Wave Sport WHITEWATER User manual

OWNE R S’ M ANU A L

Congratulations on your new Wave Sport whitewater
kayak. You’re getting the most insane performance
technology available in whitewater, but your new
kayak is much more than that. It’s your boarding pass
to the journey.
It’s the same journey that those of us at Wave Sport
started more than 20 years ago in a small Colorado
factory. A couple of guys channeled their love for
skateboarding, snowboarding, and whitewater
kayaking into a revolution of performance on the
water. The rest is history.
You’re now ready to push your limits. Fortunately,
a Wave Sport kayak doesn’t have any. Whether you
want to go faster, slice easier, carve smoother, or just
turn more heads, your boat was uniquely designed by
somebody who wanted to do the same thing.
So tie your kayak down and get your gear together,
we’ll be looking for you on the water.
JOIN THE JOURNEY
Camping out. Hanging out by the re. Telling stories
all night long. Running steep creeks. Gauley Fest.
Enjoying the journey. Hook up with Team Wave Sport
by joining our website at www.wavesport.com.
CONTENTS
3 Kayak Anatomy
4 Safety
5 Transportation
6 Storage/Care & Maintenance
7 Hull Care
8 Equipment & Accessories
9 Service & Support
10 Warranty
This owner’s manual and additional information is available at www.wavesport.com

3
SECURITY BAR
PARTING LINE
COCKPIT RIM/COAMING
WATERLINE
STERN BOW
SECURITY BAR
*DRAIN PLUG: Not available on all models
SECURITY BAR THIGH BRACESBACKBAND SEAT
WATER BOTTLE HOLDER/
HULL STIFFENER
FOAM PILLARCOCKPIT RIM/COAMING
BACKBAND ADJUSTMENT
KAYAK ANATOMY
OUTFITTING
The F.A.T. (Fit Adjustment Technology) system is Wave
Sport’s innovative outtting system designed for
maximum comfort and control.
For tips and useful information on getting the most
from the F.A.T. outtting system, check out our
online user guide at www.wavesport.com.

4
Any person using kayaks built and/or sold by Wave
Sport is personally responsible for determining that
their abilities are equal or superior to the conditions
encountered and exercising proper judgment in
choice of where and when to paddle.
Any person using Wave Sport kayaks assumes all
risks and takes complete responsibility for any
and all damages, or injuries, including death,
which may result from use or participation in
Wave Sport kayaks.
Whitewater kayaking can be the most exciting form
of paddlesports, which also increases the potential
risks. Safety and training are the most important part
of getting the most out of your kayaking experience.
Please read these safety tips carefully before hitting
the water.
DON’T:
Never exceed your ability and assess how far andt
how long you can paddle or swim.
Never paddle alone.t
Never consume alcohol, drugs, or any othert
substance that may aect your coordination,
judgment, or ability when paddling.
Never paddle in ood conditions.t
Never allow minors to use the boat without adultt
supervision.
Avoid bracing yourself in the kayak in such a wayt
that you have to release any outtting to escape.
DO:
Wear a Coast Guard approved personal otationt
device (PFD).
Always wear a helmet when paddling.t
Get paddlesports and rescue instruction from at
licensed or certied instructor.
When traveling with a group, ensure that everyonet
can handle the diculty gradient of the river.
Dress appropriately for weather conditions; coldt
water and/or weather can result in hypothermia.
Check your equipment prior to each use for signst
of wear or failure. Recheck periodically throughout
your trip.
Scout unfamiliar waters. If necessary, paddle tot
shore and carry your boat past uncertain areas.
Stay aware of appropriate river water levels, tidalt
changes, dangerous currents, and weather changes.
Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for uset
and outtting of your kayak.
Leave your paddling location and agenda witht
someone at home before departing.
Always use supplemental otation.t
WARNING:
Kayaking can be hazardous with potential risk of
serious injury and even death.
SAFETY WARNING

5
Improper transportation technique is one of the
main causes of kayak damage. The following tips will
help you safely transport your kayak and minimize
potential hull damage.
It is possible for a kayak strapped tightly to a roof
rack for a series of days to temporarily deform at the
weight bearing points. Use a rigid bar sport rack in
addition to a “kayak cradle”to disperse the weight.
It is also important to avoid keeping kayaks tied
tightly to your vehicle in direct sunlight. This could
cause deformation of the hull over time.
ROOF RACK
A crossbar roof rack (or“sports rack”) for your vehicle
with the kayak positioned on its side is the best
method of transporting a kayak. It should be lashed
down at each crossbar, as well as at the bow and
stern to each end of the vehicle. Kayaks can also be
transported on their edge safely using kayak stackers.
Kayak cradles are recommended for boats being
transported “at” to lessen chances of deformation
from being lashed too tightly to the bars. It is also
recommended that the kayak be transported upside
down as it is more aerodynamic and will prevent
water from lling the cockpit during rain.
USING FOAM BLOCK RACKS
Foam block racks can be used for short distances or
lower speed transportation. They should be wide
enough for adequate support, as well. Use extra caution
with foam blocks as they are not as secure as cross-bar
racks. Foam blocks also make it essential to tie o the
bow and stern of the kayaks directly to the vehicle.
AIR TRAVEL
Many airlines do not allow kayaks to be transported
on the plane when you travel by air. Contact your air
carrier well in advance of your trip to see if they allow
you to check a whitewater kayak and how much they
charge. You should invest in a kayak travel bag if you
do transport a kayak by air.
IMPORTANT:
It is recommended to always stop shortly after
the start of your trip to make sure all ttings and
connections are secure and that the kayak will
not shift during travel.
CAUTION:
TRAVELING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER:
Position kayak upside down if possible when
inclement weather is threatening. A kayak can ll
with water when it rains and become dangerous
to your vehicle or others as it becomes heavy.
Use a portage cover to seal the cockpit if a
“bottom up” position is not possible. Be sure to
periodically check your straps to make sure they
have not stretched while wet.
TRANSPORTATION