This may not apply to certain older models, but generally speaking, you should be able to determine the model year from the serial number. Typically, the number is scribed into the kayak...right side...close to the stern.
The last 4 digits of the series = date stamp.
For example, WKYABC12A909: (last 4 digits bolded for emphasis)
"A" (month) =... Jan.
"09" (model year) = 2009
Most, but not all boats, have a recessed area here. Your serial number will always be in this area.
I think it's safe to say that no one likes a leaky kayak. I especially don't like a leaky kayak, so I decided to take note on a few of the things I do to keep my kayak and everything inside it extra dry.
First and foremost I make sure to tighten the screws on my kayak on a regular basis (every few weeks for myself). When we paddle our kayaks we put stress on each of the joints where pieces of outfitting (i.e. seat, thigh braces, bulkhead) meet with the plastic shell of the kayak. Over time this stress will slowly loosen the screws, and to keep our boats dry we must re-tighten those screws. To do this you will need a large Philips screwdriver as well as a 7/16" wrench, or adjusting crescent wrench. Most of the screws you can simply tighten with your screwdriver. However, for the screws that hold your bulkhead in place (only in boats with an adjustable bulkhead) and for the screw at the front of your cockpit (in select boats) you will need to use your 7/16" wrench to hold the nut inside the boat in place while you tighten the screw from the outside of the boat. This is one of the most basic yet effective ways to keep water from entering your boat.
Secondly I make sure that my gear (i.e. drysuit, drytop, sprayskirt) doesn't have any holes or leaks. Even the smallest hole or abused seam in your gear can bring much water into your boat. Making sure to use a drytop or drysuit with a tunnel for your sprayskirt is very important as it also keeps lots of water out of your boat. I have also found that using newer gear keeps a lot of water from entering my boat and that older gear will leak not only through stressed seams, but also straight through the fabric.
My last recommendation for keeping water out of your kayak involves a little more time and attention, but has proven to keep my kayak completely dry. What I do in this process is apply aquaseal to each of the holes in the plastic where a screw is drilled through to hold a piece of outfitting in place.
Here are my step-by-step instructions for this process:
Find the proper tools for the job.
You'll need a 7/16" wrench (or adjusting crescent wrench), large Philips screwdriver, tube of aquaseal, and an unfolded paperclip to spread the aquaseal.
Unscrew the screws.
You will need to unscrew all of the screws that are in contact with water when you're paddling. This includes all the screws around the outside of your cockpit rim and the screws that hold in your bulkhead. You don't have to worry about the screws that secure your grab handles because the plastic shell is molded for those screws and there are no holes in those locations.
Final preparations.
Next you will have to prep the screws before applying the aquaseal. To do this first position the washer on the screw between the screw head and the plastic. This will allow you to apply the aquaseal between both the plastic and the washer as well as the washer and the screw head for extra dryness. Also make sure that the locations where you will be applying the aquaseal are completely clean and dry for the tightest seal.
Apply the aquaseal.
Now you are ready to apply the aquaseal to the screws on your boat. Make sure to apply the aquaseal both above and below the washer so that there is no chance of water leaking. Using the paperclip to spread the aquaseal as close to the screw as possible also helps create a completely waterproof seal. I would recommend using a generous amount of aquaseal to cover as much of the screw as possible.
Re-tighten the screws.
Now, as the aquaseal is still wet, you're ready to re-tighten the screws. Use the screwdriver and 7/16" wrench (where needed) to tighten each of the screws on your kayak. As you're doing this the aquaseal will spread out. This is fine, but make sure that the aquaseal does not spread too far from the washer. If the aquaseal spreads more than 1/2" from the washer it will become more flimsy and more apt to un-seal in the future.
Now sit back and let the aquaseal dry.
You will need to leave your kayak in a dry area for 24 hours so that the aquaseal may cure. Once the aquaseal has cured you'll be ready to hit the river drier than ever.
The finished watertight seal should look something like this
Well I hope this has been helpful to those of you with leaky boats. And remember that, though this seal will keep your boat extra-dry, you will still have to tighten the screws on a regular basis to maintain the seal.
If you need some tips on getting into your whitewater kayak and making adjustments for the first time, check out our tutorial video quick start guides by clicking here.
What is the best setup for whitewater kayak outfitting?
Dagger has spent a considerable amount of its research and development time towards making your kayak as comfortable as possible. Still, there are a number of options available to you which can further enhance comfort and performance according to your specific needs. All Dagger boats will come well equipped and ready to paddle, but in most circumstances, paddlers will choose to increase their boats' performance through custom outfitting. The following are a few suggestions to increase the fit and performance of your Dagger boat.
Adhesives
In many circumstances, you won't have to glue anything to your boat. However, there are situations where a person prefers extra outfitting to achieve a proper fit or additional comfort. Most contact adhesives are compatible with polyethylene plastic, but make sure, and check to see whether it is waterproof.
Flotation
For any whitewater use, you should have flotation for your kayak or C-1. Flotation bags come in different sizes and styles depending on your needs and are made to match your boat's volume. Ask your local Dagger dealer which set of flotation bags is right for your boat.
Paddle
Whitewater kayak paddles range from 194 cm to about 208 cm in length. If you are just about 5 feet tall or a bit over, use a paddle in the lower range; naturally, taller people will want a longer paddle. Given variations in torso length, arm length, and boat width, it's a good idea to test different paddle lengths to determine your own personal preference.
Sprayskirt
Always paddle with a sprayskirt. The skirt will shed water and greatly facilitates rolling in case of a capsize. Whitewater sprayskirts have different sizes for the paddler's waist and for cockpit sizes. There are also different rands, or skirt edges. See your Dagger dealer for sprayskirt options.
K-1 & C-1 Custom Fit Kits
Although most Dagger boats fit better from the start, you may need to outfit your kayak or C-1 with extra padding to get more of a feel for catching those eddies or rolling. Most Fit Kits include hip bolsters and seat pads. Most of these items are also available individually through your local paddling shop.
Now that the secret weapon has been revealed, we thought it was time to give you some more information.
For the adventurer who is interested in the whitewater lifestyle and expedition style multi-water trips, but who doesn’t want to limit their kayaking adventures only to whitewater, the Katana is designed with confidence, flexibility and comfort in mind on flat or up to class III whitewater.
The Katana was designed to inspire confidence in the paddler with a balanced rocker profile for speed on the flat and maneuverability in whitewater. This is the ultimate whitewater crossover boat.
2013 was a huge year for the ladies of Girls at Play. Headed by former member of the Canadian Freestyle Whitewater Kayak Team, Anna Levesque, these members had the opportunity to travel across the globe and experience some amazing water (that we might be a little jealous of). Here is their recap:
"Girls at Play is wrapping up a fantastic season of instruction filled with paddling at all levels from kayak trips in Costa Rica to Southeast steep creeking to beginner and kids classes. We love what we do and are so inspired and energized by all of the women and girls we got to paddle with at all levels! Here are our favorite highlights.
We started off 2013 in the warm sunshine and clear waters of the Sarapiqui and Pacuare rivers in Costa Rica. Our favorite part of Costa Rica is the overnight trip where we get to stay at Jungle Camp and enjoy fresh tropical fruit, yoga, outdoor showers and falling asleep to the sounds of the river.
In April we ran two creek weeks taking advantage of the abundance of amazing Class IV rivers within an hour of Asheville, NC. This was the first year that we did instruction on the bottom five rapids of the Green River Narrows and the ladies rocked it! Not only was it a good challenge for our students, but also for our instructors who set safety and demoed the lines.
The rest of our season unfolded beautifully with beginner and intermediate clinics as well as a lot of private instruction on the French Broad and Green Rivers. The rain and high water made the beginner runs friendlier for all levels and more interesting for intermediate paddlers.
This year was the first in many that we didn’t spend a lot of time on the road traveling except for our favorite women’s paddling event – Women’s Fest at Bearpaw Outdoors in WI. Anna traveled to teach kayaking and yoga at the event, which was a huge success with over 20 women participating!
Ladies on the Lower G, our annual fundraiser for AW at the Gauley, was a big success even with the very high water. Paddlers came from all over the country to raise money for AW and honor the life of our friend Shannon Christy with the theme ‘you are beautiful.’ It was one of our most inspiring trips on and off the water.
In October we ran our very first girls program for students from Hanger Hall school. We had a great time and we look forward to launching girls programs in 2014!
Next up for us is our trip to Nepal in November! We are so excited to launch this trip in conjunction with Whitewater Adventures Nepal. In addition to paddling the Balephi Khola, Sun Kosi and Tamur Rivers, we’ll also be diving into local culture and visiting temples and Buddhist monasteries.
And then…. We do it all over again in 2014 even better!!"
To be a part of, or learn more about Girls At Play, click the link below:
When Team Dagger’s Brad Ludden was 12 years old, his Aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer. After watching her endure this immense trial, he was inspired to volunteer for a local pediatric oncology program by teaching the participants how to kayak.
Throughout the years his passion grew, which led him to start working on an organization that would eventually become “First Descents” (named after the first time a person successfully kayaks a river or section of the river that has never been done). The goal of First Descents is to help young adults like his Aunt by providing them the life changing experience of adventure (surfing, kayaking and climbing).
Brad and his team are putting on a contest called the “Out Living It Contest”. It’s a nation-wide fundraising campaign to raise awareness for the 1 in 100 college cancer fighters and also raise money for the non-profit organization. Dagger is returning as a sponsor, and is giving away a Katana as a prize.
To enter this contest, or to learn more about the efforts of First Descents, click here.
The King has been crowned! With the fourth and final race finished on October 19, the King of New York series is complete, and the crown sits upon a new head.
Jared Seiler of Gladwyne, PA was not the favorite going in to the end-of-series Moose Race. That honor went to a racer hailing from Quebec named Billy “Big Deal” Thibault. After the air horn sounded to begin the race though, it all came down to a neck and neck sprint between Seiler and past champion Justin Beckworth. Seiler trailed Beckworth for most of the race, but a fatal mistake by Beckworth in choosing a slower line presented Seiler an opportunity to speed by his opponent. He retained his narrow lead past the finish line to take on the mantle of Moose Race winner, and the new King of New York. A few hours later, Jared was given his new reign as King in the bars of Old Forge to celebrate.
Billy “Big Deal” Thibault didn’t go home empty handed. He placed fourth in the Moose Race, and sat at an overall second place. During the celebration, Dagger gave away a Green Boat to a random lottery winner, and Billy won the drawing.
Congratulations to his majesty, Jared Seiler, and we look forward to next year to see if he can retain his position!
