For the love of Kayaking

[Blaze]

For the love of Kayaking...
For the well seasoned, the intermediate, and the amature yakers, or the one's that are thinking about getting one.
A place to share Idea's.
Ask questions.
Share place's you have been to.
Be you a recreational kayaker. A sports fisherperson, racing yaker, bird watcher yaker, touring, white water, sea or fresh water kayaking.
No matter what you like, it's all an addiction.
There are so many options to choose from. SIS which are sit inside.
SOTS which are sit on top. Chosing the right one is a task in itself.
Then comes the accessories. What type of PFD personal floating device. Which paddle is right for you. Anchors, Floating anchors, floats.
Bungies, straps. Rod holders,leashes,clamps,lights, fish finders, GPS, ropes, emergency kits, what type of roof carriers, buy versus make your own.
Stability, fast tracking, skirts, rudders. Yes so many options, so much choices. All in all, it's the matter of comfort, cost, and what your planning to do.
My main choice of information is, if your not sure what kind of kayak your wanting to buy; don't just buy because it looks pretty, rugged or you like the color. Don't buy out of desperation. Go to places that let you test paddle, try as many as you can. Ask question to the dealership, if there are courses, consider taking a basic class on paddling. And always wear you PFD it could save your life!
* There are many kayaks for sale online that are used, but if you don't know what your buying you could be buying someone elses problems. Know what your looking for, look for leaks, soft hulls, rotted seals. Ask to try before you buy.
* You can actually save a lot of money making your own accessories. And you really shouldn't over pack your yak to begin with, though I am very guilty of packing like im going to camp for 2 days. I am not one that likes name brands, I like basics, some of the low end brands actually work just as well as the expensive.
*PFD are the only expensive item that you need to spend money on, like I said earlier, it will save your life.

[Just_G]

I absolutely LOVE kayaking! When we float the spring-fed rivers here in Missouri, I use an SOT. I have always wanted to hit some faster rivers, but the ones here in the spring are pretty good...it's just cold because of the "spring fed" thing. BRRRRR!!

I would love to try some other places that are not too far of a drive, but will have to wait until after I finish school to be able to do so. :hangloose:

[DapperButch]

I have done white water rafting and have always wanted to do white water kayaking, but never have. The closest place is a few hours away, so it really isn't possible for it to become a sport for me.

I have considered looking into ocean kayaking, as I go to the beach in the summer regularly. Now I know where to go for information this summer, if I decide to get into it.

Thanks, Blaze! :hangloose:

[Blaze]

I absolutely LOVE kayaking! When we float the spring-fed rivers here in Missouri, I use an SOT. I have always wanted to hit some faster rivers, but the ones here in the spring are pretty good...it's just cold because of the "spring fed" thing. BRRRRR!!

I would love to try some other places that are not too far of a drive, but will have to wait until after I finish school to be able to do so. :hangloose:



Ahhh speaking of the cold...
You can wear wadders, or you can purchase a neoprene body suit. For me, lol, cheap way, get a rain jacket suit, I use the pants, put on a neoprene wadder boot. A hoodie and I am ready!
Yes, I prefer the sit on tops, only cause I fish and I like to hang my legs off the side. I have yet to white water. Perhaps one day we can hook up and you teach me how to hit the rivers!

[turasultana]

I've kayaked for many years (some years more than others), almost exclusively in the Hudson river around Manhattan & Brooklyn. The river is brackish and tidal so it's more like sea-kayaking. Lots of boat traffic as well ( just try to outrun the Staten island ferry sometime!). I've played in sit on tops when i wanted to get some sun on my legs, but normally it's all sit inside. Lately I've used a Cape horn 15, but i've also liked a 17 foot.

Once it warms up I'll be back, too much hassle to deal with full dry suit in the winter for me.

I don't own a boat. I've owned a PFD (because the one's the outfitter has are not made to accommodate breasts - so you either can't breathe or they ride up!

I do however have my own paddle. Best investment you can make I think. Mine is a good 10 years old - Epic carbon fiber. Love it, light as hell, esp important for long distance paddle.

[Blaze]

I give you credit for trying to out run a ferry! The boaters here in Texas, they like to try and turtle you. SO I usually have my fishing rod in one hand while saluting the middle bird with my left. ~shakes head~ to much salutes cuts my fishing time in half!
Wonderful choice in paddle I must say! Because I use my paddle for everything, I have always used the Day tripper from Academy. It's not good in the cold weather, but I love the blade on it, and it's a good second paddle back up if something happens to your favorite paddle. I am now looking into the Bending Branches Whisper AS paddle.
http://www.coloradokayak.com/core/media/media.nl/id.18796/c.437148/.f?h=7b92ca4e84f4db7aa075

[Blaze]

What to Carry on Board
Kayak Fishing With Jeff McGovern

A kayak is not a bass boat, bay boat, or a flats boat when it comes to hauling equipment. While a kayak can fill most boating roles, space is limited-- so serious thought is needed as to what to carry. You outfit your boat according to the needs you have in your own fishing area. My fishing time is split between saltwater and freshwater in Florida. The gear is similar, except for the tackle changes normally associated between the two types of fishing.

Safety gear is first. You need to be safe in the water and there are some things that are mandatory and might be required by law. A PFD or personal floatation device is very important and should be worn at all times while in the kayak. A whistle is required as a signaling device and should be carried on board. Hat and sunglasses add protection and comfort from the sun. Proper clothing, either rain suit or sun protection, needs to be accessible for when the need arises. Fishing gloves protect the hands from sunburn and can aid in the landing of fish. Sun block should be worn at all times to protect the skin. I prefer at least SPF 30 or higher. Foot wear needs to be nonskid and of a type that can be worn in the water. Here in Florida, shoes with a sturdy sole help prevent cuts and slashes from oyster beds and shells. I also carry a sponge or towel to wipe my hands after a fish, as well as to soak up any water I get into the boat.

You need some way to secure your kayak while still fishing. An anchor or stake out pole is ideal for this. My preference is to use a small folding anchor on an anchor trolley rigged to the side of the kayak. If the water is shallow enough, in the W you can simply change your position on the seat to pin the hulls to the bottom--a great method for stop and go style flats fishing. In deeper water, a drift sock or small bucket can be used to slow down your drift. In addition to securing the kayak at times, you'll also need a place to keep the paddle out of the way. You can either place it across the cockpit, resting on the cockpit noodles or on paddle hooks (as seen on the W website.)

Fishing tackle needs a place to be kept out of the way until needed. A fishing vest with multiple pockets is fine for small terminal tackle and packages of plastic baits. It also gives you a place to carry a small camera, line clippers, dehookers, and other small fishing tools. I use small gear reels or lanyards to keep the gear close at hand but out of the way while fishing. Larger lures in tackle packs and other tools can be placed in a small plastic trashcan and slid under the deck on whichever side is most convenient. A net is handy and a small one can be kept under the front deck opposite the side with the trash can. Another great tool for landing and controlling fishing at the boat is a pair of fish grabbers.

I keep drinks and snacks in a small soft cooler behind me in one of the hull spaces. If fish are to be kept for dinner, they can be stored in a cooler bag in a hull space as well.

Rods and reels are placed in the flush mount holders, if the W model you have is equipped with them. My F2 has two holders, while my standard W boat has a three-tube crate rig mounted on the deck behind me. If I need extra rods, I use multi-piece pack rods stored below the decks. Some folks like to troll while paddling and the new Ram rod holders are ideal for this purpose.
Remember that, even though space is limited compared to a powerboat, there is more than enough room for a day of fishing in a kayak. It just takes a bit of thought and planning.

[SnackTime]

Thanks for starting this thread Blaze!

[Blaze]

The newest model out for the angler kayaker
It's the Jackson Kayak Coosa
Shorter in stature 11'3" but the craze is on!
http://static4.jacksonkayak.com/jackson-kayak-new/kayaks/coosa-product.jpg

I own a Perception Aquaterra Prism. 14' 4" long It's a fast yak, not really a fishing yak but I rigged it to become one. Not a beginner yak, it's not very stable, it was built for speed. This model is an older model but I had used one in Hawaii years ago and I always loved this yak. So I waited patiently until I found one here in TX. My next choice would have been a Heritage Redfish. But now I got my eye on the model above. Says you can actually stand on this model. Hmmm something to look forward to!

[Kelt]

This thread looks great!

I've been interested in learning for a couple of years, maybe this summer will have to be the time. There are a couple of places near me that rent equipment by the hour, day, or longer, and give classes.

I have subscribed and will be keeping up with the thread.

Thanks :thumbsup:

[lipstixgal]

I don't know if I kayed I would fall in probably and not really like that so I don't think I would do it unless a nice butch came with me to help me out in the deep waters of the river..just saying:rrose:

[katsarecool]

I have never been but always wanted to!!! If there is anyone in GA near Atlanta that would like to take a femme for her first kayaking adventure just let me know. I am still waiting for my first ride on the back of a Harley too! Maybe this is my year!!! ;)

[Blaze]

I've kayaked for many years (some years more than others), almost exclusively in the Hudson river around Manhattan & Brooklyn. The river is brackish and tidal so it's more like sea-kayaking. Lots of boat traffic as well ( just try to outrun the Staten island ferry sometime!). I've played in sit on tops when i wanted to get some sun on my legs, but normally it's all sit inside. Lately I've used a Cape horn 15, but i've also liked a 17 foot.

Once it warms up I'll be back, too much hassle to deal with full dry suit in the winter for me.

I don't own a boat. I've owned a PFD (because the one's the outfitter has are not made to accommodate breasts - so you either can't breathe or they ride up!

I do however have my own paddle. Best investment you can make I think. Mine is a good 10 years old - Epic carbon fiber. Love it, light as hell, esp important for long distance paddle.

Stohlquist Wedge-e Personal Flotation Device

see more products
by MTI MTI PFDiva Womens Kayak Life Jacket 2010: The PFDiva is the only Life Vest you can custom fit for different cup sizes. Inspired by the latest fashion & sports bra design trends, the PFDiva comes with the *Adjust-A-Bust* Fit Kit. Four ultra-soft Memory Foam pads can be inserted inside interior pockets to support the bust, improving the vest-to-body connection. PFDiva moves with you. Other women-friendly features are the Racer-Back shape, a front entry zipper, easy-to-use adjustment straps, pockets, reflective tape for visibility, and pretty Butterfly Tattoos.
http://www.thefind.com/apparel/browse-womens-kayak-life-jacket (http://www.thefind.com/apparel/browse-womens-kayak-life-jacket)
There are PFD's in so many more choices for women now.




http://www.backcountry.com/images/items/large/STO/STO0017/WEDFR.jpg

[Blaze]

How to Find the Best Kayak Life Vest for Women





http://photos.demandstudios.com/224/173/fotolia_508003_XS.jpg http://photos.demandstudios.com/224/173/fotolia_508003_XS.jpg kayak 9 image by Jerome Dancette from Fotolia.com

How to Find the Best Kayak Life Vest for Women



Overview

A kayak life vest, or a personal flotation device (PFD), is a necessary piece of kayaking safety gear that provides buoyancy should you fall into the water. Regardless of type and size of watercraft, the U.S. Coast Guard requires each person carry a PFD on board. Women-specific PFD's are customized for a better fit and improve their effectiveness as a life preserver.


Step 1

Torso length of the PFD should be short. To maximize mobility while paddling, women's PFDs will be shorter in length and have a racer cut on the back of the vest. The shortened length allows for a versatile and snug fit across the waist and chest, will prevent the PFD from riding up above the shoulders and will not interfere with the kayak seat back.
Step 2

The PFD should have built-in contoured cups. Built-in contoured cups wrap and support the bust line rather than crush or flatten.
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Step 3

The PFD should have adjustable shoulder and waist straps with side-release buckles. Adjustable straps allow you to customize the fit of your PFD for comfort and maximum safety. A vest that fits snugly will keep you afloat should you fall into the water.
Step 4

Over the head or side-zip design prevents the PFD from coming undone during use. Life vests with a center-zip closure can unzip during a wet re-entry into your kayak. An over-the-head design or side-zip closure prevents the zipper from pulling down when getting back into the kayak in the event of capsize.
Step 5

The PFD should have storage for safety gear. Two front cargo pockets are essential for carrying safety gear such as a whistle, a knife and food. The vest should also have reflective tape on the front and back to allow for visibility in low light.

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Tips and Warnings


To care for your PFD, rinse after each use and let the vest dry before storing.
References


REI: Gear for Kayak Trips (http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/kayak+trips.html)
Water Outfitters: Kayak Life Jackets vs. Traditional Life Jackets (http://www.wateroutfitters.com/docs/kayak-life-jackets-vs-traditional-life-jackets/)



Photo Credit

kayak 9 image by Jerome Dancette from Fotolia.com (http://www.fotolia.com/)

http://sitelife.demandstudios.com/ver1.0/Content/images/store/7/1/f797cf52-cbbd-4f75-a150-7ac66aeee313.Small.jpg About this Author

Cathleen Calkins is a writer and photographer specializing in writing about travel, adventure, lifestyle, health, fitness and brand identity since 1998. Her work has appeared in "Backcountry," "Telemark Skier" and "The Rotarian" magazines, as well as "LA Weekly," "Las Vegas Review Journal" and a number of adventure travel and marketing websites. She holds a Bachelor of Science in hospitality management from Rochester Institute of Technology.




Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/120458-kayak-life-vest-women/#ixzz19uTjXPrH

[katsarecool]

Would it be too much to ask if the person who will take me kayaking also be able to take me fishing as well? :)

[Corkey]

subscribing

[Blaze]

To Kayak or Not

I've been goofing around in the surf with my O.K. Scrambler. I've recently picked up a sit-inside white water kayak, but I'm too aprehensive to bring it into the surf until I learn how to eskimo roll. If anyone knows where I could find some Eskimo Roll classes, or if there is anybody out there willing to give me a lesson, let me know.
Probably the best way to find out if sea kayaking is for you is to go with an outfitter on a day paddle. Many offer trips for raw beginners. Central Coast Kayaks offers the "Tomol Tour for novices, Paddle Sports (805) 899-4925 in Santa Barbara has beginner paddles, Channel Islands Kayak Center has the "Coastline Paddle Experience" others have similar outings that include all rental of a kayak, all the gear you need, and some instruction. See the Outfitters page.
After that you should consider taking an intro class such as Central Coast's Introduction to Paddling to learn more about "strokes, paddling weather, necessary kayaking equipment, personal and group management, launching and rescues."
You can go on to rent kayaks and join in an SBKA.ORG beginner paddle.
Renting gear allows you to try out different types of boats, such as sit-on-tops or sit-inside kayaks, and decide what's right for you if you decide to get your own equipment.
Sit-on or sit-in debate:
*Originally the only kayaks were sit inside. The Eskimos didn't have roto-molding plastic technology, only skins and bones....
*But now new kayakers have a bewildering choice of designs.
Many consider sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks as casual recreational kayaks without the capabilities to handle adverse conditions, but with the bonus of extra width and excellent stability, which is of paramount importance to the casual paddler. The can be cheaper, but often heavier, than sit inside (SI) kayaks.
Sit-inside (SI) kayaks are often more comfortable for longer paddles, carry more gear, and handle rougher weather and therefore tend to be the choice for touring and expedition kayaking. But the SOT designers are working on adding more capability to SOTs all the time.
SI kayaks have less initial stability than the SOT recreational kayaks, yet still have a fair bit of secondary stability, but more importantly, have the capabilities to handle more adverse conditions. Initial stability is the "tippyness" or lack thereof that you first feel when you sit on or in a kayak. Secondary stability is the self righting force that helps a kayak roll back upright when it's leaned farther over by a wave or the kayaker.
The SI paddler needs to learn to wet-exit a kayak and to get back in (called a "rescue" or "re-entry"). These skills are generally aquired in a one-day basic proficiency course plus a little practice. The paddler of a sit-inside kayak is protected from cold water, and wind, which is also a comfort factor. Wind chill can substantially reduce the temperature experienced by the kayaker.
The bottom line is most people start out in SOTs because they are easy and less intimidating to use. Many kayakers stay with SOTs and enjoy recreational paddling, caving, and even some open water trips (SOT paddlers have made the Channel Crossing). Others decide that they want the added seaworthiness and speed of a touring SI and go that way. Some get a specialized river type kayak for ocean surfing:
WHAT TO WEAR

The consensus seems to be to first consider immersion and dangers of hypothermia. According to the Coast Guard, hypothermia at 50 to 60 degrees produces exhaustion or unconsciousness in one to two hours, and the expected survival time is one to six hours. Note that most of us wear type III PFDs that will NOT keep an unconscious person face up, which means that you will likely drown even with the PFD once you loose consciousness. Several kayakers have reported on how quickly (only a few minutes} immersion in cold water (winter So Cal ocean water temps are in the mid 50's) can rob you of strength and judgment.
As to what to wear, a popular choice was a "Farmer John (or Jane)" wetsuit with a paddle jacket top. Avoid cotton as a base layer, which holds water and chills. A surfer's lycra "rash guard" or a Polartec (warmer) base works and can help keep you warm even when wet. Poly pro is also suitable for a base layer. Some paddle jackets are "semi dry" with seals at the neck and wrist. Or you can wear a neoprene jacket as a top but neoprene jackets are restrictive for paddling. Even though they can provide more protection the thicker they are the more resistance and more energy can be wasted fighting the jacket. Don't forget a hat or even a hood in very cold conditions, as a lot of heat is lost from your head.
Sit on top kayakers seem to dress warmer as they are more exposed, likely to get wet, and easier to cool off.. Sit inside kayakers need to make choices balancing safety and comfort. People with little body fat may be more susceptible to hypothermia...
Reasons to dress warmer: Cooler water and air temps, sit on top kayak, surfing, practicing rolls, going out alone, rougher water, learner body type, beginner, safer.
Reasons to dress cooler: Warmer water and air temps, sit inside kayak, calm waters, in a group, expert.
More:
Randell Washburne in his book The Coastal Kayker’s Manual p 53 says: “ In warm-weather, cold-water environments, finding a suit of clothes that provides reasonable immersion protection without cooking you when you paddle is an almost impossible task, and a decision has to be made about the acceptable level of discomfort while paddling versus the degree of risk of capsize, which might force you to swim. If your brace and roll are very strong, you may judge the risk to be minimal and dress more for the air than for the water.
Or, as happened to a few paddlers, one dunking in cold water may convince you to always wear full immersion protection, no matter how hot the weather. As a compromise, you might adjust your clothes toward immersion protection during times of more significant risk, such as exposed crossings.”
Wayne Horodowich suggests: "Practice and perfect your capsize recovery skills so you won't have to spend much time in the water. This will give you more options for what you wear. Your two main goals regarding capsize should be: minimize exposure to the elements and be back in your kayak with kayak being sea worthy again."
Washburne goes on to talk about layering options and risk factors. Even when talking about the colder conditions in the Pacific Northwest, he rejects 1⁄4 inch wet suits, survival suits or mustang suits as too hot and bulky to paddle in. He says, “Many kayakers choose light wet suits as a compromise between paddling and in the water comfort. A 1/8 to 3/16 farmer John (no arms) worn over polypropylene underwear and under pile clothing or a shell provides good weather protection and fairly good immersion protection.”
Derek Hutchinson from England, who paddles all over the world says, in The Complete Book of Sea Kayaking, “..if I know I’m going to get wet, either surfing or demonstrating, I wear a thin, zipperless wet suit Long John over a long sleeved Hele-Hansen “liffa” shirt. On the other hand, if I don’t’ see much likelihood of getting wet and I’m embarking on an extended trip, then I am all for the “old comfort” outfit (polypro underwear, woolen pullovers, baggy trousers and a paddling jacket). Of course, he’s an expert paddler.
Most of what’s written is for sit inside kayakers, sit on top kayakers have different conditions. Their ride tends to be wetter than a person in a sit inside. The sit inside kayaker is wearing a spray skirt, which adds an extra torso layer. And the sit on top kayaker has an easier option to slide off his boat and cool down in the water and then has an easier time getting back on (but practice in a safe place with a partner first!).
On the other hand, the sit inside kayaker may be less likely to unexpectedly end up in the water, in my experience. Kayakers who plan to spend more time in the water may like the additional buoyancy a wet suit provides. Bottom line for kayakers in our area is you have to make your own informed judgment about what to wear based on conditions, your skills, the nature of your paddle, the possibilities for rescue if you end up in the water, and even your body type. Sit on top kayakers may prefer a farmer John or full wetsuit at all times, with an appropriate top, while many sit inside kayakers make the decision to skip the wet suit on hot days, if conditions are benign and he (or she) has partners he trusts to assist. But if they expect to be rolling, surfing, or facing tough conditions they may decide wear a wet suit, even in summer. Paddling in Alaska or the Pacific Northwest or other colder water regions may choose to wear wet suits (or sealed dry suits) at all times, even in a sit inside kayak.
Wayne Horodowich suggests: You may wish to consider an emergency dry bag with extra clothes when you go out with a group. Pile pants, pile pullover and pile cap (you can loose considerable heat through you head) are light but effective. Because of the size this bag it will probably end up strapped to the back deck. Don't store it in your main hatches because you don't really want to open any hatches when on the water unless it is a day hatch.
In your day bag which is kept behind your seat bring a space blanket for wind protection or a garden size plastic bag that can be made into a paddle vest to keep the wind off of the torso.

[Blaze]

Sit-on-Top Vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks



http://photos.demandstudios.com/162/114/fotolia_4089763_XS.jpg kayak image by Greg Pickens from Fotolia.com

Sit-on-Top Vs. Sit-Inside Kayaks



Overview

If you are new to kayaking, choosing the right type of kayak can seem overwhelming. Kayaks come in various widths, lengths and shapes. They are made from many types of materials, including metal, vinyl and fiberglass. Choosing among these features depends largely on how you plan to use the kayak. For example, a kayak built for distance paddling can be difficult to control in rough rapids. Another factor to consider is whether to buy a sit-on-top or a sit-in kayak. Both types have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Definitions

A sit-in kayak features a seat that is inside the kayak, according to Adventure Times Kayaks. There is an opening on top of the kayak for the paddler to climb in and out of the vessel. Some sit-in kayaks have water skirts over the opening to help prevent water from entering the kayak.



A sit-on-top kayak features a seat that is mounted above the hull, rather than inside it. The top of the hull is typically solid, with small holes or channels designed to drain water from the top of the kayak.
Appropriateness



According to the Paddleshack website, sit-on-top kayaks are appropriate for inexperienced paddlers, especially those who have not perfected techniques to avoid rolling the kayak. They are also appropriate for anglers because they are stable when stationary.



Sit-in kayaks are appropriate for more experienced paddlers who need greater control over the vessel. They also work well for avid kayakers who want a long kayaking season, because paddlers can be use them in spring and autumn weather.
Performance

Generally, sit-on-top kayaks are more cumbersome on the water than sit-in kayaks, according to Paddle Shack Kayaks. They are typically wider than sit-in kayaks to compensate for the paddler's higher center of gravity. This can make sit-on-top kayaks slower and more difficult to paddle.



The lower center of gravity of sit-in kayaks typically make them faster and easier to control.
Gear Storage

Because sit-in kayaks offer access to the entire hull, they are better for storing gear without tie-downs. Sit-on-top kayaks, on the other hand, have molded tops, providing less space for storing gear. Also, gear can be protected from the elements in a sit-in kayak but is exposed on a sit-on-top model.
Hauling and Storage

Because the seat is mounted above the hull on a sit-on-top kayak, it takes up more space during hauling and storage than a sit-in kayak. This can make hauling a sit-on-top kayak more difficult, particularly if you are hauling the vessel on top of a passenger car. A sit-on-top kayak is also more difficult to hang on a wall, which can create storage problems if you have a small garage or limited storage space.

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References


Adventure Times Kayaks: Choosing a Fishing Kayak (http://www.adventuretimes.com/choose-fish.html)
Paddle Shack Kayaks: Tips on Selecting a Kayak (http://www.paddleshack.com/tips/tipsonselect.html)






Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/179796-sit-on-top-vs-sit-inside-kayaks/#ixzz19uiNY0Hn

[Blaze]

Here is an excellent link to kayak help questions and answers.
http://www.kayakhelp.com/ (http://www.kayakhelp.com/) Full of lots of info from buying one to taking care of it!

[afixer]

I have two boats now and just started easing back into it last summer.
I whitewater paddled in my twenties and loved it. then one good friday in 1988 I went rafting with a bunch of guide friends on the Occoe. it was flood stage and a very bad idea. I didn't get on white water again until last summer when I hit the river I learn to paddle on.

Gn9NAGIa_Pc

I picked up (for free :) ) a Bluehole whitewater canoe this summer and sorta stalled with the repairs on it. the boat is about 20 years old but it's a tough ass boat and was free. here's a pic of what they look like.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_nfZpRc-QfMU/SmUgdmMbi4I/AAAAAAAAB2g/FkpPLDFC1UM/s400/P7130113.JPG

I also have an old town kayak like this one.

http://traversecity-michigan.americaslocalads.com/img/7uc91225906184DSCF0457%5B1%5D.jpg

I wear a pfd like this but am shopping for something better fitting.

http://img03.static-nextag.com/image/NRS-Chinook-Mesh-Back/1/000/006/569/784/656978495.jpg

and my paddles...I have several paddles depending on where I'm going. :)

[Sparkle]

Great thread, thank you! :)

I love kayaking. I love the truly unique vantage point and experience I have in the water in a kayak: the proximity to birds and fish - the views of land - the quietness & peacefulness of it.

I learned in a white water kayak and it is still my favorite "medium", but I don't get to do it very often these days.

I've been moving around quite a lot over the course of the last ten years, so I don't have any of my own equipment right now. I rent equipment and go whenever I can, where ever I am.

I often get out on fresh water and slow rivers in my local area; I get out in a sea kayak a couple times a year off the coast of Cape Cod and very occasionally I get the opportunity to kayak in white water.

In November I went out in sea kayaks off the Island of Hawai'i, that was truly amazing - I was kayaking with huge sea turtles and dolphins.

[Blaze]

Oh the Envy... You scored Afixer on the canoe! Hope you get to finish fixing it up and posting pictures! Thank you for sharing. And I love that you could show what model kayak you have! Mine is old, and you really can't find pics online anymore, lol. Guess I will have to take pics of mine later. The original Aquaterra Prism trademark was taken over by Perseption kayaks, so needless to say they stopped making this model. Out dated like me :seeingstars:

Sparkle, I love how you descibe the view of seeing it at birds view. Being able to see things that you don't get to see being on land. For me, I have never really river yaked, I do have an adventurous mind to try white water. But have only been a wave rider and angler yaker. Wow, now I really want to try river/white water challenge, sounds exciting.

[Sparkle]

The perspective is great and its different from other types of boating experiences; when I am in a kayak I really feel I am experiencing the water (like when I swim or snorkel). In canoes/boats/motorized boats - I feel like I am on top of the water, but in a kayak I feel I am IN it.

White Water kayaking is very exciting and challenging. It is also the most expensive way to kayak; the boat and paddles are more expensive and they get banged up much more quickly, and if you are renting equipment you need a helmet and a wet suit and certification/proof of experience at different rapids levels. But the boats themselves are very cool, so small and agile.

Turasultana, I've always wanted to kayak the Hudson around Manhattan but the boat traffic (BIG boat traffic, specifically, has always intimidated me).

[Blaze]

http://www.addictivefishing.com/forum/Uploads/Images/b7fb9924-d6c1-4e56-b124-4558.JPG
Yesssssss I found pics online of my model


http://images.craigslist.org/3p03o63l25Y15Q55W6abu6948d1f5d1551d88.jpg
My yak is like the white one on the picture above, but I rigged it for fishing. Putting a Scotty rod holder, rod pipes behind the seat, and making a PVC rocket launcher to hold 5 poles or a net and 4 poles, lol. The only dislike of this model is the hatches leak if flipped making it an awful time trying to right it back. So I try hard not to turtle.

[afixer]

I've always wanted to kayak the Hudson around Manhattan but the boat traffic (BIG boat traffic, specifically, has always intimidated me).

other parts of the Hudson are only an hour away.
and this places rents. Hudson Valley Outfitter's
(http://www.hudsonvalleyoutfitters.com/default.htm)

I may have to try them out next spring. :)

[Blaze]

Information on River Safety:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/images/trgbannericon.gif (http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/index.phtml)
RIVER SAFETY

Top 10 River Safety Tips

1. Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to return, and where to call if you don't.
2. Make sure that your water skills and experience are equal to the river and the conditions.
3. Never boat alone. Always have at least one (preferrably two) other boats with you on a river trip.
4. Wear a Coast Guard approved type III-V, properly adjusted lifejacket at all times when you are in or near the river.
5. Know your limits of swimmers rescue and self rescue on rivers.
6. Know when and how to swim for the eddy.
7. Reduce injuries by wearing protective foot wear and proper clothing designed for river recreation.
8. Be prepared for extremes in weather, especially cold.
9. Know about hypothermia and how it can affect you.
10. Plan your trip and stick to your plan.
International Scale of River Difficulty

Flat Water
A - Pools, lakes, or rivers with velocity under 2 MPH.
B - Rivers with velocity 2-4 MPH.
C - Rivers with velocity over 4 MPH. May have sharp bends or obstructions.
Whitewater
CLASS I - Moving water a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.
CLASS II - Easy rapids with waves up to three feet, and wide, clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering is required.
CLASS III - Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore.
CLASS IV - Long, difficult rapids, with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Boaters in covered canoes and kayaks should be able to Eskimo roll.
CLASS V - Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes that nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is significant hazard to life in event of a mishap. Ability to Eskimo roll is essential for kayaks and canoes.
CLASS VI - Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken.
Essential Canoeing/Kayaking Equipment and Gear

Endlines - Installed on the bow and stern, a line size of 3/8" diameter and 15' long is optimal. Endlines should be stowed to prevent entanglement but be immediately accessible in the event of a mishap.http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/images/canoeequipment.gif
Endtanks/Endbag - Many canoes/kayaks come with built-in flotation in the bow and stern. The flotation should contour the end of the boat whether it is foam block or an inflatable bag.
Water Bottle - Be sure to drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids. Dehydration results from excessive water loss. Take at least one quart of water per person per day.
Bailer - Scoop or sponge used to remove lose water from the craft.
Spare Paddle - always carry a spare paddle in case yours is lost or breaks. It may be fastened to the canoe but should be quickly accessible in case of an emergency.
Flotation Bags - To work best the bags should fit the hull snugly with little or no air spaces. Tie the bags securely in the craft to prevent them from popping out.
Thigh Straps - Usually made out of two inch nylon webbing, thigh straps give the paddler more control when maneuvering the craft. Optional class II, recommended class III and above.
Seats or Thwarts - Kneeling provides a lower center of gravity and stability through the triangulation of the legs in the bottom of the craft. The lower the height of the seat the more stability can be achieved. Ten to twelve inches above the bottom of the craft is good.
Throwline/Throwbag - Sixty to seventy feet of soft braided 3/8" polypropylene line to be used for rescue purposes.
Knee Pads - Usually made out of soft foam rubber, knee pads should protect the knees while kneeling. Also, they should affix the knees firmly to the hull. This increases the paddler's ability to maneuver the craft.
Choosing River Clothing

Cold Water
Like standing in a cold shower, cold water can drive the breath from a person upon impact with the water. It disorientates, totally robs a person's strength, quickly numbs the arms and legs, and within minutes the resulting severe pain can cloud rational thought. Finally, hypothermia (exposure) sets in, and without rescue and proper first aid treatment, unconsciousness and death may result. Experts consider water below 70 degrees F to be cold. Some experts use the "100 Degree Rule". If the air and water temperature combined to less than 100 degrees a wet or dry suit is mandatory and the river difficulty is considered one class more difficult than normal (i.e. Class II becomes Class III).
To protect against the effects of cold water, the paddler should select and layer clothing properly. One should know how to spot a hypothermic accident before it happens. Always plan a trip appropriately. Lastly, good paddling skills and equipment can often help the paddler avoid a situation which may lead to hypothermia.
Cold Weather Clothing
Helmet - Wear a good plastic or fiberglass helmet. Make sure that it protects your temples. A helmet is recommended for open canoeists on any river Class III or above.
Whistle - A must for communications. The sound of a whistle carries over the roar of the river and much further than that of the human voice.
Pouch - For storing valuables including car keys for the shuttle car and money for an emergency phone call.
Lifejacket - The lifejacket (PFD) should fit snugly, yet allow freedom of movement. A vest type jacket (type III) is more comfortable to wear, offers better protection to the lower back, and insulates better in cold weather than the inexpensive horse collar jacket (type II).
Dry/Wetsuit - Made of rubberized material the drysuit seals the paddler in a water tight shell. Normal paddling clothes can be worn underneath it. Made of neoprene the wetsuit traps and insulates a thin layer of warm water next to the body. Both suits should protect the high heat loss areas of the arm pits, crouch, and neck.
Sweater - Worn underneath the drysuit. Wool is good. Polypropylene is better. Avoid cotton. It's ability to "wick" moisture will actually make you colder. Layer your clothes so you can put on or take off layers if you get too hot or cold.
Knife - (optional) A knife may be carried to free the paddler in case of entrapment.
Safety Rope/ Throw Bag - Many experts carry a nylon sling with a carabiner or a mini-throwbag which can quickly be used to rescue another boater.
Booties - Wet suit booties with rubber soles are an ideal choice for cold weather. Also, wet suit socks worn inside rubber-soled sneakers or plastic sandals provide good protection.
Pogies - Usually fastened directly to the paddle, pogies or mittens protect the hands and wrists from chilling wind.
Paddle - Select a sturdy paddle, one made of fiberglass and aluminum. Wood paddles should be constructed with fiberglass reinforced laminated wood. A "T" grip gives better paddle control in whitewater.
Warm Weather Clothing
Hat/Helmet - A hat protects from the sun. Wear a helmet in Class II and above rivers.
Sunglasses - Choose a good pair of neutral density glasses, with straps if necessary.
Shirt - Wearing a shirt reduces the likelihood of sunburn. A cotton shirt "wicks" the water which helps the evaporation process cool the body.

Lifejacket - For the summer choose an open mesh design lifejacket for its ability to breath. Choose a vest type or jacket (Type III) for its comfort.

Swimsuit pants - Light weight pants over the swimsuit are a good idea even in summer. The sun reflecting off the water and the bottom of the boat can quickly bake the legs.

Pouch - For storing valuables including car keys for the shuttle car and money for an emergency phone call.
Layering Your Clothing
Layered clothes insulate better in cool weather than a single garment of the same thickness. Two medium weight sweaters offer more protection than one heavy sweater. Cover the sweaters with a paddling jacket for even more warmth. To trap in additional heat and keep water out, the paddling jacket should fit tightly around the wrists, neck and waist. Layers can be mixed to maximize the strengths of each layer. Some canoeist use a farmer john type wetsuit (no sleeves and legs) for their first layer coupled with a sweater and a paddling jacket on the next layer. This allows the paddler freedom of movement with the wetsuit providing extra protection if a paddler is immersed in the water. Also with layered clothes the paddler can easily adjust his comfort and heat loss by either putting on another layer or taking one off.

[Blaze]

How You Loose Body Heat
The water environment of the paddler greatly increases the potential the potential for heat losses through evaporation and convection. Layering your clothes combines the best properties of each garment to reduce heat loss. A sweater reduces convectional losses by creating dead air spaces in the fabric. A paddling jacket reduces air flow and reflects radiated heat losses from the body back toward the body. The summer paddler also needs to protect himself by wearing a hat to reflect the sun's radiation. Also, a cotton shirt and shorts help cool the body by evaporation.
Conduction (e.g. hand on aluminum shaft of paddle)
Convection (e.g. wind)
Radiation (e.g. unprotected head)
Evaporation (e.g. wet lifejacket and wet clothing)
Common River Hazards

Foot entrapment - Catching a foot in rocks on the bottom of the river. May be caused by trying to stand up while getting swept downstream in water mid-thigh to mid-torso deep.
Strainers - Trees or single branches in the current, with river water flowing through, can cause a severe pinning hazard. Strainers many be caused by erosion. Trees can also fall because of old age, floods, and storms. Look for them on wooded riverbanks, along small creeks after high water, often found on the outside of bend, and on less utilized rivers. Always look downstream to spot bobbing twigs or irregular flow patterns.
Man Made Entrapments - Manmade objects in the river are inherently more dangerous than most things natural. Keep an eye out for bridge pilings, low head dams, junked cars, any man made object found commonly in urban riverways, highway crossings, and abandonned dam sites. Make it a habit to visually scan downstream.
Broaches - Getting pinned on a rock, either amidship or at the ends. Avoid sharp rocks that can potentially crease a boat or serve as point to be wrapped by your kayak! Develop the instinct to lean into the rock with your boat and body leaning together.
Undercut Rocks - Undercuts are water features where a slab of rock, or rock shape, forces the current flow to go under the surface. Learn to spot them by the dark shadow on the upstream side of the rock, the lack of pillowing action by oncoming water, and by the lack of a predictable eddy on the downstream side. Most dangerous undercuts are well known by locals, and listed in guidebooks.
Entanglement - Getting tangled exiting your boat is most likely to be caused by ropes, and loose lines, in your boat. Practice wet exits and critically evaluate your outfitting for entanglement potential. Treat throw ropes as potential hazards. Keep them neatly bagged, and carry a knife for rescue.
Vertical Pins - When the bow buries and gets pinned on the bottom after a steep drop. This is not a concern until you are paddling drops of over 3 or 4 feet. Advanced paddlers prevent them by checking the water depth first, and leaning back and performing a 'boof' move to keep the bow up. Paddling boats with a large volume bow reduces this risk substantially.
Hydraulics - have evenly formed backwash, water moving back upstream for four or more feet. Holes with more of a wave shape are intimidating, but typically less hazardous than water flowing smoothly upstream. Dams, and hydraulics that are very regular, and perpendicular to the current are far more dangerous than hydraulics angled with one end downstream.
Long Swims - Wearing a tight PFD, matching your ability to an appropriate river, and being dressed for a swim can be excellent defense against a long swim. Another great precaution is a competent group of friends with either a shore or boat based rescue plan.
Recognizing and Avoiding Hazardous River Conditions

Conditions on rivers can change rapidly in Texas. Before setting out, a paddler should know the flow condition of the reach they are about to paddle. During high flows, the whole river reach may act like one long set of rapids. During high flows, the fast current may draw the unsuspecting paddler into other hazards. These include entrapment in floating debris such as logs, sweepers and strainers.
A sweeper is an overhanging branch or tree whose branches extend into moving water from above. Running into a sweeper will push a canoe over or could push and hold the paddler below the surface of the water. A strainer is a submerged tree or branches under the surface of moving water. A paddler could become pinned against a strainer.
Submerged hazards, such as rocks, logs and other debris, are not easily seen in turbulent water. A collision can cause the boat to upset; the hull may be punctured, or the paddler may be injured in the collision.
Once out of the canoe, the canoeist may be overcome by the current or pinned by the canoe. A swamped canoe can weigh as much as two tons and a paddler can be crushed between a canoe and a rock.
Cold water (less that 15° C) can be lethal. During spring conditions or in late fall, the river water is cold, and if you spill you can very quickly be overcome with hypothermia. Even if the paddler reaches shore, wind chill and cold air temperatures can accelerate the dangerous drop in body temperature. Shivering is an indication of the onset of hypothermia, and victims usually become too disoriented to be responsible for their own safety.
A riverbank is often well removed from emergency services and homes where help can be obtained. The tough reality is that you may be on your own to deal with a life-threatening situation. The tough reality too is that a paddler in danger may also be putting a rescuer's life in jeopardy.
Whenever you are on the river, it is important that you are prepared to deal with an emergency. Know where access points are along the reach of river that you are canoeing. Have a map of the reach that you are canoeing. Have a first aid kit and know basic first aid. Finally, a cellular phone in a waterproof bag may be invaluable in contacting help or emergency services.
Low head dams pose a special hazard to paddlers. In the fast waters, an upstream paddler may get too close to the crest of the dam and be swept over. A paddler may also get caught in the backwash current at the downstream side of the dam. Once in the backwash current, the paddler becomes trapped. Paddlers should use portages around these structures, and stay well clear of low head dams at any time of the year.
Boating safety awareness is not limited to the cold-water seasons. There are good solid rules that must be observed by prudent and safety conscious paddlers everywhere. Boating courses are an enjoyable way to prepare for any kind of boating.
Like the Boy Scouts advocate-be prepared. Being prepared before your trip can help avoid potential hazards or result in a positive outcome if an accident does occur. One of the most important considerations is a trip or float plan. Let someone know where you are canoeing, what your boat looks like and when you expect to return.

[Blaze]

Spotting a Potential Accident

River accidents don't just happen. They usually result from the interaction of a series of smaller events or misjudgements which culminate into a major accident. Experts analyze accidents in terms of their human, equipment and environmental factors. Usually, any one factor will not lead to an accident. However, the presence of three or even four factors in a paddling situation is a sign of serious trouble. In a sense, three strikes and a paddler may be out. The major factors that can lead to river accidents are:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/landwater/water/habitats/rivers/images/accidentcauselist.gif
Planning a River Trip

Specific planning must be taken seriously by paddlers in preparation for a float trip. The suggested guidelines that follow should give the paddler an insight into what is to be considered before attempting a cruise on a river.
Leaders preparedness and responsibility
1. Know the river or stream to be paddled. River guide booklets and topography maps are valuable references in trip planning. Have knowledge of the difficult parts of the trip and the location of any low head dams. Be aware of any possible changes in the river's level. One may want to plan alternatives in case the river/stream is too high or too low.
2. Setup locations for put-in and take-out along with a possible lunch break stop. Consider time and distance. Arrange for shuttle.
3. Participants. Limit the size of the group to a number that can be comfortably controlled. Designated group leaders should be experienced paddlers. Decisions on the participation of inexperienced boaters should be based on total group strength. Remember the welfare of the group is a major responsibility, and a balance of experienced paddlers with the less experienced will make for a more enjoyable trip.
4. Equipment. Plan so that all necessary group equipment is present on the trip.
5. Float Plan. If the trip is into a wilderness area, or for an extended period, plans should be filed with appropriate authorities or left with someone who will contact them after a certain time. The establishment of a late return phone number can save time and worry for everyone involved.
Participants Preparedness and Responsibility
1. Be a competent swimmer with the ability to handle ones self underwater and in moving water.
2. Be certain that you have a properly fitted Personal Flotation Device (PFD), and wear it .
3. Be suitably equipped.
4. Keep your craft under control. Control must be good enough to, at any time, stop or reach the shore before reaching any danger. Know one's boating ability. Do not enter a rapid unless one is reasonably sure that it can be navigated safely or that one can swim the entire length of the rapid in the event of a capsizing.
5. Be sure to keep an appropriate distance between canoes (distance will vary depending on water conditions; a good rule of thumb is to always keep the canoe behind in view). Never get ahead of the assigned lead canoe or behind the assigned sweep canoe. Both lead and sweep positions should be held by experienced paddlers with knowledge of the water being traveled.
6. Keep a lookout for river hazards and avoid them.
7. Respect the rights of fisherman and land owners while on your river trip.

[Blaze]

Simply Breath taking...
http://www.wildnatureimages.com/images%203/070701-001..jpg (http://www.wildnatureimages.com/Grand-Teton-National-Park-Photos.htm)

[Blaze]

Must-Have Kayak Accessories

http://sp.life123.com/bm.pix/must-have-kayak-accesories.s600x600.jpg
By: Maeve Rich There are kayak accessories available for a wide range of purposes, from storage accessories to kayak fishing accessories. When choosing kayak accessories, take into consideration the weather, the area where you'll be kayaking and your wants and needs.
A helmet is one of those kayak accessories that is really more of a requirement, depending on where you'll be kayaking. Any conditions near whitewater necessitate protecting your head. A quick flip of the kayak could cause you to hit your head on a rock or on your kayak and be knocked unconscious: not a good thing when you're in water. Similarly, make sure you have a life vest and I attach a whistle to my vest in case of an accident. This should be worn no matter what type of water you're kayaking in.
A spray skirt will keep water out of your kayak. This is great in the ocean as well as whitewater, or anywhere that water gets a bit turbulent. Should water get into your kayak you'll want to have a bilge pump onboard to empty your boat.
Float bags will keep your kayak from sinking should you become separated from it. Float bags are stuffed into open storage spaces of your kayak and keep it from filling with water. Dry bags will keep your gear dry, and should be attached to the inside of your boat.
You may want to purchase a wetsuit if the water you'll be kayaking in is cold. A wetsuit keeps your body warm by allowing a small amount of water in, which your body heats. Dress as though you will going underwater; that way if you do, you'll be prepared.
You should also have equipment on hand in case of an emergency. This may include a compass, GPS, rope bag, knife, radio to call for help and first aid kit.
With all of the kayak accessories out there, weigh your options carefully before purchasing. This is especially true if you're new to the sport and aren't sure what you'll need.

[afixer]

from my home town

2jf1E8E51yI



my dream (whitewater) boat

uL84uGocc6Y




and finally a boat for the fishing folks

OVD0idUQsbI

[turasultana]

Turasultana, I've always wanted to kayak the Hudson around Manhattan but the boat traffic (BIG boat traffic, specifically, has always intimidated me).

There are loads of boats - cruise ships, water taxis, speed boats, ferrys etc. Which is why the free kayaking places have you stay between the piers for the most part. And you can't just rent a boat and take off. I've been going with www.manhattankayak.com on 26th and west side hwy for 10+ years, they go out in groups with a guide or two. You can use all their equipment or your own, whichever. Tours range from a short tour up or down ( current changes about every 6 hours so you'd go against on the way out and with the current coming back), or longer one's that involve going for food (always fun - generally timed so you can grab the current both ways), to circumnavigating manhattan. (time it so you're against the current to start, i've gone the other way and after 7-8 hours hitting a wall of current coming around the battery is HELL).

Just be careful crossing the river or a taxi stop, the boats can be on top of you quicker than you expect. Its fun really. :)

[Blaze]

This link show's you how to fix a hole in your yak, plastic welding.
There are plenty of write ups on the topic, however a video reference is always good. So, if you ever have a need for a DIY repair, the video will hopefully help.

http://www.teamoceankayak.com/videos/weld/index.html (http://www.teamoceankayak.com/videos/weld/index.html)

Tools needed:
Repair/patch plastic (Old pickle buckets make good material)
Dremel
Sauteing Iron

[Blaze]

How to make a milk crate cart
Here's is a simple kayak cart I made by incorporating the milkcrate as the frame of the cart. When not used as a cart, the milkcrate can be used as a milkcrate (?) in the tank well. The frame post turns into four rod holders.

The only items you need to stow when you reached your destination is break down the PVC T-cap, the wheels,shaft, two washers, pin and tennis balls.

Here is the material cost:

one - Milk Crate ??
one - 1 1/2 inch x 10 feet PVC pipe $4.29
four -90 degree elbow $0.56 each
four -T-connector $1.29 each
one - 1/2 inch aluminum bar $3.98
two - washer $0.09
two - Cotter pin $0.56
two - 13 1/2 inch plastic wheel $4.00 (or 12 inch with bearing $9.95 each)
one - Strap ??

Total $24.97 (Aug 2007)

The wheels are from Northern Tools, everything else are from HomeDepot.

The plus of the design is that it's a very simple design. It's also simple to build. The 13.5 inch wheel is bigger than anything I've seen out there. You can also cut the shaft longer and put 4 wheels instead of two to give you more stability and to give you the ability to go over soft sand.

The minus of the design is that you do need some tools to cut the PCV pipe, 1/2 drill bit and drill to put holes in the pcv pipe, the side of the crate and the tennis ball, 1/16 inch drill bit for the cotter pin hole in the shaft. You also need pcv cement.

Because the wheels a only about 15 inch apart, it's not as stable as store bought cart but as long as you keep that limitation in mind when you carting the kayak around, you should be ok.

It does well in deep grass. I can go over the curb with a good pull. I have not tested it in deep sand.

NOTE: The wheels on the pictures are the 12 inch wheels. I had since purchased the 13.5 inch wheels. The 12 inch wheels are $9.95 each. The tires are inflatable and there are ball bearings on the shafts. The $4.00 plastic wheels are hard plastic like lawn mower wheels with no bearings.

Videos:
YouTube - Homemade Milkcrate Kayak Cart (Assembly)
YouTube - Milkcrate Kayak Cart Disassembly
YouTube - Milkcrate Kayak Cart - Over the curb test

Pictures:
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3524.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3525.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3526.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3523.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3516.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3517.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/KayakCartcopy.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3521.jpg

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/IMG_3522.jpg

[Sachita]

My kayaks are about 12 years old now and the model has changed but they are something like this:

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/single_kayaks/caper.html

Only mine are longer. I selected the Ocean kayak for its versatility. I first bought them when I had my place in Key largo and enjoyed ocean, bay, fishing and even took them out camping overnight back in the swamps.

I love fishing with a kayak because its quiet and I can get into tight places. I can carry quite a bit of gear and they are difficult, not impossible, to tip.

Now in southern VA I enjoy lakes and actually did quite a bit of kayaking this past summer. I love being out in the water and not hearing the sound of motors.

[Blaze]

One of the best cleaner/protectants out on the market for your yak is called 303 Aerospace Protectant. You don't have to get the whole kit, you can just get the Protectant.
After a long day in the ocean, it's best to run your vehicle and your yak to a power washer car wash. When you get home, open the hatches and plugs and rinse the inside out and let dry.
Usually after 3 or 4 yak trips it's good to use this product. And if you want to keep the scrapes and scratches down you can use surf board wax on the bottom, messy but does help to slide in dirt and sand.

303 Boat Care Kit


http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2137_77600079X (http://javascript<b></b>:hideLayerInsets(document.getElementById('imgplace holder'));)

Total boat care made easy!
The 303 Boat Kit is a maintenance kit for all marine surfaces including fiberglass, plastics, carpet, metal, vinyl, and rubber. The 303 Boat Kit includes manufacturer recommended products plus 303 Aerospace Protectant, the only protectant with an SPF of 40. Give your boat the very best preventative care with the 303 Boat Kit!


The 303 Boat Kit includes:

[Sachita]

One of the best cleaner/protectants out on the market for your yak is called 303 Aerospace Protectant. You don't have to get the whole kit, you can just get the Protectant.
After a long day in the ocean, it's best to run your vehicle and your yak to a power washer car wash. When you get home, open the hatches and plugs and rinse the inside out and let dry.
Usually after 3 or 4 yak trips it's good to use this product. And if you want to keep the scrapes and scratches down you can use surf board wax on the bottom, messy but does help to slide in dirt and sand.

303 Boat Care Kit


http://ep.yimg.com/ca/I/autogeek_2137_77600079X (http://javascript<b></b>:hideLayerInsets(document.getElementById('imgplace holder'));)

Total boat care made easy!
The 303 Boat Kit is a maintenance kit for all marine surfaces including fiberglass, plastics, carpet, metal, vinyl, and rubber. The 303 Boat Kit includes manufacturer recommended products plus 303 Aerospace Protectant, the only protectant with an SPF of 40. Give your boat the very best preventative care with the 303 Boat Kit!


The 303 Boat Kit includes:



have you used this stuff? I might use it on a fiberglass kayak but not on a molded plastic hull which is what many sit on kayaks are. I also use to have a 24 ft Proline and this stuff was awful. Most boat paint today will hold up fine and washed with soap and water. Then maybe once or 3 times a year, for a fiberglass boat only, I'd do a super good wax job with the old fashion stuff.
this is my opinion from someone who has used it.

This is another reason to consider Ocean kayaks and the like. These kayaks have last 12 plus year so far being in the ocean, sun, dragged across the road, you name it. They may not be a good choice for winter northern kayakers because they are open and you will get wet but great for southern summer kayaking.

Thanks for the thread

[Fancy]

Love kayaking, and over the years it's where I've gotten some of my favorite photos. I'd be happy to share tips, tricks and products for waterproofing and carrying camera gear. :)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1nqVQSpVuS0/SqhXLdL3-iI/AAAAAAAAIfE/APqKa4ppvPs/s512/DSC_0072-1.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1nqVQSpVuS0/SqhWuLFyIhI/AAAAAAAAIeU/CvoXyhRIlPE/s576/DSC_0030-1.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_1nqVQSpVuS0/SqhW1-RkecI/AAAAAAAAIec/j7CLj8mw2aA/s512/DSC_0039.JPG

:)

[Blaze]

have you used this stuff? I might use it on a fiberglass kayak but not on a molded plastic hull which is what many sit on kayaks are. I also use to have a 24 ft Proline and this stuff was awful. Most boat paint today will hold up fine and washed with soap and water. Then maybe once or 3 times a year, for a fiberglass boat only, I'd do a super good wax job with the old fashion stuff.
this is my opinion from someone who has used it.

This is another reason to consider Ocean kayaks and the like. These kayaks have last 12 plus year so far being in the ocean, sun, dragged across the road, you name it. They may not be a good choice for winter northern kayakers because they are open and you will get wet but great for southern summer kayaking.

Thanks for the thread

Really? Wow, I use it on my plastic, it gives it a brilliant shine, especially when the sun here is pounding at 107 in the shade. I use to use Armorall but the salt takes it off in seconds. I can go about a month in a half. I also use it on my Scotty rod holders, makes them look shiney and new again.
But I do agree with you on the Ocean kayaks, there great, only thing I didn't like on the 14' and 16' is to many scuppers to worry about plugging, lol. It's why I am interested in the Coosa, it has a hull plate that can be changed out once it wears out from dragging you yak. I really like that concept.
I guess everyone does have there own likings. Example, most of my friends use a scupper plug, I use the practice foam golf balls to plug my scuppers. As long as your happy, and you paddle hard then life is good no matter what product you use,
Thanks for sharing Sachita. Opinions are good!

[Blaze]

Love kayaking, and over the years it's where I've gotten some of my favorite photos. I'd be happy to share tips, tricks and products for waterproofing and carrying camera gear. :)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_1nqVQSpVuS0/SqhXLdL3-iI/AAAAAAAAIfE/APqKa4ppvPs/s512/DSC_0072-1.JPG

http://lh3.ggpht.com/_1nqVQSpVuS0/SqhWuLFyIhI/AAAAAAAAIeU/CvoXyhRIlPE/s576/DSC_0030-1.JPG

http://lh4.ggpht.com/_1nqVQSpVuS0/SqhW1-RkecI/AAAAAAAAIec/j7CLj8mw2aA/s512/DSC_0039.JPG

:)
By all means, please do share! I love to learn more and more on tips and tricks, and things that work and don't. Thank you for the lovely pictures and looking forward to hearing from you on this thread.

[Blaze]

Okay question for the evening...
I want to get another Drift chute, any reconmendations?
The ones from Academy rot! lol,
This one looks good,http://www.surftosummit.com/images/products/KDC100P1.jpg
but I have no idea, I want 24" to 32" for fishing, but I really don't want any bigger. Unless someone knows of a good one.
I also want to trade in my folding anchor, it doesn't do good in the soft sand here and you lose them if they get caught up on rebarb, concrete and all the other trash they put in the ocean here. I am looking at this Bruce anchor, lots of good reviews, anyone use this anchor?
http://www.anchoring.com/images/Bruce-Claw-Galvanized-Anchor-Main.jpg (javascript:popupWindow('http://www.anchoring.com/popup_image.php?pID=182&osCsid=am0c79h7kruclcjikjjltec954'))

[Blaze]

Here is a very good link on knots, how to, animated.

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com (http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com)

[Dominique]

At least on the east coast, I thought i'd bump this up.

Big day tomorrow. I was really looking forward to it. Until I woke up this morning to 39 degrees. WTF? 95 for 5 straight days and we were dying as it's never that hot here....any how....sunrise kayak trip at 5:30 a.m.
with what they call level 1 yakkers. They've completed the intro course and can paddle a slow one mile course and have a danish and coffee stop, and paddle back. Personally, I love taking this group out......it's the trip where they fall in love with yakking (or hate it) but its so and relaxing and for sure peaceful. I just hope it's a little warmer.

Then in the evening....big baseball weekend here.....and the game will end with a fireworks extravaganda, so by reservation only, 75 of level three or better yakkers will be out on the river for the best view ever! What a way to begin and end my day :phonegab:

[Dominique]

Am I posting to myself.............. That's ok if I am. I often speak to myself. I'm used to it. I talk to the wall, and the hand, blah blah blah.

This mornings' rivers excursion for sunrise was with out incident. It was 54 degrees. Warmer than yesterday. Some of the *newbies* were not dressed right, but you learn as you go. We had a tandum father and teenage daughter. Dad was pretty *hip* and you could see they had a nice relationship. 17 people showed. That was perfect. More than 20 on a level one (first trip) can be a handful. Two guides to a trip.

I'm going to practice knee paddaling this afternoon. I bought press and stick knee pads over the winter, its for rougher water. The rivers were calm this morning, perfect for level one and it will also be perfect for trying to learn the strokes for knee paddaling. Todays high is 82 and straight sun. I hope I don't fall in, that river water was mighty cool this morning.


Then tonight...more yak time under the stars with fireworks. The coast guard
keeps us in one relatively small area (and in the no wake zone) because everybody who has anything that floats and resembles a boat, is on the three rivers for the fireworks. They call it *skyblast*. Fireworks is a very popular thing in this city. People do lots of outside activities with our beautiful skyline, three rivers, parks and fireworks.

Yesterday was Christmas eve, today is Christmas. (to me)

[AtLast]

I used to do a lot of kayaking. A wonderful adventure!

[Greco]

Understand completely about talking to yourself
do it quite a bit myself as I drink/eat my green
smoothies

sounds like you've had a good two days of doing
what you enjoy I enjoy kayaking/canoeing
anything having to do with water
and get time to do it every year
when I visit home.

Get to see there's another early bird
around here

have a great day

Greco



Am I posting to myself.............. That's ok if I am. I often speak to myself. I'm used to it. I talk to the wall, and the hand, blah blah blah.

This mornings' rivers excursion for sunrise was with out incident. It was 54 degrees. Warmer than yesterday. Some of the *newbies* were not dressed right, but you learn as you go. We had a tandum father and teenage daughter. Dad was pretty *hip* and you could see they had a nice relationship. 17 people showed. That was perfect. More than 20 on a level one (first trip) can be a handful. Two guides to a trip.

I'm going to practice knee paddaling this afternoon. I bought press and stick knee pads over the winter, its for rougher water. The rivers were calm this morning, perfect for level one and it will also be perfect for trying to learn the strokes for knee paddaling. Todays high is 82 and straight sun. I hope I don't fall in, that river water was mighty cool this morning.


Then tonight...more yak time under the stars with fireworks. The coast guard
keeps us in one relatively small area (and in the no wake zone) because everybody who has anything that floats and resembles a boat, is on the three rivers for the fireworks. They call it *skyblast*. Fireworks is a very popular thing in this city. People do lots of outside activities with our beautiful skyline, three rivers, parks and fireworks.

Yesterday was Christmas eve, today is Christmas. (to me)

[afixer]

longtime member (http://www.tvccpaddler.com/River_info.html)

maybe tomorrow after work (http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/River/detail/id/1751/)

[Dominique]

Hi Greco!

I am an early riser.....most mornings around 4:30. By 9p.m., or when it is getting dark, I am becoming tired.

Sometimes I wish we are not scattered all over the planet earth. Those of us than can row, could tow a boat full of those that can't. The water is such a beautiful place.

The rowing club that I race dragons boats for, purchased two adaptive seats.
Rowing is now becoming ADA equipted. I'm so psyched about this. This seats are *fully* adjustable (i got in one to see what could all do, can't help some one use it if you don't know how it works) it prvides trunk and spine support for physically challenged. Out for a leisure row, or wanting to be a water athlete. Is that the coolest!

[Dominique]

Exhale

Thanks for the reps! It's some how comforting to know you are not talking to
another form of the *hand* ...lol. I'm not that sensitive!

What a wonderful day yesterday was. The fireworks were beautiful. I have this cool rack that I tow my kayak on, that I pull with my bicycle. It's perfect for nights like last when the whole world was in cars and auto traffic is horrible. I pulled my yak out of that river, strapped it to my bicycle rack and was home before people were even leaving the baseball game. It helps that I live maybe a mile from the launch point.

You'd think I lived in some big resort town. Hardly. I got a lot of sun yesterday. I had my SPF 30 on. I have these puffy little bags under my eyes this morning. Real attractive looking. So picture this. I have cucumber slices
on the puffy little bags. But I'm not about to sit here and hold them. So I have an ace bandage wraped around my head/face loosely (sort of loosely)
and it's holding the cucumber slices in place. I just slide the used slice out, and insert a new slice. The cat keeps coming over and inspecting me. LOL.
I'm sure he is like WTF(?) my human is strange.......

[Dominique]

LOL, I just caught a glimpse of ace badaged face, cucumber juice and all, in the mirror....
The cat isn't inspecting me....he's smelling my brain to see if the circuits are burned out........I have to go hose out the kayak and the PDF and what ever else I don't remember, I barely made it into the house and got a shower .....I vaguely remember signing on to here last night, I think that was the end of the night for me, anyhow.....I was actually going to wear my cucumber mask outside in the driveway........:blink:THINK NOT! lol.

Hey, I forgot to tell you about the knee paddaling, it went pretty good. I have a 10.5
foot kayak....with a relatively wide opening. You do need the space to contort around to get onto your knees. I actually found I was able to shift my body weight on the knees (similar to how we use our thighs when seated in the seat) to assist with steering. Shocking how fast the kayak moved, and
the control you have. Several people asked about it.

I think that was the best part about hanging out with all the yakkers for the fireworks. You got to see tons of *whats new* in the kayak world.

Just an observation. I saw several yakkers wearing helmets last night. I've seen them worn in areas where there are rapids and boulders, but I was sort shocked to see them on a recreational float. But in discussion, (and trust me they were seasoned yakkers) they felt that paramount safety was a concern do to people drinking and driving huge boats. We were pretty defenseless.

Ok, cucumber face is going to start her day! See ya! and as per the usual, be safe out there!

[Dominique]

Any one from St. louis on here? I'm asking because I hear St. Louis is a great place to kayak in the early fall, like September.

Pittsburgh has three rivers. But what happens here is, two rivers come together and form the Ohio river. If I understood correctly, St. Louis is like an island with 4 rivers flowing around it.

The Regatta is the big event this weekend. Well, that and the Kenny Chesney Concert yesterday. Apparently, Chesney is into Boating......I'm not sure of the whole story here, but the rivers were full of boats and they were calling themselves the Chesney Navy.

Tomorrow,(early) the dragon boats will be racing. One of the local rowing clubs has a team of rowers comprised of physically challenged individuals and two blind rowers. I can't wait to see them! Thats the beauty of rowing, there is a form (of rowing) for pretty much anybody. The more I learn, the more I love.

Has anyone done the Yukon 1000? Across the big empty......
certainly out of my league. I can not imagine sitting and rowing 18 hours a day, and pure desolation. mmm, maybe I can, sub space.

I see where Little Rock is quite a kayak destination.Something to think about maybe? Arkansas has more than 9,700 miles of rivers, stream and bayous as well as 600,000 acres of lakes. Little rock is smack dab in the middle of it all. Is anybody salavating? Listen to this!
The Arkansas River bisects the Ozark and the Quachita mountain ranges and the new Arkansas Water trails program links urban and backwoods paddling routes.

When I was learning to kayak, I recall my instructor saying to me "Breath into the nervous feelings".....what ever the hell that meant. Kayak speak for* Women thrive in a supportive environment* I'm not backwoods paddling literate, but am open to learning. My whole mission is to be
a voice for the female experience, you know...it's ok to be different.

:tea:Ok, enough from me!

[Greco]

YB,

You have given me a serious desire to get to a kayak as soon as I get home, before I leave for much drier climes...I'll keep you posted on that...and I had no idea Arkansas has 600,000 acres of lakes! Jesus, I'd be on that water 24/7 if I lived there, 9,700 miles of river! hmmm...yes, I'd be on and in the water there.

I remember a number of years ago, a friend and I went canoeing in Fla around I believe it was the Orlando, or West of there anyway, she suggested going to this clear water river? no, it was more a type of clear stream but deep. Deep enough for the then almost endangered manatees. We docked the canoe on a bank and went snorkeling in the clearest, most beautiful waterway...I'll never forget that...I also adopted a manatee, her name was Luna.

YB, I appreciate your sharing about the activities you love...keep em coming.
Have a great time at the Regatta.

Greco

Any one from St. louis on here? I'm asking because I hear St. Louis is a great place to kayak in the early fall, like September.

Pittsburgh has three rivers. But what happens here is, two rivers come together and form the Ohio river. If I understood correctly, St. Louis is like an island with 4 rivers flowing around it.

The Regatta is the big event this weekend. Well, that and the Kenny Chesney Concert yesterday. Apparently, Chesney is into Boating......I'm not sure of the whole story here, but the rivers were full of boats and they were calling themselves the Chesney Navy.

Tomorrow,(early) the dragon boats will be racing. One of the local rowing clubs has a team of rowers comprised of physically challenged individuals and two blind rowers. I can't wait to see them! Thats the beauty of rowing, there is a form (of rowing) for pretty much anybody. The more I learn, the more I love.

Has anyone done the Yukon 1000? Across the big empty......
certainly out of my league. I can not imagine sitting and rowing 18 hours a day, and pure desolation. mmm, maybe I can, sub space.

I see where Little Rock is quite a kayak destination.Something to think about maybe? Arkansas has more than 9,700 miles of rivers, stream and bayous as well as 600,000 acres of lakes. Little rock is smack dab in the middle of it all. Is anybody salavating? Listen to this!
The Arkansas River bisects the Ozark and the Quachita mountain ranges and the new Arkansas Water trails program links urban and backwoods paddling routes.

When I was learning to kayak, I recall my instructor saying to me "Breath into the nervous feelings".....what ever the hell that meant. Kayak speak for* Women thrive in a supportive environment* I'm not backwoods paddling literate, but am open to learning. My whole mission is to be
a voice for the female experience, you know...it's ok to be different.

:tea:Ok, enough from me!

[little man]

Any one from St. louis on here? I'm asking because I hear St. Louis is a great place to kayak in the early fall, like September.

Pittsburgh has three rivers. But what happens here is, two rivers come together and form the Ohio river. If I understood correctly, St. Louis is like an island with 4 rivers flowing around it.

The Regatta is the big event this weekend. Well, that and the Kenny Chesney Concert yesterday. Apparently, Chesney is into Boating......I'm not sure of the whole story here, but the rivers were full of boats and they were calling themselves the Chesney Navy.

Tomorrow,(early) the dragon boats will be racing. One of the local rowing clubs has a team of rowers comprised of physically challenged individuals and two blind rowers. I can't wait to see them! Thats the beauty of rowing, there is a form (of rowing) for pretty much anybody. The more I learn, the more I love.

Has anyone done the Yukon 1000? Across the big empty......
certainly out of my league. I can not imagine sitting and rowing 18 hours a day, and pure desolation. mmm, maybe I can, sub space.

I see where Little Rock is quite a kayak destination.Something to think about maybe? Arkansas has more than 9,700 miles of rivers, stream and bayous as well as 600,000 acres of lakes. Little rock is smack dab in the middle of it all. Is anybody salavating? Listen to this!
The Arkansas River bisects the Ozark and the Quachita mountain ranges and the new Arkansas Water trails program links urban and backwoods paddling routes.

When I was learning to kayak, I recall my instructor saying to me "Breath into the nervous feelings".....what ever the hell that meant. Kayak speak for* Women thrive in a supportive environment* I'm not backwoods paddling literate, but am open to learning. My whole mission is to be
a voice for the female experience, you know...it's ok to be different.

:tea:Ok, enough from me!

i'm originally from the st. louis area. i've recently moved to TX and have just started kayaking since i got here.

the illinois and missouri rivers converge with the mississippi river at st. louis. quite a bit of barge traffic and recreational boaters on the mississippi. it looks fairly calm, but has a good undertow to it. the meramec river is also near st. louis, to the south. you also have the cuivre river and the big river. not sure how either of those would be for paddling, though. from what i understand, the rainfall has been pretty heavy in the area (according to dad, anyway). obviously, there will be swifter currents, but lots of of debris as well. the areas around the rivers tend to be fairly wooded and plenty of branches and such to get swept downriver. i have done some canoeing on the meramec as well as tubing. i'd be happy to answer anything for you that i can...just ask away.

[little man]

i've been paddling on town lake here in austin. it's one in a series of lakes on the colorado river. there is almost no motorized boat traffic allowed, so you don't have to fight the wakes from the drunk guys in power boats. last week, i went out with a couple of friends for an evening paddle. it was sweet. even fewer folks on the lake than in the morning and it got cooler as we paddled. a welcome break from the 100+ temps we've been having. we paddled to the congress street bridge to see the bats come out. not only was the sunset behind the bridge beautiful, it was a better view of the bats than what i'd seen from the shore. i don't have any waterproof camera gear yet, so it's a bit of a pain to take the stuff out of the dry bag and put it back in after a couple of shots...but the pics i did get were worth the effort. i've been lazy about editing my pics, but will do a couple and post them in the gallery, if anyone is interested.

i'm interested in trying out the single sculls as well. it's a total body workout (which i could use) and i figure it'll improve my range of motion in the bad knee i've got. i can certainly use some work on the abs and legs as well. getting older is hell, i tell ya. but, i'm thinking it'll be good exercise and a good way to improve my mobility for the kayak.

i want to get into some mild whitewater this fall. i got a good deal on a 10' pelican fishing yak. the cockpit is a little larger than i'd like, so am wondering if kneeling to paddle might be an option for me. i think this yak was built for someone a bit taller than i am. i've had to make some modifications to be able to even reach the footpegs. i'd like to get myself into a 9' fusion at some point. right now, they're going for about $700, so out of my range for the time being.

anyway...all this rambling. i spent june paddling on town lake. now, i'm looking to spend july paddling on smaller water with some current. trying to work my way up to quicker moving water so i can get some smaller rapids this fall.

YB, i'd be interested to know more about the knee paddling. anything you're willing to share would be helpful, i'm sure.

blaze, are you maybe thinking about a trip down this way sometime? it'd be cool to hook up and go for a paddle. i know a couple other folks from the site down here who would likely be interested in a kayak outing.

[Sachita]

I have both my kayaks in the van and we've been stealing as much time as we have to go out on the lakes. I wish they weren't 40 min away because it limits the amount time we could be spending on the water. But it's peaceful and we can float and just listen to nature. During the week there are few boats on the water. Last time we scouted some shore beaches to swim - more private over the public beach with a million screaming kids.

I love fishing off my kayak and next week I'll get my license.

[Dominique]

Sachita, Littleman, Greco, nice to see you all posting in this wonderful thread.

Littleman privately reached out to me for a source of info. Water people are like that. Good people, and also fun.

This morning as I was reading about Kayak tours I started reading about Arkansas and I thought, wow, why can't the kayakers all meet up at the reunion place and plan a kayak expedition. Then, as you saw, I just got carried away (no pun intended)

Here, where I live, there is a non profit organization that rents kayaks. Thats who I do the tours and instructional courses for. I do not get paid.
It's all for the love of the sport, and the idea is to introduce people to the outdoors and get them outside (and of course get them moving). They use flat bottomed perception kayaks with roomy cockpits and upgraded seats. Ideal for rentals. Then we have the rowing clubs, not non profit, but they keep it so the sport (and all it encompasses) can be affordable.

A tremendous amount of commerce comes through Pittsburgh on the Ohio and Allegheny rivers. I've seen the Mississippi (before I was a kayaker) in Both Baton Rouge and in New Orleans. Comparing that Mississippi to our three rivers, well, the Mississippi was scarey.

My personal kayak is an advanced element (advancedframe) (www.advancedelements.com (http://www.advancedelements.com)) inflateable hybrid kayak. 10.5 long, 32 inches wide. **Littleman, the biggest reason I am able to paddle on my knees is my seat collapses into the space behind the seat giving me room for my legs. If you have room for your legs, you'll love this. I was surprised how comfortable this actually was.

Check it out!

YB

[little man]

Sachita, Littleman, Greco, nice to see you all posting in this wonderful thread.

Littleman privately reached out to me for a source of info. Water people are like that. Good people, and also fun.

This morning as I was reading about Kayak tours I started reading about Arkansas and I thought, wow, why can't the kayakers all meet up at the reunion place and plan a kayak expedition. Then, as you saw, I just got carried away (no pun intended)

Here, where I live, there is a non profit organization that rents kayaks. Thats who I do the tours and instructional courses for. I do not get paid.
It's all for the love of the sport, and the idea is to introduce people to the outdoors and get them outside (and of course get them moving). They use flat bottomed perception kayaks with roomy cockpits and upgraded seats. Ideal for rentals. Then we have the rowing clubs, not non profit, but they keep it so the sport (and all it encompasses) can be affordable.

A tremendous amount of commerce comes through Pittsburgh on the Ohio and Allegheny rivers. I've seen the Mississippi (before I was a kayaker) in Both Baton Rouge and in New Orleans. Comparing that Mississippi to our three rivers, well, the Mississippi was scarey.

My personal kayak is an advanced element (advancedframe) (www.advancedelements.com (http://www.advancedelements.com)) inflateable hybrid kayak. 10.5 long, 32 inches wide. **Littleman, the biggest reason I am able to paddle on my knees is my seat collapses into the space behind the seat giving me room for my legs. If you have room for your legs, you'll love this. I was surprised how comfortable this actually was.

Check it out!

YB




i'm on the short side and the cockpit is on the long side...thinking maybe i can manage kneeling. i'm planning on hitting town lake early tomorrow morning, so i'll take my knee pads and see how it works out. my only real concern is whether or not the stability will be affected by shifting my weight forward a bit. we'll see how it works out.

btw...posted a couple pics in the gallery from last weekend's evening excursion.

[Dominique]

I'm dragon boat racing this morning at the regatta.

It's so frigging humid, I had gatorade for breakfast. I'm fine inside my IGLOO house.....

Hey littleman, regualr knee pads, when they get wet, slide around. These peel and stick that they sell, are two small rubber mats, and extremely soft rubber knee pads, and they work sort of like suction cups on the mat

If the lake is calm, try it, you've got nothing to loose, but lots to gain. My legs are only 29 inches, so this is very easy for me to do. Be prepared to go fast! (and have a blast!!!)

OK, gotta pack my bicycle bag. After dragon boat racing, the Pirates are back in town!

Happy July 4th to all Americans, Belated happy Cananda day neighbors.....and to all, a great day.

[StillettoDoll]

Blaze wanted me to post this pic of his Kayak


http://images.photo2.walgreens.com/232323232%7Ffp53375%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3B%3B9%3E842%3E WSNRCG%3D3669928%3B35325nu0mrj

Finally got 2 weekends in with the Prism Aquaterra that was worked on all winter.
Not bad, this bad boy caught me 2 Reds, 5 Flounder, 2 Sheepheads, and 4 Pompano at Galveston State Park trail #2. That doesn't include the 3 stingrays that I let go, lol.

Blaze

[afixer]

http://i228.photobucket.com/albums/ee23/hillcitytn/boats.jpg

spent most of the day Sunday out on the lake paddling my friends kids around, fun times. :)

[jelli]

We didn't "Canoe the New", but we sure did "Kayak some New".

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/pics/neri_frommoje.jpg

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/main.php

[Dominique]

We didn't "Canoe the New", but we sure did "Kayak some New".

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/pics/neri_frommoje.jpg

http://www.ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/neri/main.php


WoW!...thanks for posting this....and great info in the links. Beautiful, in a word!

[jelli]

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j17/jellibe/269766_10150217573775614_700790613_7486481_7259175 _n.jpg

[jelli]

Banjo loves to go kayaking. he gets so excited when we pull out his pfd. now, he doesn't like cruel and I to get to far apart and will get a little antsy depending on the distance. We then get closer and let him swim from one kayak to the other. This gives us both Banjo time as well as keep him cooled down if it's hot outside. He gets LOTS of attention everywhere we go.

[Dominique]

He gets LOTS of attention everywhere we go.


I see plenty of kayakers out with the dog. Two in particular, I see regularly. One, she goes out with both of her humans....has to sit in the cockpit because she is bad and likes to hop off and race them....they tell me that's no so terrible, but she is almost 90 pounds, and getting her back into the kayak~ floating on the river is dangerous....so she has to wait till swim time....and the other dog, TOTALLY spoiled. Has his own seat in a tandum kayak....the front seat of course....Shepard mix. He wears a pfd and eye goggles! I love it.
___

Ok, summer is cruising by. Finally relief from the heat. I've had so many headaches this summer, heat related, it has to be. Last evening it was normal weather, 83, and I had a light jacket on. I was sort of chilly. I didn't believe it myself

I've been working horrendously long hours four days a week, so I can have the extra day off each week end....and I've been having so much fun......Went out with our rowing club last evening to dragon boat and I heard our teen age group
had an *incident*. Two speed boats going in opposite directions (I heard in a no wake zone) but I wasn't able to confirm that, created a wake and the wakes hit the kids simultaneously and it tipped over the dragon boat. :praying:

a) Dragon boats are big and heavy and tips and flips almost never happen.

b) Pittsburgh River Rescue was there with in minutes....and the Coast Guard is investigating.

20 teenagers on board, and two adults, plus they go out with a motorized lead boat. No one was injured. I'm proud to report, the teen agers did everything they have been taught to do and even had the dragon boat uprighted. River rescue and the coast guard brought them to the rowing club
despite the kids wanting to attempt to reboard the boat. as precaution, they were all checked out, and all fine.
Stresses the importance of practicing *emergency*

__

Finally Kayak news. I was out for a row already this morning. An all womans row. I like these best. As we were getting into the kayaks and waiting on everyone to get settled, I saw a younger man (in his 20's I'd say) come walking down to the river, carrying a surf board looking thing and had a long handled paddel. He layed it at the edge of the river, got into the water, not quite knee deep, and climbed on TOP of this board, and stood up and rowed...or surfed...not sure what it was. I was preoccupied because he wasn't wearing a PFD and this river will swallow you....that makes me crazy, but wow, the muscles he had
~very pronounced from the rowing he was doing~ it looked like a sophisticated version of Mark Twain out there.
This isn't the beach, so we don't see the latest trends inland, on the rivers....so I came home and looked it up

www.imaginesurf.com (http://www.imaginesurf.com)

Now of course I want one. Maybe not one as sophisticated as these, (i/e not as expensive either) My partner just reminded me of this...her words, not mine. This is why you
never go on vacations, you're always buying these toys.:hamactor: I like to have fun.....what's so wrong about that?

[Dominique]

XIfzAs93ZM8

[Medusa]

I've been kinda randomly following this thread and appreciate all the good info.

We live around several lakes and prime canoeing spots. I told Jack a few days ago that it looks like pretty good exercise for the upper body and that I wanted to pick up a Kayak.

She thinks I'm too clumsy :)

Once you get in one, is it fairly easy to balance?

[Dominique]

Yes....they come in all shapes and sizes......the wider the entry hole (speaking in easy to understand terms) the flatter the bottom and less chance to wobble and flip.

Look at the back muscles on these girls I just posted standing up....it works all of your muscles....even your legs are involved......

I tried to get a group together to go to the reunion after I read what Ark. had available....no one bit. Heck I'd drive for the opportunity.

Exhale.

[Medusa]

Yes....they come in all shapes and sizes......the wider the entry hole (speaking in easy to understand terms) the flatter the bottom and less chance to wobble and flip.

Look at the back muscles on these girls I just posted standing up....it works all of your muscles....even your legs are involved......

I tried to get a group together to go to the reunion after I read what Ark. had available....no one bit. Heck I'd drive for the opportunity.

Exhale.

I would love to do it in a group as long as nobody video-taped anything ;)

I see them all the time on craigslist here and even at yard sales sometimes. What is a good price range to invest for a brand newbie?

[Dominique]

I'd put all of my money into the PFD (personal flotation device) you want one that fits, is comfortable and will work!

The rest, well if it's your first....buy someone elses must sell...craigs list is perfect.....I always see damn good ones with the paddel (a good paddel can be a hundred bucks) for a hundred total......because if you like the sport, you'll get another one that fits your needs more.

Just like every one does who buys a camper....they always buy something better once they understand camping.

Kayaking and fishing is big too.....I don't fish, but I know Jack does.....

[jelli]

You can always rent them too. This way you could see what preferences surface without having invested much.

I totally agree about the PFD.

[Medusa]

I'd put all of my money into the PFD (personal flotation device) you want one that fits, is comfortable and will work!

The rest, well if it's your first....buy someone elses must sell...craigs list is perfect.....I always see damn good ones with the paddel (a good paddel can be a hundred bucks) for a hundred total......because if you like the sport, you'll get another one that fits your needs more.

Just like every one does who buys a camper....they always buy something better once they understand camping.

Kayaking and fishing is big too.....I don't fish, but I know Jack does.....


Exactly! I didn't know if I needed to get something specifically for me at first or what. I've been looking a bikes for much the same purpose as the kayak. I am opening up my life to healthier living and am enjoying being outdoors more and more. The idea of kayaking around some of the lakes and streams we have here is super motivating!

[Dominique]

kayaking is good for the head space.....zen like. It's much cheaper too. most people have trouble transporting them, and thats the turn off. I have a rack that I pull with my bicycle.....I live two blocks from the launch site on the river...so NO PROBLEM for me......also, having some one to do it with is suggested. I belong to a rowing club and I teach kayaking, so I can always find someone who wants to go out......and with all of the water outlets your state has, I'd say those same options would not be hard to find.

People think bicycles are inexpensive, and I know you have been researching. Everyone tells you get one fitted for you, and that can be costly....kayaking, you are moving and it's so much fun, you don't mind.(you won't be getting out and pushing it up a hill either....lol) My partner is not athletic like i am, and I took her kayaking and the second time, she was hooked, she never says no.....infact asks if we're going out.....i'll also tell you water people are fun people.....(again, zen) Try rental.

[Medusa]

kayaking is good for the head space.....zen like. It's much cheaper too. most people have trouble transporting them, and thats the turn off. I have a rack that I pull with my bicycle.....I live two blocks from the launch site on the river...so NO PROBLEM for me......also, having some one to do it with is suggested. I belong to a rowing club and I teach kayaking, so I can always find someone who wants to go out......and with all of the water outlets your state has, I'd say those same options would not be hard to find.

People think bicycles are inexpensive, and I know you have been researching. Everyone tells you get one fitted for you, and that can be costly....kayaking, you are moving and it's so much fun, you don't mind.(you won't be getting out and pushing it up a hill either....lol) My partner is not athletic like i am, and I took her kayaking and the second time, she was hooked, she never says no.....infact asks if we're going out.....i'll also tell you water people are fun people.....(again, zen) Try rental.

The zen is what is attracting me! We have a giant truck so I know transporting it wouldn't be a problem and there are at least 3 lakes/streams within range of where I work and live that would be super easy access.
The bike search has been put on hold since the bike I want/need is over $1000. :| I do love the idea of the kayak because I will accomplish the exercise and outdoor-zen that I'm wanting for so much less $$.

How is fishing out of one? :)

[Dominique]

Blaze has a picture posted not too far down, Stiletto posted it, I think little man fishes too....I don't fish. I talk too much....lol

[Sachita]

I've been kinda randomly following this thread and appreciate all the good info.

We live around several lakes and prime canoeing spots. I told Jack a few days ago that it looks like pretty good exercise for the upper body and that I wanted to pick up a Kayak.

She thinks I'm too clumsy :)

Once you get in one, is it fairly easy to balance?

I've owned various kayaks. It is a good work out for your entire body and the best part fairly easy. You'll feel it in your abs, ass and thighs. Look up videos on you tube for proper hand placement and sinking the paddle. This makes all the difference in the world.


The kayaks I have and prefer are called "Ocean Kayak". I like them because they are open, have holes in the leg area and seat which gets your butt wet but I enjoy it keep cool. I'd rather take my kayak out over my canoe when its hot. They are very sturdy and will last forever. Mine has a compartment for a small cooler behind the seat and a closed compartment for gear. I often use mine for fishing or overnight camping and have plenty of room.

[Sachita]

The zen is what is attracting me! We have a giant truck so I know transporting it wouldn't be a problem and there are at least 3 lakes/streams within range of where I work and live that would be super easy access.
The bike search has been put on hold since the bike I want/need is over $1000. :| I do love the idea of the kayak because I will accomplish the exercise and outdoor-zen that I'm wanting for so much less $$.

How is fishing out of one? :)

this is why I like the open sit on top types. I can strap my poles to the sides and there's lots of open room to put stuff.

[Dominique]

I have never fallen out of kayak accidently, until yesterday. I have done so intentionally, while teaching kayaking to newbies. Emergency procedures
are part of recreational kayaking.

My partner and I are going to compete in a *pumpkin* race in October. A
5 k fun bicycle ride, and a kayak race. (I may run in the 10 k, not sure, and today for sure, not sure) This was my partners idea not mine.

So yesterday, as per the usual, we head out to the river to kayak at sunrise. It's been extremely hot again, and oppressively high humidity. I was happy no sun shine. The competitive side of me wants to compete and win in this kayak competition. It's rated level 1. So I had my butch
who is much stronger than I, in training. She was towing me in my kayak,
up stream. We went to our designated *break spot* I brought along
frozen grapes and blue berries and espresso. Both were in these thin
stainless steel thermos's and these great ceramic commuter mugs with rubber lids. I had them packed into a perfect kind of bag. Understand,
packing in/on a kayak is important (get your minds out of the gutter):doh:

Our kayaks were still tethered together, and as we approached our
*break spot*, I began breaking out the break-fast treats. Instead of me untying her kayak, the smarter thing to do....as she was dropping the small
anchor, i was up on my kness, sort of, stretching all the way across the bow to untie my rope, while holding the partially broken out break-fast with one hand, and some how I lost balance-slipped and before anyone could say anything FEMME OVERBOARD.

I fell in, to my left side, so in between me and my honey, was my kayak. Now my left leg somehow became somewhat stuck as inertia was taking me overboard and breakfast was now in the river. Zip canvas bag filling with water....and I couldn't get my leg completely free (i didn't realize this
at first) until the damn kayak finally flipped first onto it's side, then completely over........at least I was out of it....and I'm watching my precious stainless steel ensemble float away filling with water and there goes our treat! So I try to swim after it. Maybe I was a tad bit in shock, thinking back to yesterday.

In my :seeingstars:I hear a whistle blowing. WTF? It was my lover blowing her emergency whistle. So I stop swimming, and start floating and begin to yell at her *QUIT BLOWING THAT WHISTLE>>>THAT'S FOR EMERGENCY* And she blew it again. I swam over to her kayak yelling the whole time, and I sort of remember her inquiring if I was ok....and I was mixed yelling about the espresso floating away and sinking, stop blowing that whistle, my kayak is taking on water and of all the goofy things for me to say....*The ducks poop in this water*.

Now you know, she just wanted to take the end of her kayak paddle,place it on top of my head and press, just hard enough to put my head under water to shut me up. But as I have said, she knows when to ignore me.

By this point she had a big smile on her face,(she told me later the comment about duck poop did it) and my high strung personality misconstrued that smile to be laughing at me, and I was now yelling/crying/ lump in my throat.....oh this is funny!!! as I was trying to flip her kayak. (hence total melt down)

Finally I got my brain back (after I wrapped my head around breakfast ensemble was gone) and I had to teach her how to help me empty my kayak. She had never done this before. I was trying to be patient. I was only super bitch one more time. I yelled * You're going to get wet
FU#$ing get over it* and again, in retrospect, that didn't apply as she was
very wet. I was irrational.

Finally, we got the water out of, and me back into my kayak. I paddeled back to the bicycles trying to regain my composure, but we kept the rope attached.

Last night, in the middle of the night, I said to my *sweet* honey....please tell the Kat to get off of my hip. Ha? No kat on my hip. Honey goes and gets me two advil. This morning, I can hardly walk. I feel like I tore an ass muscle. Sitting is even worse. We have a baseball game in a couple of hours. I already tried to sit on my bicycle. That was a NO. I tried to ride with out sitting, medium pain. It just started to rain. That maybe the answer. I've been standing all morning, trying to stretch this out, why can't I stand at the game?

Sweet Lover just said we are not going. :vigil: (please)
Thought I'd share. Have a safe labor day to those of us in the US!

[Blaze]

I am trying to get Doll involved, so I wanted to purchase this kayak. But I don't think she wants to go kayaking unless the water is like 18" deep. ~Sigh~ guess I have an excuse to buy an Ocean rough water kayak :drool:
Was going to get this for us...
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/download/file.php?id=103065&t=1


But really wants this...
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/download/file.php?id=102711&t=1

[Blaze]

I also am very fond of this one, with it's ready to go fishing set up and Rudder, perfect for getting close inshore and staying there.
http://img443.imageshack.us/img443/3674/photo5bb.jpg

[Blaze]

Exactly! I didn't know if I needed to get something specifically for me at first or what. I've been looking a bikes for much the same purpose as the kayak. I am opening up my life to healthier living and am enjoying being outdoors more and more. The idea of kayaking around some of the lakes and streams we have here is super motivating!

Like others have said, RENT, or watch for Demo days where you can test paddle so many models, there are pro's that can help you with what your really wanting out of your Kayak...
Then when your ready, and you know what you want, craigslist, or resale used kayak shop. I bought a kayak, that many hate, they say it's more for racing, well it's fast, Yes, but I learned how to paddle in that when I was a kid and never forgot the feel and the ride, So I paid special attention to finding one, adding my fishing gear and up graded my racing kayak into an awesome fishing Kayak. It's not as stable as the newer kayaks, but it's made for my balance and technique so I don't have any gripes. Good luck and take your time, don''t buy because it's cheap... Most people that buy cheap, end up wanting to up grade.

[Blaze]

Speaking of racks and travel. When I had my jeep Cherokee I used the basic style foam
http://rackwarehouse.com.p2.hostingprod.com/images/productimages/malone/malone-mpg168-foam-kayak-blocks-for-kayak-stacker.jpg
then there are http://dsp.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pDSP1-12276044p275w.jpg
Now that I have my truck, I use the half rack from harborfreight, got it on sale so it cost me $39.00 and I love it! you can pull the rack off and put it back on when needed! I didn't like drilling into my truck bed, but... hauling my yak is a breeze.
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_16572.jpg
Some also use the extended bed holder for yaks, this seems more easy. But I like my rack because I can carry lumber and it's less attractive for thieves to steal off your truck while your paddling.
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/414dGh6yB%2BL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

[Blaze]

This guy Robert knows how to reel them in. Fishing in a kayak. Seen him last year in Tiki Island.
http://youtu.be/6tajGjUgTiQ

[DapperButch]

So I have only done canoeing in calm waters and of course the standard white water rafting group thing.

I have been wanting to try kayaking for years, but never got around to it.

tantalizingfemme wants to try it too, so for my birthday she got us a gift certificate for a guided eco-tour. They have different tours and we are going to choose the tight river, swampy type one. I am looking forward to it and if we like it enough and we can find some kayaks in our price range, we may have a new activity!

I am trying to decide if we should rent a tandum kayak or a two singles. I am leaning towards two singles, but it would be fun to be together, too.

What are people's thoughts on this? I am assuming that if we want to get into this as a sport we will buy singles (?), so I figure we should use singles on this tour to assess how much we like this sport. Thanks.

[Sparkle]

I would recommend single kayaks to begin. I think its important that you both find your center of gravity and your paddle style separately before tandem kayaking.

What type of water will you be going in?

Besides the practicality of learning individually before getting in one boat together...

I call tandem kayaks: "divorce kayaks". :|

I have never enjoyed them, I find it frustrating and slower going. It takes patience to get in sync paddling both in style, in stroke length and speed. (I am not patient.) It also requires a distinct leader/follower relationship in terms of setting the course and speed.

I love the feeling of freedom and independence the kayak gives me, so the tandem always felt like work and perpetual negotiation, it took all of the joy out of the experience for me.

Occasionally I've even considered swimming back to shore rather than remain in a tandem.
But that could just be a me-thing.

I know people who love tandem kayaking.

[Oiler41]

So I have only done canoeing in calm waters and of course the standard white water rafting group thing.

I have been wanting to try kayaking for years, but never got around to it.

tantalizingfemme wants to try it too, so for my birthday she got us a gift certificate for a guided eco-tour. They have different tours and we are going to choose the tight river, swampy type one. I am looking forward to it and if we like it enough and we can find some kayaks in our price range, we may have a new activity!

I am trying to decide if we should rent a tandum kayak or a two singles. I am leaning towards two singles, but it would be fun to be together, too.

What are people's thoughts on this? I am assuming that if we want to get into this as a sport we will buy singles (?), so I figure we should use singles on this tour to assess how much we like this sport. Thanks.

To me, tandem kayaks are a lot of fun, in particular, when one seasoned kayaker is introducing someone to kayaking. But, if the plan is to decide if you want to get your own kayaks, then I would suggest two singles. The thing about doing an analysis on a trip like this is that they will tend to have an average, middle of the road size of kayak. Several things determine what type, length, width, etc. kayak is right for you.

So this trip would be a good introduction, but after the trip, as Blaze said, look around for somewhere that will have kayak demo days. They will have every size and style of kayak for you to hop in and try out. And, it depends on where you plan to do the majority of your kayaking. I like lakes and rivers, nothing too rapid. My kayak is long (14') and fairly wide. I like the stability, but a 14' kayak isn't one you want to be in on many rapids. It can't be turned fast enough for that activity. Also, the more narrow the body of the kayak, the easier it is to flip,,and in water where you can't stand up, it is pretty hard to get back in, lol.

Kayak paddle length and style is another issue; I like an ergonomic paddle with a curved shaft; some folks like a straight shaft; some like the blades straight, some like them offset; how long your paddle is depends on your body size, arm length, kayak width, etc.

But I will say this, when you find a kayaking set up that fits you, it is an activity that can be done for many years to come and can take you to places that powered boats can't go. You can sneak up on wildlife and get some great pictures too, lol.

Enjoy your trip!!

Glynn

[Oiler41]

I've been kinda randomly following this thread and appreciate all the good info.

We live around several lakes and prime canoeing spots. I told Jack a few days ago that it looks like pretty good exercise for the upper body and that I wanted to pick up a Kayak.

She thinks I'm too clumsy :)

Once you get in one, is it fairly easy to balance?

Wish I had known this when you were here; come visit again and I'll take you out kayaking so you can give it a try, lol. We will try to drag littleman along too!

Glynn

[DapperButch]

Wow great information and much appreciated advice, Sparkle and Oiler!

Sparkle - the only thing around here is calm waters, except for the ocean. I don't think I would be too keen on that. My dream though would be to do white water kayaking though (but, I could never do that on a regular basis due to location, so that is out). Our trip is the bay side down the beach.

The information on the tandem is very useful. It would annoy me to have to work with someone else. I have never had patience for "group projects"!

Oiler - Thanks for the suggestion of a demo day (somehow I forgot Blaze mentioned that when I read that post yesterday!), including the information on different paddles.

We are taking a mini hiking vacation in June and I am heading to the outdoor store to check out hiking boots today. I will take a peek at their kayaks and see what I can begin to learn.

Thanks again, guys!

ETA: Now I am wondering the cost to add a kayak attachment to my SUV roof rack?

[Oiler41]

Wow great information and much appreciated advice, Sparkle and Oiler!

Sparkle - the only thing around here is calm waters, except for the ocean. I don't think I would be too keen on that. My dream though would be to do white water kayaking though (but, I could never do that on a regular basis due to location, so that is out). Our trip is the bay side down the beach.

The information on the tandem is very useful. It would annoy me to have to work with someone else. I have never had patience for "group projects"!

Oiler - Thanks for the suggestion of a demo day (somehow I forgot Blaze mentioned that when I read that post yesterday!), including the information on different paddles.

We are taking a mini hiking vacation in June and I am heading to the outdoor store to check out hiking boots today. I will take a peek at their kayaks and see what I can begin to learn.

Thanks again, guys!

ETA: Now I am wondering the cost to add a kayak attachment to my SUV roof rack?

Adding a rack depends on a few things:

1. Do you already have roof rails?
2. If you have roof rails, do they already have crossbars?

If you have roof rails, you are one step ahead; if you already have crossbars, you are two steps ahead. If you don't have one or both, racks made to attach to a vehicle in the rain gutter can be somewhat pricey.

Yakima and Thule offer high end racks with mostly high-end prices, but it just depends on what you are starting with. Also racks can vary depending on what you want the rack to be able to do; there are racks that make it easy to raise and lower from the side to get the kayak closer to the ground for unloading; there are racks that have bottom rollers to facilitate easier loading from the front or back of the vehicle, but you have to be able to get at least one end of the kayak up to the rack to use them. Malone racks are not as pricey as Yakima or Thule, but again, it all depends on what you are starting with and the size of the kayak(s) you are trying to haul.

It can also depend on whether you are going to haul one or two; two somewhat narrow kayaks can travel flat on the bottom of them; if you have one narrow and one wide, one of them may have to be on the rack sideways. You pretty much have to get your kayak(s) first and then figure out your rack. Some racks are generic, but some have to be purchased specifically for your vehicle if you don't have factory side rails. But, you can always just get the foam blocks the kayak rests on while on top of your vehicle. Personally, I don't like them but they will work in a pinch.

My car had factory side rails, but not cross bars. Santa brought me a set of crossbars made for my car, which then allowed me to have a little more variety with racks. Just be careful when buying if you don't have rails and crossbars. Don't let someone trick you into buying a rain gutter rack system if it isn't specifically for your vehicle. You will possibly end up having to buy some parts to get it to work on your vehicle if it doesn't match.

If you have racks and crossbars, you can get a Malone set of supports for around a hundred bucks; then,,you have to tack on the cost of tie-downs. Spend your money wisely with your tie-downs. Standard ones are cheap, but you will cuss them in short order, lol. My favorite set of tie-downs is a ratcheting set that uses rope instead of nylon straps. A bit more expensive than standard nylon straps, but they are worth every penny for ease of use.

Glynn

[Sparkle]

Wow great information and much appreciated advice, Sparkle and Oiler!

Sparkle - the only thing around here is calm waters, except for the ocean. I don't think I would be too keen on that. My dream though would be to do white water kayaking though (but, I could never do that on a regular basis due to location, so that is out). Our trip is the bay side down the beach.

The information on the tandem is very useful. It would annoy me to have to work with someone else. I have never had patience for "group projects"!



Well the great thing is that there is a huge amount of variety in "calm waters" - big lakes, little lakes, meandering rivers, small-rapid rivers, ponds, estuaries, bays etc.

I'm interested in sea kayaking but I've not had too much experience at it. I usually rent a sea kayak when I'm in Ptown and paddle cross the bay to Long Point which is the tippy top of the curve that is Cape Cod and sometimes just around Long Point - I am in ocean waters but mainly in the protected cove of the bay, and otherwise very close to the shore. I feel comfortable with that but I get nervous about going out very far, there have been a couple of news stories about kayakers off the cape spotting great whites, and the seals and manatees swimming by my boat make me nervous.

I LOVE white water kayaking, but it takes the cost of kayaking to a new level. Specialized equipment, classes at each rapid level, travel etc.

Most of my kayaking these days is done on some form of calm water. Its just more accessible and practical.

I know a few people that have kayaked around Manhattan *that* is the type of kayaking that scares me. :| Too much traffic on the water, it makes me nervous.

[The Oopster]

any reason to stay away from a used kayak?

I may look into getting a kayak when i get up to the forest in a week or so.

There are tons of lakes up there. Rivers also but I'm thinking I'm best to stick to lakes.

I thought I might see if I could rent one for a day just to get the feel but then also look to see if I can find used. However if I can't find a used one for much cheaper then a new one I'll go new if I decide I'll get plenty of use out of it!

[Sparkle]

I think a used one is a great way to start; and then get out and paddle in different types of water so you can get some sense of what you like, what you love, and what you don't. That will provide you with some direction when you're ready to buy a new (or fancier used) kayak.

Most places that rent kayaks will sell their used boats when they upgrade. That is a great place to buy because they generally have baseline/basic very user friendly boats.

Just don't spend too much on a basic used boat because if you get in to it you will want to upgrade within a couple of years.

/my opinion. :)

[Blaze]

any reason to stay away from a used kayak?

I may look into getting a kayak when i get up to the forest in a week or so.

There are tons of lakes up there. Rivers also but I'm thinking I'm best to stick to lakes.

I thought I might see if I could rent one for a day just to get the feel but then also look to see if I can find used. However if I can't find a used one for much cheaper then a new one I'll go new if I decide I'll get plenty of use out of it!

Oopsterrrrrrrrrrr, Long time no see!
Good question, and it depends on the buyer. Some like a brand new unscratched bottom variety, while others like me. Prefer the vintage styles. Some got lots of cash to blow, while others got a budget...
I. Myself like used. I ask all kinds of questions, if it was garage kept, covered, kept hanging or stored on the ground. I take a look-see over and make sure there are no cracks visible to the eye. Press the top to see if its soft, feel the sides to make sure there not soft or collapsed. Then I ask to turn it over to check how the(Oyster rash) is. Because we have lots of oysters beds here in Texas and they chew up the bottom pretty quick. I check the haul, push for soft spots, check for deep gouges or dings. See if it looks like it's been soft welded, or plastic welded, you can tell these by the color change. And if your lucky, you can test paddle it before you buy! Because it's Blue and cool, doesn't mean it's just for you. Could have a lean to it. Be dried out, for example. I had to water seal and plastic seal my yak, but I wanted the challenge so it was a winter project for me and I much enjoyed the out come of my racer converted to fishing kayak. Right up my alley. Now. you may not want a fixer upper so then you follow the steps I just gave you and your on your way to happy paddling, what's used to one is new to another. Either way, just remember your PFD and your good to go! Kayaking it's an addiction.

[Blaze]

Well the great thing is that there is a huge amount of variety in "calm waters" - big lakes, little lakes, meandering rivers, small-rapid rivers, ponds, estuaries, bays etc.

I'm interested in sea kayaking but I've not had too much experience at it. I usually rent a sea kayak when I'm in Ptown and paddle cross the bay to Long Point which is the tippy top of the curve that is Cape Cod and sometimes just around Long Point - I am in ocean waters but mainly in the protected cove of the bay, and otherwise very close to the shore. I feel comfortable with that but I get nervous about going out very far, there have been a couple of news stories about kayakers off the cape spotting great whites, and the seals and manatees swimming by my boat make me nervous.

I LOVE white water kayaking, but it takes the cost of kayaking to a new level. Specialized equipment, classes at each rapid level, travel etc.

Most of my kayaking these days is done on some form of calm water. Its just more accessible and practical.

I know a few people that have kayaked around Manhattan *that* is the type of kayaking that scares me. :| Too much traffic on the water, it makes me nervous.

Wow, the envy... I have never done the hard core rapids... I want to, but I do so love lakes and most of all ocean kayaking,or bay fishing. I love shooting the waves and and turtle'in. I like getting past the front waves and dashing 2 or 3 miles out to troll while casting out in the open ocean. Nothing more fun than a big fish hitting your line and dragging you around, but you have to let your anchor drift go or your in trouble. But the rush of being pulled by a big fish is awesome! And if no fish are biting no worries, the seagulls usually like to make a quick pit stop, and the sting rays usually cruise beneath your yak.
Texas oceans are not like my home, Hawaii you could see what was around you all the time. Texas is mud water and sometimes when the bull sharks start getting a tad to nosy, I start to get my gaft stick ready. But usually they will swim a couple times around, see that I don't have a fish line hanging and leave. I long to kayak in other states. When we were in Little Rock, 50 miles towards Hot Springs, there were a lot of rental area's with crystal clear streams that I was foaming at the mouth to hit, but didn't have time. Maybe this year, one never knows....

[Dominique]

http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak1_sm.JPG (http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak1.jpg) http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak2_sm.JPG (http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak2.jpg) http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak3_sm.JPG (http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak3.jpg) http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak4_sm.JPG (http://www.tonystrailers.com/kayak/trayak4.jpg)

[DapperButch]

Sparkle - thank you for your thoughts. I am pretty confident in thinking that small rapid rivers/just rivers in general, will be my preference. I am concerned that a plain old lake would bore me. I have never been a boater type person, but I love to mountain bike on narrow trails in the woods. I have a vision of kayaking on a river/ narrow waterways will somehow have a similar feel. But, what the hell do I know?

I will do some research of the available water sources in my area that allow kayaking and then go from there.

Oiler - thanks for the information on the roof rack. I do have a rack plus cross bars as I mountain bike. If I get to the point where I decide to buy a kayak I will DEFINITELY be returning to the thread/seek you out by PM for recommendations.

Blaze - is it better to store a kayak flat on the floor or hanging?

Dominique - you are lucky you are such a short distance to where you want to row (is it "row" or what is it one says here?)

We probably won't be able to begin any kayaking until June, but prepare for lots of questions around that time! Thanks everyone!

[Blaze]

Hey there Dapper,
Well, I prefer the hanging style. Be it side mount or strap mount. It's a personal preference my friend. http://www.outdoorplay.com/site/images/kayak-storage-kayak-wall-cradles.jpg https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/public/4vX2tBtRJh9mYjg1r1TubkoycqLVY0pIUpHurcy5tmBDOyq7Bq g_CFvfGvev9GB4gS7ALN9BRPa3E5wbs2bLaVuEDX0L8CqYi4P9 tty6GjXlArEAishAnxg_b_paFa-FgTnP4bJvHRif4p7b2_YyvXLfV6_C1uDwqaGYfrZXbknMc3fFX yKfyeUK8YEtVjQ_1IqN5IL35_KJ2dRCRfuD9LslIqawceOJDfS fJv9NtLfQFoMvHzWVfFSQ7B7mURvreUeUmc3aBkZYeDLkiQP4Y 4g4r-BJUw3i_3Hbhf6omi3LR8ese85_UWmvMoGj7Q=s90-c some store it on the ground, but here in Texas, it gets so hot that in my honest opinion, I have seen kayaks lose there shape or bow. Once again, if your in a cooler claimant,you can leave it in your back yard and it does well. Then again I am one that doesn't like to tow my kayak on it's rack upside down, cause my superstitious way is that if the yak gets use to upside down it might do that in water. That's just my hang up lol.
Hope this helps, but heck, there are some really good idea's in the thread so don't take my words, hold on, there are probably more insight to come...

[Blaze]

I just had to share this picture, And I thought I was bad about over kill on fishing poles and equipment... I wouldn't know which pole to grab if I got multiple hits. But still sooooo impressive!
http://www.bigwatersedge.com/bwegallery/data/528/Kayakus_Maximus_002_Medium_.jpg

[Blaze]

http://www.canoekayak.com/files/2012/05/DogTownThumb.jpg
Holy COwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwabungaaaaaaaaa

[Blaze]

Seen this on a trailer, my sentiments exactly.
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/download/file.php?id=96563&t=1

[Blaze]

Now this is a nice trailer set up, and the gentlemen that rigged this keeps his kayak on it so it's ready to go at any moment. And he can also back up into the ramp for easy off load and on load.
http://i1081.photobucket.com/albums/j348/FJcruisin1/DSCN0503.jpg

[Blaze]

Ok, remember I was talking about Oyster rash on the bottom of your kayaks? Especially where I paddle. And that's mostly around all shore or island area's here. Example:
http://www.best-of-st-pete-beach.com/images/oyster-bed-3133.jpg
Which can look like this after a while, Example

http://i49.tinypic.com/skxmvs.jpg

Which made me crave these, Example:

http://photos2.fotosearch.com/bthumb/FSD/FSD446/x11370848.jpg

[Blaze]

These are what many Kayaking grouppies use here,
http://s3.amazonaws.com/VibramFiveFingers/wys_sidebarBarefooting.jpg Five fingers
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/53/Vibram_FiveFingers_KSO_Trek_Brown.JPG/220px-Vibram_FiveFingers_KSO_Trek_Brown.JPG
Or Academy has the Fila Skele-Toe shoes which are cheaper.
https://content.academy.com/skeletoes/images/5.jpg
or Last but very popular are the Crocs:
https://assets.academy.com/mgen/65/10069265.jpg?is=150,150

[Blaze]

Found an interesting site that has lots of info on kayaking. Just wanted to share. http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Articles/ More generalized kayak information that you may want to know.

[Blaze]

http://rlv.zcache.com/kayak_on_car_this_is_how_i_roll_bumper_sticker-p128168211498691642en7pq_416.jpg

I was wasting a bit of time at work and got to think about all the times where I've fished with someone that has turtled, flipped, took a dip, gone overboard.

Not counting the surf flipping the only time I have gone over was in the Houston Ship Channel HSC. It was memorial day and the waves were just wrong, I should not have been there. I got the boat caught in the trough of the waves and over I went. after the initial shock of being in water I'm fishing for sharks in I used the following technique. Belly, Butt, feet. First kick up the belly onto the seat of the yak. This can be hampered by radios, pliers, cameras or whatever you have strapped to your PDF. Then once your belly is on your seat roll over onto your back. Then slide your feet over the front of the boat.

The best video I have seen of this is the following:
YouTube - Broadcast Yourself. ... re=related

Dangers of flipping are: being by yourself (horse is dead), panic, tiring yourself out with poor technique, gear in your way.
Relax, practice before hand, and be safe guys.

This Summer looks like a great Fishing Season!

[Blaze]

I'll begin with the "stroke" and then I'll follow with the information on "feathering"

Like most everthing, proper paddling is about good posture & form...

Sit up straight- with your feet firmly on the foot braces and the foot braces adjusted to where the knees are bent up with about 6" of clearence under the back of the knee. Push your buttocks firmly back into the seat. The preasure from you legs to your butt "connects" you to the boat. With your back straight, bend slightly forward from the waist.


Grip you paddle's shaft even with your shoulders- holding the shaft in front of you- even with your chest. You elbows should be at a right angle(90°)
*Important to Remember- Never let you elbows bend less than 90°. Imagine that you have a beach ball pinned between the paddle's shaft and your chest- keeping you from ever bringing the shaft closer to your chest. Keep those elbows at 90° or greater all the time. This space between your chest and the shaft is also refered to as the "Paddler's Box"
(NEVER "PUMP" THE ARMS/ELBOWS! called the Arm Stroke- BAD)

The stroke begins by rotating at the WAIST with the arms in the Paddler'sBox position. Lean forward and "Catch" the water by your toe. Imagine that you have just stuck the paddle in the ground and you are going to pull the boat up to the paddle's position by rotating at the waist using the muscles in your lower back and waist- NOT YOUR ARMS!
You are not pulling the paddle back through the water...
You are pulling the boat up to the paddle...

The stroke ends when the paddle's blade is even with your hip NEVER BEHIND YOUR HIP!
*Important to Remember- If you end the stroke behind the hip and recover the blade behind the hip- when you lift the blade, you catch water against the face of the blade- thus pulling the boat down to the paddle and slowing the boat from the forward momentum that you just gained in the power faze of the stroke.

Now you repeat the "Catch" by the opposite toe and "Recover" by the opposite hip- all by maintaining the "Paddler'sBox" and rotating at the waist using your lower back and abdomen muscles.

This is called the "Body Stroke".


"FEATHERING" the paddle

Feathering is where we adjust the paddle's blades to where they are at angles to each other- usually it's 60° On two piece paddles, the shaft will usually have two holes where the two pieces come together at the ferrule. If you put the spring button in one hole the blades will be even/straight with each other and if you put the button in the other hole the blades will be at an angle to each other.

Most paddles that are set up for feathering are set up for right-handed people and the normal angle is 60° You can get paddles setup for left-handed people and at different angles like 45° or 90°

The purpose for feathering the blades is so the blade that is out of the water in the "Recovery" position is "slicing" through the wind instead of pushing the flat side of the back of the blade into/through the wind.
Out on the open water this makes a huge difference when paddling around in the wind.

To feather the paddle in the stroke,(right-hand version) the right hand grips the shaft. The right blade should be in the correct position to "catch". The right hand stays in this position on the shaft all the time. The right side makes a catch, then stroke and then on the recovery, the right hand will drop slightly by rotating the wrist slightly down, rotating the shaft to turn the left blade to the correct catch position for the left side.
The left hand never grips the shaft. The right hand rotates the shaft in the left hand from right catch position to left catch position.

The better your body stroke becomes, the more you rotate at the waist, the less you will notice dropping the right wrist in the catch for the left side.

I don't even notice a rotation in the shaft now because of the natural rhythm that I've developed from many years of paddling.

Practice makes perfect!

[Blaze]

Which fishing kayak is the best one for me?

Are you confused about which kayak to buy? All of us have gone through this initial confusion.

There are basically 2 types of kayaks. They are Sit On Tops (SOT) and Sit In Kayaks (SIK). Each type has models that fish well and ones that don't. Before we discuss the merits and differences of each type let's first discuss kayaks for fishing in general. What makes a kayak a good fishing kayak? There are many factors to consider.


The first factor to consider is YOU. What is your height, weight, leg length, and general condition? If you're a big man, there are certain kayaks that you need to look at. If you're a small person getting a kayak that's big and has a 600-pound capacity probably isn't your best choice. Some kayaks suit different body types better than others. All these factors are important.
What vehicle are you going to use to transport your kayak? If you're using the bed of a pickup truck a heavier kayak isn't a problem. If you have a large SUV you have to be conscious of the weight. How will you load and unload your kayak? Can you load in a heavy wind?
Where do you plan on using the kayak? Is it strictly going to be used in fresh water, on lakes, ponds, or large impoundments? Do you plan on using it in saltwater? Do you plan on fishing in the ocean and launching through the surf?
How are you planning on getting the kayak to the water? Can you simply drive it to the water or do you plan on going into areas where you can't use your vehicle to get your kayak to the water? Will you need a kayak cart?
What fishing methods do you like to use? Do you use artificial baits, real bait, or both? Do you use a variety of methods? If you're going to use bait, do you want to use live bait or dead bait? Do you fly fish? The type of gear and the way you fish are going to determine which kayaks are going to better suit your needs.
What type of fisherman are you? Are you strictly a catch and release fisherman, do you like to take the occasional meal home or are you regularly taking fish home?

Now let’s discuss the SOT and SIK kayaks. We'll simply discuss both types and furnish some information so you can decide on which is the better choice for you.

Sit In Kayaks (SIK): These are the traditional type of kayaks. They are similar to canoes in that you sit in the kayak. They offer more initial protection from the elements however they are more exposed in rougher conditions and can fill with water. In bad conditions they're usually used with a skirt. A skirt is a covering that goes around you and the opening in the kayak that prevents water from entering. When a skirt is used you don't have access to the items that are in the kayak.

Sit On Top (SOT): These are the new type of kayak. They're basically modified surfboards and you sit on them rather than inside. They have what are known as scupper holes, which allow water to drain from the kayak compartment. So when water washes over the kayak it briefly floods the cockpit and then drains.

Both types of kayaks allow you to fish and obviously within each type there are models that do this better than others. Many kayaks today are made of plastic. Let's discuss important fishermen needs and how each type of kayak addresses them.

Most people who decide to get a kayak for fishing have never or rarely been in a kayak. They are fishermen that recognized that a kayak would expand their fishing range. This article is based upon this premise and is discussed from this perspective.

Stability: Fishermen do things in a kayak that most people don't do. They fish. Having a stable platform is very important, especially to the person who is new to the sport and kayaks. There are two types of stability initial and secondary.

Initial stability is the side-to-side wobble that you feel when you sit in a kayak.
Secondary stability is when the kayak is nearing its point of flipping and how much forgiveness it has before you flip.


Many recreational kayaks that are used for fishing have great initial stability but have a very abrupt secondary. When they reach their secondary limit you're literally dumped. Conversely there are kayaks that wobble like mad but are very forgiving when they come to the dump point. Since you sit on or near the floor of a SIK they tend to be more stable. In SOTs you sit on the kayak and since it has a double hull you sit higher. This higher sitting position obviously makes a SOT less stable. If you have 2 kayaks that are the same length and width the SIK will usually be more stable. So SOT designers tend to make their kayaks wider to compensate for this.

Initial stability is more important to beginners and secondary stability is more important to seasoned kayakers. The beginner hasn't developed a sense of balance yet. It's a lot like learning how to ride a bicycle. Once you're become accustomed to balancing it’s done unconsciously. After a while it becomes second nature and you don't think about it. Shorter wider kayaks tend to be more stable, but slower as a rule.

Speed: Generally, the longer and narrower a kayak the faster it is. SIKs are usually faster however there are also fast SOTs. Speed is only important if you need it. If the majority of your fishing is close to shore or in small, protected areas, than sacrificing maneuverability for speed isn't the way to go. However if you're fishing a big reservoir, bay, or ocean the ability to cover distance is often very important. A SIK will usually be faster because it is narrower for the same length because of its lower seat position. There are many fast SIKs and some SOTs. The faster SOT kayaks, used for fishing, are known as touring kayaks.

Maneuverability: If you're going to fish in small, tight places you need to be able to maneuver. Some kayaks do this extremely well. Getting back into a small creek or pond and fishing often requires this ability. Both kayak types have models that do this well. Generally the shorter the kayak the better but design does matter.

Kayak Weight: This can be extremely important for many reasons..

Transportation: You need to be able to transport your kayak. Many of us who are fishermen drive SUVs or trucks with caps. So you're going to have to be able to get the kayak on the vehicle then off the vehicle and into the water.

Fishing Logistics: I fish all kinds of environments from large bays and the Gulf but I often fish some very small waters too. A small shallow river or pond is best fished with a small, light kayak because you will need to be able to carry or drag the kayak around, over or through places. A lighter kayak will make this easier. Just getting to the water in some places presents challenges where weight could be important.

Accessory Friendly: Fishermen, take a recreational kayak and make it a fishing vessel. We do this by adding accessories. Some fishermen just take a rod and a few flies or lures along and others like to take lots of gear. Some kayaks accept accessories better than others. It's the addition of accessories that can often dramatically improve the fishing. Lots of flat surfaces are nice for mounting things. On some kayaks it’s simple and you have many choices of where you can mount accessories. Some kayaks require much more thought and limit what you can and can't attach.

Storage: Depending upon how you fish this can be important. You don't need much but a lot depends upon you and where you plan on going and what you plan on taking with you. If you like to use both spin and fly gear then you need to take accessories for both. Some items are universal and some aren't. If you're fishing where you won't be venturing far, you don't need much since you can always go back. Conversely you may be out all day and have a major commitment in travel in getting to the fishing. This will require you to carry more gear. It’s better to have too much storage then too little storage.

Let's talk about different places and ways of fishing both types of kayaks and see the practical uses of each type.

Flats Fishing: One of the best things about a kayak is the access to shallow flats that it provides. There are lots of these types of environments on the Gulf coast. Some flats are shallow. So you're fishing a flat and you'd like to get out and wade fish. There are a few reasons why you may wish to do this.
You've been sitting for a while in the kayak and it’s nice to get out to walk and stretch.
There's a breeze or wind and if you have to control the kayak with your paddle it makes it more difficult to fishing with your hands semi occupied.
By standing you can see better and sometimes this is an advantage.


So you've decided to get out of the kayak. If the water depth is only a foot or so this doesn't present a challenge in either type of kayak. Now let’s see how things change in a couple feet of water with an incoming tide. There's a good chance when you decide to get back into the kayak it could be 3 feet deep. In a SOT you sit on rather than in the kayak so getting in and out is actually getting on and off. It's easy to do. Conversely in a SIK it isn't so simple and your chances of capsizing the kayak are much greater. It's also much more difficult to do. Now imagine that you're wearing waders.

Surf Launches: When you fish the open ocean you often need to launch through the surf to get there. When a wave comes over the bow of a SOT the cockpit briefly fills with water and then it drains. You then get beyond the breakers, go to your fishing destination. Should a wave knock you off of your kayak you're just off. Knee braces can attach you to the kayak and can make a difference in larger surf. Conversely a SIK needs a skirt to go through even moderate surf. Otherwise it will fill with water and it doesn't have the ability to drain. So you go through the surf and you misjudge and a wave flips you. If you’re on a SOT, you simply fall off and go retrieve the kayak. In a SIK you are in the kayak and should you flip none of the consequences are good. In the very least you have a kayak full of water and in the worst scenario you're upside down and still in the yak with your gear bouncing around in the surf . When a SIK flips the popular idea is to do an Eskimo roll. That's OK if you're in calm water's with a narrow kayak but a SIK that is used for fishing is often wider and doesn't roll well in the surf or in shallow water.

Shallow Rivers: A kayak will take you into so many environments that are difficult if not impossible to reach via any other means. Sometimes you can paddle and at times you need to drag the kayak up, around or through objects. It’s much easier to get off of a kayak rather than out of one if you're doing it a lot. The more you find yourself leaving the kayak the more you will appreciate a SOT.

Keeping Fish: If you like to take fish home than you need a place to keep your catch. If its smaller fish this isn't a big deal but if the fish are big it is. In a SIK it's either in the cockpit or on a stringer. A stringer is OK in freshwater areas where you don't need to travel very far. A stringer full of fish provides drag and isn't good if you need to cover distance. In some places it can attract predators. In the south you have to be concerned with alligators and in the salt its sharks. A tank well is the best place to keep fish. Sot’s come with and without a tank well (the depression in the back of some SOTs). You can either place a cooler in the tank well or strap it on behind the seat. Many SOTs come with tank wells so if you regularly bring home dinner a SOT could be a better choice.

Now that we discussed some basic ideas it is up for you to decide which kayak you want. You need to decide what you think the best is for you THEN call some of the local dealers in your area and see what types of kayaks they have; then go out and paddle the different kayaks and see how they handle for you. Some stores have a pool or water close to the store where you can go and demo the kayaks.

Now that you have found the perfect kayak for you; you will need to figure out how to rig your kayak to best fit your needs. ALL OF US HAVE OUR OWN OPNION ON WHAT IS THE BEST KAYAK AND WAY TO RIG IT. I recommend that you know what you want before letting anyone rig your kayak for you because there is no way they know what is perfect for you. You will not know till you have fished a while and you will continue to change the longer you fish.

There are pictures of rigged fishing kayaks and good articles on rigging and other ways to improve your yak and your fishing experience on our site.

We have a great group of people that will help you. Your question has probably been asked before so use the search feature and read, then asks your questions. Remember we all made that first post. Never be a fraid to post on this board. FROM THE WELCOME TO THE TKF BOARD

JimD

[Blaze]

Hooked - a true story
“Anything that can go wrong, will” –Murphy

This was never as true than on a day when I was fishing with a couple of friends. Here’s a short synopsis of what went wrong on a very windy day. More importantly as you read this, I’d like you to imagine the situation and how it could have been avoided, and imagine how it could have been worse, had the individual been by himself with no one around to help.

I’ll give a lead-in, so his story, as I’ll be quoting it from a post he made on the Message board, will make more sense.

We all decided to head in as the wind that day was a bit too much for us. Three of us hit the shore, only to find one was still out in the water (deep water), and we noticed he was not in his kayak! Here is his story. I’ll call it...

Hooked


I learned several lessons yesterday, the hard way. Richard suggested that I post a message for all our fellow kayakers to read and hopefully learn a lesson the easy way.
The first lesson is to have a healthy respect for a hung anchor in a kayak. My anchor was hung solid on the bottom (in deep water) so I decided to paddle over the top and past the anchor to give it a tug from the upwind side and hopefully free it up. Paddling upwind I had enough momentum that when the anchor rope tightened, combined with the wave action, it capsized me instantaneously with no warning whatsoever. This was not so bad in it self, the following turn of events is what really put me in a fix. As I turned the kayak back over I had a plastic box with several lures in it that had come open during the capsize, setting the top water lures adrift and sending the others to the bottom. While attempting to retrieve the topwater lures I managed to embed a hook from a super spook past the barb in my right pointer finger. At this point I realized that the situation was going south rapidly so I pulled the tab to inflate my SOSpenders. Then I managed to get the other hook on the super-spook caught in my windbreaker up around my left shoulder. By this time I'm beginning to feel like Tim Conway in the skit as the dentist when he shot himself in several places with Novocain until he was almost completely disabled. But fortunately things started looking up. There were 3 guys in a powerboat not far away that saw I was having a bit of trouble and came over and ask if they could help. When you have your right hand pinned to left shoulder you are ready for someone to offer a helping hand. I don't know if I told those guys thank you enough. My first request was for some wire cutters but they had none to offer. They helped me into their boat and towed my kayak to the beach where James and Richard were there to help me regain use of my right hand (by the way the anchor was still hung and the guys in the power boat were barely able to pull it up). Richard was able to push the hook the rest of the way through and cut the barb off and take the hook out. Being near the finger tip where all those nerve endings are this was not without a degree of pain. I am however grateful for all the help. It could have been worse. The lessons I learned and would pass on to anyone interested are:

1. Exercise extreme caution with a hung anchor (especially in deep water).
2. Make sure the method you use for storing lures is secure at all times.
3. Have on hand a reliable means of cutting a hook loose.
4. Whenever you are fishing alone (which thankfully I wasn't today). Be extra cautious because you may have to deal with some bizarre unforeseen situations by yourself, if you are the least bit careless. Fish with a partner whenever you can.

Here are a couple of others I should relay to you:

Wear your PFD! Not having it on in this case would have been bad.

Have a signaling device such as a loud whistle, hanging around your neck, as it won’t do you a bit of good anywhere else.

[Dominique]

Good story!

We teach, wear your PFD ALL of the time and attach the whistle and a rescue rope to your PFD.

Thats why they are called accidents.

[Blaze]

Wow, I think I just found my newest love...
http://www.nucanoe.com/wp-content/pictures/Frontier/Frontier%2012.JPG
I soooooooooo want one of these! here is the link http://www.nucanoe.com/frontier/

[Blaze]

These are awesome rough water photo's!
http://www.garyluhm.net/kayaking/skookk14a.jpghttp://www.coastandkayak.com/Images/2005/as05rough04.jpg
https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ80JMLREWiHShiAVAgE8UH8ZsaY2rsY cUNKk4L8eGc1M8Lo0G2https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS7kyOcKCao0JAFJXvDfCRMf14zPwfGK h7pK9rMgEhzVE6FRmMyZg

[Blaze]

Kayaking Tips & Tricks
By Tom Watson

Since paddling season is still with us for a while, here is an assortment of paddling/gear tips that are quick and easy and can extend your enjoyment on the water.

Fixing frayed ends on deck lines.
Larger rope can be "whipped" by wrapping the fraying ends with a thinner, but strong, durable line. You can also melt the end of nylon or plastic rope to keep ends from fraying. Another handy way, and one that works on nylon strap ends, too, is to dip the end in that liquid rubber stuff used to re-coat tools. It’s available at most hardware stores. You dip the end into the coating, let it harden and, voila, you have a durable and non-fraying end. If you use this on straps, soak about 1" of the strap end in and then wipe or scrape off the excess. Enough will penetrate the fibers to make a tough "tongue" end that easily slips through the buckle. If you don’t wipe the end free of excess goop, it’ll be too thick to thread through the buckle slot.

Versatile knot for deck line.
Most kayaks now come with a 5mm nylon deck line that can be used to secure your boat to a dock or to an object on shore (it’s NOT for towing!). I prefer a larger diameter line about 20 feet long and I tie an eight-inch bowline knot to the end. I can then make a quick loop around a rock on shore or toss it over a piling on a dock. It’s also a handy grab line, especially if it’s a floatable line. I usually secure it to the bow, run it back, coil the end and stuff it under a bungee cord forward of the cockpit. The bowline is a convenient "handle" and makes it easy to create an even larger loop to drop over a large log or boulder on shore.
Reflecting Tape.
A past article suggested many uses of reflective tape: The back of paddles, along the extrusion line, on the bow/stern – anywhere you want extra visibility.
Signal Whistles
Need to shout? Save your voice, carry a whistle with you at all times. Buy several and put them in several places in your gear, in your clothing, but NEVER attach it to the zipper on your PFD! It’s unsafe and marks you as a major rookie!
All-in-One Flying Disc Tool
I still refer to all flying discs as a Frisbee™. It’s a multi-use camp tool: cutting board, wind block, fire fan, foot rest on wet ground, signaling device if it has reflective tape on back side. So many options! (More on Flying Disc uses)
Dry Bag Paradox – a dry bag keeps things dry, as they should. However, if you put just one little item inside a dry bag that contains moisture – it will cause everything in that “dry” bag to become damp! Make sure what goes in the dry bag is dry!
Bright colors for safety
Whenever you are buying gear such as clothing, tarps, bags, etc. choose bright colors. They can double as a signaling flag – bright orange, yellow, ‘lectric lime are best. Red is not visible over long distances.(More on colors)

Duct Tape – Don’t leave home without it! Period!
Take a kelp bed break
Native paddlers would "park" in a kelp bed to rest while on open/big water trips. Use your paddle to scoop up a frond and drape it across your fore deck. Do this with a couple of fronds on both sides to stabilize your boat and hold it in place. The kelp, attached to the bottom, hugs your boat while also buffering currents and wave action. Natives could actually sleep while parked this way.
Shoot a bearing the night before
If you tend to overnight on islands or across channels and don’t tend to carry a chart, decide where you want to reach the other shoreline, and take a bearing the night before when you can still see. Then if the morning fog obscures your view, you already have a reliable bearing to guide you to your desired end point on the other side.
Don’t fight a quartering wind
A quartering wind without a rudder assist can be easier and reduce weathercocking by tilting your kayak into the wind using your downwind knee. Lift up with your knee and trim the boat slightly as you continue on your desired course and the kayak will tend not to turn into the wind so much.
Make beach signals BIG!
Everything looks smaller from the air. To make emergency signals large enough to be readily seen think 1:5 ratio where "1" is at least 3 feet wide. That means letters or symbols should be at least 15 feet long to stand out to the observer moving overhead.
Need a quick, loud signal? Make a kelp horn
Bull kelp has that big floating bulb at the end of a hollow tube. Cut the bulb off about 10 inches up the stem and then cut off the end one-third of the bulb making a bugle-like horn. Pucker up and blow! It takes practice and a lot of slime on the lips, but it’s loud!
Break-away fish stringer
Kayak fishing has been a popular topic this summer. Attach your stringer with a slip knot or other “break-away” option. It should be strong enough to resist the fish tugs, but if a sea lion sees your catch dangling below your boat – splash! I almost had it happen – trust me!
Barbless hooks
Things happen pretty fast when fishing from a kayak. To help release fish quickly, for either catch-and-release, or a quick drop into the boat, consider pinching the barbs smooth on your hooks. It makes removing them easy – and adds a bit of a challenge while retrieving the catch as well. Barbless is also much quicker and less painful to remove should you catch yourself!

Cheat Sheet for Ground-to-Air/Emergency Signals
To remember which ground to air signal or other emergency signal means what, write them on a piece of gear you’ll always have with you. The inside of your PFD, for example, is a good place to use a laundry marker to jot down those handy signals people use in distress communications. Do you carry that flying disc with you? If so, write helpful reminder notes inside it as well.
Big binoc’s for a steadier view
Sure, tiny, compact binoculars seem more suited for kayaking, but they tend to bob and move around so much its hard to use them effectively. Instead, go for the bigger, heavier models - just use a flexible strap – it eases the stress and tension on your neck. Heavier binoc’s are easier to steady and use in a bobbing kayak. It’s a good trade-off in my book. (More on binoc's)
Short strap on cameras/binoc’s
A shorter strap around your neck means what’s tethered on the other end won’t hang down into that pool of water in your spray skirt nor will it swing down and into that tide pool you are bending over.
Several good pieces of gear have been sacrificed to gain this knowledge. Also, when the "light" comes on and one finds a better way to do something, it’s good to share. Hope some of these work well for you. Safe paddling.

Tom Watson, an avid sea kayaker and freelance writer is also the author of "How to Think Like A Survivor" currently available on Amazon.com and most major bookstores.

[Blaze]

Wonderful site: For starters http://www.smart-start-kayaking.com/

[chefhmboyrd]

i love to kayak.....
i am a total newbie, but it is so much fun.
:cowboihorse:

[Blaze]

Seeking opinions on the following:

- Is it advisable to fish the surf if its flat? (rip tides, currents etc. have any effect?)

Do you know your way out of the currents/rip tides if you fell in? If not, don't do it. If you do and it isn't difficult, go for it.

- Advice on crossing a cut that connects the gulf with the intercoastal, Such as Mitchells Cut in Sargent.

They're not all the same. I would go through SLP but I wouldn't try to go through Rollover ever. The tighter the pass, the faster and more turbulent the water is. I'm sure plenty of white water yakkers could fly through Rollover but I'll leave that for them.

- Fishing a lake where there is alot of deep water

I think more people have drowned in shallow water than deep water. I wouldn't be concerned with depth so much as distance from shore.

- Encountering a barge or large boat while in the Intercoastal

Don't fish in the ICW. They will cuss you out from a quarter mile away and everyone will hear it. Ask my brother in-law. Just be aware of what's going on around you. My wife caught a huge wake off a barge when she was fishing a drain that came from behind her. She was in less than 2 feet of water but this swell lifted her to where I saw the entire bottom of her yak from behind her. Your best bet is to turn into wakes just like in the surf. Never let them come at your side.

These are just some quick things that come to mind. As far as what safety/tips i am familiar with, I know to:
-wear a PFD
-Dont go out alone
-Less equipment is easier all around
-Know what my limits are(which i am trying to figure out)

Don't forget a whistle, they're required. You need a 360 light if you go out at night or before first light. If you really want to find out what you can handle, leave the fishing stuff at home and just go paddle. Falling out doesn't suck if you don't lose anything. It's also when you discover you need a paddle leash. Having a VHF radio is nice incase of an emergency but we mostly use them to let each other know if we find fish.

[Blaze]

PFD Basics

How Many PFDs Do I Need?

You must have at least one, U.S. Coast Guard approved, wearable PFD for each person onboard, and it must be the appropriate size. If your boat is 16 feet or longer (generally excluding canoes and kayaks but check your state's regulations) you must also have one throwable device (Type IV PFD).

What kind of PFD do I need?

PFDs are categorized by Type, i.e. Type I, II, III, IV or V. Types I, II and III are commonly worn by recreational boaters, while Type IVs are throwable devices such as life rings and buoyant cushions. Type Vs are for special uses, as will be discussed later.


Type Ihttp://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/pfd1.gif


Type IIhttp://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/pfd2.gif


Type IIIhttp://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/pfd3.gif


Type IVhttp://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/pfd4.gif


Type Vhttp://www.boatsafe.com/nauticalknowhow/boating/pfd5.gif

When considering a Type I, II or III - remember that, generally, the lower the number the better the performance. (A Type I is better than a Type II.)

Types I, II or III may be inherently buoyant, that is, they will float without action by the wearer, or they may be inflatable (oral and manual inflation at a minimum), or a combination of both (hybrid). Currently, all USCG approved inflatable PFDs are Type IIIs with manual inflation.

Select a PFD based upon your planned activities and the water conditions you expect to encounter.

Type I
Offshore Life Jacket Type II
Near-shore Buoyant Vest Type III
Flotation Aid
Best for open, rough or remote water, where rescue may be slow-coming. Good for calm or inland water, or where there is a good chance of fast rescue Good for conscious users in inland water and where there is good chance of fast rescue.
Advantages Floats you the best
Turns most unconscious wearers face-up in water

Highly visible color

Turns some unconscious wearers face-up in the water
Less bulky, more comfortable than Type I

Generally the most comfortable type for continuous wear
Designed for general boating or the activity that is marked on the device

Available in many styles, including vests and flotation coats

Disadvantages Bulky Not for long hours in rough water
Will not turn some unconscious wearers face-up

Wearer may have to tilt head back to avoid going face down
Not for extended survival in rough water; a wearer's face may often be covered by waves

All wearers need to try it in water prior to going boating

Inflatables: Inflatables: Some brands are now approved. Be sure to check for USCG approval. Type III Inflatables: Will keep many unconscious wearers face-up after inflation, but must be regularly inspected and re-armed to be reliable. Inflatables are not for non-swimmers, or for long hours in rough water. Inflatables are not for use where high speed impact is likely to occur.


Type IV
Throwable Device Type V
Special Use Device
Advantages: Can be thrown to someone.
Are good backup to wearable PFDs.

More convenient or useful for specific activities.
Continuous wear prevents being caught without protection. Most accidents happen suddenly and unexpectedly.

Disadvantages: Not for unconscious person, non-swimmers or children.
Not for many hours in rough water.

Less safe than other Types if not used according to label conditions.
May be better suited to cool climates or seasons.

Some Type Vs are approved only when worn. If marked this way, they are required to be worn to be counted as a regulation PFD.

Notes: Kinds: Cushions, rings and horseshoe buoys. Hold to chest and put arms through opposite straps. Performance: Equal to either Type I, II or III performance as noted on the label.
Related Articles:

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Gear Checklist for Sea Kayaking
Basic List for Day Trips
Boat & Gear
___ kayak w/ bulkheads or flotation
bags
____paddle
___ spare paddle
___ PFD
___ whistle
___ pump (with float)
___ spray skirt
___ flares
___ tow rope
___ paddle float
___ headlamp or waterproof
flashlight
___ waterproof strobe
___ rescue sling
___ VHF radio
___ extra battery
___ first aid kit
___ wetsuit
___ pogies
___ chart
___ chart case
___ compass
___ tide tables
___ weather radio
___ binoculars
___ rescue knife (on PFD)
___ waterproof watch
___ dry bags
___ repair kit
Clothing for Paddling
___windbreaker
___windpants
___wool, fleece, or neoprene socks
___synthetic long underwear
___synthetic (quick-drying) shorts or bathing suit
___fleece jacket or wool sweater
___hat(s) to provide protection from rain, wind,
cold
___sandals, watershoes, or old sneakers that can
get wet
___ fingerless gloves
Personal Items:
___sunglasses
___sunhat
___ sunscreen
___water bottles
___snacks
___lunch
___strap for glasses (if needed)
___allergy medicine (if needed)
___medications (if needed)
___waterproof(ed) camera (optional)
___other:__________________________
___other:__________________________
___other:__________________________
___other:__________________________
___other:__________________________
___other:__________________

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Kayak Touring Safety Checklist and Precautions
Kayak touring can be a rewarding activity if you have adequate paddling and navigational skills for the trip you are doing, if you are using sound equipment that is suitable for the paddling conditions you anticipate, and if you use common sense and take certain precautions. It is an activity that demands sound judgment and caution. This is always the case, no matter how experienced you are.

The following information outlines basic equipment needs and precautions for paddling. It is meant solely as an outline of reminders for experienced paddlers and does not purport to be a teaching or learning tool.

Equipment Checklist

Before you launch, always make sure you have the following:

kayak in good condition
plenty of secure buoyancy (inflated float bags or dry bags filled with gear) in bow and stern
sturdy paddle
paddle leash or tether
spray skirt that fits you and your kayak
lifejacket or personal flotation device (PFD) and whistle
paddling clothing suitable for the weather conditions and the water temperature
sea sock
bilge pump
accessible signaling device such as flares
self-rescue aids such as a paddle float
accessible spare paddle (minimum of 1 per group)
compass
maps and charts in waterproof chart case
water bottle
In any but the most benign conditions, also consider:

flashlight or headlamp (even if you are only planning a daytime trip)
sun hat and sunscreen
rain gear and extra clothing in a waterproof bag
tow line - 25 feet or longer
knife or multi-purpose tool
waterproof matches or lighter
first aid kit
tide and current tables, if appropriate
VHF marine radio or weather radio
Basic Precautions

The greatest danger to sea kayakers paddling in cold water is HYPOTHERMIA. Cold water kills! Learn about hypothermia. Dress appropriately. Consider a wetsuit or drysuit with adequate insulating garments when paddling in cold water. Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature.

Thoroughly familiarize yourself with your boat. Make sure you can pop off the spray skirt and wet exit the kayak. This is especially important with new gear or equipment you are unfamiliar with. Remember, if you are using unfamiliar equipment, it may handle in a different manner than the equipment you are accustomed to.

Always wear your PFD and use your sprayskirt. Weather and water conditions can change quickly. If your sprayskirt is stashed in the kayak and your PFD is lashed to the deck, it will likely be too difficult to put them on when you need them.

Avoid paddling alone

Make a habit of carrying safety equipment. It will be easier to carry if you store it in one waterproof bag.

Leave a float plan. Let someone know where you're putting in, where you plan to take out, and when you plan to return. Leave a full description of your car.

Get a weather forecast each day you are out. Continually check the weather during your trip.

Use the proper equipment. Be sure you are using equipment for the purpose for which it was designed.

Know the principles of navigation and seamanship.

In warm weather or in the tropics, be aware of dehydration and heat exhaustion. Carry plenty of potable water and keep a quart bottle within easy reach. Carry buffered salt tablets.

Special notes for novices

Start gradually in moderate weather, close to shore, with an experienced companion. Experiment with strong winds only when they are blowing toward shore.

Develop your paddling skills, including turning and bracing.

Learn and practice a self-rescue method appropriate for you and your boat, including deep-water re-entry.

Practice a group rescue so you can help others.

Read all you can on the subjects of sea kayaking, weather, oceanography and cold water survival.

PRECAUTIONARY NOTES

Make sure you are familiar with how to deal with the following situations that can occur in open water. Consult local experts or available literature for additional information on these important subjects.

WEATHER

Wind

Avoid paddling on windy days, especially when whitecaps are visible, until you thoroughly appreciate the effect of winds on the water and kayak handling.

Wind can:

1) upset a kayak and make it difficult to re-enter

2) blow your kayak away from you after an upset

3) create unmanageable waves

4) prevent you from holding a course

5) slow you down or stop you

6) make it difficult to turn

Fog

Fog can result in sudden and total disorientation. You will need a compass, but you may gain some orientation from sounds of beach surf, bells, fog horns, etc., as well as from steady wave and wind direction.

CURRENTS

You will encounter two principal types of current on the sea: reversing tidal current and continuous ocean current.

Strong current can aggravate conditions caused by adverse weather, particularly when current and wind are opposing. The sheer force of their flow can also cause difficult eddy and wave conditions even on calm days.

Precautions:

1. Read your chart to help identify danger points.

2. Use any available information to estimate favorable current, and time your passage or crossing for that period.

3. Paddle in current under controlled conditions to familiarize yourself with its effect.

4. Exercise caution when the current and wind direction oppose each other.

TOPOGRAPHY

Topography affects wind and water conditions in shallows, beach surf, headlands, cliffs and river mouths.

Shallows: Waves become steeper and break heavily on shallows. Avoid those areas when waves are large or strong currents are forced to flow over them.

Surf: Waves become steeper and break on beaches and shoals. Avoid landing in surf with a loaded kayak. Avoid surf on rocky beaches.

Headlands: Conditions are frequently more difficult off headlands with increased wind (funneling), accelerated current, and re-bound waves. Seas become chaotic.

Cliffs: Cliffs limit landing sites and can cause chaotic rebounding wave conditions.

River mouths: Difficult wave conditions occur when a river outflow runs against the waves.

PEOPLE HAZARDS

Watch for powerboats, ships, tugboats with barges, sailboats, all other watercraft and float planes. Make yourself visible and never assume you have been seen or have the right of way. Cross shipping lanes only at right angles and do so quickly. Never underestimate the speed of large ships.

LAKE PADDLING

With the exception of the tides, large lakes pose most of the difficulties and dangers of the sea. Waves, however, are steeper and more likely to break than on the sea.

RIVER PADDLING

Sea kayaks are often used on slow-moving rivers that are relatively free of obstructions and significant hydraulics. The main current is always going downstream, but eddies along the shore and behind obstacles create a situation where a localized current is going upstream. Crossing the eddyline between the main current and the localized current in an eddy can result in an upset if a paddler is not prepared for the immediate change in current direction.

Summary

The basis of safe sea kayaking is sound judgment, self-responsibility and technical competence. Join a club, take a class, read books and/or consult local experts to learn all you need to know about the sport.

Have a great time paddling!https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZqe0N1p5Hx-hrWdmIKnH5Izrq6wJbvU-C5sk5SD1luJhg4f_UdQ

[Sachita]

These are my kayaks. I've had them well over 10 years. I bought them back when i had my place down in Key largo, FL. I use to take them in the back country waters and fish for snapper and snook. Once I caught a big ass snooker and he actually pulled in that kayak.

But I also like these now that up north, however water does come into the kayak, which helps keep its balance and why ocean kayaks are hard to tip. But if you want to kayak in spring and fall you need a wet suit.

http://i1112.photobucket.com/albums/k485/dancingcreek/kayaks.jpg

[Blaze]

Compact waterproof digital cameras like Pentax Optio W-series (WP, WPi, W10, W20, W30) or Olympus SW-series (720, 770) are popular among paddlers. They may not offer the highest image quality among point-and-shoot cameras, but they still produce decent pictures. Most importantly, you can photograph in conditions where other cameras are better kept in a dry case or box. However, shooting on water from a kayak or canoe requires some extra efforts and practice from a paddling photographer.



I have been sharing my experience with Pentax Optio WP and W10 in this blog for a while. Please check the links below. Here is another list of tips which comes to my mind in the response to the above e-mail:

1. Use the automatic mode
I do not have any special settings for my camera. On water I use exclusively the P (program) mode. Of course, in addition to the P mode I use the movie mode and interval drive mode quite often.
You can program the green button to do useful adjustments without a need to go through a setup menu. I am using two functions assigned to the green button: exposure correction and, much less often, white balance setups. Typically, I underexpose my shots to avoid overexposed areas with wash out details. Coincidentally, it shortens the exposure time which helps to avoid blurry pictures, but this is not a main purpose of this adjustment.


2. Keep the camera steady
This is the most important tip. However, it is not so easy when paddling, especially, when water is not calm. Ideally, you should hold the camera in both hands. In addition, it is quite easy to shake the light and small camera just by pressing a shutter button.

3. Use a paddle shaft to stabilize the camera
Here is a short video clip demonstrating how I am doing it. This technique really helped me when I was starting to paddle a tippy Sisson Nucleus kayak. You can achieve two goals: to stabilize the camera and to stabilize your kayak. You have your paddle ready for bracing. This technique does not work with strong, gusty winds.
You can go further with this idea and attach or mount your the camera more permanently to your paddle - see a camera cradle by Mark Sanders.


4. Use a self timer
The 2 second selftimer available in Pentax Optio is very useful to avoid shaking the camera when pressing the shutter button. I recommend it, especially, when you are holding the camera with one hand (shooting on an extended arm or from some unusual angles).

5. Keep your lens clean of condensation, water drops, water residue
I keep my camera in a small neoprene pouch attached to my life jacket and usually do not have problems with water or dirt on my lens. The camera is always on a tether. Shooting with a camera mounted on a deck and exposed to splashes is another story.

6. Pay attention to light and sun position
Try to shade you camera lens from a direct sunlight to avoid a lens flare. Do not shoot against the sun.
You can expect the best "sweet" light for shooting when the sun is low, so after the sunrise and before sunset. Do not expect too much from this camera in low light conditions, but do not give up with shooting as soon as the sun is down. Consider shooting some silhouettes or water reflections then.


7. Use flash
I use flash to add some light to objects in my fore plan. Usually, a soft flash option works better for a kayak deck.

8. Shoot multiple frames
Don't limit yourself to a single shot for a given scene. Repeat the shot. Try different angles, horizontal and vertical format. You will increase your chances to get that great shot. Digital memory is cheap. You can always erase unsuccessful pictures later.



9. Photoshop ...
Downloading pictures from the camera to your computer is not the end of your work as a photographer. Use Photoshop or other image editing software to post process your pictures. Most often, I rotate my pictures to make horizon horizontal, adjust the exposure with levels, crop and resize them, and, finally, apply some sharpening. You cannot save completely blurred pictures in Photoshop, but you can improve most of them.

10. Practise
There are no reason not to take and use the camera wherever you go. It is small and waterproof. Experiment and have fun.
Time to to time it is useful to browse through the camera manual. You may find something new and exciting in a jungle of all these options and settings.


More tips?
Could you share tips from your experience with a kayak or canoe photography? Are your on water pictures worse than these shot on land?

Related posts:

Pentax Optio W20 Waterproof Camera Review, Tips, and Sample Photos
Kayak Photography: Using Your Paddle to Stabilize the Camera - Video Clip
7 Tips on Kayak Photography: How Did You Shoot It?
No Viewfinder? 10 Tips on Shooting Pictures without Viewfinder
Is Pentax Optio W10/W20 the Paddler's Camera? Many Boats, Many Cameras ...
Kayak Photography Links - Tips and Hints for Paddling Photographers

[Blaze]

http://traveltips.usatoday.com/DM-Resize/photos.demandstudios.com/162/114/fotolia_4089763_XS.jpg?w=410&h=410&keep_ratio=1
Kayaks are ideal for wildlife photography
Related Articles
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Acadia Kayak Tours
National Wildlife Refuges in Montana
How to Kayak in Broad Channel, New York
With their ability to glide silently through the water and access places that are difficult to reach on foot, kayaks are an ideal vehicle for wildlife photographers. In a kayak, photographers are able to observe and capture images of animals on shore or in the water without placing themselves in danger or disrupting the natural habitat. Because of the obvious dangers of water to expensive camera equipment, approach kayak photography carefully; preparation and attention to safety will make for smooth paddling and a successful photo session.
Step 1
Choose a wide, stable kayak. The greater the width of a kayak, the less likely it is to tip or wobble on the water, which reduces the likelihood of camera shake and water damage. Select a kayak with a wide opening to allow easy access to your camera and equipment, and choose a wide seat for comfort during hours of waiting for the perfect shot. Keep in mind that kayaks that are ideal for photography are not necessarily built for speed but have lower price tags--look for recreational models such as the Old Town Otter or Dirigo models, which are wide and lightweight. Avoid sit-on-top models, which are more likely to tip.
Step 2
Practice paddling without the camera. If you are a novice kayaker, spend some time in your kayak before setting out with expensive photography gear. Experiment in different water conditions to gauge responsiveness, tracking, ease of turning and maneuverability in high winds and waves. The more comfortable you are with your kayak, the easier it will be to control both the boat and the camera.
Step 3
Protect your gear and yourself. To ensure that your expensive camera and lenses do not suffer damage from sea spray or capsizing, invest in high-quality, waterproof cases. Aquapac makes cases that are waterproof and allow you to shoot through a clear plastic screen. Some have neck or wrist straps and come in models that fit everything from point-and-shoot cameras to professional SLR cameras. Pelican's hard cases are excellent for safe storage of lenses and camera bodies when they are not in use. Hard cases can be strapped to the decking strips on the bow of the kayak or stored between your legs. Always wear a personal flotation device and use a paddle leash, and stash an extra paddle in your kayak.
Step 4
Plan your route. Although you will happen upon unexpected photo opportunities as you paddle, it is helpful to have a general idea of a route and the shoreline geography. This is particularly important in case conditions change rapidly and you need to put in quickly. Visit your local DNR office for maps and for help identifying spots where wildlife are likely to gather.
Step 5
Locate an ideal vantage point and prepare to wait. The key to great land-based wildlife photos is patience; the same goes for shooting from a kayak. As you paddle, look for a spot with a clear view of the shore. In windy conditions, you might need to drop a small anchor or find a tree or rock to keep your kayak from moving. In calm waters, simply paddle to an ideal spot and adjust position occasionally to account for drifting.
Step 6
Shoot with lenses and filters that are appropriate for the conditions. The Canadian Nature Photographer website recommends an F2.8 70-200mm lens with auto focus and vibration technologies for wildlife photography. The site also recommends that you "Protect the front of your lens from water and salt spray with a UV or polarizing filter." The filters will also reduce water reflections.
Step 7
Use the fastest shutter speed possible based on your desired aperture and ISO speed--anything less than 1/60th of a second will likely be too slow. A quick shutter speed is necessary to account for inevitable kayak vibrations and to capture wildlife on the move. Vivid Light Photography recommends that you keep subjects level in the frame and use your body as a brace to reduce shake.
Fish & Wildlife Programwww.APUS.edu
Environmental Science Degree with aFocus on Fish & Wildlife Management
Canon Project Imaginationwww.youtube.com/Imagination
Watch the Final Film 'when you findme' Inspired by Canon User Photos.
Kayaking Yellowstonewww.geyserkayak.com
Explore The Beauty Of YellowstoneWith a Custom Guided Sea Kayak Tour
Canoeing And Kayakingwww.OutwardBound.org
Life-Changing Canoeing Adventures.Sign Up for a Free Catalog Today!
Ads by Google
Things Needed
Kayak
Camera
Waterproof case
Personal flotation device
Paddle leash
Extra paddle
Location map
Tips & Warnings
Bring adequate food and water for long trips
Use a hat and sunscreen to reduce glare and increase comfort
References
The Canadian Nature Photographer: How to Take Photographs from a Kayak
Vivid Light Photography: The Joys of Kayaking and Photography
Resources
Old Town Recreation Kayaks
Aquapac Waterproof Camera Cases
Pelican Waterproof Camera Cases
About the Author
Elizabeth Smith has been a scientific and engineering writer since 2004. Her work has appeared in numerous journals, newspapers and corporate publications. A frequent traveler, she also has penned articles as a travel writer. Smith has a Bachelor of Arts in communications and writing from Michigan State University.

[Blaze]

PHOTOGRAPHY WHILE KAYAKING
Photo Tips
*Fill the view finder with your subject. Resist the temptation to take those shots where you have to point to the print and declare that the tiny black spot is not just a speck of dust. Either get closer to the action, choose a longer focal length, or just enjoy the moment and look for a better opportunity.

*Photography is not target practice. Do not automatically center the subject in every picture. Instead use the "rule of thirds" for composing most of your shots. This means placing prominent elements 1/3 in from the edge of the viewfinder.

*Wood kayaks can be devilishly difficult to photograph well. That nice glossy layer of varnish between the camera and the wood is trying to reflect every light colored object in the area, including the sky. The solution is to use a polarizing filter. In fact, this filter is useful for most outdoor photography taken during the middle of the day. Want to make those tropical plants in Hawaii look lusciously green, clouds pop from the sky, or the rainbow over Seattle look more intense? Then reach for the polarizing filter.
*The best time of day for great photos is often around sunrise and sunset. This is due to more even lighting containing warm, rich colors. Neither film nor digital camera sensors can handle harsh, high contrast light as well as the human eye and people naturally react more positively to warm colors.

*You don't have to make people face into the the bright midday sun and squint. Give them a break by putting the sun behind them and use a flash to add light to their faces. If you have a camera that can add just enough light (called "fill" flash) to reduce the shadows, by all means use it. This technique is also useful in shady forests scenes with spotty sunshine.

*Unless there are dramatic clouds, avoid capturing overcast skies in your photos. Instead use your time to get up close to your subjects (e.g. people, flowers, or animals).

*Simplify the background. Complex backgrounds are distracting. Choose a different angle, put a dark prop in the background, get closer, choose a longer lens, or use a very large aperture to blur the background.
Use motion blur (and a tripod) to soften moving water and make the shoreline or shoreline objects stand out.

*Emphasize action using motion blur. Use a slow shutter speed to blur the background and pan with your subject to provide some sharpness for the subject and help it stand out. Another method is to again use a slow shutter speed combined with a flash to isolate the subject from the background.

*Shooting a kayak photo against a dark cliff or band of fir trees often results in the kayak being horribly overexposed if I let the camera's meter do it's thing. For this situation, set your camera to underexpose by one f-stop or more if your subject (i.e. kayak) does not fill most of the screen. When my camera gives me the choice, I prefer to use a spot meter to set the exposure rather than guess at how much to underexpose.

*Photos of people, animals, and flowers usually look better when taken in diffused light. A bright thin overcast is often the best condition for taking these photos.

*Get the camera to eye level with your subject. Let's face it, how your kids' hair is parted is not that interesting. As adults we don't like getting down on the ground, but that's the secret.
Try unusual viewpoints, either exceptionally low or high. Shoot straight down off a pier or get in the water and put your camera one inch above the surface.

*Take vertical format shots once in a while. They look nice hanging on the wall.
Believe it or not, cloudless skies and sunsets are not all that interesting. In fact, many photos that include the sky benefit from nice clouds.(example)
Emphasize the subject by using a telephoto at a wide aperture (e.g. f2.8) to minimize the depth of field. This will blur the background and help the subject stand out.

*Equipment Choices and Techniques
In photography there is an old saying "f8 and be there". Choose a camera that will always be ready to capture the magic moments that make great photos. On the water this often means having an easily operated water resistant camera. A camera stuffed in a dry bag usually misses out. While there are many cameras to chose from having an overflowing abundance of features, many of those features are useless on the water or the ergonomics are so poor that they might as well not exist. Look for optically sharp lenses, optically fast lenses, shutters with no time lag, and spot metering or easily adjusted exposure compensation.

*I find a zoom lens of about 35mm to 135mm to be the most useful. Compositions on the water change quickly and there is often little time to adjust position or change lenses. Anything longer than 135 mm is difficult to hold still enough to get a sharp image, especially with point and shoot lenses which tend to be very slow at their longest focal length. Anything wider than 35mm makes it hard to get the bow of your own boat out of the picture.

*It's nice to have both a waterproof point and shoot camera for fast or wet action and an SLR for more deliberate photography. It's not necessary for the waterproof action camera to have telephoto capabilities. While I drag around a tripod for my on-shore photography, it's not the easiest object to stuff into a loaded boat. I store it inside a nylon fabric case to keep it from scratching up the inside of my boat and the case makes sliding it in among the gear bags much easier.

*The most dramatic improvement you can make in indoor flash photography is use bounce flash techniques. Generally this means using a pivoting head, accessory flash mounted on the hot shoe. You also need to be able to turn off the built-in flash. The camera you choose needs to have a hot shoe, flash controls, and a suitable flash offered by the manufacturer. This does not have much relevance to kayaking, but hey, who does not use their camera for other purposes?

*Keeping Things Dry
A waterproof camera is a great tool for capturing dramatic photos in wet conditions. I have an old Nikon dive camera that is compact, waterproof, and takes excellent photos. Being fixed focal length at 35mm, I have to get up close to my subject. That's not such a bad thing because those photos are often the most interesting anyway. I can fire it one handed in waves and surf with no worries. A leash or a float on the strap is a good idea.

*The biggest issue with this camera is keeping water drops off the lens. My first line of defense is a press-on cap that covers the lens when not in use (on a leash). Second I use a water repellent (Rainex) to help the water roll off. I prefer a small water drop or two in the photo to a bleary smear. Rainex is not used directly on a coated lens element but either on the glass port or a filter. Last I carry a Rocket Bulb (rubber squeeze bulb) to blow water off or a synthetic hand towel to blot the water away. You can try blowing drops away with your breath, but this usually fogs the lens for a short time.

Another option is to use a waterproof dive case for a regular camera. I have no direct experience with these. I have noted reviews however suggesting that the cheaper cases soften images somewhat, especially in glare situations. These cases usually have drawbacks like having to turn the camera on before assembly and no way to make adjustments to flash, exposure settings, or polarizing filter. Unfortunately most of the better cases are made for diving and are really too large for general kayak use.

One can use a dry box like a Pelican case strapped on deck for easy access to a regular camera. I have taken many photos this way and it works OK. The camera stays in the box if water is hitting the deck however. Be sure to use a foam lined box, lid included, to keep sun from cooking your camera.

I usually keep my SLR enclosed in a dry-bag and placed on my deck or in my lap. I pull this camera out in decent conditions. I try to anticipate when good photos are likely to happen. Sometimes I paddle ahead of the group in order to catch them in a pleasing composition. Back of head photos are not the greatest unless the paddlers are facing something dramatic. Inside the bag I have more synthetic towels and desiccant. A lens hood is very useful for keeping water drops off the front element. In fact, I often do not replace the lens cap during intermittent shooting. The hood keeps the dry bag sides from contacting the lens element while it is temporarily stored away.

For me at least, euro-style paddles work a lot better than Greenland paddles for photographic outings. The latter leaves my hands constantly wet and drips water all over the cockpit area. In calm conditions I can paddle with a "Euro" and maintain completely dry hands. This is a much better situation for non-waterproof cameras.

Taking sharp photos
When I say sharp, I mean images that are razor sharp when printed at least as large as 8 inches by 10 inches. First, use a much higher shutter speed than you would use on land. To get that high shutter speed use a fast lens (e.g. f2.8 max aperture) wide open or a high iso setting. Beware though, that high iso settings on digital cameras often leads to objectionable image noise, especially with less expensive cameras.

Use the sharpest lens that you can afford. There can be quite a difference among lenses. Some older lenses that worked fine with film yield soft results on digital SLR's because of the different technology involved. Telephoto zoom lenses on consumer grade point and shoot cameras tend to be rather poor and are so slow as to be almost useless in a kayak. In general I stay away from lenses slower than f4.5.

If possible get up close and use a short focal length lens. Long focal length lenses will amplify movement causing soft images. Besides, high quality short lenses are much more affordable and will likely account for most of your photographs anyway.

Use a vibration reduction/image stabilization type lens (could be a budget buster).

What to do when things go horribly wrong
If you drop your camera in the water, immediately remove the battery. Do not try to find out if the camera still works. Doing so could short out the electronic components. While you are at it, remove the memory card which is likely fine. Dry the camera and place it in a warm dry spot with good air circulation. It may take a week to dry out. How do I know? Trust, me, I've been there. If it is a high value camera, contact the manufacturer as soon as possible for further instructions. It's likely that they will want you to get it to them as soon as possible. In the days of mechanical cameras it was suggested to flush the camera with clean water. With all of the electronic content of today's cameras I don't believe that is any longer a good procedure.

This covers only the basics of a complex subject. The digital camera industry is moving at a torrid pace. I'm afraid trying to make equipment recommendations beyond the basics would prove futile. Also your needs and budget are likely to be different than mine. If you have questions, feel free to contact me. I have included two photography review links at the right which might prove useful to you. The first, DP Review has very detailed reviews for a huge number of cameras. They do a good job. Second is Bjorn Rorslett's Nikon Equipment Reviews for Pros. He identifies which Nikon equipment, including lenses, will produce professional results.

[Blaze]

New Item out! Not sure what I think about it yet but they do have a Demo going on...http://images.craigslist.org/5Ie5K65F33Ia3Le3H2c5k8102ab46d81e19c2.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/5Na5If5Ja3F73I43J5c5k1e072a3239fd1681.jpg
http://images.craigslist.org/5Lc5I45Fb3G33Fa3M3c5kf1d04662df3714e7.jpg

[Blaze]

Missing Kayakers in Cosco Bay found dead
I'm not sure if many of you have been following this story but it is one that happens all too often. This time it hits closer to home and makes headlines here in Atlanta because one of the kayakers, an eighteen-year-old woman, is from Georgia.

Two young women, trying to paddle in conditions they could not handle and conditions their kayaks were not designed for, were pulled out of the water three and a half miles offshore on Casco Bay, Maine.

Both were “unresponsive” when found, airlifted to Maine Medical Center and later pronounced dead.

From current reports, the two women were doing a short, one-mile, paddle from Peaks Island to Ram Island. They were spotted making land on Ram Island but became missed later that day.

The reason I want to write about this story is because I see and hear about this kind of thing all the time. As a trainer, it is also something I have done many seminars about with local paddling clubs and Atlanta based R.E.I co-ops.

I get enthusiastic novice paddlers, all the time, wanting to paddle their ten and twelve foot kayaks to some of my most challenging offshore locations.

When I talk about rescue skills and open water training, folks eye’s glaze over and the response I get is; “Ah, I don’t need to learn that kind of stuff!”

So, the warning I give is simple: Do not overstep the boundaries of your kayaking skills or the limits of your kayaking gear. Unless, of course, you are a fish! This applies just as much to short, hour-long trips as it does to multi day adventures.

It also applies to paddling on local lakes as much as offshore kayaking. If you cannot swim back to the shoreline, consider it “open water” and open water skills are required.

The two women died from hypothermia because they probably did not plan accordingly for the weather conditions and the limits of their kayaking gear. They were paddling in 46 to 48-degree water temperatures with out the proper clothing and they took off in kayaks that were not designed for unprotected conditions. The marine forecast called 20 mph winds and a small craft advisory had been issued.

I do not know these women, so I can’t tell you what their current level of open water experience was but I can venture to guess that they had no proper open water training. I say this because those with proper training and experience would not have done this paddle with out the appropriate paddling gear to prevent hypothermia - neoprene, dry top and pants or even a layer of heavy fleece.

As well, to be paddling 12-foot kayaks (most kayaks this size are designed to be paddled in protected water only), in weather conditions that warrant a small craft advisory is suicide. But, it happens all the time.

Just because you bought a kayak that "looks" sea worthy or the sales person has told you that they paddle this kayak at the beach all the time, does not mean it can handle conditions like the two women found themselves facing.

A sea kayak you will not find at Wal-Mart, BJ’s, Bass Pro Shops or even some R.E.I co-ops. Just because it says, “Ocean Kayak” on the side, does not mean it is designed to be paddled on open ocean.

The adventure of paddling open water is one of exhilaration, pleasure and respect. And with the proper skill set, a sea kayak can be easily paddled and controlled in the conditions that the two women found themselves in.

Understanding wind and tides are a part of the training. My best guess would be that, as they left Ram Island, to return home, they found the wind and the tides taking them in the wrong direction and could not control their kayaks. They became tired, panic set in, then one of them probably capsized and they did not have the rescue skills to get her back into her kayak and the second woman capsized.

Both were found floating in the water about one mile apart. They were over three miles off shore from Cape Elizabeth and had drifted over five miles from Ram Island. The kayaks had been found the previous day.

When enjoying the fun and adventure of kayaking, it’s all too easy to be lulled into a state of self-assuredness when the distance to be paddled is not very far. The distance to Ram Island from their launching point was one mile. They may have understood the risk they took, being in 48-degree water or paddling in strong winds, “But…” they probably said to themselves; “…it’s only a mile!”

Now, my question to every kayaker out there, how many times have you said the same thing?

[Blaze]

How to Choose a Kayak Paddle
So you've purchased a kayak. Congratulations! The next item on your list is likely to be a paddle. But how do you choose? There's no such thing as the perfect paddle — it's different for everyone. The paddle is an extension of your arms in much the same way the kayak is an extension of your body, and you want the right one. While paddle choice is largely a matter of personal preference, length, weight, material and blade shape are all variables that will affect your decision.

First, Choose a Length

Paddle lengths for touring range from approximately 220cm to 255cm.

One way to determine correct size is as follows: Lift the paddle and rest the center on top of your head. Position your hands on the shaft with both elbows bent at roughly 90 degrees. In general, the blades should be about 4" to 5" from your hands, though this is just a general guideline. Don't forget torso lengths—a tall person with a short torso, for example, might need a shorter paddle, and vice versa.

Individual height, boat width and simple personal preference might also influence your decision. Some general guidelines to consider:

Taller people and/or those with wide boats should look at lengths of 240cm or more.
Average-size people should consider paddles in the 230cm-235cm range.
Recreational paddlers and shorter individuals can often use lengths as short as 220cm.
Again, boat width is an important consideration that may result in an average-size person with a wide boat using a 245cm paddle. Consider all the variables and, if possible, try some paddles out before choosing a size.

Fine-Tuning Fit
The following questions can help fine-tune the fit of your paddle.

How wide is your boat? Wider boats, such as tandem kayaks, need longer paddles. A longer paddle allows you to reach the water without straining or hitting the side of the kayak during a stroke. A paddle that's too short requires extra effort to get the entire blade in the water, making it more difficult to propel the boat.
What's your paddling style? If you make quick, rapid strokes, a shorter length will make the paddling more efficient. If you're more laid back, or out for an extended tour, a longer paddle requires less effort, which saves energy for the long haul.
How long is your torso? In general, taller paddlers and those with long torsos need longer paddles to reach the water without stretching or straining. Shorter paddlers (and shorter torsos) need shorter paddles to prevent awkward strokes. Height is not always an indicator of torso length, though, as a short paddler with a long torso may need a longer paddle than indicated above.
Are you buying for a child? Choose a paddle designed specifically for children. They are built proportionally smaller and are easier for small hands to control.
Materials

It goes without saying that the lighter the weight, the easier the paddling. However, the best paddles offer a balanced combination of light weight and strength. Whitewater paddles are expected to hold up to a vigorous workout, and strength is a big consideration. Touring paddles, on the other hand, won't be subject to the same strains, so weight becomes more important, especially on long trips.

Wood
Wood transmits the feel of the water well, helping achieve a smooth stroke. It retains warmth to keep hands comfortable in cold conditions. Some upkeep is required to maintain its appearance. Many wood paddles are covered with a layer of fiberglass and/or have a tip guard to improve durability.

Fiberglass
These paddles are lightweight, durable and virtually maintenance-free. The nature of fiberglass allows for more complex blade shapes. In the middle of the price range, these are by far the most popular choice for whitewater and sea kayaking alike.

Carbon Fiber
Carbon fiber paddles are among the lightest available. The high-tech material and manufacturing process produces durable paddles with extremely light weights. They cost more, but are worth it if weight is a concern, such as when you expect to be paddling long hours or on multi-day trips. Carbon fiber is slightly less durable than fiberglass.

Aluminum/Plastic
Paddles with aluminum shafts and plastic blades are durable and economical, but heavier than paddles made from other materials. Also, aluminum can feel cold in cool weather. They make great spare paddles, and can be a good choice for beginners or recreational kayakers. Blades are made from a variety of plastics, including polyethylene, polypropylene, thermoplastic and ABS.

Blade Design

Feathering
Blades are either feathered or nonfeathered. Nonfeathered blades are positioned parallel to each other. Feathered blades are rotated at an angle to each other. The main benefit of feathering is that it reduces wind resistance. As one blade strokes through the water, the other slices through the air. Blade angles vary from 45 to 90 degrees, with most falling in the 45- to 65-degree range. Smaller angles are easier on the wrists, but larger angles offer greater efficiency when paddling.

Blades are feathered in such a way that one hand always maintains control of the paddle. This "control hand" rotates the shaft with each stroke so the blades enter the water at the most efficient angle. Most whitewater paddles are controlled with the right hand. Most touring paddles have take-apart shafts that let you change the feather angle and the control hand. The control hand is a matter of personal preference, and is not necessarily determined by whether you are right- or left-handed.

Blade Shape
Large symmetrical blades can power you through the water quickly, but each stroke requires a lot of energy. While smaller blades are gaining in popularity, larger blades are useful for surfing and paddling that requires quick, powerful bursts of acceleration.

Asymmetrical blades help you paddle most efficiently. They are narrower than their symmetrical counterparts and tolerate a more horizontal stroke, which uses up less energy. If you're paddling for long periods of time, or just want to reduce fatigue in general, consider asymmetrical blades.

Blades are either flat, cupped (spooned) or dihedral. Cupped blades are curved much like the head of a spoon. This design helps the blade remain stable as you paddle through the water. Dihedral blades have a built-in angle, similar to an airplane wing. The dihedral shape helps water flow smoothly and evenly over both halves of the blade to prevent fluttering and twisting. Many paddle blades are a combination of dihedral and cupped shapes.

Shafts

Paddles are available with either 1-piece or take-apart shafts. One-piece shafts are inherently stronger. Because whitewater paddles suffer more abuse than touring paddles, they generally feature the more durable 1-piece shafts. Touring paddles, on the other hand, usually break down into 2 or more pieces. Take-apart shafts let you change blade angles from feathered to unfeathered. They make great spares for whitewater kayaking and touring, because the are easy to transport.

Shafts come in 2 shapes: oval and round. Oval shafts offer a more comfortable grip than the traditional round shape. Some round shafts feature oval hand sections for a better grip. This is called oval indexing.

Swing weight is how balanced a paddle feels while paddling. A paddle with lightweight blades and a heavier shaft feels lighter than a paddle with heavy blades and a light shaft. Ideally, blade weight and shaft weight should be balanced. Hold a paddle and practice your stroke to get a feel for the swing weight.

Carry a Spare

If your paddle breaks in the middle of a whitewater run, or if you lose it on the second day of a 4-day sea kayak trip, what will you do? Without a spare, you might literally find yourself up a creek without a paddle. An aluminum-and-plastic paddle with a take-apart shaft makes an inexpensive spare that could save you serious time and grief should the unexpected happen. They are easy to stash and stand up to rigorous use. Check out our selection.

Try Them Out

If possible, the best way for you to choose a paddle is to try one out. Check out your local REI store — some let members demo boats and paddles for free. You could also borrow from a friend or attend a kayak symposium where manufacturers let you test gear. Local paddling clubs are a good source of information for these types of events. After you purchase a paddle, try a dry run. Sit in your boat and practice paddling. Is the paddle long enough? Does it feel comfortable in your hands and not too heavy? If so, you're ready to hit the water. Happy paddling!

Back to Top



By REI staff
In This Article
First, Choose a Length
Materials
Blade Design
Shafts
Carry a Spare
Try Them Out

[Blaze]

Reflections from the Cockpit June 2008
"The Whistle In Kayaking"

A couple of months ago I had the pleasure to observe one of the local kayaking instructors for a couple of days. During one of the breaks, I was sitting around with the students and I noticed the all to familiar sight of the combat ready knife and the safety whistle hanging on the main zipper of the PFD. See USK article, “Combat Ready Knife” for my thoughts about knives on PFD’s. I wish to focus this article on the use, expectations, reliability and storage of your whistle when paddling.

First I want to be very clear that I am 100% in favor of every PFD having a whistle attached to it. I know from experience that a whistle carries a lot farther than your voice. It is also a fact that your voice will give out a lot sooner than your whistle. However there are a number of concerns I have about whistles all derived from personal experiences.

I think there is a false expectation of how far the sound of a whistle can travel. During a navigation clinic off of Martha Vineyard we had a head wind on the return compass run. The group was getting farther apart as we were approaching shore, which is very common. See USK article, “Run Back To The Barn Attitude”. I asked two of the folks at the tail end of the group to capsize and signal the front of the group for assistance. The point of the capsize exercise was to show the entire group the benefits of staying together. Again, we were going into a head wind. The two in the water only had whistles. They didn't even try shouting, because they knew the paddlers in front were too far away. After blowing their whistles their amazement was apparent when the front group did not hear them. The distance was no more than 200 yards.

We had to send a paddler ahead to get closer to the group so they could hear a whistle. Due to the wind, those in front never heard the initial whistles. The fact that none of the lead group never turned around on regular basis to check on those behind is a discussion topic for another time. I often tell groups to test their whistles on calm days and windy days to see how far the whistle carries with and against the wind. I suggest you do the same, because just having a whistle doesn’t mean you are going to be heard. That is why a good signaling kit contains other options. See USK article “Signaling”. As I said at the beginning, I think whistles are a necessity, but they do have limitations. Knowing those limitations is important. It is your responsibility to find the range of your whistle if you wish to depend on that whistle.

My next concern is where to store the whistle. Part of knowing where to store it is also dependent on the size of your whistle and the features on your PFD. Since there are so many different PFD’s on the market I am not going to tell you the best place to store your whistle. I will tell you where and I store mine and why. I will also give you criteria to consider when picking the storage location for your whistle.

Personally I prefer a small whistle than a large one. I suggest you get a whistle that DOES NOT have a little ball in it. Those balls can get stuck in the chamber and cause the whistle to malfunction, especially in salt water. My very first metal whistle corroded and can be rough on your mouth and your teeth. Plastic ones seem to be more user friendly. I personally use a “Fox 40”. I store the whistle in the pocket of my PFD on a small lanyard so it can reach my mouth.

I originally stored my whistle attached to the front zipper of my PFD. I thought this was a great location, because it was also a zipper pull and the whistle could reach my mouth when the PFD was zipped up. As a side note, when I started kayaking there were no pockets on our PFD’s. Even if there were, the zipper seemed like a great location. After wearing the whistle on the zipper for four or five years I had a very interesting incident on the South Fork of the American River when I was whitewater kayaking. We were starting our run at Chili Bar (if my memory correctly serves me) and we decided to play in a small play hole near the put in. During one of my turns in the hole I got flipped over and was trying to roll up and I felt restricted. I realized I had my PFD open and around my shoulders. I managed to roll up and went off into the eddy to zip up my PFD and curse myself for not remembering to do so when I got on the river. I couldn’t believe I was so stupid as to forget to zip up my PFD.

When it was my turn, I went back into the play hole. Eventually I got flipped again. I started to feel my PFD on my shoulders again. I opened my eyes to see the turbulent water and bubbles actually pulling on the whistle. Since I was upside down the whistle was trying to float to the surface and the turbulent water was pulling it there. This whistle zipper pull was opening my PFD as I stayed upside down. I rolled up and headed for the eddy. Took the whistle off of the zipper and never put anything on the zipper of my PFD again. I share this story with anyone I see with their whistle on their zipper.

Over the years I have seen sea kayakers with whistles on the front of their PFD’s get caught on deck lines, cockpit coamings and deck gear as they try to climb on their boats during recovery exercises. I think having anything on your PFD that can get snagged during recoveries is a potential danger. Your whistle is supposed to be a safety item NOT a liability.

I wish PFD manufacturers would make very small whistle pockets with a hook inside so you could easily store your whistle on a short cord and have it accessible when you need it. If you put it in a big pocket it can get tangled up with the other items in the pocket. Until whistle pockets are a reality (I doubt if the ever will happen) you need to choose your personal whistle storage location. Wherever you store it, make sure you can get to it in an emergency. I suggest you get one that will work without maintenance.

I believe whistles are a necessity, but you need to know their range and limitations. You should have more than one signaling devise when you go out. Don’t fall into a false sense of security that having a whistle will be the “end all” in case you need help. Again, store it where it is an asset not a liability.



Wayne Horodowich

[Blaze]

Currents explained



Another thing that you need to watch out for if you're going kayaking are ocean currents. Depending on where you are, they can either be a slight or a relatively important factor. You should always try to make sure that your trips will allow you to paddle with the current instead of against it, or that if you do have to paddle against the current that you have made plans just in case you get tired.

Currents are caused when the water is different temperatures. While we generally hear about the water temperature as though it is just one thing, that is not always the case. In fact, there are usually pockets or streams of ocean water that moves at different speeds.

You would think that eventually all the water in the ocean would smooth out to be the same temperature. However, that is not the case. In fact, it's very likely not possible, due to all of the different factors that affect water temperature in the oceans. For instance, sunlight can definitely affect the water temperature in places. The result of this is that areas that generally get a lot of sunlight (usually around the equator) will have warmer water than other places.

Likewise, water that is near the polar ice caps or glaciers generally gets full of melt-water from this ice. The result is that that water ends up being colder than the water around it.

This causes the currents because of a very simple fact regarding water and air. That is, when air or water warms up the pressure increases. Air or water that has higher pressure than the air or water around it tends to move into the areas that have less pressure. As a result, warm water tends to flow around the globe. For that reason, we get the major currents.

You can also get smaller currents as a result of differences in water pressure and temperature. Not only that, but there are even some currents that are caused by the tides, and how water flows over certain areas when the tide goes up or down.

Make sure that you account for the currents wherever you plan on kayaking. They can either help you, or cause a lot of problems if you're not careful with your planning.

[Blaze]

Before you start kayaking, this is one thing that you will probably be concerned with. After all, not too many people can afford spending too much money on their hobbies, and kayaking does seem like the type of activity that would cost a lot of money to start. However, just like most other things that you would think about doing, kayaking can either be very expensive, or relatively affordable.

The most expensive thing that you will probably be buying is your kayak. There are a lot of different kayaks on the market, however, so you should probably pay attention to which ones are available. There's no reason to spend more money than you have to on this. Also, if you manage to buy your kayak used, then you will save a lot of money.

Another way that you can make sure that you don't spend too much money on kayaking is by maintaining your kayak. The more you maintain your kayak, the less money you'll have to spend on repairs. Considering the types of repairs that might be needed on a badly cared for kayak, this could be a considerable amount of money.

While there are also a lot of other items that you will need for your kayak, before you buy each thing you should ask yourself whether or not you'll actually need to use it. If the answer is no, then you can save some extra money by not buying that particular thing. For instance, if you are not going to be going kayaking out at sea for long periods of time, or if you don't think that you'll be going on long kayak tours, then you probably will not need to get a GPS system for your kayak.

You should also pay attention to whether or not you need to get the best supplies. While it would be nice to have the best of everything, you should look at what will be sufficient instead.

However, even though you can save some money by omitting certain things from your list of necessary items, you should always make sure that you have all the necessary safety gear. Every kayak should have a first aid kit in the hatch, and you should always wear a personal flotation device for your own safety.

[Blaze]

http://www.austinkayak.com/images/productShots/large/352.jpg

Once you've found the perfect kayak for you, and you're ready to go kayaking, there's one other thing that you need to learn about first. You need to know how to take care of your kayak, otherwise, you may find that your kayak doesn't last nearly as long as you would like it to. Considering how much kayaks tend to cost, this should definitely be a priority for you.

One thing that you should keep in mind regarding kayak maintenance is that like most things, a little bit of prevention can go a long way. As a result, you should make sure that you do a little bit of regular maintenance on your kayak. This way, you'll be able to keep your kayak nice, and you won't have to worry about doing a lot of maintenance all at once when something breaks.

First, you should always make sure that you wash your kayak regularly. This will help keep it clean, and will also make sure that you can see if there is anything on the kayak that could cause problems later. This is especially important if you are kayaking in salt water, since the salt can corrode parts of your kayak. You should also make sure that you rinse the inside of your kayak as well if any salt water got inside.

You should make sure that your kayak does not have any holes in it, too - and you can do this before you find yourself sitting in a leaking kayak out at sea. All you have to do is put a flashlight inside of the kayak and cover the cockpit. Then put the kayak in a dark room. If you see any areas of light then that means that you have a crack in your kayak. This is the best way for you to decide if you have a crack in your actual kayak instead of just in the paint. Cracks in the paint will make your boat look worse than it is, but they won't do any real structural damage to your kayak.

Finally, if you don't want your paint to fade and you're worried about the boat warping at all, then you should store it indoors and out of the sun temperature changes.

[LeftWriteFemme]

I don't know why, but I first read the title of this thread as "Making love in a Kayak"
http://media.g4tv.com/images/blog/2006/09/05/632930492125406200.jpg

Paddle on........nothing to see here

[Blaze]

If your ever going to Kauai Hawaii, here is a VERY good link to enjoy seeing area's by kayak...
https://www.kayakkauai.com/

[Blaze]

http://www.thomaspeschak.com/storage/White%20Shark%20KayakThomas%20P.%20Peschak.jpg?__S QUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1242437813673

When this photograph was first published in Africa Geographic, BBC Wildlife and later in Paris Match and the Daily Mail (London) it resulted in a flurry of e-mails, phone calls and letters from around the world asking if the image was a fake. The image became the most talked about of shark photograph ever.

The photograph is real, no photoshop, no digital manipulation, no nothing, in fact it was shot on slide film Fuji Provia 100 using a Nikon F5 Camera and 17-35 mm lens. For those conspiracy fans who still doubt its authenticity please read how I took the photograph.

To capture this image I tied myself to the tower of the research boat Lamnidae and leaned into the void, precariously hanging over the ocean while waiting patiently for a white shark to come along. I wanted to shot a photograph that would tell the story of our research efforts to track white sharks using kayaks. When the first shark of the day came across our sea kayak it dove to the seabed and inspected it from below. I quickly trained my camera on the dark shadow which slowly transformed from diffuse shape into the sleek outline of a large great white. When the shark’s dorsal fin broke the surface I thought I had the shot, but hesitated a fraction of a second and was rewarded with marine biologist Trey Snow in the kayak turning around to look behind him. I pressed the shutter and the rest was history. Throughout the day I shot many more images, most showing the kayak following the shark, but all lacked the power of that first image of the great white tracking the kayak.

Kayaking with Great White Sharks

http://www.thomaspeschak.com/storage/whiteshark--kayak02.jpg

In 2003 my friend and white shark biologist Michael Scholl discovered large numbers of great white sharks in extremely shallow water near the southernmost tip of South Africa. We initiated a research project but all of our initial attempts were thwarted because the sharks were repelled or attracted to the boats engine’s electrical fields, disrupting their natural behaviour.

I have been sea kayaking for quite a number of years, frequently using it as a photographic platform and could not think of a better, less unobtrusive vessel from which to track white sharks from. Granted the first few attempts were a little nerve-wracking, even though we had observed the sharks reaction to an empty kayak numerous times. It is hard to describe what goes through ones mind when sitting in a yellow plastic sea kayak and a 4.5 m + great white shark is heading your way.

White sharks, despite their bad reputation are much more cautious and inquisitive in nature than aggressive and unpredictable. At no time did any shark show any agression towards our little yum yum yellow craft.

We believe that white sharks come inshore in such great numbers to socially interact with others of their species, perhaps even to mate or give birth to their young. We have observed sharks following behind or swimming tight circles around one another. To observe and document great white sharks mating or giving birth is the holy grail of shark research and photography, but it is also a extremely difficult and perhaps an even almost impossible task.

For a more detailed account of the research and to see more images please refer to the following book: South Africa’s Great White Shark, by Thomas P. Peschak and Michael C. Scholl, published by Struik in 2006. It is available from all good bookshops and online book merchants.

[StillettoDoll]

Hey Blaze your kayak fishing show comes on tonight @ 7.30! Kayak Bassing:giggle::danglecarrot:

[The Oopster]

I already have crossbars on the top of my car where is the best place to get something to help hold the yak?

[pajama]

I already have crossbars on the top of my car where is the best place to get something to help hold the yak?

Oops I'm sure Blaze will have better info, but if you already have the crossbars here's what I think. :)

You can buy some pipe insulation at a home supply shop for cheap. It comes with a split up it and is easy to cut. You can use that to wrap your crossbars to protect the yak. Then the things I've read say don't use a ratcheting type tie down because it can exert too much pressure and warp the yak. The fancy shmancy "kit" I bought has what a friend called motorcycle tie downs? They are a spring loaded buckle with teeth in it that lets you pull the strap tight. I'm not sure where to get these, but I bet the same home supply place would have something like it.
http://www.surftosummit.com/images/products/KAC906p3.jpg

Then some sturdy S hooks to hook them in to your fender/undercarriage.
That's basically what's in those kayak kits, but I bet you can get them cheeper. My kit ran almost $40.

Hope that helps.
A

[The Oopster]

Oops I'm sure Blaze will have better info, but if you already have the crossbars here's what I think. :)

You can buy some pipe insulation at a home supply shop for cheap. It comes with a split up it and is easy to cut. You can use that to wrap your crossbars to protect the yak. Then the things I've read say don't use a ratcheting type tie down because it can exert too much pressure and warp the yak. The fancy shmancy "kit" I bought has what a friend called motorcycle tie downs? They are a spring loaded buckle with teeth in it that lets you pull the strap tight. I'm not sure where to get these, but I bet the same home supply place would have something like it.
http://www.surftosummit.com/images/products/KAC906p3.jpg

Then some sturdy S hooks to hook them in to your fender/undercarriage.
That's basically what's in those kayak kits, but I bet you can get them cheeper. My kit ran almost $40.

Hope that helps.
A

Thanks

bought the insulation the other day and i already had some tie down straps but bought a couple more in case i need some for work

now i just need to come up with a cart system. I actually have a little dolly on wheels I just need to find a crate

[Sachita]

I already have crossbars on the top of my car where is the best place to get something to help hold the yak?

I have two large ocean 11 foot kayaks. I was able to get both of them in my cargo van myself, however when i traded it and bought my Escape (suv) I attempted to get one on top to tie it down. I just don't feel comfortable doing this and even though they make a padded system to hold them up there its the weight of trying to get them up there alone. Often I go out by myself.

I just had a hitch put on and out a 5 X 8 trailer on lay-away. It has a ramp and I'm going to have something welded for the kayaks and a storage box. This way i can put camping gear and my bike underneath. This was a problem in the van because once the boats were in I couldnt fit anything else but maybe a few small coolers.

I am an experienced outdoors woman. Still I take no chances and often I am outdoors a lone. I always call someone, like my sister and let her know where i am at and many times email maps to her. I pack extra things in case of emergency. You never know what could happen. Cold water can be deadly. It's not a bad idea to talk to people who have already kayaked in the area you want to go.

[MsTinkerbelly]

We have a two seater kayak that we bought at a boat show...very heavy duty material, and it blows up! We are able to store it easily in the RV and it is ready to go with very little effort.

We have run the Kern river in it, and also taken it in the lake and in the ocean. Several hundred dollers and worrth EVERY penny.

[The Oopster]

I have two large ocean 11 foot kayaks. I was able to get both of them in my cargo van myself, however when i traded it and bought my Escape (suv) I attempted to get one on top to tie it down. I just don't feel comfortable doing this and even though they make a padded system to hold them up there its the weight of trying to get them up there alone. Often I go out by myself.

I just had a hitch put on and out a 5 X 8 trailer on lay-away. It has a ramp and I'm going to have something welded for the kayaks and a storage box. This way i can put camping gear and my bike underneath. This was a problem in the van because once the boats were in I couldnt fit anything else but maybe a few small coolers.

I am an experienced outdoors woman. Still I take no chances and often I am outdoors a lone. I always call someone, like my sister and let her know where i am at and many times email maps to her. I pack extra things in case of emergency. You never know what could happen. Cold water can be deadly. It's not a bad idea to talk to people who have already kayaked in the area you want to go.

I have someone I check in and out with when i go out exploring anywhere.

I also have neighbors here that know if I'm not home by midnight something is up. I also tell them if I'm out playing so that the alert by be made earlier or if I'm not coming home at all so the whole forest doesn't end up looking for me.

If I have access i log into latitude also

I will find out today how well i can lift it on top. I did snag my step ladder from home!

[Blaze]

Forgive the ad commercial, but this video shows that sometimes you can be lucky! And Doctor Mary Neal is now a believer, she wrote a book called "To Heaven and back"
http://video.foxnews.com/v/1632413186001/woman-brought-back-to-life-after-horrific-kayaking-accident/

[Blaze]

A heart warming story of a dog... Kayak Fisherman Rescues Tragic Dog in Gulf of Mexico


http://www.gofishn.com/mary-pinkowish/16124-kayak-fisherman-rescues-tragic-dog-in-gulf-of-mexico/

[The Oopster]

so i survived my first time out!

I loved it! Although I think I'm going to be really sore ... I didn't realize how much it would get your leg muscles also, even though that part of my body is pretty strong! I was out for somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half I think.

I'm really really happy with it though. I really have been trying to find something to strengthen my upper body that I enjoy and I think this will do the trick!

I was surprised at how easy it was! I don't know if this is due to my canoe experience or what. But I felt it was so much easier to maneuver then a canoe.

Definitely need to stock up on Dramamine if I'm going to be on any lakes with motor boats or waverunners on them.

The insulation seems to work really well on my rack. I do recommend putting it on before putting the boat on top though. Whoops! Then I just used tie down straps that I looped through the drainage holes wrapped around the cross bars then fed through the interior of my car! Cost for insulation was about $11 and cost for tie downs around $5. Now I just have to get my carrier built so i can take it to a few of the more remote coves I like!

I'm not as strong as I'd like to be but still can manage to get it up on my car. Luckily it's a newer crv. So not as high as some suv's plus the back is sort of round and I was able to use the curvature to help me ease it up there.

I do want to see if they have some type of cover for it though. I'd like to keep it up on top of my car a lot but would like to protect it from the sun and bird poop!

[Blaze]

Here is a trick to help load a kayak by yourself, if you have a harbor frieght near by. for $5.99 you can buy one or two of these Dual Cup Suction Lifter
http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/160x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_16887.jpg
Basically you can stick it to your window, or when I had my Jeep, I use to use the suctions and attach them to the top of my rear roof, I would use a pool noodle from walmart or the dollar store. http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/67/28/75/50/0067287550008_180X180.jpg
And when there on sale, stock up on these suckers! You can use them for just about anything, from floating your line, to extra flotation in your yak, to cutting a piece and using it to help from your paddle sinking, you'll be surprised at what you can use these for. Any way, I cut the pool noodle to fit the handle and use plastic tie straps to keep it on the dual cup suction lifter, that way when you lift one end of your kayak onto it it will help you guide and slide your kayak easily onto your vehicle roof rack....
If you buy two of them you can also attach a PVC pipe with pool noodles to make an even wider guide for your kayak, imagination is limitless!
Paddle on!

[Blaze]

Welcome to the world of kayaking Oopster! Glad you enjoyed it, and yes, kayaking actually helps you to use every muscle in your body. It's a wonderful exercise and can tone you up quickly. Just be aware of your limits and your surroundings! I can't stress this enough, Mother Nature has no favorites and you don't want to become a statistic. Be aware, be careful and use as many safety precautions as possible.

so i survived my first time out!

I loved it! Although I think I'm going to be really sore ... I didn't realize how much it would get your leg muscles also, even though that part of my body is pretty strong! I was out for somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half I think.

I'm really really happy with it though. I really have been trying to find something to strengthen my upper body that I enjoy and I think this will do the trick!

I was surprised at how easy it was! I don't know if this is due to my canoe experience or what. But I felt it was so much easier to maneuver then a canoe.

Definitely need to stock up on Dramamine if I'm going to be on any lakes with motor boats or waverunners on them.

The insulation seems to work really well on my rack. I do recommend putting it on before putting the boat on top though. Whoops! Then I just used tie down straps that I looped through the drainage holes wrapped around the cross bars then fed through the interior of my car! Cost for insulation was about $11 and cost for tie downs around $5. Now I just have to get my carrier built so i can take it to a few of the more remote coves I like!

I'm not as strong as I'd like to be but still can manage to get it up on my car. Luckily it's a newer crv. So not as high as some suv's plus the back is sort of round and I was able to use the curvature to help me ease it up there.

I do want to see if they have some type of cover for it though. I'd like to keep it up on top of my car a lot but would like to protect it from the sun and bird poop!

[Blaze]

Found the one made on youtube, hope it helps, loading by yourself
http://youtu.be/LBcPgDx5kJY

[Blaze]

How to load a kayak for smaller cars and your cart
http://youtu.be/6wnzk1VOJa0

again for a car http://youtu.be/4SN55Jfu94c

how to tie down and load. http://youtu.be/fgPCYYfLjBA


More to come later, I'm tired, lol

[The Oopster]

:( I can't video stream on my computer and couldn't quite follow the noodle lifting technique!

I figure by the time I get something to make that and getting the boat down to the water I'll be strong enough that it won't matter. However I still need to get my cart made since there is one spot I would like to take it that is a half mile hike in.

I highly recommend the lifetime kayak for a beginner that just plans to be on lakes and such. Even with some heavier wake it's been real steady. I just put my paddle on my lap and hang onto my seat straps and just ride it til it subsides and then try to paddle like mad to get into calmer water... usually finding where the motor boats and waverunners don't go!

[Blaze]

Here is a material list I put together for this project.
I am a bit unsatisfied with the end costs, $49.79+tax.

Material Description QUA Cost Sub-Total
1" SCH40 PVC 24" Length 2 1.77 3.54
1" SCH40 T 2 1.29 2.58
1" SCH40 Elbow 4 0.99 3.96
1" SCH40 Cap 4 0.69 2.76
PVC Cement/Primer 4oz Pk2 1 6.99 6.99
Tennis Ball Yellow Can 3 3 3.99 11.97
4 Head Suction Cup (Northern Tool + Eqpt.) 1 17.99 17.99 Shipping Included this part
TOTAL (less tax): 49.79
Or you can go to Harbor freights for half the price. Up to you...

File comment: I used a Forstner Bit 1 1/4" (or 1 1/8" I don't recall) to drill the holes in the tennis balls. Burnt rubber smells. First I tried scissors and a knife but that returned sloppy results, not to mention dangerous.
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/download/file.php?id=102347&t=1
File comment: Parts prepared. I used teflon tape but used a razor blade to cut and expose a portion of the suction cup hangle through the teflon tape. Once I put the PVC cement on there it bonded with the handle firmly.
http://www.texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/download/file.php?id=102346&t=1

[Blaze]

or Another idea is:
I would like to thank twiceayear who created the original loader for his fabulous idea, information online and the feedback which he gave me. I originally saw his on youtube and I can see many people have benefited from his idea.

I made a variation based on his for a friend and thought it may be useful to someone so I am posting a few pics as well. For mine, I used a three suction cup loader as it was the only one readily available to me at the time and it was on sale. Also used was two skateboard wheels courtesy of a neighbours garbage, some pvc pipe, threaded rod, locknuts, and wooden dowel to reinforce the pvc and a piece of pvc blind I wrapped the dowl with for a tight fit before inserting. Mine was made higher than typical as there was a spoiler on my friends car and I didn't want to stress the spoiler by attaching it there so had to be high enough for clearance. The kayak flys up to the roof with the skateboard wheels.
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/spinnr/IMG_0005.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/spinnr/IMG_0003.jpg
http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b23/spinnr/IMG_0001.jpg

[Blaze]

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/tkf%20response%20post/GaryWhiteHeavensBlessing.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/tkf%20response%20post/GaryWhite100_2138.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/tkf%20response%20post/GaryWhite100_2139.jpg
http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c125/qdn/tkf%20response%20post/GaryWhite100_2140.jpg

This one is like how my first one looked like. And you can see the simple V cut foam I used.

[The Oopster]

Thanks Blaze

Even if I don't do exactly that I get the idea! Which helps a lot!

[Kätzchen]

http://www.monsport.tv/upload/image_details/a7db07e0015d5f459972da6224873a49.jpg

[Lady_Di]

http://www.monsport.tv/upload/image_details/a7db07e0015d5f459972da6224873a49.jpg

WOW!!!

I am praying to be able to kayak again soon!

for me it is all about the goals, little and big and short term and long term...

my dreams keep me alive!

[TickledPink]

I was thrilled to find this thread! I love to kayak! I had not tried it in years until recently. Shad got me a kayak and I never want to get out of it!

It is relaxing and a workout all in one. And, one with nature. Win/Win/Win!!!

http://www.paddlersrealm.com/pb/wp_9297ff2d/images/img716491fc0ab4bb82.JPG

[Blaze]

I was reading about free style kayaking, Now this looks like fun, or I want to try touring kayaks. I am a fishing kayak-er but I am starting to find interest in other styles of kayaking. I am just spoiled to if I'm going to paddle, why not drop a line and troll or even better, stop in that cove and cast away...
But I will admit, free styling looks challenging!

http://static1.jacksonkayak.com/2012/03/DSC_0241.jpg
http://static1.jacksonkayak.com/2012/06/P61600582-e1341100582973.jpg
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fOUkfnCrAgQ/ThsKm_eNpyI/AAAAAAAAAiQ/q9NmUu0Mw-M/s1600/kwp20110010.JPG
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-znpM-kPEk/ThsKQfz2w_I/AAAAAAAAAiI/1Aeq5WzIeV0/s1600/kwp20110021.JPG

[Blaze]

Right now paddle boarding is pretty popular in Galveston bay area's.
And I know that in Austin there doing the paddle board yoga...

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gcceT2H1vCg/TAwvoM8ruVI/AAAAAAABjSM/7cG7ob8AiRs/s1600/DSC_0334.JPG
http://s3-media1.ak.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/M2mLA01RiG-f_x_bNMFbWg/l.jpg
http://media.spokesman.com/photos/2011/06/05/RobCasey_SUP_ShilsholeBay_t470.jpg?84974f3f373deb0 dda0f75a22ddd9b7d3a332b26
http://thethreadaustin.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/supatx2.jpg
http://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/files/2011/09/article-1308571-0AFF75B9000005DC-958_468x286-s-right-whale-axel-ohm.jpghttp://somagetfit.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/genelle-ives.jpg

[Blaze]

Here is a very good link for kayak fishing info http://mylocalshop.ecrater.com/
Great photo gallery and information forums...

5 days ago on the news, when people were yelling for the kayaker to paddle man, paddle as the great white was on his tail...
http://cdn.eurweb.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/mangreat_great_white2012-wide.jpg

[SnackTime]

Here ya go Blaze,

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/Morekayakandlesscar1.jpg

We saw this in Stuart, Florida yesterday

:cheesy:

[SnackTime]

The paddle board is popular here too. Yesterday, we were out venturing around we saw tons of people on kayaks and paddle boards. I would love to do the paddle board and teach Skye how to stay on the front of it like one of your pictures above.

[Blaze]

:cheesy::cheer::cheer::cheer::thumbsup: Now that's what Imma talking bout! When vehicles look skinny and the yaks look well fed, see... this is the reason great whites are more and more attracted to the over weight kayaks :sunglass: I think you have come up with a very good synopsis Snack.
And yes, the boards are very popular here too, Academy is selling the %&@ out of those, but me thinkethes that you have more chance in a kayak than a board... Just my imho.... hmmm something more for me to ponder on, geee thanks Snack!


Here ya go Blaze,

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/Morekayakandlesscar1.jpg

We saw this in Stuart, Florida yesterday

:cheesy:

[Blaze]

Heck, even cats love it!
http://img2-3.timeinc.net/people/i/2010/pets/migration/001894785.jpg

http://www.cairns.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2010/05/26/Cairns-WebUsual-CP27MAY10P000-C0047294-DOG.JPGhttp://pibrazeforum.com/glphome/images/dog-on-gl-paddleboard-photo.jpg
Train pup to be comfortable around board first, on dry land or pool, then you can train to take front territory defense...
Next you'll look like this...
http://www.laobserved.com/images/surfdog.jpg

[JustJo]

I can absolutely see Skye loving that. :)

[SnackTime]

I will have to work with her once I get a kayak and paddle board.

I agree honey, she would love it too. Especially she loves water unlike Spirit...lol.

[Blaze]

A hound party!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIEsfyEzrpc/T_y13Fb-TnI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iD7bAGoOhUk/s640/_DSC8160.jpg

A gray whale, awesome!

http://img.pixtale.net/imager/w_990/h_/af1f8efdbd129ff1bf9d339e12a6f5eb.jpg

For Snack a Manatee

http://bydianedaniel.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/200902_03_manatee.jpg

[Blaze]

The question is... Have you hugged your kayak today?


http://hurricaneaquasports.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/12-09-06-060_0003-2.jpg

[SnackTime]

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/Classic-Accessories-Cimarron-Pontoon-Boat.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/pontoonboatforJo.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/redpontoon.jpg

[SnackTime]

A hound party!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zIEsfyEzrpc/T_y13Fb-TnI/AAAAAAAAAFQ/iD7bAGoOhUk/s640/_DSC8160.jpg

A gray whale, awesome!

http://img.pixtale.net/imager/w_990/h_/af1f8efdbd129ff1bf9d339e12a6f5eb.jpg

For Snack a Manatee

http://bydianedaniel.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/200902_03_manatee.jpg

You KNOW I would be out looking for manatees and dolphins

[Blaze]

I like all of them, but umm, well, ahhh I don't quite see a Yamaha engine thingy on any of those.... Here let me help you search :detective: You see, something like this was more um like I opps I mean JustJo and I were ummm looking kinda sorta for.... Jus say'in
:cheesy:
http://www.passagrillemarina.com/img/pic2.jpg



http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/Classic-Accessories-Cimarron-Pontoon-Boat.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/pontoonboatforJo.jpg

http://i366.photobucket.com/albums/oo110/KJaxonM/redpontoon.jpg

[Blaze]

Ok, so no motors...

Paddle power!
http://www.paddleboston.com/rentals/images/paddleboat4.jpghttp://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSEomvqDOlZHdhx37xeNdo9K6z3RpqdC cdf48n-edR9WxlNamaajBiVUIQaKw

Paddle pretend jet sky... crappppppppp

http://www.seaparrotoceanviewmanor.com/Quickstart/ImageLib/PADDLE_BOAT_2_RESIZED.jpg

Dog friendly also

http://petprojectblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/floodimage-copy.jpghttp://www.canoekayak.com/files/2011/03/wpid-kayak-with-dog-article-2.jpg

[The Oopster]

any word on inflatable kyaks?

I'm thinking of getting one for areas of the forest where it would be easier to not have to lug my other one on top of the car.

There is also a designated wildnerness area here with lots of lakes. One can take a water taxi to and from the end of one lake getting you within .5 miles of the wilderness boarder.

Below are what I've thought about. The reviews on the first two are sketchy. Actually the cheaper of the two seems like the better one to go with in that case. However I'm also wondering are their intent. For me it's a back up and not a primary kayak. To take in places where I definitely am not going to take my other and to maybe have with me to use on whims because it's small enough to have in the car all the time. Also if I had someone come visit me we could go kayaking together.

Now the third actually seems like the one I should go with. I'm just debating if I want to but another couple hundred out on a kayak however I'm thinking it might be worth it. any idears?
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/65/01/06/0007650106244_180X180.jpg

$74 at walmart

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WvkvVG0UL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

$163 at both walmart and amazon

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/65/01/06/0007650106612_AV1_60X60.gif
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/65/01/06/0007650106612_AV_60X60.gif

$234 at walmart and$237 at amazon

[Blaze]

Wow, pretty good choices there Oopster.

Just keep in mind that on a inflatable, your not paddling in an area that has debris or any type of tree limbs or sharp rocks that could protrude out and rip a hole in the hull of your inflatable.
I have see a few really good ones out there with a fiberglass hull or plastic hull, or a very thick triple lined bottom. Once again, it's up to the individuals wants and needs. As long as you fill comfortable and safe, than that's all that matters my friend.
You can also contact your local stores or log onto your local kayak enthusiast clubs and they will tell you the pros and cons of each make and model.
In Texas we have Austin Kayak and I have this link, it's the more expensive type of inflatables, but you can kind of get an idea of what is out there, and read some reviews, here is the link http://www.austinkayak.com/catalog_products.php?SubcatID=210006&sort=ProdPrice&order=ASC

Happy inflatable kayaking my friend! Pick what is most comfortable and useful for your needs.... You can also check E-bay and Amazon, they have some good deals also.
I actually was looking at this one a few months ago.
https://a248.e.akamai.net/f/248/9086/10h/origin-d4.scene7.com/is/image/GanderMountainOvertons/16677_L1?$product$



RAVE Sea Rebel Kayak
Item # 16677Customer Rating:
0.0
Write a Review
Key Features
Easy to transport kayak
Adjustable backrest
Heavy-duty 420D nylon and PVC construction
Three bottom fins
Includes paddle, dry bag, pump, carrying bag

Our Price
$199.99
Product Description
The Sea Rebel from RAVE is an inflatable one-person kayak with a recumbent style sling seat. This lightweight kayak comes with a paddle, water resistant dry bag and water bottle holder, adjustable backrest, hand pump, and carrying bag. Made from heavy-duty 420 denier nylon with PVC tarpaulin for a slick ride. Features three bottom fins, four webbing handles, and one boston valve. 103"L x 35"W x 8"H. Weighs 22 lbs.

any word on inflatable kyaks?

I'm thinking of getting one for areas of the forest where it would be easier to not have to lug my other one on top of the car.

There is also a designated wildnerness area here with lots of lakes. One can take a water taxi to and from the end of one lake getting you within .5 miles of the wilderness boarder.

Below are what I've thought about. The reviews on the first two are sketchy. Actually the cheaper of the two seems like the better one to go with in that case. However I'm also wondering are their intent. For me it's a back up and not a primary kayak. To take in places where I definitely am not going to take my other and to maybe have with me to use on whims because it's small enough to have in the car all the time. Also if I had someone come visit me we could go kayaking together.

Now the third actually seems like the one I should go with. I'm just debating if I want to but another couple hundred out on a kayak however I'm thinking it might be worth it. any idears?
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/65/01/06/0007650106244_180X180.jpg

$74 at walmart

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41WvkvVG0UL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

$163 at both walmart and amazon

http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/65/01/06/0007650106612_AV1_60X60.gif
http://i.walmartimages.com/i/p/00/07/65/01/06/0007650106612_AV_60X60.gif

$234 at walmart and$237 at amazon

[The Oopster]

The reason i was leaning towards those inflatables is I liked the concept if it being carried in a packpack

[LipstickLola]

I didn't know this thread existed! Nother amateur yak lover here! :sunglass:
My first trip in the water was a rafting expedition. White water was thrilling, i now prefer smooth water paddling. I'll save the wild water for group trips :)

[LadyRain]

I am going for the first time this tuesday!! A bit nervous but excited too.

[The Oopster]

so took the plunge and bought the last of the three.

even though it was the most expensive it had the best reviews. Also I like the idea of it being a little different style, since my non-inflatable is a sot.

I did order it through walmart. Price was a few dollars cheaper and I can have it delivered there. Also if i have any problems I can take it back there, which is an advantage to amazon.

I guess i'm becoming a kayak addict :blink:

but it will be nice to have something more portable.

some of the places i go to i need to go take me through the tahoe area where they have boat inspections and since i'm just driving through to get from point a to b i don't want to have to mess with that!

It will be nice to have something i can take with and just go if I feel like it.

already justifying my addiction :blink:

[Blaze]

Kayaking Addiction


There are signs of kayaking addiction in people you know if you look for them. One sign is if there are more kayaks in the garage than cars, if every wall in the garage has kayak stuff one them. One other sign is that the person is not content to just paddling a kayak but is also making kayaks by hand and hanging out with people that make their own kayaks.

People who are addicted to kayaks have storage issues due the the multiple kayaks they own and collect. I figure I have room for maybe two more kayaks on my garage ceiling.
http://startkayakingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/srorage-003sm-300x225.jpg

Four Kayaks on the wall - taking up the whole wall
It took me almost a year to install the storage kit I bought last winter to get one river kayak properly stored. Did not have time since I was busy building a Greenland kayak over the winter.
http://startkayakingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/srorageone-007-300x225.jpg

How not to store a kayak
Storage kit properly installed, some floor space recovered.
http://startkayakingblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/storage-004sm-300x225.jpg

Properly Stored
What do you have in your garage?

And here is my favorite Kayak Fishing addiction page http://www.kayakfishingaddiction.com/subpage8.html

[Slater]

I used to have a Feathercraft folding kayak. The big Kahuna model/ (http://feathercraft.com/kayaks/kahuna-big-kahuna/). It looked much like this one, except teal:

http://farm1.staticflickr.com/42/108383757_4d60aa0b2b.jpg

Lightweight, and everything fit into a large backpack when packed correctely. All together with paddle, it was maybe 40 lbs or so. Kind of a pain to assemble but an absolute dream to paddle. It is modeled after the skin-on-frame kayaks of the Inuit and feels very organic in the water.

They are expensive, as they are all hand-made at their shop in Vancouver, but if you can afford it, wow they are nice. Quick, stable, and so quiet in the water.

I sold mine several years ago when some life changes meant I had no time to paddle and the extra money was going to be more useful than the kayak.

[The Oopster]

i wish i had more time to play! There are so many amazing little lakes (big ones too) up here!

[The Oopster]

kayak is in a box in my car!

Now I just need time to play with it!

[Blaze]

Can't wait to see your kayak when you get out there!

Here is a youtube Kayak safety essentials video
http://youtu.be/otakobRXynM

And the 3 golden rules
http://youtu.be/yzISAC04DPY

[pajama]

grrrrr It is a perfect, overcast, weekend to be on the water. Not laid up at home.

[LipstickLola]

I hope to go out this weekend for a MUCH needed float fest!! I too have been laid up and this would make a great re-entry :)

Did anyone here name their kayak?

[Kätzchen]

http://dc347.4shared.com/img/TA69SSfj/s7/63162_poster2000.jpg

[cinnamongrrl]

I had to pop in and live vicariously... I'm determined to get a kayak for next spring. It's been a long time desire....now if only I had a car that would transport it.... :|

[Blaze]

Now this awesome, I have paddled with turtles, sharks, dolphins, what I wouldn't do to be in his shoes.....

dHORiH-r4BA

[Blaze]

The Wilderness Commander Kayak, it's being discontinued and is at one of it's lowest prices ever, for the 2011, 2012, it's a very stable kayak, and I am starting to think I want one! It comes in the sit inside or sit on top style.

http://www.classicoutdoors.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/commander120chadhoover.jpghttp://www.canoekayak.com/files/2011/03/wpid-2010-wilderness-systems-tarpon-120-angler.jpg
http://dynamicearth.net/wp-content/uploads/wilderness-640x344.jpg

[Blaze]

Good sale on this package deal too! I need to get back to work and stop being sick ~crosses fingers~

http://www.austinkayak.com/images/productShots/large/5967.jpg

[Bleu]

I miss my kayak. It is a bright blue dihedral hull Pungo sport kayak. It sits in storage and waits for me.
le sigh

[cinnamongrrl]

That was some wild video with the humpback....cool stuff.....I think the only sea kayaking I will be doing is in Frenchmen's Bay when we take a trip up to Bar Harbor...lol

[cinnamongrrl]

I had to pop in and live vicariously... I'm determined to get a kayak for next spring. It's been a long time desire....now if only I had a car that would transport it.... :|

UPDATE:

I got a kayak for Christmas and I'm so looking forward to throwing it in sometime soon! I have some spots in mind :)

[Teddybear]

UPDATE:

I got a kayak for Christmas and I'm so looking forward to throwing it in sometime soon! I have some spots in mind :)

U GOT it for ur bday :P

[cinnamongrrl]

U GOT it for ur bday :P

lol They are so close together..... either way... I gots one now! :)

[jelli]

We finally had some time to get the yaks wet. I'd like to get them onto Jocassee very soon. :sunglass:

[Blaze]

THE JOYS OF KAYAKING

water surrounds me, constantly,
it undulates beneath me,
its motion, soothing, gliding, lulling,
lts sound so seductively, caress,
unduly stresses, it slowly undress,

paddling renews in me,
the sense of peace and wonder,
brings in the child, long surrendered,
rejuvinates the soul,
brings me back home,
where to nature's bosom
I truly belong,


paddling lets me free,
distance me from the din of society
glues my sanity,
opens my mind to creativity,
empowering my whole being profoundly


paddling is contentment,
brings back memories, carefree and pleasant
I'm one with the water, I'm in my element,
outdoors always a pure enjoyment,
nature's vista, its colors pleasurable,
its hidden bounty, its secret joy,
silent beauty uncomparable.....
It always takes my breath away,
truly inspires me in no other way...
gina layog

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSrwehR8yAwKpu9Mbbxcwcozz7VpIy5M m2fjUVaHgoHeHt-tvZ_

[Blaze]

http://www.fishingfury.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/shark-kayak.jpg

[Blaze]

http://static1.jacksonkayak.com/2010/12/feature_coosa3.jpg

[Blaze]

http://www.everythingkayak.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/2013-All-Fishing-colors.jpg

[mountainbikedyke]

Didn't realize there is a kayaking thread... There are few things more relaxing than fishing from my kayak...

There are so many places in TN to go.

What do y'all fish for?

[Blaze]

What I wouldn't do to fish in TN...
I mostly bay fish, flounder, Redfish, Drum, Croaker,
and fresh water would be Bass and cat fish.

My favorite is the pull ride of Drum and Redfish.

http://www.wavewalk.com/FishingKayak/Nice_size_redfish_landed_in_kayak_06-2011_Florida.jpg