Thoughts on spray skirts and float bags?

[John Britt]

After a lot of research I have pretty much decided on the LL Remix 10 when tax return time comes around (if not a bit before). Now I need some suggestions on what are the best type of spray skirts and float bags for this beauty.
I paddle mostly flat water but would like to do the rec school thing next year, so I really need the advice on float bags. I have been looking at the double duty ones that can be used as dry storage.
Any thoughts?

[Cowper]

With an XP-10:

The rear dry storage means you don't need a rear float bag. A small "day bag" like a Seal Line 5L or 10L will fit between the seat and the rear wall, and keeps some stuff handier and near your center of gravity.

Dry storage front float bags would be needed only if carrying overnight gear; for a day trip you wouldn't need them, and they are a bit harder to access than your rear storage, so you won't use them for day trips. If you're doing overnighters too, then yes, get some. Also, if you run harder WW, you will want both front and rear floatation, but you can get by with rear only for Class 1 and II-. (The lines are not really that hard, I just picked II- to give a reasonable talking point 'cause if I say "hard" or "easy" WW, it is all relative to your beliefs about what is easy for you.)

Spray skirts, strong personal opinion here: Some really like the "half skirts" for good splash protection with open cockpit safety/freedom, but I believe the XP-10 can't shine as a cross-over unless you have a full skirt for the WW. If you want one of each type then sure, go ahead, but if you're getting only the half-skirt, then why get a boat with the full-on WW capability of the XP-10 and then handicap it with a skirt that can't keep the big waves out? Get a faster touring design instead. Full skirts have other advantages too - like keeping mosquitos off your legs. Wildwood has both types - if she doesn't post, send her a PM and get a second perspective.

Again, IMO, the only down side to a full skirt is that at Rec School, the helmet becomes mandatory. On your own time, for moving water (not WW), make your own decision. But I should say, I feel more naked without my helmet than I do without my PFD when in a kayak.

[AR-Nimrod]

JB,

Own XP10 and have both WW and 1/2 Skirt. For casual/flat water floating during summer I use the 1/2 skirt. For Class II I prefer the WW skirt. Both of my skirts are Immersion Research products. I have used the 1/2 skirt when runnning Remmel to Rockport and took on some water crossing the ledge but nothing unmanageable. The 1/2 skirt IR makes is called a Sunskirt and they retail for about $35 so go ahead and get both would be my suggestion.

If you ever follow Cowper around I definitely reccomend the WW skirt.

We have the dual duty float/storage bags for the front of our XP's. Just made more sense economically since we camp out of ours sometimes. Only drawback is they have to be reinflated every couple days. They just don't hold air like a dedicated float bag.

[okieboater]

I have had good service from these wildwasser overnight float bags

http://www.outdoorplay.com/Wildwasser-O ... FL_WWBLA-S" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[AR-Nimrod]

Those are the bags we use. I couldn't remember what the brand was.

[Cowper]

Chris (AR-N),
I was going to edit tonight because I thought I remembered you having and using both types at Rec School, but you beat me to it.

[John Britt]

Thanks for the advice folks, it gives me a little more to think on. Here in South Arkansas the only WW we usually see is when two ski boats cross close to you. I usually paddle without a spray skirt unless it looks like it will rain or the skeeters are bad. But I have found it nice to have even though the one I have leaks a bit. A paddling friend told me to get used to that because it will happen.
When I checked on Rec School I was told that float bags were required and the reasons they gave were sound. As I will be camping from the boat I am leaning towards the double duty float and storage bags. The bulkhead in my current boat might as well not be there as water flows from the cockpit to the stern and back.
I am looking at the full coverage sprayskirts now. I saw one that had a zipper so you could get stuff from the cockpit or to air it out on hot days but a review said it blew easily when the boat rolled.
Thanks again for the ideas and angles to consider. I am trying to take it one step at a time but the planning and anticipation of the new boat has gotten me kind of lustful and I have to be careful not to go overboard on "necessities".

[Shep]

Not a kayaker, but if you are thinking about rolling, you aren't looking for a touring skirt either way, I think.

Me, I like to roll to cool my legs off. :)

Shep

[John Britt]

Sounds nice Shep. but I am in a boat to keep from getting too wet. Don't mind a swim every now and then though. I haven't got enough experience to roll yet but I can come out well enough if I have to.