Your complete pre-season checklist for safe, enjoyable paddling.

That first warm weekend of Spring hits differently. You've survived another Iowa winter, and suddenly the thought of being on the water is irresistible. Your kayak or canoe has been sitting in the garage (or shed, or basement) for months, and you're ready to dust it off and hit the lake.

But wait—before you throw it on your car and head out, let's talk about spring prep.

After more than 50 years of paddling and almost 35 years of teaching paddlers as well as selling and renting equipment in Iowa, we've seen what happens when people skip the pre-season inspection. Leaks discovered on the water. Rusted roof rack bolts that fail on the highway. PFDs with broken buckles discovered mid-paddle. These aren't just inconveniences—they're safety issues and expensive problems that a quick inspection would have prevented.

The good news? Spring prep is easy, mostly free, and ensures your first paddle of the season is safe and enjoyable. This guide walks you through everything you need to check, clean, and prepare before that first launch.

Step 1: Inspect Your Kayak or Canoe

Your boat spent months in storage exposed to temperature swings, possible UV damage (if stored outside), and the stress of just sitting in one position. Here's what to check:

Hull Inspection

What to look for:

·      • Cracks or stress fractures (especially around the cockpit rim and anywhere the kayak touched the ground)

·      • Deep scratches or gouges that penetrate through the outer layer

·      • Warping or oil-canning (hull flexing inward unnaturally)

·      • UV fading or chalky texture (indicates material degradation)

·      • Soft spots or unusual flexibility

·      • Any holes, even tiny ones

How to inspect:

Run your hands over the entire hull, inside and out. You may feel cracks before you see them. Look at the hull from multiple angles in good light—cracks show up differently depending on the angle. Press gently on the hull in various spots—it should feel uniformly rigid (some flex is normal but compare different areas).

Fittings & Hardware Check

Check all the pieces and parts that make your kayak functional:

·      Seat adjustment mechanisms—do they still lock securely?

·      Foot pegs or foot braces—do they slide smoothly and lock in place?

·      Hatch covers—do they seal properly? Any cracks in the rubber?

·      Bungee cords on deck—any fraying, excessive stretching, or broken hooks?

·      Drain plug (if applicable)—does it seal? Is the rubber gasket intact?

·      Skeg or rudder system (if applicable)—does it deploy and retract smoothly?

·      Carry handles—are they secure? Any cracks in the plastic?

Quick fix: Most hardware issues are easy fixes. We stock or can order replacement bungees, hatch covers and drain plugs. Once you have the parts most of these issues are a 5-minute fix.

Seat Comfort Check

This often gets overlooked, but a degraded seat ruins your paddling experience. Check:

·      Seat padding—any compressed areas, tears, or water damage?

·      Seat back—does it still provide support, or has it lost shape?

·      Adjustment straps—any fraying or broken buckles?

·      Mounting points—are they secure, or showing stress cracks?

Step 2: Deep Clean Your Kayak

Winter storage means dust, cobwebs, possibly mouse droppings, and general grime. A clean kayak isn't just about appearances—dirt and debris can hide damage, and starting the season with a clean boat sets the right tone.

Cleaning Supplies You'll Need

·      Mild dish soap or kayak-specific cleaner

·      Soft sponge or cloth (no abrasive scrubbers—they scratch plastic)

·      Garden hose with spray nozzle

·      Bucket of warm soapy water

·      Old toothbrush for tight spots

·      Microfiber towels for drying

·      303 Aerospace Protectant or similar UV protectant (optional but recommended)

Cleaning Process

Step 1: Rinse thoroughly

Start by hosing down the entire kayak to remove loose dirt, cobwebs, and debris.

Step 2: Wash with soap

Use your sponge and soapy water to wash the entire hull, inside and out. Pay special attention to the cockpit area, seat, and any compartments. The toothbrush is perfect for getting into drain holes and around hardware.

Step 3: Rinse completely

Rinse all soap off thoroughly. Soap residue can degrade plastic over time and make the hull slippery.

Step 4: Dry completely

Let the kayak air dry completely, or use towels to speed the process. Make sure water doesn't pool in the cockpit or hatches—tip it on its side to drain.

Step 5: Apply UV protectant (highly recommended)

Iowa summer sun is brutal. Apply a UV protectant like 303 Aerospace Protectant to the entire exterior. This prevents fading, cracking, and UV degradation. One application in spring + one in mid-summer = years of extended life for your kayak. Stop by CanoeSport Outfitters to pick some up this spring or we'll ship it to your doorstep!.

Step 3: Inspect Your Paddle

Your paddle is your engine. A damaged paddle can fail mid-stroke, leaving you stranded or worse. Spring is the time to catch issues before they become problems.

What to Check on Your Paddle

·      Blade edges—look for chips, cracks, or delamination (layers separating)

·      Blade face—any stress cracks radiating from the center?

·      Shaft—roll it on a flat surface to check for bends or warping

·      Ferrule (where two pieces connect on break-apart paddles)—does it click solidly? Any play or wobble?

·      Drip rings—are they cracked or missing? (These keep water from running down the shaft to your hands)

·      Overall—any unusual creaking sounds when you twist the shaft? May indicate an issue

Upgrade opportunity: If your paddle is showing age but still functional, spring is a great time to upgrade. A better paddle dramatically improves your paddling experience—less fatigue, better control, more enjoyment. See our Spring Paddle Sale details at the end of this article!

Step 4: Inspect Your PFD (Life Jacket)

Your PFD is the most important piece of safety equipment you own. Iowa law requires it, but more importantly, it can save your life. A degraded PFD won't keep you afloat properly—and you won't know until it's too late.

Critical PFD Checks

·      Buoyancy test—put it on, jump in the water (or fill a bathtub). Does it keep you afloat comfortably?

·      Fabric condition—any tears, abrasions, or sun rot?

·      Straps and buckles—do all buckles click securely? Any fraying on straps?

·      Zippers (if applicable)—do they zip smoothly? Any broken teeth?

·      Foam condition—press on the foam. It should bounce back quickly. If it stays compressed, the foam is degraded.

·      Stitching—check all seams for pulled threads or separation

·      Label—is the Coast Guard approval label still legible? (Required by law)

PFD Cleaning & Care

Even if your PFD passes inspection, give it a proper cleaning:

·      Hand wash with mild soap and warm water

·      Rinse thoroughly

·      Air dry completely (NEVER put in dryer—heat damages foam)

·      Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight

·      Don't sit or stand on your PFD (compresses the foam)

Step 5: Car Rack System Check

A failed car rack on the highway is terrifying and expensive. Bolts loosen over winter, rubber straps degrade, and metal can rust. Five minutes of inspection prevents disaster.

Rack System Inspection

·      Crossbars—are mounting brackets tight? Any rust or corrosion?

·      Bolts and hardware—tighten everything. Vibration loosens bolts over time.

·      Rubber pads/feet—any cracking or deterioration?

·      Attachment Straps (if strap-based system)—any fraying, stretching, or UV damage?

·      Kayak cradles or J-racks—do mounting bolts turn freely? Any stripped threads?

·      Tie-down straps—Any fraying on webbing?

·      Bow/stern tie-downs—are hood/trunk attachment points still solid?

Replace immediately if: Straps are frayed, bolts are rusted solid, rubber feet are cracked, or anything feels loose that won't tighten.

Step 6: Accessories & Safety Gear Inventory

Round up all your paddling gear and verify everything is functional:

Essential Gear Checklist

Step 7: Skills Refresh (Often Overlooked!)

Your equipment isn't the only thing that needs a spring tune-up. Your paddling skills do too! After months off the water, your muscle memory has faded. Don't wait until you're on the water to remember how everything works. We can organize private skill refresher sessions through our instruction program to help get you ready for the paddling season. Send us an email or stop by and we can customize a tune-up session for just you or you can include your paddling friends.

Pre-Season Skills Checklist

·      Review how to do a wet exit (if sit-inside kayak), and how to climb back on a sit-on top (not always as easy as you think)

·      Review self-rescue techniques on dry land

·      Review signals if you paddle with others

·      Watch videos on proper paddle stroke technique (yes, even experienced paddlers benefit!)

·      Review your float plan process (who do you tell, what info do you share?)

Step 8: Plan Your First Paddle of the Season

Don't jump straight into a 4-hour paddle after months off. Ease back into it. Here's how to make your first paddle safe and enjoyable:

First Paddle Guidelines

·      Choose a small, calm lake (Blue Heron Lake or Lake Ahquabi are perfect)

·      Go on a weekday morning when it's quiet

·      Plan for 45-60 minutes max (your muscles will thank you)

·      Bring a friend if possible (safety in numbers)

·      Check weather forecast carefully (avoid wind over 10 mph)

·      Wear layers—March water is COLD even if the air feels warm

·      Tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back

·      Bring your phone in a waterproof case

Your Complete Spring Prep Checklist

Print this checklist and work through it before your first paddle. Takes about 60-90 minutes total, but gives you peace of mind all season.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy Jeff’ Favorite Iowa River Trips.

to get more involved with paddling and learn more about how to care for your equipment visit:

Don’t Forget About Your Guaranteed Trade-In Option

When you buy a canoe, kayak, or SUP from CanoeSport we guarantee we’ll quote you a price on it as a trade toward a new one:

·      This March if you trade in your canoe, kayak, or SUP we’ll give you a $50 gift certificate you can use in the store or apply it toward our rental and shuttle service at Raccoon River Park.

Get Ready for Iowa's Best Paddling Season Yet

Winter is over. The lakes are calling. With proper preparation and the right equipment, this could be your best paddling season yet.

We've been helping Iowa paddlers get ready for spring since 1992. Whether you're preparing equipment you already own or upgrading to something better, we're here to help. Stop by any of our Indianola store for:

·      ✓ Free canoe, kayak, and SUP inspection and tune-up

·      ✓ Expert advice on repairs and replacements

·      ✓ Iowa Paddlesport Expo! Speakers, and sale pricing on everything you need