Ed Mitchell Outdoors

Cheap Kayak Push Pole

In September of 2012 I showed you how to built an inexpensive push pole for your kayak. https://edmitchelloutdoors.com/?p=1435  Well over a year has gone by, so its time for an update.

The DIY pole continues to work very well on the flats, with only 2 minor issues. What are those issues? As I mentioned back in 2012, when the pole is extended, you should avoid starting your “push” using the thinner diameter upper section. It may slip. ( you can taped it tight if you like) Always begin the “push” using the your lower hand, the one around the larger diameter section. Once the kayak begins to move, your upper hand comes into play. The other issue is water. At the end of the day, the pole often has sucked up 3 or 4 ounces of it. It appears to be leaking in where the aluminum shaft enters the PVC “T” fitting. This is not a big deal. I simply tip the pole up and drain it out. But at some point I’ll try to better seal that joint.

Overall I’ve gotten alot of service out of this thing. Its lightweight, yet rigid enough for the yak. My fishing is done mainly on shallow flats. So most of the time I’m using the pole slightly extended (10′). But the ability to extend to greater length has come in handy.

Part One: In this two-part post we’ll take a look at the “skeg” sold by Diablo Paddlesports. You can view this item on their website. http://www.diablopaddlesports.com/store.accessories

Why installed a “skeg” on your Adios? When you’re seated, the Adios “tracks” fine. When you stand, to paddle or pole, your weight shifts forward, causing the Adios to nose slightly downward. Now “tracking” can be an issue, especially in a crosswind. Tech types would prefer I said the Adios tends to “weathercock”. They would also insist this is not really a “tracking” issue, but a “trim” problem. Ok, Ok. Call it a “trim” problem; call it a “tracking” problem; call it what you like; the “skeg” is there to keep the Adios on course.

Dablo Adios with Skeg installed

Diablo has a “YouTube” video showing this installation. It’s a straight-forward job. So I’m going to be brief. In this photo the two arrows on the left show how the “skeg” plate bolts under the rear (stern) handle. Two 1”long ¼” bolts are supplied for this task. The right arrow shows that I elected to run the long bungee through the hole in the drain plug cap. It seemed a convenient thing to do.

In the last photo, you see a good position for the clam cleat. This locates it in easy reach of the Larry Chair. You’ll need to drill two 5/32” holes for the bolts. Insert the bolts, then remove the rear hatch cover, reach under and put the nuts on. A small socket drive is a real help. I used a 9mm, six-sided socket. It held the nuts securely, while I tighten things up with a Philips head screwdriver. The entire “skeg” installation took 30 minutes.

Clam Cleat