Over 1 billion people worldwide are expected to participate in Earth Day activities this year. 2024 will mark the 54th anniversary of Earth Day, which was founded by Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970, to raise awareness for our responsibility to this planet. Help celebrate Earth Day 2024 by volunteering in cleanup projects, planting trees and other environmentally focused projects in your local community. Continue the celebration throughout the year by making everyday Earth Day; recycle, reduce your energy use and use environmentally friendly products and services. For more information about how you can help locally, visit the Earth Day Network's website:
It's not only important to store your kayak properly, but it is just as important to protect your kayak from the weather and UV damage during everyday use. UV and the weather can fade the color of your kayak along with deteriorating the materials it is made of.
To protect kayaks made from plastics, I recommend using a 303 protectant or similar UV spray at least twice a year. These sprays do not contain silicones, which can deteriorate plastics over time. For fiberglass and composite kayaks with gel coats, a high quality, marine wax like Meguiar's Premium Marine Wax., will protect your investment.
Osprey's Echo Sea Kayaking was founded in 2021 when Old Quarry Oceans Adventures (OQ) was sold and closed down in Stonington, Maine. Will Steinharter, then head of waterfront for OQ decided to start his own business, leading guided tours in the Stonington archipelago. It became a family run business, including Will's iconic black lab named Surrey, who greets every customer. They settled on a lovely launch spot, just across Webb's Cove from the former Old Quarry site, and it provides peace, ease of launching and a plethora of wildlife. If you want to avoid the busy town ramp but still have access to the glory of the islands, Osprey's Echo is a good bet. Click on the button below for more information.
Osprey's Echo Sea Kayaking
It is extremely important to store your kayak properly when it is not being used. Many people store their kayaks either on the ground or on a rack with the full weight of the kayak placed directly on the hull. Storing your kayak like this will distort the hull and seriously affect the performance. Plastic kayaks are the most susceptible to hull damage, but improper storage can also damage composite and wood kayaks over time. The best way to store your kayak is at its strongest point, which is on its side. Ideally, the kayak should be suspended on its side using strapping at two equally spaced points, preferably in the areas of the bulkheads if your boat has them. Kayaks should not be hung by their ends or by the carrying straps. This can also bend your kayak over time. Ultraviolet light and weather are also enemies to your kayak. Ultraviolet light and the weather will deteriorate plastic, fiberglass and composite materials over time, The best place to store your boat is inside. If your kayak must be stored outside, make sure your kayak is stored under cover. Proper storage of your kayak will not only keep it looking good but will ensure you of many years of memorable paddling adventures.