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Frequently Asked Questions about Kayaks
General Questions
Spraydeck Questions
Rudder Questions
Transporting Questions
General Answers
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What length kayak do I need?
This will depend on how far you will want to paddle,
and how fast you want to go?
As a rule of thumb, the further you want to paddle,
the longer the kayak you will need and the faster you
want to go, the narrower the kayak you want. Longer length
and narrower width have both advantages and disadvantages.
The first performance feature where there will be
some trade-off that you will need to consider is
"tracking" and "turning".
"Tracking" refers to how easy it is to keep the
kayak on a straight course.
"Turning" refers to how easy it is to turn the
kayak.
Generally, the longer the kayak the easier it is to
run on a straight course (better tracking), and the
shorter the kayak the easier it will turn.
The other performance feature that you will need to
consider is "speed" versus "stability".
Generally, the faster the kayak is, the less stable it will be
and the more stable the kayak is, the slower it will be.
You get your speed from length and width.
You get your stability from width and hull shape.
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Why do you use multi-chined hulls on your kayaks instead
of flat hulls?
We actually use both flat hulls and multi-chined hulls.
We use flat hulls on our flat water touring kayak, the Platypus,
as well as the Bass and Barra.
As the Platypus is recommended to use on flat water (and not
in rough water conditions), a flat hull offers sufficient stability.
The extra width of the Bass and Barra kayaks give
these kayaks great stability as well.
The Saratoga kayak has a multi-chined hull, as it is
designed to be used in rougher water conditions, than our outher
kayaks. A multi-chined hull has slightly less primary stability
but with the addition of useful secondary stability.
This secondary stability is likened to having training
wheels on a pushbike, whereby, if the kayak tilts because of rough
conditions the secondary stability "catches" you
and is like a warning to let you know to get more upright, or you
will fall in.
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Many kayaks might be the same length as our Saratoga
"bay touring kayak", and have a number of the same
features, but the shape of the hull means they will not be
as stable as the Saratoga in rougher water conditions, such
as on bays where wind chop and motor boat wake are regular
obstacles.
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Why do Australis use rubber push-on hatches and not screw
hatches or hard covers over neoprene?
Australis use rubber push-on hatches, as we have
found in our extensive paddling experience, as they offer
the most watertight seal as possible, as well as being the
most user friendly.
Screw hatches give you access to internal storage, but
are generally not very water-tight, as the profile that the hatch
lid screws into has to be cut into the kayak and then
secured with screws or nuts and bolts. Also, screw hatches
can become cross-threaded if not lined up carefully, as well as
being difficult to close and open if sand gets caught in
the thread.
Hard covers over neoprene is also a popular option.
Australis have used these type of hatches before and found
they can also be diffcult to use and offer varying degrees
of watertight effectiveness.
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Other kayak seats are padded, will they be more comfortable
than the Australis seat?
The shape of the seat will actually affect comfort more
than padding will.
Whilst Australis seats do not have extra
foam and padding, they have a reputation for being one of the
most comfortable seats to sit in for extended periods of
paddling. We are actually aware of people who have purchased
a very well known fibreglass sea kayak brand, who are
taking out the seat that comes with the sea kayak and
replacing it with an Australis plastic seat.
The shape of the seat used in all Australis kayaks,
was developed by David Slattery through his years of
marathon kayak paddling. David has competed in the
Hawkesbury Canoe Classic (111km of continuous paddling) and
the Nepean 100 Miler (160km of continuous paddling), so
this is why we know that our kayaks can be paddled for
hours and hours in comfort.
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Can you fit an Australis deluxe sit-on-top backrest into
a kayak?
Yes.
Although it is not something that we do for ourselves,
for people who actually want some extra padding, we do offer
the service of fitting a couple of attachments into your
kayak that will allow you to add and remove a
sit-on-top backrest.
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I have noticed you have toggles at the end of your kayaks,
whilst some other kayaks have moulded-in handles. Why?
Australis use toggle hands on rope so that when you are
carrying your kayak with 2 people, you can position you hand
in a way that is most comfortable for you.
We have found that some kayaks with moulded-in handles,
make you hold your arm in an unnatural position, and if carrying
over an extended distance or time, can cause great discomfort
and even injuries.
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Spraydeck Answers
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Do you have spraydecks to suit your kayaks?
Yes, and depending on they type of paddling you are
planning on doing and the kayak you choose from our range,
you have your choice of:
- Emphatex (no zip)
- Emphatex (with zip)
- Combination emphatex and neoprene
- Full neoprene
We are often contacted by customers who have purchased
a kayak and are now looking for a spraydeck, but the
shop the kayak was purchased from do not have a
spraydeck that fits.
We advise that if you think you are going to want a
spraydeck for your kayak (or any other accessory) that
you make sure that it is available before making your
purchase.
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Rudder Answers
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How is a skeg different from a rudder?
Generally, a skeg is used to assist with straight
line tracking, as it helps to stop the rear of the
kayak moving away from the centre line.
Some skegs are moulded into the kayak (like on our Barra),
whilst others are an extra that is added on later.
The other option that you may come across is that
some skegs are fixed in position, whilst others are
"retractable".
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Why do Australis use rudders instead of just a skeg?
A rudder gives you more control than just a skeg, as
rudders are used to assist with straight line tracking, as well
as turning, and especially to counter the effects of
wind and wave action on your kayak.
As mentioned above, a skeg helps to maintain the position
of the stern (rear) of the kayak, and the paddler turns
the kayak using paddle strokes. To turn the kayak, the
paddler will generally use both forward and reverse paddle
strokes. Using reverse strokes, whilst turning the kayak,
interrupts the forward motion of the kayak, slowing it down,
and then the paddler needs to exert more effort to get the
kayak back up to it's cruising speed.
A rudder allows maximum forward momentum to be
maintained at all times. Turning is effected through use
of foot operated rudder controls, whilst the paddler
keeps their paddling rhythm undisturbed.
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Transport Answers
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How do I transport my kayak on my car?
Do I need cradles?
Generally speaking, you are best off using kayak cradles
on roof racks and transport your kayak the right-way-up, as
this provides the most security for your kayak.
However, there are some instances where cradles may
not be necessary.
If you are only going short distances, and not very fast (less than
80km/hr), it is possible to put your kayak onto standard roof
racks (without cradles). It is generally recommeded that you
put the kayak on upside-down, to protect the shape of the hull.
Even when using cradles, it is recommended that you
anchor the front and rear of your kayak, for maximum safety.
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