NAR: Kayaks

LadyRed7

Does anyone own one? We want to get started this spring, and i want to get MH one for his birthday in April. I have no idea on what to look for, to avoid, etc..

Does anyone have any tips? 

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Whitewater or flatwater kayaking?

My DH is a big on whitewater boating and could help.  He mean even be able to offer some assistance with a flatwater boat.  I know they're totally different, because a whitewater boat is shorter and will tend to spin or rotate in flatwater -- it's meant for easy maneuverability over rapids/falls.  And the flatwater boats are longer and wider.

You can email me and I'll be happy to give you his email info!  MrsB2007 at gmail if you don't have my "real" email address.

LadyRed7

Thanks so much Mrs.B!

It would be flatwater for sure.  I'll send along an email. 

CaptainSerious

As Mrs.B. said, the longer, flatter-bottomed the boat, the more suited it is for flat water.  The shorter, more rounded the boat, the more it is designed for whitewater.

Do you live on a body of water, or would you have to drive the boat to and from where you will be paddling?  If you will have to transport it, you may want to look into a lighter-weight boat (easier to lift on top of a roof rack), but they are more expensive and can get dented more easily if you hit something in the water (think a branch of a down tree or a rock protruding from an island).

Another thing you may want to think about is storage portals on the hull.  If you will only be using the boat for day trips, it's not a big deal, but if you might take multi-day, camping trips, you would probably benefit from a boat that has access to the front (and maybe back) storage areas from the top (rather than only from the seat area).

Do you want a rudder?  I don't own a kayak and have limited experience, but I've loved the few chances I've gotten to flatwater kayak.  The rudder is the one thing I keep getting hung up on.  To my understanding, it helps you track straighter and makes the boat easier to steer in rougher water, but I don't know how necessary they are.  I've been told by several enthusiasts that they only add marginal control, and are easy to break.

Of course, don't forget comfort!  As the paddler, you want to fit comfortably, and make sure you won't be rubbing/chafing your arms against the side/top of the boat.

When thinking of cost, remember that in addition to the boat, you'll have to by a life vest (designed slightly different than others, so that it doesn't get in the way of your paddling) and a paddle (doesn't usually come with the boat).  You may also want to buy gloves and dry bags.

Let us know what you end up with.  I'm sure to have kayak envy!

DavezWife

(lurker here with advice)

We used to have kayaks... hated them. Best do a rental or find a park & rec that rents them out before you buy.

our legs cramped up a lot, chafed from the sides paddling... and unless you have TONS of upper body strength, you're going to need floats to get yourself upright again.

The fatter and wider they are, the easier they are to not tip, but those are heavy and hard to get up on the roof to drive. My mom has a beginner "fatty" that she has a wheel trailer thing for, but she lives right by a calm lake. she stays along the shore.

I was always left behind, just b/c DH was stronger than I was. He hated waiting for me, and I hated being behind.

We have  a TON more fun in a canoe. I assure you ;-)

Again... try before you buy. I insist, lol.

LadyRed7

thanks girls for all of the feedback! I really wanted to surprise him, but it seems like i'll have to create a fun way to tell him he can pick out his own. LOL