Packing Away Your Sandbanks Style Kayak... The Fun is Over for Now!!
One of the best things about your Sandbanks Style full drop-stitch kayak is that you get solid kayak performance… without the storage drama. When your adventure’s over, just pack it up, pop it in the car, and head home with a smile (and maybe a little sand in your hair).
We get lots of questions about the easiest way to pack these beauties away: so here’s how we do it…
Step One – Strip It Down:
Start by dismantling your paddle and removing all accessories: seats, fins, splash guards, and footrests. Give everything a quick rinse with fresh water, especially any metal parts (saltwater can make them seize up).
For the Explorer kayak, we’ve found it easiest to start with the kayak resting on its side.
Step Two – Deflate Like a Pro:
Open each valve by pushing down and twisting the spring-loaded pin. You’ll hear that satisfying whoosh as your kayak starts to flatten.
💡Tip: For the Optimal Model, you can keep it flat rather than on its side… and if your pump has a deflate mode, use it to get every last puff of air out.💡
Step Three – Start the Fold:
Begin folding just after the fin box… that’s your anchor point.
Step Four – Keep It Rolling:
Make another fold the same size as the first.
Then do a small fold to tuck in the nose cone, and fold that section neatly on top of the rest of the kayak. You’re basically folding it up like a giant, squishy burrito (but, you know, less tasty).
Step Five – Strap It and Secure It:
Wrap the kayak strap around your folded boat and tighten it snugly. Not too tight, just enough to keep everything compact.
Step Six – Bag It Up:
Slide your folded kayak into its wheeled storage bag, along with all your clean, dry accessories. Voilà… you’re ready for next time!
Step Seven – You’re Done!
That’s it, your kayak’s packed, your gear’s clean, and your adventure’s wrapped up.
Grab a cuppa, plan your next paddle spot, and feel a little smug knowing you’ve mastered the art of the pack-down.
Written by John McCaig
