C-Kayak | Owner's Manual

Introduction:
Thank you for choosing one of our kayaks. This owner’s manual will give you information on the operation and care of your kayak. Please take a few minutes to read this manual; it contains some very important information that is crucial to the effective operation and maintenance of your kayak.
Getting Started:
	Understanding the risks:
	Kayaking may be enjoyed by people of all ages. Before paddling your new C-Kayak we urge you to be aware of the safety precautions related to the sport. Remember that water and weather conditions may change rapidly in a natural environment. It is impossible to control all the risks that you will encounter, so you must be prepared to perform self-rescue, take shelter, alter your plans, and accept some of the risk that nature presents. Using the correct equipment is crucial to your safety. A personal floatation device (lifejacket) is essential to every paddling experience. We also recommend the use of floatation in all kayaks to make self-rescue easier and safer.
Storage, Transport + Maintenance:
	Storage:
	The best way to store your kayak is on its side, so that the bottom & top of the hull are not laying flat on the floor or ground. The best way is to make two foam saddles so that the kayak will sit on its side. Do not store your kayak in direct sunlight for long periods of time. Sunlight can cause fading and warping of the hull. C-Kayak uses special ultra-violet inhibitors to protect your kayak from the sun’s damaging rays but long-term exposure (several years) will shorten the life of your kayak.
	Transporting your Kayak:
	On of the primary causes of damage to kayaks is improper transportation. Kayaks that fall from roof racks during travel may be destroyed and cause severe damage to other vehicles. The best way to transport your kayak is either on its side or with it's top deck down on your roof rails, this is because the sides are the hardest part of your boat. Never transport your boat with the bottom touching your roof rack, i.e. in the upright position – this will warp your hull especially in the hot sun. If you transport your boat upside down on your racks try and position the racks just forward and aft of the cockpit. When tying down your kayak, never use the grab loops or eye’s to secure it. You must use a rope or strap around the hull. Carrying handles are for that purpose only and are not tie down points.

*Storage, Transport + Maintenance cont...*
	Removing dents in the hull:
	In the unlikely event of a dent developing in your hull, place the kayak in the sun on a warm day and the hull should return to its proper shape. You may also heat the area gently with a hair dryer until it becomes pliable, use your hands to work out the dent and use a piece of foam or a heavy object inside the hull to retain the shape while it cools.
	Cleaning:
	Remember to wash sand and salt from your kayak after every use. This is especially important for the operation of your foot pedals, rudder and hatch seals. Your kayak may be cleaned with a mild soapy solution.
	Construction and Hull Reparability:
	Our kayaks are rotationally moulded from linear low density polyethylene with ultra-violet light inhibitors and pigments designed to withstand exposure to sunlight. Best of all, unlike cross-linked Polyethylene, linear low density PE is repairable & recyclable. Should your kayak become damaged it can be repaired inexpensively with hot air welding techniques. We at C-Kayak have a comprehensive workshop facility with state of the art plastic welding equipment.
	Hatches:
	Hatches must be secured tightly to retain their watertight integrity; hatches on any sea kayak are not 100% watertight. A loosely attached hatch is the most common cause of leakage. Hatch gaskets must be clean, in good repair, and free of dirt & debris to seal effectively. Your gear will not stay dry inside the kayak unless you use some sort of waterproof dry bag for storage. Once again we thank you for buying one of our boats. If you follow all of the above instructions your C-Kayak will give you years of service and enjoyment, and hopefully take you to some of our continents most beautiful places. Paddling your kayak is an ideal way to explore these areas without disturbing their unique environment. Please take time to learn about the conservation issues related to these areas so that you can actively participate in their care.