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Allowing the Skin to Dry
The skin can be transported wet for a couple of days, but should be allowed to completely dry before storing. Failure
to dry the skin can cause coating failures.
Seasock
We strongly recommend using the seasock. It prevents flooding in the event of a capsize. It also keeps water and sand
from entering the kayak. This allows you to roll the skin up quickly after paddling, without having to dry out or clean the
inside of the kayak.
Pressure Relief Valves
The three small black relief valves in your kayak skin prevent the air pressure within each chamber from exceeding 4.5
psi. Each valve is screwed into a housing that is welded to the skin. If the kayak is inflated to 4.5 psi in the morning,
before the heat of the day, the air may expand during the day and exhaust through the valve. The next morning you
may have to pump up the boat a little if it feels too soft.
In the event of a leaky relief valve, first reduce the pressure below 4.5 psi. Then check the seal around the valve by
putting some soapy water over it and looking for bubbles. If there are bubbles around the outside of the black
plastic, the valve may simply be loose. Use the red cap with the small tube secured to it as a wrench to tighten the
valve. If there are bubbles occurring within the black plastic valve, the valve may have to be replaced. Unscrew the old
valve with the red cap wrench and screw in a new one.
In the event that you have a leaky relief valve, but no replacement, screw the red cap that is in the repair kit over the
valve. This may stop the leak. Caution: the relief valve may not now release air.
Rolling the Skin
Be careful when rolling the skin on a hard surface such as concrete. The valves that are in the chambers can cause
damage to the skin if you kneel on top of them while rolling the skin.
Tracking
If the kayak doesn't track quite straight, or if you want to adjust tracking for expected winds you can change the angle
slightly of the skeg. Just consider how a rudder would be adjusted and turn the skeg under the strap in the correct
position. The skeg will stay in that position as long as the hull is taut.
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