Thinking about getting a kayak

[Kerouactivist]

I've been thinking about getting a kayak for awhile now....
The rivers I would be using it on would be primarily the Jacks Fork, Current, and Eleven Point rivers in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways system (some class one and two rapids at best, lots of tight turning and shallow in alot of areas though) and am having a tough time trying to figure out what kind of kayak would be best for the local area for what I want to do....
Which is go out on daytrips and some two-three nite trips (camping along the river) and do some fishing along the way. (I've already got quite abit of backpacker gear which I'm sure will come in handy to lower my overall weight)

The only outfitter nearby carries Olde Towne kayaks and the person there recommended one of the following:
Adventure 160
Dirigo 120
Dirigo 140
Loon 138
Adventure 139
Predator K140S

Don't know much about particular brands but are these good choices or do I need to move up out of the recreational kayaks for what I want to do?
I have fairly limited experience but I think I would prefer a Kayak over a canoe because it seems it would be a heck of a lot easier to maneuver than a canoe soloing (not fun canoeing solo in the rapids IMHO)

I'd be interested in knowing what kind of kayaks others have and why they chose that particular model???
Well I'm a bit of a noob when it comes to kayaking so any ideas, tips, info you could give me would be greatly appreciated....
thanks....

Oh and I'd say my budget is pretty flexible from $500-1200

 

[Dorkenstein]

Hey there! I work at Old Town Canoe, born and raised here in Old Town. I like my Loon but I will do some research for you.

 

[dartworth]

ka-YAK!!

 

[ppdes]

>need to move up out of the recreational kayaks

Recreational type usually has less storage than touring. So if you want to camp for days touring is better. I thought Adventure 160 was touring, though?

 

[Kristi2k]

I live a town over from Old Town, they make the best and more durable kayaks out there, I speak from experience. What class rivers are those that you listed?

 

[Kerouactivist]

Originally posted by: ppdes
>need to move up out of the recreational kayaks

Recreational type usually has less storage than touring. So if you want to camp for days touring is better. I thought Adventure 160 was touring, though?

I think the 160 is kind of a Rec/tour hybrid u might say....probably the best bet outta the lot but I'm not sure......

Class I and II on the classes

 

[DrPizza]

Give the Perception kayaks a look. Personally, I've found the Old Town kayaks overpriced - you're paying quite a bit just for the name. As far as durability, either is just as durable. I don't think you could possibly abuse a kayak more than I've abused mine; it's holding up great - recently I snapped the blade of my paddle in half - I'm not too timid with regard to where I take the kayak; and I spend a lot of time kayaking.

(btw, you've gotta try downhill kayaking in the wintertime. It's a blast!)

I've always loved my little Perception America; more of a recreational kayak (10.5 or 11 feet). I bought a 13.5 foot America for my wife - it tracks great, turns relatively easily on streams, and has a decent amount of storage space. She's done quite a bit of fishing from it and loves it.

However, the best way to pick your kayak is to go to a dealer who has a large variety of kayaks and will let you test them out. I've traveled a few hours to go to demo days and try out quite a few different kayaks. If you're going to be on streams that are relatively shallow, forget about investing in any kayak where you're going to cry when it gets its first scratch. Also, it doesn't sound like there's any reason at all for you to get a kayak with a rudder (I still can't see any reason anyone would ever need one; provided they can paddle in a straight line.) Personally, though, I'd avoid really short kayaks like a 10 foot loon. I prefer to use my wife's kayak (13.5 feet) over my own which is shorter. She can blow me away on the water for speed with that thing, and it tracks a lot straighter with only a small sacrifice on turning.

 

[Kerouactivist]

Originally posted by: DrPizza
Give the Perception kayaks a look. Personally, I've found the Old Town kayaks overpriced - you're paying quite a bit just for the name. As far as durability, either is just as durable. I don't think you could possibly abuse a kayak more than I've abused mine; it's holding up great - recently I snapped the blade of my paddle in half - I'm not too timid with regard to where I take the kayak; and I spend a lot of time kayaking.

(btw, you've gotta try downhill kayaking in the wintertime. It's a blast!)

I've always loved my little Perception America; more of a recreational kayak (10.5 or 11 feet). I bought a 13.5 foot America for my wife - it tracks great, turns relatively easily on streams, and has a decent amount of storage space. She's done quite a bit of fishing from it and loves it.

However, the best way to pick your kayak is to go to a dealer who has a large variety of kayaks and will let you test them out. I've traveled a few hours to go to demo days and try out quite a few different kayaks. If you're going to be on streams that are relatively shallow, forget about investing in any kayak where you're going to cry when it gets its first scratch. Also, it doesn't sound like there's any reason at all for you to get a kayak with a rudder (I still can't see any reason anyone would ever need one; provided they can paddle in a straight line.) Personally, though, I'd avoid really short kayaks like a 10 foot loon. I prefer to use my wife's kayak (13.5 feet) over my own which is shorter. She can blow me away on the water for speed with that thing, and it tracks a lot straighter with only a small sacrifice on turning.

The local outfitter sells Kayaks about $200 below retail give or take (some apparently have minor cosmetic blemishes but nothing I can see).....is that pretty common or should I look for a better deal.....
Sierra trading post sometimes has pretty good deals on Perception Carolina Kayaks when you figure in 30% off coupons etc...any thoughts on those?

I'm not too worried about scratching any kayak I would buy....I figure if its not getting scratched up then it would probably mean I'm not really using it...

Downhill Kayaking looks like a blast.....Very rarely get snow where I live, enough to do something like that anyway...

In regards to length I've heard tthat on long-haul trips a shorter kayak really tends to bog some people down....any thoughts?

 

[sandorski]

"Bottomless" Soda/Soft Drink=Good
"Bottomless" Kayak=======Not Good

 

[Kerouactivist]

Originally posted by: sandorski
"Bottomless" Soda/Soft Drink=Good
"Bottomless" Kayak=======Not Good

NEFing=:thumbsup:

danke

 

[vi edit]

Look into the transitional category from Wilderness systems. For sit ins I think they offer the best value to options/performance for what you want.

http://wildernesssystems.com/category.asp?id=3

 

[DrPizza]

Yeah, for long trips the short kayaks are really slow. Like I said above, my wife, with the same model (except a few more feet in length) can blow me away in her kayak. For a longer trip, and I've done several overnight trips with friends, a shorter kayak = much more effort.

The Carolinas are really nice kayaks too.

And, one thing that can't be beat: if there are fireworks that occur on the waterfront somewhere near you, there is no fireworks experience better than being directly below the fireworks when they explode in the air. In the city near me (Olean, NY), a few of us started sitting in the Allegany River right behind where they launch the fireworks. Having watched them since I was 2 years old, I'm positive there is no better way than from the water. You're closer, plus the sound is enhanced. There are dikes on both sides of the river, so it seems louder - you can feel the compression.

 

[fishmonger12]

Get a touring kayak of some sort. The extra hatches are definitely worthwhile if you plan on doing anything longer than a day trip.

I would also suggest a rod holder attachment if you plan on going fishing. Having an 8' fly rod in your lap is a real impedance to your paddling.