The Native Slayer Propel 10 strikes the perfect balance between weight, speed, comfort, and stability. Much lighter than longer, heavier kayaks, with similar stability, and with a powerful pedal drive that offers sure handling, tracking, and speed even in adverse conditions, it’s an excellent fishing kayak all the way around.
But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn from the wisdom of the yakkers who came before you. Heed these tips and enjoy more of your time on the water in your Slayer Propel 10 – or any other yak, for that matter.
1. Plan accordingly with the weather
One of the most important notes for kayak fishermen is to pay attention to the weather. While bad weather makes for a bad time on the water for all boaters and outdoorsmen, for those in tiny kayaks it can be particularly dangerous.
Plan accordingly and if you can spare the room in your Native Slayer Propel 10, bring along a NOAA emergency radio so changes in the weather won’t catch you off guard.
2. Avoid heavily trafficked waters
Here’s the truth about being on the water in a kayak. You’re going to feel small if you’re surrounded by tugboats and trawlers and tankers, and all other sorts of commercial traffic.
Some are more jaded than others, but the experience is probably not a pleasant one for anyone, not to mention that being in the presence of large vessels is quite dangerous for the occupant of a smaller one.
Your Native Slayer Propel 10 can go places these ships can’t; take advantage of that fact and avoid heavily trafficked waters.
3. Be conscious of water conditions
Bad weather and boat traffic are not the only things that can create risks on the water. The water conditions themselves, which are often the products of underwater topography and local tides, can also produce risks.
Strong currents and tides, submerged obstacles, and manmade structures, particularly low-head dams, can be extremely dangerous for kayakers (and other boaters).
Be aware of these conditions and avoid them.
4. Load it wisely
The other thing to be aware of is that your Native Slayer Propel 10, although it has plenty of room for storage, is a lightweight kayak that shouldn’t be overloaded.
Anything heavy that you’re bringing along, make sure you put it as low in one of the hatches as you can and replace the hatch covers. This will help stabilize the vessel.
As for the rest of your other gear, if you have it on the deck, make sure you tie it down. Loose gear that can move freely is dangerous and can easily be lost overboard, too.
5. Wax the hull (and keep it clean) for a bit of a speed boost
Lastly, if you’re looking for ways to boost speed, one quick trick is to wax the bottom of the hull. There are special treatments you can buy for this. They result in a slick hull that glides effortlessly over the water.
Wax treatments also make it difficult for dirt and other detritus to stick to the hull, which makes it easier to keep it clean, which in turn will keep it fast, too.
It won’t be a crazy speed boost, but every little bit counts, especially with a powerful Propel pedal drive like the one the Slayer Propel 10 offers.
Gear Up Your Native Slayer Propel 10, Get Out There, and Be Safe
This Native watercraft has everything you need for a successful day on the water, from rod holders to integral tracks for accessory mounts. Armed with these tips, you’ll be even more prepared. Now you just need to put them into practice.
