It is very much important for a paddler to take care of his kayak in order to ensure the durability and a long life. There are some ways that can be used to increase the life of your vessel and keep it fresh for years to come.
One of the most common tool that can be used to clean your kayak is using a Kayak Wax. It is a useful tool to preserve the hull or fiberglass of kayak. In order to talk this in detail, I have decided to share a guide to clean and protect kayak hull and wax it for protection.
Table of Contents
How to Wax your Kayak and Clean it? Plastic/Composite Kayak
There are few steps that you are supposed to follow in order to wax a kayak and clean it perfectly!
Prerequisite to Get Started!
- UV Protectant
- Marine Wax for composite kayaks
- Mild soap or boat wash
- Bucket
- Water from hose
- Sponge
- Microfiber cloths (x2)
Step 1- Rinse your Kayak
Firstly, you need to rinse off any dirt or particles from your kayak and clean it completely.
Step 2 – Grab a Bucket
First of all, you need to grab a bucket and fill it with clean water then add some of the soap into the bucket. If you are using boat wash then you may follow the instruction written behind the bottle.
Step 3 – Wash the Kayak
Now you need to wash your kayak with soap or boat wash using a sponge. You need to wash it from the both sides. If you find some strong stains then go over them couple of times so they are completely gone.
Step 4 – Rinse with Clean Water
After washing your kayak with soapy water then you need to rinse it off with clean water. You need to make sure that it is perfectly rinsed and there is no soap left on the surface.
Step 5 – Let it Dry completely
After cleaning it with clean water, let it dry completely. You can let it air dry or dry it with a towel.
If you own a plastic kayak or want to skip the waxing part then jump on the step 9.
Step 6 – Apply the Wax
Ones the kayak is completely dried then you need to apply the wax using microfiber cloths. If you have a wax spray, then you need to spray it on the hull then gently rub it on with microfiber cloth, make sure that your cloth is slightly damp.
Step 7 – Let the Wax Dry
Now you are supposed to let the wax to dry. Check it and make sure that it is completely dried.
Step 8 – Now Polish it Off
Ones the wax is completely dried then you need to grab a clean cloth and start polishing your hull until you see a shiny and brighter surface.
Step 9 – Apply UV Protector Spray
Now you are supposed to spray a UV protector on your kayak to give it an extra layer for further protection.
After spraying the UV protector, you need buff it with clean dry cloth and if it is not dried then use wet cloth to clean it. Ones it is dry then you may take it to water.
Should you Wax your Inflatable and Polyethylene Kayak?
Generally, Kayak wax is not applied or used on Inflatable and polyethylene kayak. The wax is recommended for composite kayak. However, you may apply it on plastic vessels for additional safety.
Check our Best Sit on Top Kayak here.
Why waxing your kayak is Important?
As I have mentioned above that wax is applied on composite kayak because it adds extra layer of protection on the vessel. It can increase the life of your vessel and will keep it in great shape. It is very much important if you paddle in saltwater.
I have just listed some of the important features of waxing below for you;
- It enhances the durability of the vessel.
- It protects the vessel from harmful UV rays.
- It protects from dents and scratches.
Checkout: Best Fishing Kayaks for yourself
Does Waxing Increase the Speed?
It is believed that kayak waxing increases the speed of boat.Since, kayak wax is applied on the hull and it makes the surface smoother thus enhancing the speed. It is assumed that smoother surface helps the vessel to glide efficiently through water.
Kayak Waxing for Speed [Video]
Is it required to clean a Kayak?
Most of the paddlers don’t consider cleaning their kayak which reduces the life span of their vessel. It is crucial to wax your kayak, but it is equally important to clean it after every paddling. You should rinse it off after every use.
Rinsing off your kayak after every use will prevent the mildew building up on hull of your ‘yak. You need to make sure that it is completely dry before storing it.
You may give it a thorough cleaning using either boat wash or mild soap.
Guide: Best Tandem Kayaks
Final Touch Ups!
So this was my waxing a kayak extensive guide and I am sure it must have helped you to add an extra layer of protection. Applying an extra layer of protection can increase the life of your vessel dramatically.
Don’t forget to share this wax a kayak guide with your fellow paddlers.
