High Density Polyethylene  Fortiflex  (H.D.P.E.): Machine extruded and very consistent. UV stabilized means that ultra violet sun ray inhibitors have been put into the material prior to forming. Its impact resistance and memory capacity (ability to regain original shape after impact) are great. Because the polyethylene resin is coloured throughout, the surface colour cannot be scratched off. It is very hard to keep anything stuck to it. Will usually not dent. This is the best material for all round durability at a reasonable price.

Ram-X: Ram-X is a thermo plastic. The material is semi flexible and has a memory. Thicker is better, but also heavier. UV is tough the material. Will usually not dent. A negative for this material is weight, and it can be cut by sharp objects.

ABS: Known for its great shine it can give, can have the look of a fibreglass boat because of the clear coat finish. Extruded product, very consistent. The UV inhibitors are in the clear coat. One of the best rigid boat materials as far as looks and impact resistance. Less brittle, than Fiberglas. Also used on the outside of composite constructions such as Royolex.

Aluminium: Main advantage is no double hull construction that traps water; lightweight compared to HDPE or RamX extruded very consistent metal product.& comes in different gauges, thicker is stronger, less noisy, heavier and but more durable. Single or multi piece hull construction is important, no long hand made seams below the water line is better in the long run. In the case of rivets in the construction, where they are and how many is important. Some are assembled with no rivets or "all welded". Other considerations may apply, Kevlar: Usually a lighter weight material than Fiberglas. Simply because the fibres in Kevlar are much stronger, requiring less material to achieve the same strength. Hand laid, more likely to have problems with construction. UV inhibitors are in the gel coat (paint).

Fiberglas: Generally lighter weight than the ABS and HDPE however brittle. Material is hand laid, more likely to have problems with construction and consistency of the surface. UV inhibitors are in the gel coat (paint). Fiberglas is easily cracked and not easy to repair.

Wood/Duralight: A modern method that replaces traditional canvas with a vinyl impregnated canvas that requires little maintenance and has all the positive features of the wood/epoxy product.

Wood/Epoxy: Often referred to as wood glass construction, these craft are built using the same traditional method as wood/canvas. However, instead of canvas they use a clear bonded epoxy on the outside of the hull. There is an invisible layer of fibreglass cloth between the wood and epoxy so that the natural beauty of the wood is visible on the outside. The entire boat is then varnished. Lighter weight and easy maintenance are two advantages of wood/epoxy construction. Best suited for lakes, ponds and deep rivers.

PVC: Inexpensive, easy to damage and stretch. When buying, newer is better because of the creasing effect of the material. UV inhibitor throughout the material.

Polyester Laminate: The polyester fabric density is what increases the strength. Fabric density is measured in denier or decitex. 1000 Denier is equal to 1100 decitex. UV inhibitors are in the polymer coatings. Two layers are better than one. When buying, newer is better because of the creasing effect of the material. Beware of polyester laminate prdocuts that are over 2 years old!

Hypalon: The fabric in the laminate is out of nylon instead of polyester. More expensive, stronger than polyester fabric. UV inhibitors are throughout the coating. Again, two layers are better than one. When buying, new is better because of the creasing effect of the material. Beware of hypalon products that are o High Density Polyethylene  Fortiflex  (H.D.P.E.): Machine extruded and very consistent. UV stabilized means that ultra violet sun ray inhibitors have been put into the material prior to forming. Its impact resistance and memory capacity (ability to regain original shape after impact) are great. Because the polyethylene resin is coloured throughout, the surface colour cannot be scratched off. It is very hard to keep anything stuck to it. Will usually not dent. This is the best material for all round durability at a reasonable preserver 2 years old!

STORAGE:

Your polyethylene kayak requires minimum attention during storage, to avoid damage and maximise the life span, do not expose to years of storage in direct sunlight. All our kayaks have ultra violet inhibitors blended into the polyethylene to protect them from sunlight. Storage out of prolonged exposure to direct sun light will add to the life of your kayak.

Where possible your kayak should be stored on a flat surface or suspended horizontally from bow and stern carrying handles. Avoid point loading or storing on thin bars, and storing other equipment on top. Storing over long periods like this, will ensure that where curves do not provide rigidity and strength the flexible polyethylene will not distort or deform in contact areas

TRANSPORT:

The best way to transport your kayak by car is upside down on a roof rack or foam pad. On edge is also acceptable you have custom made upright bars on your rack which will hold the kayak securely. Foam or pipe insulation (available from Diy Stores) on the rack will offer additional protection and help stop the kayak sliding on the rack. On all vehicles line tied from bow and stern to the car bumper or tow bar will stop movement fore and aft and must be used. Do not over tighten straps or ropes, as this may distort the kayak and avoid leaving in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.

REPAIRING DENTS:

A polyethylene kayak unlike a fibreglass boat can still be paddled with a dent in it. Should you have the misfortune to dent your kayak it is often rectified by leaving in the sun to warm (all plastic has a memory). If this does not work, gently apply additional heat to the area with a hair dryer, boiling water or heat gun. NOT TOO HOT! Apply pressure from the other side and to push out dent, and cool. A suction cup can be used if you cannot reach from the inside.   Apply heat slowly as it takes time to dissipate in through the polyethylene.

Safety When Paddling

The user of our products acknowledges both an understanding, and an assumption of the risk involved in paddle sports, and the use of our Products and Accessories at entirely his or her own risk.  Paddle Sports can be very dangerous and physically demanding. The user of this product should understand that participating in paddle sports may involve serious injury or death. Please Observe the following safety standards, whenever using a kayak or Canoe.

Do Not Paddle in Flood Conditions.

Always use a paddle Leash  (for paddles rods etc) and a helmet (in relevant conditions)

Never paddle alone, always carry  a spare paddle

Be aware of river water levels, tidal changes, and strong currents inshore and off shore  winds,     and any change in weather conditions.

 Always let someone know of your trip and expected duration of your trip.

 Always ask advice about unfamiliar water use transport portage where appropriate

Before attempting canoeing or kayaking, we recommend you to get paddle sport instruction from a licensed certified instructor.    

Do not exceed your paddling ability; be honest with yourself and your own capabilities

We recommend you obtain certified first aid and rescue training and carry first aid kit, rescue equipment, bilge pump, bailing cup sponge and phone etc.             

Consult your physician prior to beginning your paddle sport training.

Always wear a nationally-approved life jacket, high visibility should be used at sea.

 Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the use o f the kayak or Canoe.

Do not use hatches on open water (use for storage only on land)

Dress appropriately for weather conditions; cold water and/or cold weather can result in hypothermia         

 I f additional outfitting is added to this craft, use manufacturer’s approved materials only; do not impair your entry or exit access.

Always before use, check your kayak, paddles and fitted accessories/ equipment prior to each use for signs of wear or failure.

You must not use alcohol or mind altering drugs prior to using a canoe or kayak

Always be aware of other people swimmers etc and keep a safe distance

 Do not moor your craft on or near sharp objects (rocks etc)

  Check drain plugs are secure prior to use

Self Rescue

(it’s not a question may be, it’s a matter of when!)

Our sit-on-tops are easy to right and re-enter from deep water with practice, it is very important to practice self-rescue techniques in shallow water first. We strongly advise before use to practice and learn how to right a capsized kayak and get back on.

Product Intended Use

Odyssey Kayaks (Twin: max capacity excluding fitted accessories 204kg, (Single: max capacity excluding fitted accessories 135kg), The Manufacturer recommends these kayak s are not use d in white-water conditions. The intended us of these Product is lakes , and slow flowing streams and rivers and calm Ocean swells 

Crow Wing Kayaks (Explorer, Pro-Angler & Sportsman) (Max Capacity excluding fitted accessories 112kg), The Manufactures Intended Use of these product lakes, and slow flowing streams and rivers.   This kayak s are not intended for use on the Ocean /Sea or White-water conditions.

Odyssey Canoe (max capacity excluding fitted accessories 190kg) The Manufactures Intended Use of this product is lakes, and slow flowing streams and rivers.   This Canoe is not intended for use on the Ocean /Sea or White-water conditions

Please Paddle Safely , be aware of your environment and risks and have fun

Adult Supervision Required At All Times

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