Canoes kayaks and sit on tops:

1, A good all over visual check at the general condition.

Has storage left the hull warped? A wonky hull will not paddle so well, loosing tracking ability and speed.

This can be sorted out by leaving the boat outside on a nice sunny day or a visit to our workshop and our expensive but gentle hot air gun.

2, Nuts and bolts. Check all nuts and bolt to make sure they have not come loose. Replace rusty or corroded ones and pop a bit of grease or silicon lube to moving parts such as ratchets and skegs. Backrests, Hatches nuts and bolts

3, Handles and grab loops, deck lines and webbing. If your handle snaps when carrying your boat to the water you risk smashing the hull (or deck) on composite boats and at least a big scratch or dent in plastic boats.

If you use you deck lines to stow gear get it replaced if worn. (Salt and sun do a lot of damage. If it feels stiff and crispy better change it.)

4, Back rests and foot rests. A back rest that snaps or fails on a long paddle will be mighty uncomfortable. It may also mean you fall out of your boat in the event of a capsize because you become loose in your boat.

A solid foot rest is important for proper control of your boat, what ever variety. It may also prevent you getting stuck inside if you piton or ram you craft into something hard.

Make sure its solid, secure and padded for comfort. (I put some sticky foam under my heels for extra comfort and warmth.) Make me comfy!

We carry a large selection of replacement parts and boat out fitting. From bolts to back rests and drain bungs to D-rings. If your not sure bring you boat in for us to go over. We can then get it up to speed in our workshop.

If you think your boat is too far gone! We have a fantastic range of new and used boats to see and try out. We do package deals and special offers.

Paddles

Canoe or kayak, you’re the engine your paddles are the wheels.

1, A visual check for cracks or delaminating in  the layers of composite paddles (glass and carbon).

Do they creek when you apply a little pressure to the blades? Can you hear water or is it leaking out any where? If so then its possible storage may have lead to deterioration the glues. There’s nothing worse than being “up the creek with out a paddle”.

No signs of damage; great! But make sure by taking a set of break down emergency splits where ever you go. It may not be you who needs them but it beats towing your mate home!: Check out our range of ww split paddles touring splits

2, Have you grown? Its possible you paddles are now not the right size for you. Check out our paddle guide for some sizing help! > Paddle Guide

Buoyancy aid or PFD (Personal Floatation Device)

It goes with out saying that this is probably the most important piece of safety equipment you need whilst paddling. Therefore it is very important to ensure your PFD is in tiptop condition.

1, Visual check for signs of wear or deterioration. Look out for worn fabric that is exposing the foam inside. If the outter fabric fails and the foam comes out you will lose your buoyancy. Exposing the foam will also allow faster deterioration of the foam from exposure to sunlight and the elements.

2, Check all fastening straps. Ensure all buckles are in working order and not split or cracked.

3, Does it still fit? Make sure the PFD is of the right size and allows the correct amount of floatation for your weight and size. Its no good have a PFD that is a secure and comfy fit if it won’t float you! The size chart for your pfd is usually found inside the pfd on the back panel. Look at our PFD guide here: > PFD Guide

We have an extensive range of buoyancy aids in stock at any time. Take a look here:
> Buoyancy Aids

Helmet

Your helmet is also a very important piece of safety equipment if your are paddling White water, Surf or rough water sea kayaking. Infact any where you may come into contact with rocks or your own or some one else’s boat.

1, Check helmet for signs of wear, abrasion or cracks. Any signs of heavy abrasion is worth considering a new helmet. If you’re not sure bring it to A.S Watersports for inspection.

Any cracks or delaminating in a composite helmet: its time for a new one.

2, Check the inside lining for compression (especially in EPP lined helmets, the ones that look like polystyrene.) Any compression in the lining; its time for a new one

3, Check all straps and buckles. Make sure your helmet stays done up correctly, ensuring a correct fit. (one that doesn’t move around on your head exposing the front, sides or back of the head.)

As a guide line with or with out any large knocks to your helmet we suggest replacing your helmet at least every three years. Take a look at the Sweet Website for some more info:
> Click Here
and the Shred Ready website. > Click Here

> Check out our range of helmets here

Cags and Dry Pants/Trousers/Dry Suits.

These items form the main barrier between you and the water. To get the most from you paddling its usually best to be warm and dry. If your outer layers are not up to it its not going to be fun.

1, Check all outer layers for signs of wear, abrasion or delamination in multilayer fabrics. (Mice love to eat your kit. We train them at the shop!)

The main areas of wear are under the arms where the fabric gets constantly rubbed, the forearms and front and rear panels on cags and drysuits and the seat are on pants and trousers.

Coated breathable fabrics (2 and 2.5 layer) usually last about 2 seasons of normal use and will look like the coating has rubbed off.

Laminate breathables ( 3 and 4 layer) will last longer. If they have delaminated you will be able to pull the layers apart. (looking like a tea bag).

2, Check any waterproof seam tape. Any tape coming off can often be glued back in place with some Seam Grip

3, Check velcro and other fastenings

4, Check all wrist and neck seals. Latex rubber seals can perish with out being used. Especially if stored in a wet kit bag!

Latex seals are all replaceable but not covered under warrantee. Phone the shop for costs.

A.S Watersports are well known for our large range of top quality paddling gear. Check it all out on our website and then come to the shop and try some on! > Paddling Gear