Adventure Sail

We were flat-water kayaking recently and had a steady tail wind all the way back to the dock . . . it got us thinking that perhaps it would have been fun to have sails for our kayaks so that we could coast all the way home! We did a lot of online research to learn what types of sails were available and – more importantly – a lot of thinking about how we would actually use sails. Turns out there are many different types of kayak sails offered with a varying range of capabilities and prices. That includes relatively complex (and costly) rigs which turn your kayak into a mini-yacht. Some are designed to lash two kayaks together with the sail mounted in between; others are based on adding an outrigger to your kayak for stability. (Not familiar with outriggers? Just think of those Polynesian canoes with a long, thin hull extending off to one side.) We discarded those designs as over the top. What we wanted were sails that could be quickly and easily rigged on the spur of the moment when the wind puffs up and just as quickly and easily stowed when the wind dies down or when we prefer to paddle. Also, we didn't want to have to install all sorts of hardware to support a mast, let alone figure out how to store the mast when we didn’t need it. We wanted to keep it simple because simplicity is part of the beauty of kayaking to begin with.

That narrowed the field quite a bit but, surprisingly, there were still about a dozen different designs to consider. On the low end was an inexpensive triangular sail with a wide seam into which you would insert one-half of your take-apart paddle to act as a mini-mast. The web site didn't disclose just how you would secure the "mast"; it appeared that you held it between your knees while you used the other half of the paddle as a rudder. We weren’t impressed! We saw a number of “inverted triangle” sail designs which appeared to be effective in the sense of being able to capture wind but somewhat clumsy to rig and to store. There were also triangular sails (i.e. miniature versions of the classic sloop sail design). Of all the sails we considered, these were probably the most efficient in terms of performing under all sorts of wind conditions but again, they required the installation of deck hardware and storage would not be as simple as we had hoped. Then we stumbled across something called WindPaddles (which we refer to as our "WindBags").

The WindPaddle sail is perfectly round; it requires no mast; it needs virtually no hardware; it is self-erecting; it weighs only 12 ounces; it has a huge see-thru window; and it stores flat as a pancake in 10 seconds, ready to spring into action again at the drop of a hat. It can be rigged on either a canoe or a kayak. Imagine a three-and-a-half-foot beachball cut in half and that’s what it resembles. Instead of hoisting a sail up a rigid mast, this sail simply pops open just like one of those fold-up sun screens you place on your windshield on hot days. Basically, it looks like and behaves somewhat like a spinnaker on a sailboat. And, at around a hundred bucks, it's very affordable.

To mount the sail on your kayak or canoe you simply clip the two snap-hooks to whatever is conveniently located: deck lines, bungie cords, it doesn't really matter as long as it positions the sail where you can easily reach and control it. the only alteration we made was to affix two little "pad-eyes", one on each side of our kayaks.) When folded, the sail is held by a sort of a waist-strap and to "raise" it, all you do is remove the strap and let it pop open by itself. When it opens it flops down in front of you so, to catch the wind, you simply haul back on the sheet lines and - - - you're off! This sail performs beautifully when you’re running straight downwind. Just sit back and enjoy the ride, occasionally using your paddle to steer. When you have wind coming over your shoulder loosen the slider at the base of the sail so that it can pivot a bit to pick up the wind and tighten your left or right sheet line to trim the sail. With these adjustments you can reach across the wind at about a 75º angle, tacking left then right instead of running a straight line. What this sail cannot do is "beat" close-hauled straight upwind like a sloop. But, all things considered, that's not much of a negative when you compare it to all the positives.

These WindBags are a real "hoot". They're at their best when, instead of fighting the wind to go where we want to go, we just change our mindset and let the wind take us where it wants us to go.

Purchased the WindPaddle Cruiser model to use with an Innova Helios II tandem inflatable kayak after it was clear that my attempt to attach the sail from my Feathercraft K2 folding kayak was going to negate the portable advantages of inflatable kayak. I resisted the rather unorthodox circular Windpaddle, but after further research decided it was the best fit for a kayak designed to be ultra portable and airline ready.

Took the Windpaddle to the Florida Keys last week and was quite pleased with its ease of use and performance. This sail will also see use on our canoes and other kayaks. Setup easy, deployed quickly, and came down easily (see YouTube videos on how to fold back up--that's the only tricky part). All in all, a great addition to the paddling kit.

Wind Paddle – “Adventure” Mk I model is a 9 out of 10 for pure fun.
This is a very clever kayak sail that is simple to use and totally portable from kayak to kayak. Since it has no mounting hardware to worry about, I just clip it to my side deck cords or clips and if the wind comes up... I “pop” it up and I am sailing. If the wind goes down... I fold it in half and store it flat under the deck cords. Works best in winds over 10mph.

I have had this puppy for 3 months now in 25+ mph winds and I fly faster than I could possibly paddle. The real fun comes when you are going the same speed as the waves and you feel a surfing effect under the boat as you catch a wave.

I find the further forward towards the bow the sail is .... the more wind I can catch. Since I don’t use the paddle when I am under sail, I recommend you use a paddle leash, since you will need both hands to control the sail, especially when catching wind 90 degrees to the side. I also strongly recommend this for kayaks with rudders.

The biggest Kayak I have tried this on is my Wilderness Systems “Northstar” 18.5 foot, 95 lb tandem. My girlfriend ran the sail in the front while I paddled in the back and ran the rudder. We were going so fast that my paddling was slowing us down.... so I lifted my paddle and decided to “enjoy the ride”.

Although I still enjoy a calm day on the water.... I really look forward to a windy day now !!