Get a head start on spring sea kayaking by looking after your gear. Start with the gaskets on your drysuit or paddling top. Proper care improves their performance, prolongs their life and prevents annoying blowouts and time-consuming repairs.

Kotatat Watersports Wear recommends the following procedure for maintaining latex gaskets:

• Make sure gaskets are clean and dry and stored hanging or loosely rolled out of direct sunlight.
• Apply 303 Protectant several times during the season (rub in and wipe off excess, keeping the liquid off the fabric).
• Repair small tears or holes in the gasket with AquaSeal.

Get into the habit of maintaining your gaskets now before the season has started, and it'll be much easier to keep up the practice once you're busy heading out on the water.