There is a Nov. 15 , 2002 message thread on the Connyak bulletin board on how to make sea socks. Also, the following was sent over from by Greg Stamer in a conversaton he had with someone named Jim on another bulletin board on curing sea sock fabric :

Jim,

: Would you be able to share the recipe for waterproofing the fabric?

: Greg Stamer

Glad to share the recipe and more.

The following ws what was sent to me from Superior Kayaks. As a reminder, this sock by superior is sewn in such a way that there isa definite shape and it is sized to a particular cockpit. the fock for a stiff foam ath the foot area helps it keep a good serviceable shape. I in tend to sew a grab loop under my knees and one just behind my rear end to facilitate a quick removal. I also intend to line the part of the sock over which my rear slides with a slippery nylong to facilitate a smoth effortless entry and reduction in a tendency to pull on the rear of the sock where it passes over the coaming.

Materials: 1. Flat Work Surface - ( filled my sock with plastic garbage bags filled with newspaper to give it some form when painting. The plastic bags kept the coating from making the mewspaper sticky.)

2. Plastic Drop Cloth - ( I used lots and lots of drop cloth material.)

3. Paint Brush - (I used two paint brushes.)

4. Paint Container, 1 qt.size - ( I used a gallon size for mixing.)

5. Oil Based Paint - ( I used a red color paint - just in case I need to be seen by those heliocopters that mighyt be rescuring me)

6. Chalk - ( I used red marking line chalk)

7. Linseed Oil - ( I used boiled - the raw seemed too viscous.)

8. Mineral Spirts - a small amount

Directions: Mix the coating material with the following proportions. ( I ended up using about double of the material)

1. Fill the quart container ( I used a gallon container ) approximately 3/4 full with 2/3rds. linseed oil and 1/3rd oil based paint.

2. Mix well and add chalk ( I just dumped in about a half a cup or a little more.)

3. Add a small amount of mineral spirts and mix ( I added a bit more than a small amount - for as everyone knows a little more of something is often better.)

4. Paint the exterior of the sock being sure to paint all seams well. Coat both sides of the sock that goes over the coaming. ( I painted both sides of the entire sock because the plastic bags that I had placed inside retarded a even and total penetration of the paint. And besides, my rule of a little more applied here.)

5. Hang in a cool, dry place for approximately theree weeks to cure. The sock will be stiff when dried so soften by crumpling it a few times before installing. ) my sock is only two day into the three weeks. Caution, it can continue to drip for a couple days.)

I hope this is clear. Superior was great to work with. They make a great Gor-Tex tuilik. When my handmade wooden Greeland paddle wears out I intend to try their high tech relpacement.

Jim Voeller