual paddler interested in recreational activities on a lake or flatwater stream; they presently make up the largest segment of kayak sales. Compared to other kayaks, recreational kayaks are characterized by having a larger cockpit opening for easy entry and exit and a wider beam (27–30 inches) for more stability on the water and are generally less than twelve feet in length, which makes them slower than a longer boat would be, but lighter, easier to handle in and out of the water, and less expensive. Due to the wider hull, recreational kayaks will not track (maintain a straight line) as well as longer, narrower models. They generally have limited cargo carrying capacity. Using less expensive materials like rotomolded polyethylene and including fewer options helps keep these boats inexpensive.
Helly Hansen Rider PFD
The Helly Hansen Rider PFD is an entry-level buoyancy aid. At £25 it is ideal for those starting out and suitable for use in a dingy, kayak or boat.
The 45-50N buoyancy is provided by soft Corex foam at the front and rigid PA foam at the back. It has a toggled zip front entry and one fastening strap. There is a small front ‘emergency flare’ pocket.
The PFD comes in a choice of red, yellow or black.
My Experience
I’ve used the HH Rider PFD on a dozen kayaking trips. It is comfortable to wear and doesn’t restrict movement either on shore or while paddling. The zip and fastening strap combination provide a reasonably snug fit, though it will ride up while in the water.
The PFD is light, of low bulk and has good styling. It has no useful storage, something perhaps expected in a low-cost entry level aid. If you’re looking for an affordable PFD to get you started, then the Helly Hansen Rider is certainly worth consideration.
