Anybody Kayak?

[Miscue]

I'm looking into kayaking... curious if anyone has equipment recommendations. Not looking to spend much - because I want to get two sets - bang for the buck is what I'm looking for.

[Miscue]

I just started looking around... OMG these things cost a ton of money! I might just have to rent them... hmm.

[zbody]

kayaks

I love kayaking but the initial investment is a bit steep. It will run you at least $250-350 per kayak and you would still need a paddle at the very least. Some states require a lifejacket and a helmet and spray skirt are reccomended if you are going to do any significant whitewater. Have you decided if you want an open or closed top kayak yet? I have an open top Cobra Fish and Dive and it is great for fishing. It has tons of compartments and is very well balanced for standing up. Are you set on two kayaks or would a tandem kayak work? Loon kayaks are reasonably priced and are great all-around kayaks. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[~Backdraft~]

I dont Kayak but I would definately suggest getting a Kayak from here: http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/index.html

They have awesome stuff, top of the line and great deals.

[Miscue]

Re: kayaks

Originally posted by zbody
I love kayaking but the initial investment is a bit steep. It will run you at least $250-350 per kayak and you would still need a paddle at the very least. Some states require a lifejacket and a helmet and spray skirt are reccomended if you are going to do any significant whitewater. Have you decided if you want an open or closed top kayak yet? I have an open top Cobra Fish and Dive and it is great for fishing. It has tons of compartments and is very well balanced for standing up. Are you set on two kayaks or would a tandem kayak work? Loon kayaks are reasonably priced and are great all-around kayaks. Let me know if you have any other questions.

I know what the open/closed look like but not sure what the functional difference is. No preference really.

Yeah, would need to be two separate... not tandem.

I'm looking for versatility... so works well on different water. Not going to get super serious or anything... just recreational is all.

I'm considering selling my audio equipment so I can get kayaks instead... I'm losing interest in high end car audio, but really want to get into kayaking.

Gracias!

[Quiet]

Are you lokking into open water trekking or whitewater?

[zbody]

Versatility

You can find the Loon kayaks on the link that Backdraft posted. My brother has the Loon 111 and has had no problems with it. It is easy to manuver on the water and has tons of room to carry stuff. We've both taken my 80 pound pitbull Max out in it with a full backpack behind the seat without feeling all cramped up. Also out of the water it is an ease to lift onto the top of the pickup to haul.

[Miscue]

http://www.apark.org/kayaks.html

http://www.crescentkayak.com

Humm, this looks like it could work out. Will have to talk with my significant other to see if she would rather have her own or go for tandem.

[Miscue]

Originally posted by Quiet
Are you lokking into open water trekking or whitewater?

Open water.

[Quiet]

Whoops, I don't know much on that side.

[shartley]

[Miscue]

Yeah, definitely will post pics when/if I get it.

I'm not one to skimp either, but as a college student money is hard to come by... I figure I'll get something decent to start with, and when I have a real job after school I can buy EXACTLY what I want w/o worrying about cost. I'll either sell it later or more likely give to my parents so they can use it for fishing if they ever find time.

Oh, noticed that you recently picked up an RT Pro... congrats!

[shartley]

Thanks.. it sure is a beauty. I have some customizing to do on it, and will post pictures when I do.

[krafty]

Sounds like Miscue wants to spend some time out on Lake Mead.

Make sure you get a PFD (life jacket) that works for you. It's the best, most important, first purchase you should make. Stohlquist, Harmony and Lotus are all brands I've had good luck with.

If you're looking to buy boats, you might want to consider waiting until the end of the season. You can usually get better prices on year-old models once the new ones come out (kinda like buying an Angel!) Used is another option. Check out local shops to see if they're selling off their old rentals. As long as there aren't any big gouges in them, they should work fine.

I don't know much about flatwater boats, but for whitewater, I like to use Dagger kayaks ( www.dagger.com ).