How to Repair a Folding Kayak

Most kayaks, including the folding variety, can be maintained with minimal risk of damage by following a few simple rules. These include washing off salt water with fresh water, drying the kayak off after time in the water and storing the kayak out of the hot sun. But damages may still occur, usually in the form of a hole or a tear. Repairing a folding kayak from such damage needn't be a difficult task. In fact, it's generally easier than repairing a traditional kayak.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Swab of cotton
Alcohol
Patch-N-Go kit
Squeegee

Step 1

Clean the surface of the damaged area of the folding kayak. Use a swab of cotton dipped in alcohol to do this, rubbing vigorously into the folding kayak surface material surrounding the hole.

Step 2

Wait for the alcohol to dry on its own. Do not dry with a rag. This will ensure that no sediment or rag filaments are left on the kayak surface around the damaged area.

Step 3

Use your hands to flatten the folding kayak material as much as possible around the damaged area.

Step 4

Partially remove the Patch-N-Go patch from its adhesive covering and stick its uncovered edge about one inch from the hole or damaged area.

Step 5

Lay the rest of the patch down, unsticking it from its cover as you go, until the entire patch has been applied to the kayak surface. The Patch-N-Go patch should cover the hole plus at least one extra inch on all sides of the hole.

Step 6

Use a squeegee, ideally made of plastic, to rub over the patch. This will enhance the strength of the bond between the Patch-N-Go patch and the surface of the folding kayak.

Step 7

Allow up to 30 minutes for the adhesive to take full effect before touching or moving the folding kayak.

Tips & Warnings

Refrain from pulling on the patch or trying to lift it up within the first few minutes of its application to the folding kayak. This risks ruining the bond between the kayak and the patch.

Article Written By William Jackson

William Jackson has written, reported and edited professionally for more than 10 years. His work has been published in newspapers, magazines, scholarly journals, high-level government reports, books and online. He holds a master's degree in humanities from Pennsylvania State University.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...