Components and Adjustments

Ookpik duo sprayskirts and cockpit cover

There are now two different sprayskirt designs for the Ookpik Duo instead of one.

The two-person skirt features a zipper at the front of each opening. This allows a paddler with long legs or restricted leg movement easier access in and out of the kayak. It also allows ventilation when using the skirt in warm weather. The two-person skirt has been designed to allow the rear paddler additional freedom for leg movement while reducing the possibility of accidentally detaching the skirt when raising a knee. This was achieved by increasing the amount of material between the two sprayskirt openings.

The model with one opening features a zipper at the front, making it easier to get in and out of the kayak. A handle to the right allows rapid removal of the sprayshirt in case you overturn.

Velcro strips are sewn to the sprayskirt at the time of manufacture to help hold it in place. If you often paddle in locations where the pressure of wind or waves causes the sprayskirt to lift, we recommend that you install the velcro bands on each side of the cockpit. They are designed to strengthen the hold of the sprayskirt and cockpit cover.  

Sprayskirt and Cockpit Cover Installation

With the Ookpik Duo, the paddler should install the sprayskirt (solo or duo) on the kayak before entering it. The correct technique is to attach the rear of the skirt first. Then, while maintaining forward tension on the sprayskirt, the paddler moves to the front of the cockpit and attaches the front of the sprayskirt over the cockpit rim. The next step is to attach the sides of the sprayskirt. When using the Velcro system, it is best to secure one side first and then apply moderate tension across the skirt while attaching the opposite side. This will ensure that the skirt remains tight around the cockpit rim.

Once the sprayskirt is installed on the Ookpik Duo, there will be some occasions when it will have to be removed. In a conventional sprayskirt system, the paddler wears the skirt. With the Ookpik Duo, the kayak wears the skirt. Entry and exit to the cockpit for the paddler is achieved by opening and closing the zippers in front of each paddler opening. A wet exit requires paddlers to exit the kayak through the sprayskirt openings. The sprayskirt can also be removed from the cockpit coaming. For the solo skirt, we have included an additional release tab, located opposite the paddler’s hip.

To order, please contact your dealer or BORÉALDESIGN at:
www.borealdesign.com   info@borealdesign.com
Telephone: (418) 878-3099
Fax: (418) 878-3459