What to look for in a beginner Kayak?

Status
Not open for further replies.

deadken

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
3,196
4
81
I'm looking to pick up a starter Kayak. I'm figuring I'll grab one from Craigslist since I don't have too much disposable income at the moment. I've see a "TIE DYE DAGGER BLACK WATER 12.5 KAYAK" that was only used once for $350. I've also seen cheaper Kayaks for $200-$250. I'm thinking that since the Tie Dye Dagger costs about $700 new, I'd be better off spending more money on that now compared to buying a Kayak that costs $270 new for $200. The other one I've been looking at is a 12' Acadia Perception for $300.

From what I've seen, I'm looking for something with a length of 12' and a beam of around 2'. I live on the South Shore of Long Island and will likely be taking it out into the canals of Freeport, L.I. and perhaps eventually to the local beaches on the bay side of the Jones beach barrier beach.

Anything specifically I should look for? I don't want a toy that I'll grow out of right away, but I'd like something that my niece and nephews can use when I'm not using it.
 
Last edited:

NAC

Golden Member
Dec 30, 2000
1,105
11
81
I have a 9' kayak, I don't recall the brand right now, it was a mid-range model, perhaps $500 new. My friend has a 12' or maybe 14' ocean kayak. I think most regular kayaks can handle the bay side of LI, especially on a calm day. But for real waves on the ocean – his is clearly better.

For general use, I prefer mine because it is easy to transport in my truck and carry around. He was mounting his on the roof of his truck, but it was too burdensome so he built a trailer for it. A longer kayak will track straighter and be harder to turn. So length is an advantage and disadvantage on the water. Depends on where you plan on going – mine works much better in a narrow creek, but my friend's takes a little less energy to move down a wide (say 20+ foot wide) river.

Besides transporting it, you probably want to make sure it is comfortable. Mine has a relatively high seat which stays dry and is suspended, padded, and comfortable. Others, generally cheaper ones but not necessarily, will have hard plastic seats with no back support.
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
67
91
keep an eye on stability versus speed. There are plenty of online resources. I'm sure there is a Kayak forum somewhere that you could lurk at and learn alot.
 

deadken

Diamond Member
Aug 8, 2004
3,196
4
81
Thanks for the suggestions. I've been reading up what I can online. Watching some videos, etc... I *think* I have a pretty good idea of what I should be looking for, but I figured that I'd ask to see what guys who Kayak have to say.
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
67
91
My inlaws bought cheap plastic kayaks. Like other said, the back support sucks, they are not that stable and they cut thrugh water like a snow plow. I suppose those are 3 things to consider.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.