Many kayaks are fitted with hand operated pumps, which can be mounted on either the front or rear deck. A simple modification which can prove valuable at times is to ensure that the intake hose is long enough to reach into another kayak when rafted alongside. It can then be passed from one kayak to another and be used to pump out the cockpit area but more importantly can also be used to remove water from a flooded front or rear compartment.

It should not be a scenario which occurs too frequently but when it does you may well be thankful for that slightly longer pump hose!

Kevin Mansell

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