What are the holes in kayaks for?

Scupper holes are intentional holes in sit-on-top kayaks, like fishing kayaks. It seems counter-intuitive to have holes in a boat, but they serve a couple important design purposes: They help give structural integrity to the kayak… They operate as a drain hole when you get water in your boat.

Do you leave scupper plugs in a kayak?

But scupper plugs can help stop some of the water from coming into your vessel from underneath. However, remember that the weight in your yak and the conditions that you're paddling in may affect how much water might come in through the scupper holes, so you may not always need to use scupper plugs.

How do scupper holes work on a kayak?

Scuppers are simply molded in-drain holes in sit-on-top kayaks. These vertical holes connect the boat deck to the water beneath it, and they may be in the cockpit, foot walls or tank well. There are typically between one and six scupper holes on a kayak. Scupper holes are good for draining water.

Should I plug scupper holes?

We do not recommend sealing your scupper holes completely. In fact it could cause your kayak to actually flood and become too heavy to paddle. A better option is a good fitting scupper plug that is easy to install and remove as needed and as conditions change.

Are kayaks supposed to have holes in them?

For all safe kayaks, the standard number of scuppers is four holes. The holes are designed to ensure that water drains off the deck every time the kayak is at a standstill. Many kayaks are crafted with innovative hulls to ensure that safe-bailing can happen without the need for forward movement.

A Guide to Scupper Plugs

Why does my kayak have a drain plug?

If you plug your scupper holes, the water is prevented from coming up in the holes, as well as prevented from draining out of them. When you plug the scupper holes, your kayak will sit higher on the water.

Is it normal for a kayak to take on water?

Be aware of your storage hatches

The easiest and most common way to cause a sit-on-top kayak to sink is to leave your storage hatches open, allowing them to take on water. While not all sit-on-top kayaks feature storage hatches, the ones that do generally have no way to drain them.

Can a sit-on-top kayak sink?

So you now know that kayaks can, in fact, sink but you also now know that this can be easily prevented. Sit-on-tops are almost impossible to sink because of the way that they are designed and built. But if you're in a sit-inside, you just need to remember to make sure you have some sealed spaces within your hull.

What happens if you flip a kayak?

If you do flip over a sit-on-top kayak, you will automatically fall out. This can be a safer type of kayak in the event of a capsize, especially if you're a beginner. This means you don't necessarily need to be an experienced swimmer or know technical skills in order to survive a flip in a sit-on-top kayak.

Do kayaks flip over easily?

Kayaks are generally safe to use and hardly tip over. Nevertheless, the risk of tipping depends on the sort of kayak and the type of water where you are paddling. For example, it's extremely hard to tip over when paddling with a recreational kayak on a relatively calm river — unless you really try too hard.

How do I stop my kayak from capsizing?

Which is safer sit in or sit on kayak?

A sit-in kayak is better for cold or rough water and when you don't want to get wet. A sit-on-top kayak is better for beginners, summer and having fun. A sit-in kayak is optimal for touring, surf, and paddling long distance. While a sit-on kayak is better for learning, cooling off and getting in and out of your kayak.

What are scupper valves used for?

Scupper valves are one-way plugs. They allow water that enters a sit-on-top kayak to drain out the scupper holes while also blocking water from splashing up through the holes.

Do all kayaks have a drain plug?

Great question and they are different even if it seems they wouldn't be. The easiest way to clear it up is to ask yourself if you have a sit-in kayak or a sit-on-top kayak. If you have a sit-in kayak, you probably have a drain plug and if you have a sit-on-top kayak, you probably have scupper plugs.

What does self bailing kayak mean?

Self-bailing means that the boat has holes in the floor so any water which comes over the side flows out again due to the speed of the kayak. Only our white water kayak has this characteristic, though.

What should you not do while kayaking?

Beware of off-shore winds that make it difficult to return to shore. Always follow the boating rules of the area you're in. Never mix alcohol or drugs (prescription or non-prescription) with boating. Never exceed the weight capacity of your boat and always check your equipment for wear and tear before you paddle.

Can you fish from a sit in kayak?

It's typically the go-to fishing kayak. There are a few sit-in kayaks that are outfitted by manufacturers or outfitters for fishing. Most of these have limited accessories. If you're looking for more than a couple fishing rod holders, building out your own sit-in fishing kayak is often necessary.

How far can a beginner kayak?

A beginner in decent aerobic shape (works out a few times a week) should expect to kayak about 2 miles per hour. Over a 3 hour trip they will go about 5-6 miles round trip. Most commercial trips will tell you how far and how long the trip is and typically set the pace for beginners.

Can you get stuck upside down in a kayak?

When a kayak tips over upside down, you can get stuck. It can lead to your body becoming stressed, which can lead to panic, making it more difficult for you to get out of the situation. Check out these steps on how to flip a kayak over to prevent this from happening.

Why does my kayak feel tippy?

The weight distribution is off.

Aside from the width and shape, the biggest cause of a wobbly kayak is awkward weight distribution. When there is too much weight in one area of the boat, it may feel like you're going to fall off because there is no center of gravity.

What is more stable a kayak or canoe?

Kayaks are a lot more nimble and speedy than canoes, due to their shape, lighter weight and double-bladed paddle, which allows for quicker and more agile piloting than a canoe. Canoes, meanwhile, are more stable and harder to capsize.

Can I kayak without knowing how do you swim?

So if you don't know how to swim, you can still go kayaking. You'll just need to be courageous, determined and aware of proper techniques to help yourself if you fall in the water. You also need a good instructor or guide who will be there to give you a hand should any difficulties arise.