Getting into Kayaking!

tabulator32
tabulator32 Posts: 701 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Haven't been in one in a while.

I'm going to rent one this weekend and plan to eventually buy one.

I want tips for both using them and for buying one.

I figure it is a great way to balance the exercise for my arms against what I do for my legs when I run. And, I love the water.

What do you use for sun protection? (Towels, blankets, SPF-1000)

What is the best paddle that doesn't cost a freakin' fortune? (I know lighter is better but cost is inversely proportionate to weight).

I'm thinking no more than ten feet long because I have an eight-foot truck bed. I also want it to have at least one hatch-covered compartment for storage. I want it to be ride-inside instead of ride-on-top.

Also, what tips do you have for making that little web seat more comfortable on long treks?

I don't need the kayak to be expensive. Just stable.

Replies

  • Melonhead
    Melonhead Posts: 168
    I have a 16 foot, sit on top kayak, complete with expensive paddle. So, I can't help you.

    I use it for fishing. As far as the sun - sun screen, a hat and they make clothing with the SPF in it. I wear those a lot because they dry quickly
  • ezwryder
    ezwryder Posts: 25
    What I would say is that regardless of what kayak you get, invest in a really GOOD seat. An inexpensive kayak will give you the workout you want, but the cheap seat that comes with it will have you scrambling for the shore in ten minutes.

    We have a couple of yaks and we constantly bicker over who gets the "good seat." I'll be addressing that this summer.
  • tabulator32
    tabulator32 Posts: 701 Member
    Do they actually sell "upgrade" replacement seats or do you have to install/modify something from the fishing supply at Wal-mart?

    Where can I find some improved seating for that little nylon-web and velcro foam cushion?
  • Tricialew32
    Tricialew32 Posts: 96 Member
    Do they actually sell "upgrade" replacement seats or do you have to install/modify something from the fishing supply at Wal-mart?

    Where can I find some improved seating for that little nylon-web and velcro foam cushion?

    This will depend on what kayak you buy as to whether or not you will be able to upgrade the seat. Check this with a knowledgeable salesperson before you buy.

    I've never found a walmart to be helpful for kayaking gear. Depending on what part of the world you are in, some places have "try before you buy" days so you can try out dozens of boats for free.

    We're in South Louisiana where Kayak fishing has gotten so big.

    We have very hi tech Hobie seats (after 10 years of kayak fishing on the gulf and bayous - it's one area we don't skimp) yet I will often throw one of those inflatables from walmart on top because at the end of a long day...no seat is perfect. Make sure the main seat has an adjustable and stable back.

    Some places to check are Cabelas, Bass Pro, Academy sports, and Massey's, Compass Rose. We get pretty much everything from a Local retailer called The Backpacker.

    I'm curious as to why you want a Sit-inside instead of Sit on top. I know they both have their merits. I've owned both in the past 10 years but my last three..(Wilderness systems Tarpon 120, Tarpon 140 and now the Hobie Revolution (has pedals and paddles because I hate getting stuck out on the gulf) have all been sit on tops. The advantage is that in July, the Sit-inside turns into an unbearable oven. Winter in the sit on top is fine if you have waders in winter down here.

    If you want to fish and tour SOT is best.
    Also, Longer is better as far as tracking and speed so if you're worried about not fitting into your truck bed...there are ways of doing that. We have a Supercrew Tundra with a short bed but use a bed-extender in the trailer hitch.
  • KayakAngel
    KayakAngel Posts: 397 Member
    I live for kayaking - I'm kind of one-dimentional that way. What you buy depends on what you want to do. Shorter boats are great on rivers, and longer boats (12ft or longer) are best for lakes, though the short boats definitely give you a better workout on a lake! I personally love the Perception Rhythm 11 as a great starter boat - short enough for river rapids, but still tracks very straight and is fast on the lake. Also, Future Beach Fusion kayaks are really cheap and versatile. I only own sit-in kayaks, so I don't know much about sit on tops. I prefer the stability of sit-ins. The taller you are and the wider your boat, the longer paddle you need. As for the seat, I've never really had an issue with that - most are pretty comfortable to me. I bought a foam pad for one kayak for my son before a week-long trip, but most are fine with me. Sending friend request because I want to see how this story ends... :)
  • Cgirlish
    Cgirlish Posts: 263 Member
    I have river kayaks as well .... you could probably buy a used kayak cheaper and splurge on a better paddle... my paddle is ok but a little on the heavy side ... miss my carbon one
  • KayakAngel
    KayakAngel Posts: 397 Member
    I have river kayaks as well .... you could probably buy a used kayak cheaper and splurge on a better paddle... my paddle is ok but a little on the heavy side ... miss my carbon one

    That's good advice. Craigslist is a great place to scout prices on-line if you're flexible in what you want. That's where I bought my Jackson hybrid this year (for whitewater and flatwater) - got it for about half price. I got my paddle for half price at REI during a really great sale.
  • Loulady
    Loulady Posts: 511 Member
    I think most people would think of this, but when you're shopping make sure you get in and see if it's a good fit for your body.

    Dh and I had been talking about getting kayaks for a while, and when we saw a local sporting goods store had a few on sale, we ran right out and picked up two really basic ones (we'll just be paddling around the lake). They are fine for me, but TooTall's feet don't fit in the front very well, so it's uncomfortable for him. Derp.
  • akjmart2002
    akjmart2002 Posts: 263 Member
    As far as the paddle is concerned, you must must must (must) buy one for length primarily and weight secondarily. If the paddle is too long or short for you, the weight won't really matter as your stroke will just suck. And your stroke will suck at first anyway, so you need all the help you can get.

    Ideally, you want a paddle that is just a tiny bit longer than your fingertips when reaching straight up. At least that's the length at which I get the best stroke efficiency.

    Weight-wise, find the lightest one you can afford. You won't regret any money spent in this department.

    If you are buying a sit-in boat, most recent models have decent seats. I've paddled over 1000 miles in the basic plastic seats found in modern boats, with no problems. A bigger determinant of comfort is how wide the cockpit is. With your feet on the foot pegs your knees should be bent at a 60-80 deg angle with your knees on the sides of the cockpit. You want to be in a position that you'll be comfortable in for hours at a time if you do any long paddles. I actually like to be a little tighter in the boat than too loose... it helps with bracing and hip rotation when the water gets big.

    Have fun!
  • amberleighM04
    amberleighM04 Posts: 108
    I am shopping for a kayak as well... I feel in love with a couple weeks ago.

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