Equipment Checklist

Take time to make sure your equipment is ready. Preventing damage or having a spare part on hand could be the difference between gold and DNF.

Share with your training group and perform the checklist before your next on water session. Don't forget the crew boats!

KAYAK

Rudder:

Is it straight? Check that the rudder is perfectly straight when the rudder stick is in the middle position.
Do the cables have the correct tension? Cables should be taught, not sagging, but not tight like a guitar string either.
Is there any wear on the cables? Check the parts of the cables that have friction to make sure they are not worn down and at risk of breaking
Is the rudder in the right position vertically? You should not see much of the rudder post, but the rudder should not rub against the hull either. Make sure it is as close as possible without touching- think about sliding a paper between the rudder and the hull
Is the rudder tight? Tug gently on the rudder to make sure it is tight. Open the rudder hatch to test that the screw is tight and holding the rudder in firmly
Is the rudder post straight? Check that the post is still straight, sometimes they get bent from impact on the ground, a log in the water, a paddle of a training partner, etc.
Consider a spare. Having an extra rudder will give diligent paddlers peace of mind. Keep it on hand on race day and in your daily practice bag to never miss a session or a race.
Consider a marathon rudder (also known as weedless.) This will help avoid catching weeds and fallen leaves or other debris. Want proof it's worth it? Ask any participant of the 6k at Nationals in Sherbrooke, 2018.

Seat:

Are the seat rails on correctly? Try to wiggle the seat with your hands while it is in the boat. The seat should be firmly in place with no movement (this excludes rotating seats of course- but the base of a rotating seat shouldn’t move either!) If the seat moves at all, remove it from the boat and make sure all 4 screws that attach to the rails are tightened firmly. Pro Tip: do NOT over tighten these as it can cause damage to the screw holes.
Are the seat rails attached to the platform properly? Put your seat back into your boat and loosely screw in all 4 screws. Once all 4 are threaded, you can tighten each screw until it is holding the rails firmly in place. Sometimes the rails can bend or warp- if you notice this, you can gently bend them back to straight. Contact us if you need guidance.
Feel the edge of the seat- especially the back. Are there any sharp edges or nicks that cause friction and damage to your clothes or skin? If yes, consider a repair or replacement.
Is the platform secure? Make sure the platform is solid. If not- contact your local repair person and tell your coach right away.

Footrest:

Check that the side rails are attached firmly to the footrest.
Is the footstrap worn out? Neoprene can get compacted over time. If you like the way it is worked in, that’s good, but if you’re experiencing pain or discomfort, a fresh strap may do the trick. (That goes for Carbon Pull Bars too- they have neoprene backing.)
Smell your footstrap (yes, really.) If it stinks, wash the strap or replace it. You wouldn’t wear the same pair of socks without ever washing them, would you?? (Please say no.)
Is the traction pad in good shape? (Or did you forget to apply it?) If the padding on the footrest is showing wear and tear, or if you still have exposed carbon without any padding, order a fresh cork traction pad.
Push against your footrest… does the bottom flex? If yes, try a footrest bottom plate support. (Catchy name, right?) This will keep the footboard feeling solid for maximum leg drive.

Boat Surface:

Check the hull for any deep scratches or chips. A perfectly smooth hull is key to optimizing hydrodynamics… this means keeping it clean too! You want the deck to be nice and clean too of course- but the hull is the really important part.
Check the nose of the boat, this is often where chips happen from running into hidden logs or when that dock comes out of nowhere!
Check your stickers… okay this isn’t make or break, but if your stickers are peeling or faded you can remove them and apply new ones. A fresh set can make a big difference on the overall look of the boat. (Moderate heat and acetone are your friends when removing stubborn old stickers.) Contact Tessa to get your hands on new ones.

Paddle:

Are your adjustable paddle parts functioning? It is imperative to separate your paddle often to ensure it doesn’t get stuck together. Check that the whole system is functioning properly and replace the parts if they are stiff or showing wear. Consider having spare adjustable system parts. See more here for paddle maintenance from Braca.
Paddle Length: Have you grown since you got your last paddle? Or masters.. Have you shrunk? ;) Sometimes we keep using our equipment without realizing that we have outgrown it. Try adjusting the paddle to the correct height, or purchase a new one in the correct length.
Blade Size: Winters in the weight room aren’t just to kill time, if you have gotten stronger talk to your coach about your blade size. If you are using a paddle that is too small you won’t be performing at your best. Purchase the correct size and consider that you may be getting stronger in the future too!

CANOE:

Check that the block cage and footrest are firmly attached to the platform
Smell your block (yes, really.) If your block stinks, it could be harbouring harmful bacteria. Make sure to clean it periodically or replace to avoid skin issues. (We don’t currently sell blocks, but let us know if you need to purchase one and we can direct you.)
Is your grip tape in good condition? Still grippy? Not peeling at the edges? You may not notice it gradually getting smoother over time, so freshen it up if you don’t feel totally secure.
Is your boat damaged from steering? Some paddlers bump their boat on J strokes causing damage to the paddle and boat. If you see this happening, you can apply tape to the spots above the waterline to prevent further damage while you work on technique to avoid so much contact. Repair if it compromises the performance of the boat.
Check the hull for any deep scratches or chips. A perfectly smooth hull is key to optimizing hydrodynamics… this means keeping it clean too! You want the deck to be nice and clean too of course- but the hull is the really important part.
Check the nose of the boat, this is often where chips happen from running into hidden logs or when that dock comes out of nowhere!
Check your stickers… okay this isn’t make or break, but if your stickers are peeling or faded you can remove them and apply new ones. A fresh set can make a big difference on the overall look of the boat. (Moderate heat and acetone are your friends when removing stubborn old stickers.) Contact Tessa to get your hands on new ones.

Paddle:

Are your adjustable paddle parts functioning? It is imperative to separate your paddle often to ensure it doesn’t get stuck together. Check that the whole system is functioning properly and replace the parts if they are stiff or showing wear. Consider having spare adjustable system parts. See more here for paddle maintenance from Braca.
Paddle Length: Have you grown since you got your last paddle? Or masters.. Have you shrunk? ;) Sometimes we keep using our equipment without realizing that we have outgrown it. Try adjusting the paddle to the correct height, or purchase a new one in the correct length.
Blade Size: Winters in the weight room aren’t just to kill time, if you have gotten stronger talk to your coach about your blade size. If you are using a paddle that is too small you won’t be performing at your best. Purchase the correct size and consider that you may be getting stronger in the future too!
Check the top of the blade and bottom of the shaft for damage from steering. Consider a replacement if the paddle is worn through too far, it can weaken the paddle and make it prone to snapping. Like your boat, you can apply tape to the spots that touch the boat to prevent further damage while you work on technique to avoid so much contact.

Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments on socials!