What To Look For
Kayak sails come in a variety of shapes, sizes and complexity. When you're shopping, keep in mind how you want to use it. If you want to use your kayak as a sailboat, the more complex designs that include masts, booms and outriggers allow you to sail on a reach instead of just downwind. These designs often require you to drive holes into your kayak's deck.
Downwind kayak sails are less complex. They might require bolting a mast step to your hull, or they might strap onto to your perimeter deck lines. When the wind is at you back, hoist the sail to help move you down the waterway.
Common Pitfalls
When shopping for a kayak sail, make sure that when the sail is mounted to your kayak, you can see through it. Most of the downwind sails include a clear plastic window. It should align with your eyes.
Sails usually require lines to hold up the sail and pull it down when you want to stow it. During a capsize, these lines present the risk of entanglement and can make rolling more difficult. When looking at sails, select a sail with the minimum amount of lines. Some kayak sails don't require lines at all.
Where To Buy
Because kayak sailing is an alteration from the main sport, finding a retailer that carries them is difficult. It often is best to order direct from the manufacturer's website.
For a sail that includes a mast, boom and outriggers, try Chesapeake Light Craft or Spring Creek Outfitters. Chesapeake's kits are designed for the do-it-yourself type. Spring Creek's kits are ready-to-go right out of the box.
For downwind sails, check out Spirit Sails, which don't require any lines, Pacific Action Kayak Sails or WindPaddle, a unique sail shaped in a circle.
Cost
The more complex a sail, the more expensive. Sails that have a mast, boom and outriggers range in price from $650 to over $1,200 as of 2010. Downwind sails range in price from $175 to $275. The more expensive downwind sails offer a larger sail area.
Accessories
Because most kayak sails require rope rigging to hold up the sail's mast, buy a fixed-blade, stainless-steel knife that attaches to your lifevest. If you end up entangled in the line, the knife allows you to cut yourself out. Look for a knife with a serrated edge and a blunt tip. The serrated edge cuts through lines faster than a straight edge and the blunt tip helps prevent you from poking yourself or puncturing your drysuit.
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