Selecting a Whitewater Sprayskirt

Choosing the right sprayskirt  for you whitewater kayak is a simple process if you have the right information. This article explains how to choose the skirt that will be just right for you and your kayak.

The most important aspect of sprayskirt selection is fit (sizing) and the most important thing to know about choosing a sprayskirt is that kayak skirts are sized in two ways. Whitewater sprayskirts are sized by waist size and deck size. The waist size is the size of the paddler’s waist measured in inches, just like the sizing on pants and shorts. The deck size, also known as cockpit size is determined by the kayak that the skirt will be used with. Whitewater kayaks have varying cockpit (deck) sizes and some require specific sizes.

As with all products, whitewater sprayskirts come in a variety of prices. The difference in price usually reflects the skirt’s durability and features.  Whitewater sprayskirts can be classified into 3 categories based on durability and features: Entry Level, Standard and Expedition/Specialty. Several manufacturers offer sprayskirts in each of these categories, most notably Snap Dragon and Immersion Research.

Entry Level Whitewater Spray Skirts are the least expensive, the easiest to get on and off the kayak and are of standard durability. Popular sprayskirts in this category include the Snap Dragon River Trek EZ, the Snap Dragon Woman’s Flirt Trek  and the Immersion Research Shockwave.

Standard Whitewater Sprayskirts are our best selling skirts and are great for all ability levels and conditions. Standard sprayskirts feature quality construction designed for everyday use. Most have reinforced edges for increased durability and are designed for a dry fit. Popular sprayskirts in this category include the Snap Dragon Reinforced, the Snap Dragon Woman’s Flirt Reinforced and the Immersion Research Special K.

Expedition and Specialty Whitewater Sprayskirts are made out of the most durable materials and are extra reinforced in high wear areas. They are the most durable and have the tightest fit. Some Specialty Skirts feature deckplates and implosion bars which are excellent for playboating and extreme paddling, respectively. Popular expedition sprayskirts include the Snap Dragon Armortex and the IRTuffskin Rand. Popular specialty sprayskirts include the Immersion Research Super Bungee, the Snap Dragon Lip Locked Reinforced and the IR Tuffskin Bungee Skirt (with implosion bar).

Every whitewater sprayskirt displayed on CKS's website includes a sizing chart for waist sizes as well as a list of kayaks and the appropriate deck size for that kayak. Once you have identified proper sizing it’s easy to order the right skirt via our online store. If you have any questions about sprayskirt sizing or selection or prefer to place an order over the phone, please Contact Us Here. If in the Arkansas River valley area, you may also want to check out a sprayskirt in person at one of our
CKS Store Locations.