Any kayakers out there?

[manderz]

I'm trying to get out of entry level stuff. Where do you go to research the things you're trying to buy? I need a new paddle, and a better storage system.

 

[Harpertoo]

We had a great outfitter in our area that gave us a lot if info...also Outdoor magazine rated equipment ocassionally.
You also might try a local boat club...where I now live kayaks, SUPs, and rowing sculls all use the same facilities...along with the small traditional sailboats.

I probably researched online too - but aside from Perception's site, I could nit tell you where I looked.

 

[missy]

We kayak (have 2 tandem kayaks) but bought both of them from the couple we bought our house from so it had all the necessary equipment already.

Try the Ocean kayak site or Hobie site and also see if there is a local dealer by you as they can direct you to the necessary equipment.

I love our Hobie tandem kayak. It had pedaling in addition to paddling and it is the only one we use now. IMO way better than the kayaks with just paddling capability.

http://www.hobiecat.com/mirage/mirage-oasis/

Here's a link to Hobie accessories to get you started.
http://cdn.hobiecat.com/digital_assets/87367027-international-kayaking-parts-catalog.pdf


Good luck with your search and I hope you enjoy your new sport!

 

[manderz]

Thanks I'm not really new to it, I've been at it for about 5 years. I recently got my second boat, a sit on top (Ocean Kayaks Venus 11- hot pink to boot ). I found that my old paddle feels awkward, and I think it's not long enough. Sadly, the only outfitters around here are hunting stores and Walmart, which would be a step down from what I already have, at least paddle wise.

I would LOVE to get a Hobie! My dad's friend has a Mirage that I've used, and it was amazing! I wish it was a little more budget-friendly, though.

I've been reading reviews on paddling.net, and was thinking about an Aquabound Manta Ray carbon paddle, though I'm not sure all carbon would be ideal with the places I paddle. I need to be able to push off, and not worry that I'm going to destroy the paddle.

 

[sonnyjane]

How long is your current paddle? I paddle a sit-in that's 21" wide and use a 205cm. Sit on Top (SOT) kayaks are much wider, therefore most people are comfortable with longer 230cm paddles. A good paddle makes a world of difference, and Werner make great paddles. I use a Carbon Fiber Cyprus, but that might be overkill for you. That make some lightweight hybrid paddles that aren't as spendy.

ETA: yikes just read your comment about needing to push off using a paddle. Nevermind. Don't buy a good paddle if that's a possibility! But I'd instead suggest you buy a good paddle and not get into that situation. Can you give an example of a time you'd need to push off with your paddle?

 

[manderz]

My current paddle is 220cm, I'm 5'7, and the boat is 29.5" wide. I'd like a 235cm, but it looks like that would end up being a small fortune for an odd, not standard size. I also know I'd like a large, high angle paddle.

We often paddle little creeks and inlets that get shallow, and some that nearly disappear in dryer times. Sometimes it's just muddy, others, there are rocks, too. Pushing off is not a super regular thing, but it's nice to have that option. However, with the SOT, it will be MUCH easier to get off/on than crawling out of the cockpit of my wilderness systems boat, so it may prove to be a non-issue as I use the new boat more. I've only been out in it a couple times.

 

[sonnyjane]

My current paddle is 220cm, I'm 5'7, and the boat is 29.5" wide. I'd like a 235cm, but it looks like that would end up being a small fortune for an odd, not standard size. I also know I'd like a large, high angle paddle.

We often paddle little creeks and inlets that get shallow, and some that nearly disappear in dryer times. Sometimes it's just muddy, others, there are rocks, too. Pushing off is not a super regular thing, but it's nice to have that option. However, with the SOT, it will be MUCH easier to get off/on than crawling out of the cockpit of my wilderness systems boat, so it may prove to be a non-issue as I use the new boat more. I've only been out in it a couple times.

High angle paddles are SHORTER than low angle paddles so I don't think you'd be happy with a 235 if you plan to paddle high angle. Have you tried a longer paddle? Can you borrow one from someone? If you have any kayak shops around they usually allow demos. Paddles are very much a matter of personal preference. I'm also 5'7" and I do high-angle so I like a very short paddle (again in a sit-in so more narrow). They do make adjustable paddles that you can take from 220 to 230, etc. They aren't as lightweight but that's another thing you might want to consider. Adventure Technology has several options in that department.

Regarding the pushing off, a great paddle is everything, but even if you get a less expensive carbon fiber shaft paddle with a fiberglass blade, you don't want to push off with that either. I paddle wearing gloves, which means I'm not afraid to touch rocks and push off if I have to. Don't recommend that with bare hands, but with gloves I'd certainly do that over using my paddle as a pole to push myself.

 

[manderz]

I did try one that was longer than my 220, and it felt a little better, but the shape of the blade was drastically different, and not in a good way. I believe the one I tried was 240. My 220 is ideal in a sit-in boat, but feels kind of awful when I use the SOT. I was getting water all over myself and the boat, no matter how I adjusted the drip rings, and it felt like I was leaning to get closer to the water. I don't really PLAN to paddle a certain way, I didn't learn anything about paddling until after I had kind of gotten a feel for what was working for me and not working for me. I just got in a boat and went. After reading about it later, I realized that's just how I paddle. I would like a lighter paddle, but I know deep down that it's not going to make a huge difference, as we never do multi-day trips or anything like that. The most we do is 3-4 hours at a time.I didn't realize they made adjustable paddles, that may be a good place for me to start. Off to check out Adventure Technology!

 

[sonnyjane]

I did try one that was longer than my 220, and it felt a little better, but the shape of the blade was drastically different, and not in a good way. I believe the one I tried was 240. My 220 is ideal in a sit-in boat, but feels kind of awful when I use the SOT. I was getting water all over myself and the boat, no matter how I adjusted the drip rings, and it felt like I was leaning to get closer to the water. I don't really PLAN to paddle a certain way, I didn't learn anything about paddling until after I had kind of gotten a feel for what was working for me and not working for me. I just got in a boat and went. After reading about it later, I realized that's just how I paddle. I would like a lighter paddle, but I know deep down that it's not going to make a huge difference, as we never do multi-day trips or anything like that. The most we do is 3-4 hours at a time.I didn't realize they made adjustable paddles, that may be a good place for me to start. Off to check out Adventure Technology!

Oh goodness. Having a lighter paddle makes the entire world of difference even if you're only paddling for 30 minutes!! Seriously, I can't stress enough how much difference the paddle makes. The second you pick up a carbon paddle you'll realize that. One of the biggest mistakes kayakers make is not investing in the paddle. The only thing is, my CF Werner was $400, so it helps to know what kind of paddler you are before investing. Getting wet is a result of high angle paddling. It doesn't have much to do with your paddle itself. In a sit in I have a skirt covering me so it doesn't matter how much it drips. Also most of my friends, and myself, have removed our drip rings. It's counter-intuitive, but the drip rings actually give the water a place to pool and creates MORE dripping with certain paddling styles, high-angle included, so I don't use them. The shape of the paddle also has to do with the style of paddling. A broad blade is for short, high-angle paddling. A narrow blade is for longer, low angle paddling. I know you don't intend to have a certain style but just pay attention to what you do most often and consider that your style. Again I would really try to borrow a paddle since they are an expensive investment. Make sure you like it before pulling the trigger.

 

[jordyonbass]

The Hobie brand of kayaks are amazing watercrafts, I've done a little bit of ocean work in them and their stability is great so I would recommend looking at their range of equipment and kayaks. There's some video floating around youtube of guys catching large game fish like Marlin and sharks from kayaks, one guy towed 15 miles out to sea by a 300lb Black Marlin while in his kayak. I haven't caught anything like that from one, my best fish would have been a 10lb Dorado but being so close to the water gives you a real primitive sensation out at sea

They've got some really well designed storage compartments that I believe are insulated so ice can be stored for extended periods. They've also got options for sonar and GPS mountings, electric motors mountings, foot paddles for economical long-distance travel, fishing rod holders and various other bells and whistles. If you wanted to take a kayak and paddle to a camping spot with all your gooodies then Hobies may be of interest - just be wary the price reflects their versatility