Dry Suit Maintenance and Gasket Replacement

I usually get about 2 years out of the gaskets on my Kokatat Goretex Meridian Dry Suit. Gaskets are effectively a consumable item and even with care you can expect to replace them at some point if you use your dry suit regularly for sea or river paddling, kayak fishing, even SUP.

Maintenance

To maximise the longevity of your gaskets and the life of your dry suit:

• Gaskets: It is vital to avoid getting sunscreen or insect repellant on the gaskets or anywhere on the drysuit.

  • Take care of gaskets when putting on the suit and removing it - avoid wearing a watch or spiky jewellery on your head and hands.

  • Treat the gaskets with 303 Protectant, but not too often - every month or so over the course of regular wear.

• Fabric: Rinse your suit after use - the easiest way is to use the outdoor shower found at many beach locations (while still wearing the suit). Allow to dry in the shade. We recommend periodically wash with a good Goretex wash such as Grangers Performance Wash - cool water, can be by hand or gentle machine wash.

  Hang the suit to dry in the shade and store it loose. Do not use bleach or dry cleaning.

• Zipper: Use a zipper lubricant such as GearAid Zipper Lubricant Stick to keep the zipper running smoothly and makes it easier to close completely.

• Socks: Consider what you are standing on when you are getting in and out of your dry suit. Have something clean between your feet and the sand or car park gravel (eg. foam mat) to avoid puncturing small holes in the feet. Always wear (wet)shoes. GearAid Aquaseal FD Repair Adhesive can be used on small holes.

Gasket replacement

I get about two years solid use out of my gaskets as the suit gets a lot of use in the course of work. They then need to be replaced. Gasket replacement is best done by a professional, but can be DIY if you are handy, purchasing just the gaskets, or with a tool kit Kokatat has put together. The toolkit can be used with any brand of gasket / suit, not just Kokatat.

The Youtube videos below show how to remove the old latex and attach new. After doing this a few times there will be a build up of latex - it might be time to let a professional do the next one, though if the suit is several years old it may be time for a new suit!

Neck Gasket replacement

Wrist, bicep and ankle gasket replacement

What brand of gaskets - Kokatat vs other brands

Kokatat have their own set of neck, wrist & bicep gaskets. The difference is in the size of the attachment area, which differs from other brands such as NRS and Peak. Gaskets from Peak & NRS will fit a range of brands but Kokatat gaskets should be used for Kokatat jacket & suits only.

Kokatat Gaskets - Small or Large only.
Peak & NRS - Sizes XS to XL

Ankle gaskets - generally used in a range of dry pants where you don’t have dry feet, instead a gasket around the ankle. These are one size only.

---

We can replace your Gaskets

If you don’t want to replace your gaskets yourself, we can do it for you. Please allow a week or so, and supply a pre-paid Australia Post satchel for us to send it back. Price includes the gaskets but check online first that we have the size and brand you need.

---

Other Repairs

Rips and tears are an unfortunate side affect of using your suit in vigorous conditions. We don’t do these major repairs but we can put you in touch with people who can.

Unknown leaks (particularly) in a new suit: number one is check that the zips are properly closed - they should ‘click’ into place. A zipper lubricant is good to apply occasionally. If that isn’t effective, pressure test - submerge the suit or jacket in water holding the various segments closed (arm, legs etc) and see if there are any air bubbles escaping.

Small leaks, particularly if you have punctured your suit on a bit of gravel, can be fixed by applying Aquaseal FD Repair Adhesive (same adhesive used for replacing gaskets). For bigger tears in the fabric it is best to consult a repairer - we can put you in contact with repairers in Victoria (can post your suit).

Kayak Self-Rescue and Assisted Rescue Systems

Well… Like anything to do with paddle sports, this is general in nature and is my opinion... My points of view are constantly changing as I paddle more and as many different crafts that I can and in differing locations and environments, and with different pods of people. We do recommend that you undertake training with a qualified Paddle Australia Instructor or Sea Guide and Sea Leaders. Please do let us know what you are thinking as it helps others out there!

Kayaking and canoeing conjures up thoughts that are very romantic! And they can be, that is why I do it…

But the saying is, it is only a matter of time until you do capsize and take a swim, and how many times have I heard someone say “I have never capsized...”

The type of self-rescue required depends on your craft and the environment you find yourself in. A river kayak which you can swim with to the river bank is officially a type of self rescue, but when you are unable to swim to the bank you need to be able to undertake a self-rescue there and then! Your craft has to be correct and suitable for the environment! Touring/sea kayaks with two bulkheads (one at the bow and one at the stern) and a sit on top kayak that holds no water are able to be self-rescued in many different ways - one will work for you.

Are you able to do a kayak roll? The Inuit learnt to self-rescue by rolling before they even went paddling, as they were sewn into their kayaks. They have 36 different ways to roll depending on how they were arranged with their hunting equipment - “kayak” translates to “hunting boat”! These days we have modified the craft which enables paddlers to maybe never learn to eskimo roll. At the end of the day rolling is a goal for most and it does take you to the next level of paddling and give you confidence not to fear a capsize.

I do say “You can only trust and Paddle Australia Sea Leaders, Guides and/or Instructors to be able to perform an assisted rescue with you as a participant”. You may otherwise be in the situation where your paddling partner is in the same difficulty as you, or in a position to only think about themselves. After doing a few short training sessions, lots of clients do realise that kayaking is great fun and the session was super, but they still can’t get back onto the kayak! More to that though, or willing to spend time time involved with learning, I have decided that the kayak shop that is inland sells more kayaks than the kayak shop on the water!

So the key is having the ability to self-rescue: learning and practising techniques and systems in order to get back in the craft. Here, whenever the water is over 16°C you have no excuse not to fall out a couple of times and get back in.

Self rescues are only one link in the chain of kayak safety:

• Let someone know before you go (and let them know when you are back...)

• Interpret the weather. Know when NOT to go!

• The correct clothing: It is better to be hot and bothered than cold and emotional

• Basic Skills - can you manoeuvre the kayak forwards, backwards, sideways and create stability

• Ability to perform self- and assisted rescue

• Be able to raise the alarm if it all goes to custard!

Self-Rescue - Cowboy / Scramble

Self-Rescue - Inflatable Paddle Float

Sit on top kayak Self Rescue:
- Kajak Sport Self Rescue Clamps,
- Inflatable Paddle Float
- Self-Rescue Ladder / Stirrup

These devices can all be used in self-rescue. Practice often and in cold water as well!

• Paddle Float: one of the most versatile and useful self rescue devices. They attach around the blade of your paddle, you inflate it and use as an outrigger to help as you drain, then get back on your kayak. The other paddle blade goes under your (far) perimeter line. There are single and double chambered models - single chambered paddle floats (with the other side of the pocket being mesh) are useful when learning to roll. They give support but can be deflated gradually without dragging in the water. A paddle float on a paddle can also be used for support when being towed.

  Paddle Floats are available as inflatables and as foam blocks. Some are designed to be used in the hand (Avataq) - mimicking the original Inuit device.

• Rescue Grips and Rescue Clamps: for craft with no perimeter lines these bolt to the deck behind the cockpit, for the paddle to attach to for the paddle float rescue (see video).

• Self Rescue Ladders and Stirrups attach to the paddle as part of a paddle-float rescue where the paddler has difficulty re-entering. They allow the paddler to step up and more easily enter the cockpit.

Protecting against Mosquitoes and other Bities

Mosquitoes and sandflies seem to lurk in the most picturesque outdoor locations, particularly when the weather starts to warm up!

These days mosquitoes potentially carry some nasty diseases, both in Australia and in other part of the world. You want to give yourself the best chance of avoiding these diseases by not getting bitten.

Head nets

To get the best protection from your mosquito net you want one that has a fine mesh and is Permethrin treated to repel the little bites!

Permethrin is a very safe and effective insecticide, that will daze mosquitoes on contact. With repeated contact the insect will die. The dosage used on these nets has not been found to harm humans; however, if you have concerns please consult your medical practitioner. Permethrin treatment will dissipate with time and washing. You can renew the Permethrin treatment using a kit such as De-Bugger.

Dusky Sound, Fiordland NZ - sandflies tolerated with the aid of SeaToSummit Mosquito Headnet

We use the SeaToSummit Mosquito Head Net with permethrin treatment. On our expedition to the Fiordland area in NZ we gave our nets a real workout! It is an awesome area but it is also the sandfly capital. See our Youtube for tips on avoiding bites and just to see the magnificent scenery we paddled through!

Repellant

When it comes to DEET less is more! Where possible, do not put insect repellant directly on your skin - it is better to roll it on your hat, socks, the cuffs of your pants & shirt and around your collar. Repel’s range of roll-ons and gel sticks have 30% DEET - this is plenty!

DEET also dissolves plastics - be very careful of it around your plastic kayak, watch band and the knobs on your car radio (yes really!).

Repel Roll-on 30% DEET

There are non-DEET alternatives. A new repellant called Picardin is the active ingredient in Repel New Era.

Clothing

Loose clothing with a fine weave is better at protecting from mosquitoes than skin-tight clothing that mosquitoes can bite right through. Once you are off the water and in camp it is quick to pull on a pair of Cargo Pants (or over-pants if it is a cool or windy day) to keep wind and biting insects off your legs.

If camping or travelling in tropical or mosquito-prone areas you can prepare your camp clothes ahead of time with De-Bugger Permethrin treatment.

Tents and Nets

Fine mesh is essential in a tent for insect protection. If you are not in a tent - if you like to tarp, or if you are in the tropics in hard accommodation but want more insect protection, then a mosquito net is ideal. They are available in single or double sizes, to go over your bed or sleeping system and can be rigged to hang from your shelter or the centre-line rope on your tarp.

For extra protection you can also treat your mosquito net with De-Bugger Permethrin treatment.

Treatments

Even with all these precautions, some of us will still get bitten because mozzies and sandflies just love us!

Formerly I relied on Stingose and Lavender Oil (smelled nice!) but now there is a new product that works effectively to reduce the swelling and itch. It is a battery-operated device called Bite-Away, which works by heating the area of the bite to 51°C (hurts a bit!) for 3 or 6 seconds. This denatures the proteins that cause the histamine release, so it reduces the amount of itch and swelling. You may need to do this more than once but do it before you scratch the top off the bite..

Getting Started in Paddling - Buying a Second-hand paddle craft: kayak, canoe, SUP, raft and boards

New kayaks and canoes are getting very expensive! The cost of importing - shipping, duty and taxes, the cost of materials and labour, cost of commercial/retail space and staff costs (especially weekends when most want to go paddling). If you are buying a kayak that is coming from overseas, what happens if it arrives damaged? Importers should carry (very expensive) insurance policies to deal with these circumstances. Kayak shops are disappearing as the cost of living increases.

Secondhand is a great option that really should be considered!

Why would you buy a new kayak? - it takes time to find the right kayak - it might not be perfect but I am yet to find the perfect craft and I personally have at least 15 craft! They all do something different, depending on who, what, where.  

Types of Paddle craft

For example if I am paddling my true love it will be a canoe; for work: a sea kayak (touring kayak) which now has become my passion as well. When I was young and a little crazy I did white water river running, playboating, creeking and slalom. Trying to get fit now so a surf ski/ocean kayak is comparatively easy to get out on the water. Surf kayaking… because dreams are free, to rip down to the local wave before work....and the family get out of bed. Stand up paddle boards (SUP) because they’re cool, great for fitness, easy to load/unload and carry to the water. Rafting was a big part of my early work here in Australia and around the world. I have now found pack rafts which are so much fun, great to take away on a family holiday and a great way to introduce people to moving water. Let's not forget sit-on-top kayaks (SOT) as they are the gateway for the commercial program and now the safe way for me and my family to get out on the water. The journey begins again - the kids love to explore and fish. I have been paddling and have loved it since I was 16…1993!

Buying second hand, you generally will get more than just the craft. They may come with paddles, life jacket, carts, fish finder, spare paddles, tow line, roof racks, pump and sponge. Some items might not fit you, but you can on-sell items on social media sites these days. Otherwise it does get very expensive if you have to buy everything at full RRP.

---

Before you buy…

Training

Can you swim (are you comfortable in the water)?! I actually think the first step to purchasing the right craft is knowing if you get back on if you fall off! Imagine you are in the water! 90% of people can't get back on their craft. * It’s a real problem - we strongly recommend you undertake training from the qualified Paddle Australia instructor and then join a club these are the best places to test paddle heaps of different craft.  

*80% of stats are made up on the spot! 

Ultimately  determining what type of craft is right for you may take a couple of craft but this will point you in the right direction, but you will also learn the key safety aspects.  

The key to safety in paddlesports, whether kayak, canoe, raft or SUP, is understanding: 

• Weather Interpretation (including Lee & Fetch, Tides)

• Clothing

• Basic Skills and Strokes

• Self and Assisted rescues

• Safety Equipment - everyday gear you should be carrying -  have it accessible and know how to use it

• Rescue Kits - essential whitewater gear for your canoe/kayak/packraft trip or rafting trip.

Buying Second hand

At the start of your search, research the craft for suitability for your size, skill level and where you want to paddle it. Where is it made and how long ago? This may affect availability of spare parts. (My heart sinks when some one says “I just bought this kayak without hatch covers but the seller said you could help me…”)

Test Paddling

Test paddling is difficult, privately and if you are looking at new craft commercial dealers are reluctant to have kayak demos as they instantly become used / second hand kayaks. It is not affordable to offer test paddles! Ihave always said a kayak shop that is away from the water sells more kayaks as people purchase with their emotions. Then when you eventually get to the water you find out it is more difficult than you thought! Which means you must know what you want before you buy a craft… this is where we open Pandora’s box, there are so many types to choose from. Generally you buy 2 craft before you start working out what is actually right for you unless you want just a basic recreational kayak - just floating around and there is nothing wrong with that!  

Or you buy just one craft and if you have a misadventure, sell it or it is hidden under the house for the next generation to sell / free to good home and never go paddling again which is very common…. The best place to test paddle is when undertaking a class with a Qualified Australia paddle instructor and then later as a club member!

Don’t get Yakked off…!

Don’t get Yakked off is a ripper Youtube from Perception Kayaks. Check it out! Perception is one of those brands that has been around since the early days and they make good quality craft for paddlers. 

Craft retailing under $600 are generally sit-on-top craft that look like a kayak but not kayaks. We will refer to these as Yak-offs. They are still perfectly good for floating around and some still paddle alright!   But if you really want to go paddling, look at kayaks designed and managed by people who kayak and have been around for some time, like the classic big brands (see the list below)!  You can purchase these second hand starting around $600 for a decent used sit-on-top.

The second hand Yak-off kayak should be free to a new home or up to $150 - over $150 you should just buy a new Yak off! 

Places to Buy Second Hand Paddle craft

1. Online Marketplaces (be careful of scams):

• Facebook Marketplace: A great platform for finding local sellers.

• eBay: Useful for a wider selection, including shipping options.

• Gumtree

2. Specialty Websites eg.GearTrade.com: Focuses on outdoor gear, including kayaks.

3. Local Kayak and Canoe Shops - many shops sell used or consignment kayaks, especially at the end of the season.

4. Kayak Rental Businesses - rental companies often sell off their older stock at a discount.

5. Club Websites - club members selling off spare craft, but generally the marketplace section of their websites is visible to non-members

6. Community Boards - check bulletin boards at local marinas, parks, and recreation centres.

Questions to Ask the Seller

• How old is the kayak? What is its history?

• Where has it been stored (inside or outside)?

• Has it ever been repaired? If so, what was repaired and by whom?

• Why are you selling it?

• Are there any known issues with the kayak?

• What accessories does it come with (& their condition)?

If you are unable to inspect in person, request photos of the kayak and accessories. Pay particular attention to the hull and seams for cracks, gouges and signs of wear.

By following these tips and exploring these places, you can find a good deal on a secondhand kayak that suits your needs. Happy paddling!

$$$$$$$$ What does a second hand used kayak or canoe cost $$$$$$$

Well… what is someone prepared to pay for it, and how unique it is… how long is a piece of string…

Well if it is a Yak off and RRP was approx. $600 or less you may see second hand prices from $0 - free to a good home and up to $300 - you can currently find a good Yak off kayak for less than $300 retail!  If that is what you want just get a new one!!!! And get out and float around, perfectly fine. But if you want to go paddling a little further you have to consider a quality craft. See the list at the bottom of the page of a broad range of quality craft you should consider.

I personally would prefer to buy a well-used brand name I can trust,  who have been building kayaks for years and who actually do R & D,  so you're not getting yakked off!  Try to find one of those listed below.  I would be prepared to pay $600 and up to almost full RRP for any of the brands listed below, as they usually come with accessories as well.  Factor in the transport - get a quote ,  and then contact the  Kayak Courier. This allows you to widen your search,  looking in places like Perth WA,  VIC, NSW, QLD and even FNQ even off the beaten track.  

---

Getting it home

Look over a wider area for your second hand paddlecraft as there are now many options for freighting it to your home from interstate - NSW, VIC, QLD and even WA. Some options may require a wait as they are small services with only one or two vehicles.

Transport: Couriers specialising in Kayaks and Canoes, SUP, Rafts, Boards

We use and recommend The Kayak Courier - It is worth the wait…..Give Danny a ring (0414 889 499) to pick up and drop off your dream paddling craft: kayak, canoe, SUP, board, dinghy, and anything else…. They are based in Vic (Bells Beach),  running between Perth WA, Adelaide SA, Melbourne ViC, Sydney NSW, Northern Beaches QLD, Cairns FNQ,  and off the beaten track.

Why The Kayak Courier?

Using The Kayak Courier has many advantages over a general carrier. First, your freight is only handled by ONE person, meaning no forklifts, no in and out of trucks and vans and only handled very carefully by Danny himself or his small team of drivers. You will be pleasantly surprised at the very competitive price and items rock up in one piece.

Other Transport Options:

North line
UShip
Other groups moving kayaks can be found at: Canoe/Kayak Transport Australia (Facebook)

---

I now have the kayak, but what if it needs some work?

You will be very fortunate to find your dream kayak in perfect condition!

Depending on how they have been stored, your new second hand paddle craft may just need some maintenance or smartening up, or it may require some professional help. The three main types of commercial kayaking material are Polyethylene (rotomolded kayaks), ABS (a lightweight plastic) and composite (fibreglass, kevlar, carbon fibre etc.).

Polyethylene (RM kayaks) - big gouges, holes, cracks or rubbed through keel lines require plastic welding. A good quality PE plastic can be readily welded but if you have been Yakked Off you may find the plastic too thin or soft to fix - it will just melt away. Duct Tape is a field repair until you get home. See list below of plastic welders who do kayak repairs.

Composite Kayaks - a professional can make it look like new and down to matching the colour. For a rough & ready repair FG chop mat and resins are readily available in marine shops. Duct tape & Knead-it for field repairs. Car polish and a buffer can really bring the colour back to life (remove decklines first!)

Again, see list of repairers below. Australian manufacturers of kayaks will often have a refurbishment service as well.

ABS - this is a bit tricky and it will depend on what the damage is if it can be repaired. There are flexible epoxy products that may be useful. Search Youtube for help.

Refurbishing your paddle craft:

There are a lot of small DIY projects that can make your second hand paddle craft like new. Kayak Shop Australia has an extensive range of spare parts that ship Australia-wide.

• Keeleazy keel tape

• Hatch Covers (available for many kayak brands but perhaps not if you are Yakked off!)

• Deck lines (reflective rope) and bungee cord (shock cord)

• Rudder cable (2mm Spectra cord or stainless steel cable)

• Skeg blades (with cable)

• Rudder blades & whole rudder systems

• Foot brace systems & some foot pedal spares

• Bung plugs for sit-on-top & fishing kayaks

• a wide range of plastic deck fittings

List of repairers:

This list is not exhaustive and is a work in progress. Contact us if you are a repairer and would like to be listed.

You may need to make use of the Kayak Courier if there is no-one in your area!

Fibreglass:

Xplora Kayaks (Melbourne, Vic) - 0450 323 173
Mirage Sea Kayaks (Gosford, NSW) - for refurbishing Mirage Sea Kayaks only

PE plastic:

David B. aka Plastic Dave (Melbourne, Vic) - 0402 996 769
Polytank Repairs (NSW, QLD) - 0480 226 919

Some reputable paddle craft brands that you might find second hand

Recreation / Fishing / Fitness - this is not an exhaustive list!

• Perception Kayaks https://www.perceptionkayaks.com/us/

• Wilderness Systems kayaks https://www.wildernesssystems.com/us/kayaks

• Dagger kayaks https://www.dagger.com/us/kayaks

• Ocean Kayaks - Old Town Ocean Kayaks 

• Native Water Craft https://nativewatercraft.com/

• Hobie Kayaks https://www.hobie.com/kayaks/

• Mission Kayaking  https://www.missionkayaking.com/

• Delta Kayaks https://www.deltakayaks.com/

• Riot Kayaks https://riotkayaks.ca/

Socks: Canoe, Kayak, SUP and Rafting Clothing Australia

Comfortable feet are a key element to enjoyable water sports. We recommend you always wear shoes but what to wear inside them? Here are four different types of socks I wear depending on where I am paddling and the environmental conditions.

The socks I use are:

• Bridgedale Coolmax Liners

• Adrenalin 3mm Dive Socks

• Sharkskin Chillproof Socks

• Bridgedale Expedition Heavyweight Performance Socks

Adrenalin 3mm neoprene

Adrenalin 3mm neoprene

Bridgedale Coolmax Liner

Bridgedale Coolmax Liner

Bridgedale Expedition

Bridgedale Expedition

Bridgedale Expedition

Bridgedale Expedition

Bridgedale Expedition

Size comparison (L-R) - Coolmax, Expedition, Neoprene, Thermal

---

Bridgedale Coolmax Liner

Bridgedale Coolmax liners are tropical weight socks that I use in the Whitsundays and Hinchinbrook Island. They are quick dry, no pong, and most importantly they complete a shield against sandflies, protecting your ankles and lower legs when pulled up high underneath pants.

These socks come on a handy 2 pack. Coolmax is a type of Polyester that helps wick away moisture. As a ‘Liner’ they can be used as an inner layer inside your hiking socks when you are trekking.

Adrenalin 3mm Dive Socks

These are 3mm neoprene socks, but if you are allergic to neoprene go straight to the Sharkskin socks!

These work inside your kayak shoes just like a normal sock! They work great and I generally wear them with my Vaikobi or Adrenalin paddling pants in my water shoes when I know my feet will get wet. They can get smelly when they get wet but that is quite normal for paddle clothing, but they still stay warm. They can start to get cold after a long day when you are sitting in camp, but then most people would change to warm wooly socks by then.

Adrenalin 3mm neoprene socks

Sharkskin Chillproof Socks

Sharkskin socks work well, but I do commonly go for the neoprene socks if I am definitely going to get wet feet! They are good in combination with dry pants /dry suits. They are warm when wet, but they do get smelly if they have become wet.

Sharkskin Chillproof Socks

Bridgedale Expedition Heavyweight Performance Socks

Bridgedale Expedition Heavyweight socks are thick wool blend socks are the bomb for my dry pants and dry suit. If you can start the day with dry socks and finish the day with dry socks that makes winter paddling in cold water a real pleasure. Even if they do get wet beneath dry pants, if you get the opportunity to drop your pants and let the water out they still stay warm when wet, which is the key for paddle sports. After a week of paddling they do get a bit smelly.

Between the combination of all these four socks you will be set ready to go and enjoy your sea kayaking with comfortable and warm feet.

These are my thoughts - do you agree? Please comment - what are your favourite kayaking socks?

Dry Suit - Canoe, Kayak, SUP, Raft Clothing Australia - Kokatat GORE-TEX Meridian

---

What did I do before I had a dry suit? Now I cannot imagine paddling or training without my Kokatat Goretex Meridian Dry Suit. If I am going to spend an extended period of time in the water coaching clients it is invaluable.

Who should have a dry suit? Anyone who participates in water sports where the water is cold. A beginner or intermediate paddler will greatly benefit from the boost in confidence and increased safety resulting from staying warm and dry.

---

What to wear under your drysuit

The warmth of the dry suit relies on you base layers - fabric that remains warm when wet and dries quickly and can wick any moisture or perspiration away from your skin.

Your level of activity and the temperature of the environment will determine the level of warmth of your thermal layers - generally long sleeve top, long thermal pants and warm socks are a minimum for comfort.

---

Care and Maintenance

Wash: After every use I hose the suit down (while still in it!) or use the handy outdoor showers on the foreshore. Periodic washing with a good Goretex wash such as Grangers Performance Wash is recommended - cool water, can be by hand or gentle machine wash.

Hang the suit to dry and store it loose. Do not use bleach or dry cleaning.

Zippers: to keep zippers running freely, particularly for when you need them in a hurray, they should be treated regularly with a Zipper Lubricant stick.

Gaskets: Gaskets start off tight - resist the temptation to trim them and practise stretching them over some neck-sized can or football the night before use. Treat your gaskets frequently with a protectant such as 303 Protectant.

Avoid getting sunscreen or insect repellant on the gaskets or anywhere on the drysuit. Take care of gaskets when putting on the suit and removing it - avoid wearing a watch or spiky earrings.

I get about two years solid use out of my gaskets as the suit gets a lot of use in the course of work. They then need to be replaced. Gasket replacement is best done by a professional, but can be DIY if you are handy, purchasing just the gaskets, or with a tool kit Kokatat has put together. Factory repairs can be organised within Australia.

Socks: To maintain the waterproof-ness of the suit, you need to look after the socks. Take care when changing in and out of the suit - have something to stand on such as a rubber mat to avoid small punctures. Always wear water shoes - you may find that you shoes for wearing with your drysuit will need to be a size larger than you would normally wear. If you do put a small hole in the socks, it can be sealed with Aquaseal.

---

Availability and Styles

The Kokatat Goretex Meridian Dry Suit is manufactured in Arcata, California USA. *There is usually some stock available in Men’s and Women’s sizes in the Goretex Meridian, but it is best to check before ordering as not all colours or sizes may be available and will have to come from the USA.*

It is even possible to have a custom suit made for you but expect that this will take a couple of months, depending on the time of year and how busy the factory is.

There is a variety of other styles of Kokatat dry suits, plus some in different fabrics such as Hydrus 3L, imported on demand.

Styles without the double tunnel are available (Legacy Goretex). The double tunnel does pull in the waist and improve the fit for any paddler, but for canoeists, SUP paddlers and other water sports enthusiasts (or people allergic to neoprene as it is possible to leave off the neoprene protecting the latex gaskets - custom build) the Legacy style may be preferred.

Astral Designs Water Shoes - the shoes I Use and Recommend!

So important for paddle sports, finally I have found Astral Designs; they fit well, steady, dry quick enough, with great grip in wet environments!

Hiyaks & Loyaks

The Loyaks have had 2 seasons of hard wear - doing well!

Hiyaks & Loyaks

The Loyaks have had 2 seasons of hard wear - doing well!

Hiyaks & Loyak

Both with great grippy soles

Hiyaks

Loving my Hiyaks on the Goulburn!

Hiyaks

Loving my Hiyaks on the Goulburn!

Hiyaks

Loving my Hiyaks on the Goulburn!

The low cut Loyak - have been using for almost 2 seasons, they are showing a little wear but have lasted considerably longer then any other water shoes I have used in the past, even on a 13 day trip down the Colorado River to top it off!

The high cut Hiyak are great for rivers and ankle support if required, their sole is a little bit more rigid for walking on uneven surfaces! Looking forward to the white water season!

Two thumbs up!

The Colorado River - this is where you definitely want good watershoes!

Gearlab Paddles - Melbourne Dealership - Kalleq Greenland Paddle & Accessories

Greenland Paddling with the Gearlab Kalleq

A Greenland style paddle resembles a stick, flatter and wider toward the blade ends. This is an ancient style of paddle that has served the Aleut and Inuit kayakers well for more than a thousand years.

Gearlab has enhanced these traditional wood-carved paddles with precise engineering and high tech carbon fibre composite materials to create an unparalleled paddling experience.

As Melbourne’s Gearlab dealer, we supply Greenland paddles, specifically the premium Kalleq, plus a range of quality kayaking accessories, from our retail store at 37 Jetty Road, Sandringham and online.

Who is Gearlab?

Gearlab is a Taiwanese company - their staff are avid outdoor enthusiasts: kayakers, cyclists, hikers, rock climbers, surfers and paragliders. They are inspired by Taiwan’s incredible ocean-mountain-urban landscape trifecta.

Gearlab’s headquarters is set in the vibrant urban setting of Taipei, only a short distance from a variety of beautiful outdoor settings: rushing rivers, lush vegetation, craggy cliffs and an impressive set of national parks. As a subtropical island in the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan also boasts miles of magnificent ocean shoreline.

Greenland Paddles

Why choose a Greenland paddle over a Euro blade?

Many of our paddlers have reported that a Greenland paddle offers much less strain on their wrists, elbow and shoulder joints.

• The long, slim shape of Greenland paddle blades require less force to pull/push through the water and offers less wind resistance. A properly performed Greenland paddle stroke uses core strength without straining arms and shoulders.

• The symmetrical shape of Greenland blades offer greater control in the water and ease of performing paddle strokes.

• Greenland style paddles are renowned for their ease of bracing and rolling.

The Kalleq is Gearlab’s premium paddle.
It is beautifully designed and meticulously constructed from seamless carbon-fibre. It is more durable and requires less maintenance than traditional wooden Greenland paddles. The tips can be replaced (various coloured tips available).

The Kalleq is available in three sizes to suit paddlers of different height (reach): 230cm, 220cm, 210cm. The length of your paddle will be determined by your arm span, width of your kayak and preferred paddling style.
See our listing for the Kalleq to determine which size is best for you.

Kalleq Greenland Paddle

---

Premium Kayak Accessories

Gearlab produce a range of quality kayaking accessories - paddle covers, deck bags / deck pods and dry bags.

Paddle Bag

The new paddle bag is fully padded to protect your beautiful carbon fibre paddle from scratches and bumps when you are travelling. Specifically designed for Greenland Paddles, it features a hard EVA shell to protect the paddle tip.

The length is adjustable to suit 2 piece paddles from 210 to 230cm, so that it doesn’t shift around.

Gearlab New Paddle Bag

Deck Pod

The Gearlab Deck Pod is a great tool for keeping your kayaking gear accessible and organised. There are handy slots for the paddle float and hand pump and even for a hydration system.

The interior features a roll-and-clip style dry bag inside the zipped compartment. the dry bag is a bright hi-vis yellow/green so it is easier to see and find your essential safety gear, snacks and other items you want to keep close at hand.

The strap and clip system holds fast, secure and it is quick to attach and remove. There is also a convenient carry handle.

Maintenance: To preserve the zip from salt water, rinse in fresh water after use.

Gearlab Deck Pod (paddle float & hand pump sold separately)

Kayak Dry Bags

This innovative convertible kayak dry bag is constructed to allow for the entire contents of the bag to remain dry, half dry storage and half quick access, or a convenient tote for gear that can get wet. This allows you to tote dry and wet gear, but keep them separate.

Three sizes are available: 10 litre, 14 litre and 18 litre (10L and 14L stocked).

Closure is a simple roll-top allowing quick access into the bag. The bright interior colour allows you to easily see and find the contents.

As well as the handle, there is also a convenient shoulder strap.

Maintenance: To clean, simply spray down the bag after use and hang to dry.

Gearlab Dry Bag showing different styles of use - interior and exterior bags