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KAYAK CUSTOMIZATION & CARE ARTICLES

TOM'S TOPKAYAKER SHOP!
Tom's TopKayaker Shop - For kayak back rests, mounting hardware & more.
Purchases Support TopKayaker.Net
Installing the A Style Hatch by Tom Holtey
Cobra Kayaks supplies a large A shape hatch for installations on their kayaks. The A Hatch may fit other kayak makes and models, but a careful assessment of the deck space will have to made.
BACKRESTS, KNEE STRAPS & PADDLE LEASHES…OH MY!!! Your sit-on-top kayak is naked without the basic accessories. Tom Holtey teaches you everything you ever wanted to know about these accessories but didn't know to ask.
How to make an EYE SPLICE in rope, for bowlines, anchor ropes & lifelines
With this quick and easy method you can make an elegant and effective loop at the end of hollow core braided rope. This will enable you to make your own bowlines, anchor ropes and lifelines.

BASICS OF STRAP EYES, RIVETS AND WELL NUTS
For Customization & Repair of Your Sit-on-top Kayak by Tom Holtey.
Many will want to customize their kayak for better fitting knee straps, rig up a backrest, add a rod holder, shock cords, or other variety of deck enhancements. This article will instruct you on how to properly work with the hardware involved.

How To Install A Rudder On A Sit-on-top Kayak
Detailed instructions with photos. This also serves as a suppliment to the Yakima/Perception rudder instructions.
When To Get A Rudder & How To Use It Many new paddlers will ask themselves: Do I need a rudder on my kayak? We should start by asking: What is a rudder & What does it do?
DIVE FLAGS
Divers must use a dive flag for safety and … It's the law! Divers already know this, or at least they should. Snorklers, free divers and even swimmers can benefit from a flag too. Instruction here on dive flag regulations and mounting methods.

Kayak Carry Strap: Uses, Adaptations & Instructions
by Tom Holtey

Want a quick, non-bulky, economical way to carry your kayak? Here it is!

Kayak Sailing with a Vee Sail

A Vee Sail is essentialy a down wind sail. Read this thorough review of the Primex / Deluge Kayak Sail provided to us by Lyon Expeditions.

SIX INCH HATCH INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

Kayak Towing Methods & Equipment
Towing is an important safety skill. Open water towing and WW towing are completely different.

Kayaking With A Disability Mark Theobald
Kayak paddle and backrest adaptations for the sit-on-top that is encouraging this safe and easy kayak to become the paddle craft of choice for many organizations with disability programs.

MAINTENANCE OF LARGE CARGO HATCHES

Large size cargo hatches on touring kayaks are a blessing for campers and scuba divers. They can however be problematic in maintaining a waterproof seal at times.

Go Sail A Kite! By Tom Holtey. Complete instruction on how to kayak sail with a parafoil kite.

Packing Your Sit-on-top For Camping & Touring
By properly storing your supplies and gear and placing them appropriately into your kayak, you can be ensured of good paddling performance.

SEE OUR FISH/DIVE TAB FOR INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES ON THESE TWO SPORTS

Storing Your Sit-on-top Kayak We all have an "off season" or just need some basic information on how to properly store our sit-on-tops when not in use. What is the proper storage method for polyethylene and composite boats? Find out here.....

Inflatable Kayak Parts & Accessories

Most inflatable kayaks have the same basic construction - but parts & accessories are unique from their hard shell cousins.

Inflatable Kayaks - Basic Use & Care by Tom Holtey

It is always wise protocol to give yourself uncompromised time and space when inspecting and assembling your brand new kayak and its gear for the first time.

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