| Coming into existence during the early 16th century, the | | | | Abel Tasman National Park being some of the best in |
| bilge pump has traditionally been utilised on boats and | | | | the world. Even for experienced kayakers paddling on |
| ships to remove bilge water, which is termed as water | | | | calm water in beautiful weather, the possibility of |
| that collects in the bilge of a ship, the lowest | | | | capsizing is a reality for all. Modern sea kayaks contain |
| compartment of the vessel. The first bilge pump was | | | | many separate pods, any of which can leak without |
| utilised in a military application, aboard English ships and | | | | warning. The possibility of rogue waves, unforeseen |
| boats in the early sixteenth century. Through the | | | | circumstances and rough weather means that no |
| experience of rough weather, seafarers found that | | | | kayaker should risk the possibility of being caught in |
| they required a solution to remove excess water | | | | open water with a hatch or cover missing, or water |
| safety at the bottom of the vessel. | | | | leaking into the kayak from a collision, without the |
| The first bilge pumps produced were hand held, with | | | | correct gear that will assist them to efficiently expel |
| their evolution including adaptations to fuel and | | | | the water and get home safely. |
| electricity as a power source to drive the pumps. | | | | There are various options in the marketplace, but |
| However, technological advances in materials used in | | | | consideration should be given to their suitability of use |
| the construction of bilge pumps, as well as increasing | | | | in the practical environment. Ensure that the hand held |
| efficiency and effectiveness of the upward and | | | | pump is long and narrow enough to reach the farthest |
| downwards strokes, hand held pumps have become a | | | | points where water can collect, with the ability to insert |
| viable and cost effective solution for bilge pumping. | | | | the pump without removing the spray skirt. The option |
| Not only have technological advances increased the | | | | of having an attachable flexible hose makes the |
| performance, but the range of applications has | | | | process of removing excess water simple and easy. |
| extended well beyond those of removing excess | | | | As the room on a sea kayak is limited, the design |
| water from boats. Such applications include hand held | | | | should be conducive to that environment, with grip |
| drum, well, oil and fluid transfer pumps. One prominent | | | | handles designs that ensure easy storage. The |
| extension of the marine focus has included the | | | | buoyancy of a hand pump made of plastic is an |
| development of bilge pumps for kayaking, where it is | | | | obvious plus. Make certain that before departing on |
| an essential component of the sea kayaker's | | | | your water expedition that all equipment, including the |
| equipment, where many will not enter the water | | | | pump, is well maintained and is performing to its |
| without having such equipment. | | | | optimum. |
| New Zealand is renowned for its coastal beauty and | | | | One of the key advantages of a hand held pump is |
| easy access to many high quality sea kayaking | | | | that it can be passed around, or given to a companion |
| environments, with the famous Milford Sounds and | | | | who is having difficulties. |