Reed's own in house developed material, Aquatherm, has some fantastic properties for sea kayaking clothing and equipment. As well as being PFC free (see Forever Chemicals in Sea Kayaking) it's waterproof, lightweight and stretchy attributes make it particularly well suited for making spraydecks and cockpit covers. These are some of the small British manufacturing companies best selling products. Reed Aquatherm offers something different to traditional neoprene and is well worth considering if you are looking for a spraydeck or cockpit cover for your sea kayak.
Aquatherm is less than a millimetre thick and yet remains waterproof when fully flexed. It is significantly thinner and lighter than the equivalent neoprene and the combination of it's 360 degree stretch and the many different deck shapes and sizes, as well as custom fitting, offered by Reed make it easier than neoprene to fit onto a cockpit rim. This can be a real benifit if you find it physically hard to fit a standard neoprean deck.
The combination of twin shockcords and the stretch in the material give it a strong and positive fit to fiberglass cockpit rims, making it suitable for use in rough water. Plastic cockpit rims don't provide quite as positive a fit though and if you are planning to paddle in heavy seas we would recommend using Reed's neoprene spraydecks.
Around your waist, with either a custom fitted or adjustable draw cord waist tube, the matarial offers less bulk and more freedom of movement than neoprene. Or for paddling without a cag, the Vest Deck makes for a relatively dry, lightweight and warm setup. A great option for those that like to paddle their sea kayak's against the clock.
The decks also come with options like 'Map Loops' and 'Bale Holes'. The former being to attach a map case to the deck and the latter being to help pump a flooded cockpit out using a hand pump, while preventing waves from refilling the cockpit.
While being tough enough for the everyday wear and tear of sea kayaking we would recommend not using these decks for repeatedly practicing rescues as the material is liable to damage when another boat is dragged across the cockpit coaming.
As well as many 'off the peg' options Reed specialise in custom fitting the deck to both you and your boat. If they don't have a tracing of your cockpits shape you can send one in to them.
The Reed Aquatherm Spraydeck with Adjustable Waist's RRP is £81.50. You can currently get them for £77.43 using the discount code 'SUNNY5' on Reed's shop on Ebay (UK). (Expires 01/10/24)
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By Philip Clegg
With over two decades of working in the sea kayaking industry, Phil can be found on a daily basis coaching for Sea Kayaking Anglesey. That's when he's not expeditioning, playing or putting kit to the test.