The Skipper Store's shipping information, return policy and warranties.

Shipping Methods and Costs

Depending on the item(s) you purchase on www.waycool-usa.com and the location to which the items will be delivered, different shipping methods will be available. Each shipping method has its own restrictions and charges that will be applied to your order.

At checkout, you will be prompted to choose a shipping method for your item(s). (Please note, some items may offer only one shipping method.) Shipping costs are dependent on the items in your order and the shipping method you select. Your total shipping charges will automatically compute during checkout prior to the completion of your order.

Shipping costs for orders placed on this site are based on the weight of the total order. An order containing multiple items typically receives a volume-shipping discount and therefore your total shipping and handling cost may be lower than the sum of individual ship charges appearing in your cart. You will be provided with the total shipping cost for your order during Checkout.

Generally, you will have the option of upgrading your shipping method for faster delivery (such as Third Day). If you choose to upgrade your shipping method, your order must be received and clear credit authorization by 12:00 p.m. (noon) EST or your order may not be processed until the following business day. Business days are Monday-Friday, excluding federal holidays within the United States.  To view detailed shipping information click here.

Product Warranties

Please note: After our 30-day Return period, all product warranty issues must be handled directly between the customer and the manufacturer. 

Manufacturer's Warranties

Many of the items that are sold on www.waycool-usa.com (www.skipperstore.com) come with a manufacturer's warranty. For additional information on the manufacturer's warranty for a specific product, contact the manufacturer directly.

Parts and Repairs

Please contact the manufacturer of an item directly with any parts and repairs questions.

Are you looking for camping gear for your next trip, or are you like many people who "collect" camping gear for future trips? 

There are many considerations when putting together your camping gear.  Let's first start with your camping style.  Do you like to go "car camping" where you drive up to a camp site, open the trunk of your car and unload your camping gear?   Do you stay there, make a BBQ, and enjoy the campgrounds for the day?  Or, do you take day hikes from that spot with a nice backpack picnic basket?  Will you be going with family, or on a romantic trip?

Another option is backpacking.  You would be carrying your tent and food with you as you hike.  Backpacking can get you much closer to wilderness, where you don't hear cars and there are less people.  If you expect to be in wet weather, or on the water, you will want to check out Otter Boxes to keep your electronics dry.

When you are car camping you can pack whatever you need into the car, not having to consider weight.  Coolers with ice, beverages and food make camp dining easy.  Camp stoves and BBQs are easy to transport and use.  A good camp table and camping chairs would be recommended unless the camp site has these amenities.  Be careful in bear country where you store your food!  Check with the local park service to learn how to store food safely so you don't have bears as visitors.  Bears have been known to break into cars as modern bears recognize coolers as a source of food!

When backpacking you will want to keep your pack as light as possible, while still including the essentials.  This becomes a trial and error project over time.  Every time you return from a backpacking trip, sort out the things you needed and the things you could have done without.  This includes camping gear and food.  Make a list!  You'll be thankful for the list when you are planning your next trip, you're getting last things done at your work/job/business and you don't remember every detail of your last trip!

Pack things that have more than one use: A down jacket that can be used as a pillow, bandannas have many uses, a sock can be used as a stove mitt...etc. 

Look into where you are going, what will the weather be like?  Don't over-pack!

Remember the first aid kit, water purification tablets, a good handheld GPS AND a topo map. A first aid kit should contain some basic items like aspirin, Tylenol, Rolaids, bandaging and antiseptics, tweezers, etc.  Moleskin is highly recommended.  A product like New Skin or Nexcare Liquid Bandage Drops can also come in handy. Nexcare Liquid Bandage comes in a small very small .034 oz tube. These drops are intended to cover minor cuts and scrapes. When applied to the skin these drops form a water-resistant but breathable seal to keep cuts clean while they heal. There are approximately 60 clear drops in the container. They dry, sting free on the skin in about 30 seconds. Also in the box is a plastic container to hold the bottle while in use and 10 swabs. The seal will wear off naturally as the wound heals or it can be removed by applying baby or mineral oil and then washing it off.

A headband flashlight is a great addition to a backpacker's must-have kit.  You may need to hike in the dark without carrying a cumbersome flashlight.  They are also great in the middle of the night for late night kayaking, a tent light or "visiting mother nature." 

A bug net to go over your head is something you will be thrilled you have, and wish you brought if you ever need one! 

For beginners, it's always a good idea to start out car-camping, learn what YOUR essential camping gear is, keep note of them and then graduate to backpacking!

Fishing Gear

Fishing is one of the most popular sports alongside of hunting. Many people enjoy fishing because of the serene feeling you get from being out on the water or sitting next to a lake. Either way you will need to have fishing gear. Below is a list of types of gear you may consider to buy.

A downrigger is a type of device you will use when using the trolling method of fishing. The downrigger will place the lure at the depth specified by you.  A downrigger can be used in connection with a fish finder that will allow you to operate the downrigger without having to take your hand off the wheel while controlling the boat. This type of fishing gear is equipped to handle fish up to a certain size or pound. You will need to check your package to determine what the specific’s are for your certain model.

    There are many ways that you can weigh a fish and take measurements. When competing in a competition you will want to make sure that you can multi task at one time allowing you to get more fish and get a head. The varieties of fishing gear that can be used for weighing and measuring range from using a tape measure to having a piece of gear that will do all of it for you. You can find a piece of equipment that will measure the length of your fish by sonic laser letting you know how long the fish is and displaying the weight at your fingertips. This will allow for you to achieve faster results and doing this will not harm the fish as if you would have had to lay the fish down.

   Other types of fishing gear are such items as nets. You should use a net when attempting to get your fish out of water. This is safer for the fish and for you. If not using a net you should always know the proper way to handle a fish. With the net you won’t have to worry about getting injured from the fins which are sharp and could cut you if you are not handling the fish correctly. You can purchase nets in a variety of sizes which will enable you to use a net for nearly every type of fish you can think of.

   Other types of fishing gear include a cooler. These are not coolers that you would use for storing cold drinks and lunch meat but a cooler designed to keep your fish cold and fresh and allows for easy cleaning. This will help to keep your fish at a cold enough degree that will make sure that your fish don’t get to warm and cause a case of food poisoning because the fish was not kept fresh.  

   One of the most important pieces of fishing gear is the tackle box. Tackle boxes are not just the hard plastic that you normally think of but now come in a variety of styles and colors. You can purchase backpack tackle boxes that look like regular backpacks but are equipped for your fishing needs. You can purchase tackle boxes that look like a duffle bag used to store clothes when going on a trip. These are all great styles that look better than a plain old plastic tackle box.    

Selecting a Kayak

What kind of kayaker are you?  Do you want to go play in the water, not too much exertion…just mosey around and have fun?  Or do you dream of kayaking a long river or trying your hand at sea for a week long trip?  Perhaps you are somewhere in between, you have a few trips you want to take, an overnight kayak trip, a weekend trip with that group that has the great gourmet meals… Are you gung-ho, ready to go for the 52 mile kayak in a day, or one of the mortals who go about 4-8 miles and stop for lunch?

Keep in mind that you may want to go for the larger/more fancy/all the bells and whistles kayak, when all you may need is something basic.  If you are going to splurge, be aware of your splurging and enjoy it anyway!

It is a good idea to take an inventory of your skills and what you are looking for.

Are  you a beginner, an expert, or something in between?  What are your goals as a kayaker?  Do you want to go from being a beginner to gung-ho in a year? 

How is your balance?  The sleek, fast kayaks are quick to respond, but also can tip easier than a wider body kayak that is more stable.  You do want to have fun learning, don't make it too difficult on yourself or your kayak may live hanging on your garage wall and laugh at you as your drive your car out and when you return, reminding you that you bought a kayak that was too unstable for you, too heavy or...  got carried away there.  That never happened to me…

Where do you plan to take your kayak?  To a small lake?  A lazy river?  Whitewater?  Perhaps the ocean?  *Special note here…Check the weather forecast before you go paddling.  Be aware of the kayak nearly flies off the top of your vehicle from the wind, that PERHAPS its too windy out.  Carry a ROPE on your kayak in case you need a TOW!  Never happened to me either…

How much stuff to you expect to carry?  Do you need to have your tent, camp stove, laptop, sleeping bag and special pillow?   Make sure your kayak has the room for it.  A good drybag will keep that laptop dry.  Some gear can be bungeed to the top of the kayak.  Good items for this would be a sleeping bag and tent in a dry bag.  They are light and pack well on top. 

Do you like to steer your kayak with ease?  One word here: Buy a kayak with a RUDDER.  You can also learn to turn by paddling.

Comfort is an important issue.  You can always purchase gel seat covers, but if the size of the kayak opening is too small, it won't change, and you won't be comfortable.

You have a 60lb kayak on the ground, you have to put it on  your Jeep.  Ready?  What, no one there to help?  Oh.  And its windy.  When purchasing a kayak, keep in mind that you will have to transport your beloved boat to the water, and back home.  Can you McGyver that kayak onto your vehicle, or can you ask for assistance? 

These are many of the points to keep in mind when choosing a kayak.  You may also want to go to a kayaking club meeting to get some insights into kayaks and places to go, upcoming trips, and meet some fun folks. 

Kiteboarding  - Introduction

When it comes to any new sport or activity, it is always best to get some lessons and this is true of kiteboarding as well. Kiteboarding can be performed on three different surfaces; water, snow and land but the most popular kiteboarding is water kiteboarding and this type is good for any level of skill you might have, whether you are a beginner or an expert. Kiteboarding is a great way of having fun, it is an extreme sport which anybody can learn and if you are interested in learning kiteboarding for the first time, or you simply want to brush up on your kiteboarding skills, then take a look at this article for a little bit more information about kiteboarding lessons.

If you are a beginner, then you might want to try booking one to one private lessons with a kiteboarding instructor because this will mean that the instructor will be able to tailor lessons for your needs and learning rates and the instructor will be able to give you his whole attention. You might need to pay a little bit more for private kiteboarding lessons but it is well worth it because it means that you could learn quicker and they are very popular with beginner kite boarders. You can also choose semi private lessons which mean that you can book with an instructor for your friends and family as well which is a great way to spend the day with close ones, learning something new that you are all interested in. it would also make a great gift or perhaps even a bachelor party!

When it comes to beginner kiteboarding lessons, you will probably find that you need more than just one lesson and this is because it could take you a while to get the hang of the skill involved, and it could take you between two and three days to actually get onto a kiteboard depending on how well you do. You should try to book at least five days worth of lessons so that you can learn the basics and so you can master all aspects of kiteboarding. If you have already had kiteboarding lessons before, then you might not need as many lessons and you could go straight into intermediate lessons depending on your skills, you will probably need to demonstrate your kiteboarding skills before being allowed to join an intermediate if you don’t have a certificate for previous lessons.

Kiteboarding lessons are a must for any kite boarder and even the most skilled kite boarder will have had some lessons with a professional instructor. Remember, the more you practise the better you will be which means that you will be able to enjoy the sport a lot more. You can find out more about kiteboarding in your area by doing a quick search on a search engine to find out where and when lessons will be beginning near you. So what are you waiting for? Book your kiteboarding lessons today and soon you could be a pro kite boarder on water, land and snow!

Are you looking for fun on the water?  Look no further than the Skipper Store to provide you with great water sports products at low prices to make the most of your seasons on the water!   So there's a lake, river or ocean nearby so you're imagining yourself on light watercraft such as a super towable, a kite board, a sail board or a clear kayak…something to have a blast with. 

Inflatable boats and towables are a great family choice for light watercraft.  Inflatable boats come in all sizes from a 1 person kayak to inflatable boats that require a motor for propulsion.  Most inflatable kayaks are fun for the beginner and for short jaunts.  There are some commercial-grade inflatable kayaks that are extremely durable and made for taking down the rapids.  Inflatable boats include dinghys for passenger safety and for running ashore. 

Inflatable towables can provide excitement from one to six and more people, depending on the size.  There are simple towables, made for sitting, standing or kneeling.  Other options are much more deluxe, including a cooler and drink holders.  There are towables for all ages! 

Kayaks are a great way to have fun on the water.  There are many sizes available of this light watercraft from the small river runner/ surfing kayaks to the long seagoing kayaks.  Clear Blue Hawaii makes a clear kayak that opens up the underwater world.  What a wonderful way to introduce children to the beautiful fish and sea life on a coral reef! 

Kiteboarding is a relatively new sport that is gaining in popularity.  It involves a wakeboard type of board, and a power kite.  A power kite is a large kite that can pull you along.  This type of kite involves a learning curve to fly.  You would need to learn how the wind acts around flat surfaces, near mountains and buildings, and you need to know where the kite has to be with regards to the wind direction to get the most from the kite.  There are many safety issues involved, make sure and get proper training if you are interested in this sport!

In all cases, when you are having fun on the water, remember safety.  A personal flotation device is imperative for your personal safety on light watercraft, or on any vessel.  Make certain you are aware of the tides and currents where you are playing. 

Large bodies of water such as the ocean and large lakes require special safety considerations.  What looks relatively calm on top of the water can have currents that can take you out to sea, no matter how good of a swimmer or paddler you are.  Also be aware of current and future weather.  Winds and clouds can come up unexpectedly and leave you stranded without proper preparation.  Always let someone know that you are out on the water so you at least have someone looking for you if you get stranded. You will want to carry a safety whistle to alert a nearby boat that you need help.  Stay safe and you will have much more fun on your light watercraft. 

By taking the proper precautions, you are ready to have a blast out on the water, on your towable, kayak, kiteboard or inflatable boat. 

What electronics do you need on your boat?

Your boat electronics may end up being your lifeline on a "three hour tour" when the weather starts getting rough!  Choose wisely, make sure you have the equipment you need to arrive safely home.  Also, it is advisable that the Skipper read the instruction manuals and learn how to use the equipment, otherwise your resident "Gilligan" may be taking you to his own island…

This article is not exhaustive.  As soon as I write it, new products will become available.  Of course, the ancient mariners used the stars and landmarks for navigation… be sure to learn about alternative methods of navigation INCLUDING READING YOUR CHARTS and plotting your course as a backup to GPS navigation.  

Variables to consider in your marine electronics choices are: Where are you?  (GPS) What is your destination?  (Chartplotter)  How deep is the water?  (Depth Sounder)  How far are you from land and other people? (Radar and AIS)  How do I contact them?  (VHF Radio.  Cell phones do not have reliable, consistent off-shore coverage)

Multifunction displays are helpful in taking in the required information efficiently and effectively.  The larger the display, the better.  7" is a good minimum size display.  10-12" even better.  You do want to SEE the data, in the sun's glare and in a heavy storm and rolling swells. 

Now you have your display, you need to consider the peripherals.  This is like choosing a DVD player, the cable or satellite TV receiver, etc.  These peripherals are usually mounted out of sight to keep clutter to a minimum.  Peripheral electronics to consider would be a GPS sensor, radar scanner, AIS receiver, depth sounder module and weather module. 

This peripheral based system has the advantage of overlaying the displays from the different components.  This makes the data easier to understand, and more relatable to the actual conditions.

An AIS is a system used by ships and Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) principally for identification and locating vessels. AIS provides a means for ships to electronically exchange ship data including: identification, position, course, and speed, with other nearby ships and VTS stations. Every boat that has an AIS transponder sending data within the reception range of the AIS receiver will show up on the display screen.  This is great in the fog, at night, and near islands and inlets. 

The AIS B is an upcoming transponder for smaller vessels.  It will transmit information from your vessel so other AIS-equipped boats will know where we are as well.  With this new technology, more and more small boats will show up on the display so in the fog you'll not only know where that tug and tow are but the other recreational vessels near you as well.

Depth sounders and an autopilot are important components to install in your cruiser to help ensure your safety and an enjoyable day at sea.  When the weather starts getting rough and your little ship is getting tossed around in the fog, it will be comforting to rely on the autopilot in sync with the overlay systems to get you to shore safely. 

With this type of minimal clutter system, you will have your display, the autopilot controller and the VHF radio.  You can always mount your cool looking components so they are seen by all with gadget envy, that's up to the individual Skipper.  You would also want to consider an electronic compass to determine a heading for the navigational system and to check your general direction.  You may as the Skipper want to add a stereo system for your listening enjoyment.

You may want to consider a laptop specifically designed for the marine environment.

In addition to the normal functions you use the laptop for with the installation of a software package like RayTech RNS 6.1 and an Ethernet connection to the E-series Raymarine system your laptop can become a fully functional additional station in your navigation suite.  And, it means you can work with your laptop at home for route planning or trip review as well.

Please email or call us at the Skipper Store with your questions!

The Wonderful World of Towables

When I was 9 years old and went to summer camp, they had an innovative way to learn to waterski!  It was a round board made out of plywood.  It was SO much easier that trying to get up on skis! 

Now there are so many fun, innovative and easy to use towables that can help a beginner get started on their way to waterskiing!  It is also a blast to sit or lay down while the boat tows you around.  What a great way to have fun with friends and family in the Summer.  On the lake, pond or on the ocean, you are set for a great time.

The materials certainly have improved, with much greater durability providing years of fun for the whole family.  Towables for laying down, sitting up and standing… towables that include a cooler and cup holders!  Do the adults want a quiet time while cruising, and the kids want to be loud and boisterous?  Tow the kids behind the boat with their own supply of beverages! 

Not sure what to get?  Do you want a towable, one child wants a kayak, your significant other wants a windsurfer and a friend of yours wants a beginner's sailboat?  The Aquaglide Multisport would be the perfect choice for you!  It is easily convertible, easy to carry, and so much fun for everyone!  Check out the great pricing we have on bundle packages that include an upgraded pump and the kayak kit!

Towables come in many sizes, from a small 1-2 person towable to a towable that rides 5-6 people! 

When you buy a towable, you will want to make sure you have a proper rope for towing.  We carry ropes for towing 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 people.  We offer ropes at discount prices when purchasing a towable.  If you are using the towables in salt water, remember to rinse your towable and rope with fresh water to ensure longevity of your product. 

Most of our towables are inflatable.  Some include a bellows pump.  We recommend a 12V Turbo pump, as you can connect it to the automobile lighter or battery and pump up your towable.  We offer pumps at discount prices when purchasing a towable.  Make sure you put enough air in it!  Read the manufacturer's recommendations, you don't want to be away from a pump and find you have not inflated your towable enough!   The 110V pump is also nice, if you have access to regular electrical current.  You can always use the bellows pump, but be prepared for a workout.

Saftey is always a concern, you will want to make sure each passenger onboard a towable is equipped with proper a proper flotation vest.  Make sure there is always someone watching the people in the towable.  Designate one person to keep an eye on the passengers, and be ready to jump in and assist if necessary.  Go over safety procedures before jumping in the water.  Other safety measures are a good coating of sunscreen, a sun hat and a driver who has not had any alcoholic beverages. 

Water Sports Gear

Whether you are a diver, skier, snorkeled, or you are just into anything extreme, getting the right gear is very important to the safety and performance you will operate with. Knowing what tools and equipment you will need is also extremely important, as you do not want to be in need of anything in an emergency or if you are just out for a day of fun with the family.

            GPS units are a good tool to have, especially if you are going to be in a yacht, sailboat, kayak or raft for the day. Make sure to check with the Coast Guard and local weather reports to know if it’s safe to be on the water. Make sure you have the required necessities on your vessel. The Coast Guard requires some of it and you can be fined for not having it. Among the required items, PDFs or personal inflation devices is one of the most important.

            For cases of stranded people that just need a tow in, the Coast Guard is happy to oblige. They also train rescue swimmers to assist in emergency response situations. It is recommended that any one riding in a boat should have at least basic skills in the water and a floatation device to hold on to until help arrives if the boat should sink.

            When emergency scenarios have been dealt with, and you are comfortable with your level of safety all that is left to do is have fun.  Otter boxes and pelican cases are products especially designed for boating in mind. They are airtight, waterproof and watertight, able to float if dropped in the water and come in various sizes, shapes and colors. Manufacturers even makes some small enough to go over cell phones, iPods, PDAs, and Blackberrys like skins to protect them from scratching and moisture and to help keep the salt air out of them if you are on the ocean.  These are good for electronics like laptops or anything you don’t want to lose or get wet, like personal id and credit cards.

            Dry bags are another option and work well with personal belongings that are soft, like clothing, towels, or linens. They do not provide the necessary structure to keep your laptop from being crushed by heavy objects like the otter box or pelican cases, but they do serve to protect any thing you place in them from moisture, even if they are submerged temporarily. They are nylon covered in PVC and the top folds in on itself. The seams are sealed with radio waves and these bags can last several seasons before being replaced. They also come in many colors, like blue, pink, yellow and green.

            Other necessities might include coolers. Coolers have evolved into different shapes, with different materials for different users. The marine cooler, for example, comes with a cutting board for the angler, and one marine cooler comes with a chair and polo holes on the backrest, which can hold up to four poles at one time.

            Whatever you choose to do, do it safely and be prepared and you are sure to have a good time.