I think it is fair to say most paddlers prefer to use their own equipment when
on the water than renting or borrowing equipment. We are comfortable with our
own equipment and we know what to expect performance wise with our own stuff.
However, there are times when you need to borrow some equipment or rent it from
a kayak shop. Since I travel around the country doing clinics I need to rent
and borrow equipment after I get off of the plane.
Given my size I have a much greater challenge than most paddlers do. There is only a handful of kayaks that I can fit into. Before I agree to do a clinic I first have to find out if they have a kayak available that will fit. This of course is not a problem for the average size paddler. I bring up my dilemma because I have had to force myself into some very interesting equipment over the years. As a result I would like to share some hard-learned lessons with you.
I have learned to take as much of my personal equipment as will fit into my bag. I have even sacrificed my non-kayaking clothes so I can have my paddling attire with me. Since most airlines allow two pieces of luggage, one of my bags is my paddling stuff. When in doubt it may be worth it to pay for the extra bag on the airlines when you look at what it may cost to rent all of the gear you may need. I can fit everything into the bag except my kayak. Here is a great opportunity to sell you on the idea of a folding kayak but I won’t. I specifically have a four-piece paddle that fits into my bag so the only thing I need to get at my destination is the kayak. Before traveling I confirm the size of the cockpit so I know which spray skirt to bring. When in doubt I have a very large nylon skirt that is adjustable that can fit all kayaks I have used thus far. My PFD takes up the most space but a properly fitting PFD is essential for safety. Even more likely is a chance of under arm abrasion from a poorly fitting PFD. I won’t even discuss the condition of most of the paddle floats I have seen from rental places. Bring your own.
Even with all of my own stuff I have had to modify and augment some of the kayaks I have used when traveling. I once received a kayak from a generous soul who told me the hatch covers were always kept in the hatches. Since we were over an hour from his house it was not possible to go back and get the elusive covers before the class began. Logistics were such that I was at the class site and the kayak was delivered to me. Thank goodness for duct tape. You can make temporary hatch covers if you have enough duct tape but do not crawl over the duct tape covers when demonstrating recoveries. I once cut up a coated nylon stuff sack and held it in place over the forward hatch coaming with shock cord. It worked well because the plastic hatch cover over the nylon added some protection. If you carry a plastic garbage bag in your emergency kit you can try using that in a bind.
Some maintain their equipment well and some let it go to ruin. I have had bulkheads that were there for appearances but didn’t keep out any water from the forward and rear hatches. That is why I have learned to water test bulkheads before I use the kayak. A good pair of large float bags is great insurance to bring with you from home. Deck lines, grab loops and shock cords are frequently rotting away so it is good to have extra if you rely on it when performing your skills. Rudders and skegs usually work but I have had times when it was better to secure them so they could not be used.
Since kayaking is done in the seated position a good seat and foot supports are important. I have had to make and fix seats on many occasions. There are a number of seat pads available on the market that can be used if the original seat is not working for you. As for foot pedals, I have learned how to paddle without them because there are too many kinds to bring along to fit what you will need. In a pinch, I have learned to pull my heels together to help jam my knees up into the coaming to give me some stability below the waist when foot pedals were unavailable regardless of the reason.
Here is my list of items I bring in my borrowing kit when I am using an unknown rented or borrowed kayak. Many of these items are part of my standard repair kit.
Kayak Borrowing Kit:
Universal nylon spray skirt
Large float-bags for the forward and rear hatches
Seat Pad
New roll of duct tape
Nylon deck cord and shock cord.
Extra rudder cables with crimps, nuts, bolts and utility tool (Leatherman)
3'X3' Piece of coated nylon (or lawn size plastic bag)
I prefer my own equipment and use it whenever possible. When you need to borrow, examine the equipment as thoroughly as possible before you take it on the water. Repair and modify as needed with the owners permission of course. Treat the borrowed equipment better than your own and replace what you break.
When I travel I depend on borrowed equipment so I prepare myself for the worst. The more time you spend on the front end finding out about the equipment you plan to borrow or rent, the less time you will spend on the beach fixing and modifying.
Post article link to USK reflections October 2006 "Renting a Kayak."
Wayne Horodowich
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