Austin Canoe & Kayak - February Newsletter February 2007 Issue 9, Vol 1
In This Issue
Demo Weekend
It is that time of year again, Mark your calendars!
 
If you live in Texas you won't want to miss our two Demo Weekends.
 
Austin
March 17th - 18th
 
San Antonio
March 31st
 
Look for more information on our website in the coming weeks
From The Editor
Let's welcome in February! We’re grateful that Spring is just around the corner! Last month our Central Texas paddlers were greeted by what seems to have been a month of rain, sleet, snow, ice and general craziness. The good news is that last month the Austin and San Marcos areas received 5" of much needed rain. How exciting!
 
This month's issue is Part 1 of a two part series about getting ready for the upcoming paddling season. We will look at general maintenance and inspection this month. Look for new kayak rigging ideas in next month's newsletter. I know most of you are itching to get on the water - unless of course you live in Florida or California.
 
Thanks to everyone who braved the weather conditions and came out to see us at the Austin Boat Show. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet everyone and hope that we answered all of your questions.
 
Congratulations go to Mary Kay for answering last month's trivia question correctly. Don't forget to look below for this month's question and keep the answers coming!
Preparing for the Season
Tuning up your kayak is the first step towards getting ready for the upcoming paddling season.  This is a great time to take a look at your kayak and carefully inspect it for problems that might need to be fixed now or some that may be looming around the corner.
 
Let's get started!
  • Use a shop vacuum to clean out dirt and any other remnants of your last paddling trip or animals that have made it their home during the lengthy storage.
  • Use a mild detergent, warm water and a scrub brush to scrub down the kayak.  Make sure you clean the inside of the kayak as well as all of the hatch covers.
  • Apply a fresh coat 303 Protectant to the kayak as well as any rubber hatch covers and handles - this will make it shine like new and protect it from the UV rays this upcoming season.
  • Inspect the boat from head to toe.  Look for deep gouges or cracks.  Pay special attention to the areas around the scupper holes and on the bottom keel for any damage that might derail a trip.  If you do discover something that looks troublesome drop it by one of our shops and well check it out for you. 
  • Check and tighten any loose nuts or bolts, especially ones that attach the handles.
  • For sit-inside kayaks, check that your bulkhead seals are still water tight and in good condition.  If there is any question, or if you have determined there is a leak, re-seal the bulkhead with Lexel.
  • Inspect all of the deck lines and bungee cords.  These can, and will deteriorate over time. 
  • If your kayak has a rudder, make sure to check it thoroughly.  Check all moving parts for damage or wear and tear.  Inspect rudder cables for any fraying or damage.  If in doubt, replace. 
 
You always want to start the season out right and this is a great way to kick it off right. Check back next month for our tips and ideas on how to rig your kayak.
 
Product Review: Perception Search 13
The newest addition from Perception allowed me to "search" for fish all day long. Paddling from point to point was smooth and fluid and the hull, designed to handle chop and waves, cut through the water with ease. The storage options almost sold me on it immediately. An enormous tank well and an adequate front storage hatch are great for the amount of gear I was hauling. The cockpit features a seat pad and a back rest with an attached storage compartment but the really cool feature are the 2 small storage pouches at the base of the seat to store smaller items that you're not quite ready to put away. The kayak has great locations in the cockpit area to install additional rod holders and comes with two rod already molded in behind the seat. I found the Perception Search 13 to be extremely stable and a real pleasure to paddle.
 
Want something a little longer, the Search also comes in a 15 foot model in addition to the 13 foot.
 
 
Trivia Question
What year did the first Texas Water Safari take place (a 261 mile river race that starts in San Marcos, Texas and finishes in the Gulf of Mexico)?
 
Send your answer to: trivia@austinkayak.com
We will draw one lucky (correct) customer to receive a $25 gift certificate.
 
Thanks again and we hope your 2007 has started off great!
 
Sincerely,
Austin Canoe & Kayak
www.austinkayak.com
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