Inflatable Kayak Blog

Many paddlers take drip rings off their kayak paddles during the summer, enjoying the silence of entry into the water rather than having water dripping back onto their hands. But in winter, when the water is cold, it’s a good idea to slip the rings back on. The rings should be positioned just outside the hands, not down near the blade where they will be submerged on each stroke. If your drip rings go below the surface, all of the water on the paddle shaft above the rings will run down to your hands, causing them to chill much quicker. Using a lower and slower paddle stroke is also helpful in keeping the cold water from running to your hands.