Once you have deflated the kayak, fold the walls over the base so the kayak is ready for
a compact, tight fold [34]. Always make sure the skeg/fin slide base is pushed down flat
to prevent it from bending and becoming misshapen.
Fold both ends towards the middle of the kayak, leaving just enough gap to fold again
comfortably.
PROTECTION FROM HEAT
Avoid leaving the boat in direct sunlight when ashore. Temperatures on a beach, dock,
davit, etc. can get very high, which could affect the vinyl or glue. Excessive exposure to
sun and heat can cause your Glider to become sticky or cause the glue to fail.
STORAGE
The best way to store your inflatable kayak is dry in its bag. Always check for water in
chambers when you are folding your kayak. Dry thoroughly to prevent mould devel-
oping during storage. Keep in a dry, cool storage area. Avoid direct sunlight, attics and
metal sheds.
REPAIRS
Your Glider is supplied with a repair kit which includes glue, mixing
spoon and patching material.
We use a PVC glue specifically for PVC boats. Epoxy, waterproofing
sprays and Gorilla Glue do not work.
TIP: The smaller the patch, the easier the repair. Most repairs fail due
to the patch being too big.
TIP FOR FINDING A LEAK: You’ll need a bucket and washing up liquid. Fill the bucket
with clear water and add a good squirt of soap (couple of tablespoons) to the water.
Inflate the leaking chamber to full pressure. Spread lots of soapy water on the leaking
chamber with a hand towel or large sponge. Don’t assume the leak is coming from the
valve or seams. The leak may produce bubbles, make hissing or sputtering noises, or
spray water.
Once you have located the leak you can judge the size of the patch required. Use a coin
as a template, mark its outline on the patching material and cut out a patch using a
scalpel or sharp scissors.
Take the same template, trace an outline on some masking tape and cut this shape out
with a scalpel. Place the masking tape with the cut out section over the puncture on the
kayak with the puncture in the centre of the cut out. This is now your guide for placing
the patch.
Once you have glued the patch to the boat, remove the masking tape immediately and
smooth the patch with a finger to remove any air bubbles. Heat the patch with a hair
dryer for 10-20 seconds and smooth again.
5
BLUEWAVEKAYAKS.COM
BLUEWAVE SPORTS
Unit 3, Woodlands Business Park,
Burlescombe, Devon, EX16 7LL
Telephone: +44 (0) 1823 672970
