How to outfit your sea kayak
So you have a new boat, what next, before you hit the water. In order to get the best from your boat it has to be comfortable and more importantly safe.
Inside
Hips, padded properly, hands just down the sides, you can buy pads or make them, basically a wedge shape glue in with the wide bit at the top located under the cockpit rim, the more extreme your paddling, big rock hopping surfing etc. The better the fit you need. Handy hint use waterproof glue.
Backrest, adjusted so it is comfortable, and you are sitting in a good paddling position, not lying back and not pushing you forward. Handy tip a piece of bungee to stop backrest falling forward during entry.
Thigh brace, foam more hooked if needed (very dependant on boat)
Footrests, adjustable, not to tight, but not to far away. Or get rid of footrests and have a solid bulkhead (also good as it reduces cockpit volume.)
Seat angle, position relative to where you want to be in the boat (effects trim, boat should sit level in water when you are in it) does it need a pad? At the seat or further forward?
Pump, foot or hand operated, electric, stirrup use foam to reduce cockpit volume (less to empty) Holes to be drilled should be above waterline when boat packed with you in it, fit a non return valve, mounting for pump should be solid.
Outside
Deck Lines, tight, strong and properly tied, Deck fittings attached properly and in good repair.
Toggles, firm and safe.
Hatches, good condition, attached handy tip back to black helps them on and off easier.
Deck elastics, where needed for you. For map and split paddles etc.
Tow rope, accessible and safe. Towing cleat mounted at strengthened point, using penny washer or similar.
Compass attached properly (remember no radios below) handy hint cover the end of the self tapers, stops dry bags ripping.