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Kayaks

DrPizza

DrPizza

Administrator Elite Member Goat Whisperer
Anyone know much about them (besides that they float in the water?)

I'm going to get one next week. Through my searches, I've kinda been thinking one of the Perception Kayaks. Yesterday, I was looking at the perception America, Acadia, and Carolina.

The type of water I'll be on will be mostly rivers and streams in the spring... Probably not running into much over cat 2 rapids. (maybe a little bit of cat 3, but not that much) I'll also be kayaking in a lake a couple weeks a year, mostly when the waves are too high to take my fishing boat out (or is that not a good idea?) (It's just a little 14 foot Jon boat.) Plus, while kayaking in the river, I'll also try to do a little bit of fishing from it. I don't mind a small cockpit, and I've spent many many hours in a canoe on the river. (but, again, in the spring, I wouldn't dare take my canoe through some of the stuff my friends go through, and I'd sink the canoe if I attempted to cross the lake on a windy - wavy - day. And, I hate carrying the canoe... a cheapy (although best investment of the last few years) 16 foot canoe. (Pelican?)

summary: Kayak - recommendations?
 
I have a Wilderness Systems Cape Lookout (16ft) that I take out into the ocean when the weather permits. Several things you'll need: lifejacket (duh), sprayskirt, and a paddle leash. A bottle of water comes in handy if you're going to be out for over an hour.
 
I own the Dagger Blackwater 12.5. Most of what I do is soft lakes, and slow rivers. I'm too large a guy to fit in most the whitewater yaks. (I'm ~245lbs, most of the ww kayaks are max weight 190-200). I have been through some rough wind chop before, and the boat handled it well. I also like the weight of mine which is around 50lbs so its not to heavy to load and unload myself. My best advice is to go to some local stores if you have them (We have TN River Sports here) and talk to them. I spent around 2 months before making my final decision, and I love the yak I have. Good luck to you.
 
Test drive before you buy if at all possible.
Decide what activities you will do the most and seek out boats that fit those needs. Don't let salesmen talk you into "all-around" boats. Oftentimes, they are mediocre at everything.
Don't skimp on the paddle. I bought the "cheap" $80 paddle when I first started. I thought it was OK. It was a 2-piece and weighed 48 oz. Last year, I cracked one of the blades in some heavy surf, so I went looking for a replacement. I ended up getting an ONNO. It set me back $300, but it's 100% carbon fiber, one-piece construction and weighs just 24 oz. It is amazing what a difference it made in my durability and my ability to catch waves. Pat will customize your paddle to suit your size, boat and needs. He's a great guy.
 
There's a place where I could "test drive" kayaks about 2 hours from here or so... Maybe I'll give that a try this week. Thanks, Jzero.
 
What about this one?

I like the two storage compartments, and lack of rudder. (Kayak aficionados seem to disapprove of the rudder. The general opinion seems to be 'if it needs a rudder to be controllable, it's a poorly designed kayak'. Not that I would know anything, though.)

On the downside, if course, this is one of those 'hybrid' kayaks that do neither touring nor whitewater especially well...but do both capably. Which, actually, sounds like it would fit your needs.
 
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