What Are The Holes For?
All sit on top kayaks need to have drainage points. These are called Scuppers. A sit-on kayak is self-bailing so there is no need for a bilge pump. Most water that enters the cockpit area will drain out via the scuppers. Scupper Plugs are available in the cases where you are paddling on a lake and want to restrict any water entering the cockpit. This may occur when the kayak is carrying a heavy load. Scupper Plugs should not be used when going through the surf.
How Water-tight is The Kayak?
On calm, flat water your kayak should be watertight but once you start going through waves, playing in the surf and capsizing it often, you may find water will get into the hull. This might be up to one litre. If you feel your kayak is taking on an excessive amount of water, check it for leaks. Viking Kayaks are all fitted with drainage plugs so that you can rinse & drain your kayak. Any electronics like mobile phones or car keys (with remotes), should be stored in watertight dry bags or containers. Ideally, you want your phone to be in a proper watertight bag that you can dial and talk through – this stops your wet hands from touching the phone.
Does My Kayak have a Serial Number?
Yes, all Viking Kayaks have their own unique serial number. This can be located at the rear of the kayak on the right-hand side. Please fill out the warranty form and quote your hull number to activate your warranty. In the rare case that your kayak is stolen, you will be able to recognize it as yours if you have the hull number recorded.
What Clothing Do I Need?
Firstly, you will need a Buoyancy Vest. These range from $90 to $200. Either way it is money well invested especially if you are parted from your kayak and are stranded waiting for help, for a long period of time. A vest should fit well, not too loose or too tight. It should be Safety Standards Approved. You will need to make sure that there is plenty of room in the armpit for freedom of movement when paddling and you will want it to be a bit shorter in the body so that it doesn’t sit up around your ears when you sit on your kayak. A lot of people find wetsuits are a good option when kayaking. They offer sun protection, warmth and wind protection. They also offer a degree of buoyancy if you capsize. There are other types of waterproof tops and longs available as well – it will depend on what you are intending to do on your kayak i.e. fishing, river trips.
Are All Sit-on-top Kayaks the Same?
No. There are different Viking kayaks available for different requirements. If you are looking on doing a 3 day river trip, you will be requiring a kayak with more storage. If you want to just play in the surf, you will find the smaller models much easier to catch waves on and to turn. If you want to go fishing, we have several models that are designed for the sport of kayak fishing. Simply let us know what you want to do on your kayak and we will direct you to the most suitable model.
Where Can I Buy a Viking Kayak?
Viking Kayaks have retailers across New Zealand. Please go to our DEALERS page to find the nearest outlet to you.
Kayak Safety Tips:
- Always wear a buoyancy aid.
- Check weather conditions.
- Paddle in company
- Ensure hatches are securely fastened when on the water and while transporting
- Practice re-boarding your kayak from the water in a safe area
Most of all, have fun and enjoy your kayaking experience – every trip will be new and exciting!