Kayaking and camping

[TheresaD]

I'm thinking of buying a kayak so that I can bring it with me on camping trips. Very often I'm camping at places with a lake etc. I think it would be nice to be able to paddle around and take in some of the scenery in different areas. Here's the thing... I have only used a kayak a few times out at my friend's lake house. I don't really know what to look for when shopping around for one. I would need something that is reasonably lightweight so that I can load/unload by myself without to much of a struggle. I know that they can be quite expensive depending on what you buy. I want to keep my purchase price as low as possible without buying a total piece of junk. I'm not opposed to buying used. For the most part I would probably use it on a lake for simple leisure paddling. I highly doubt I will be doing any sort of whitewater or ocean kayaking. I prefer the calmer waters.. Does anyone have any advice on what I should be looking for/at when it comes to kayaks? Are certain brands better than others etc.? If I buy used what should I be wary of? I know there are alot of kayakers here on the forum so I'm sure you guys will offer me plenty of good advice.

[Miriam C.]

First thing to do in a large lake especially, is get a really good PDF..........and some lessons.

[Shadow Catcher]

You might want to consider a solo canoe, lighter weight (no top deck). If you do decide on a kayak either learn to roll it or exit upside down. In a Kayak always wear a helmet as well as a PFD meant for a Kayak (more flexible and sit higher).
Source, try http://www.paddling.net/Classifieds this will give you an idea as to prices.

[iplay10us2]

You might want to consider a sit-on top kayak. I think mine weighs about 45lbs. Made more lakes, flat water paddling.

If you aren't sure how much you would use one, or like one, I would consider getting one at Academy Sports that aren't as expensive.

http://www.academy.com/index.php?page=content&target=products/outdoors/marine/kayaks

If you find you like them, you can always upgrade later. Also, check the bulletin boards at outdoor stores in your area that sell them. People always buy new ones and want to sell their old ones, and often post ads at those stores.

[Downunder Dave]

Hi Theresa , we had the same idea over here, most places we camp are near water, be it lakes ,rivers or the sea. I am not the most confident person on the water, so stability was very high on my list. After some research we purchased 2 Hobie Kayaks. One is mine and set up up for fishing and the other my daughters use as it accommodates 2 people. Excellent very happy with both of them. Both can be paddled, peddled or sailed. Both have good storage and comfortable seating but best of all is the ease of entry and exit. You don't want to tip over each time you try to get aboard or get out, not a good look
Made in the states check out there web site, you may find something secondhand over there with more boats to choose from.

Cheers Dave

[len19070]

The first thing i did was buy the cheapest kayak I could find, an Old Town Otter. $275

Used it for about 3 years, met other kayakers, got there views on "what to get" and where to use it, used other boats, tried things out.

Discovered what my wants and needs were.

Decided what I wanted...sold the Otter for $250 and bought my current kayak.

The most important thing I did was to just go out and get something and try it.

You'll never lose money on a kayak.

Happy Trails

Len

[kirkman]

Some Kayak shop will let you try out different boats to see what you like. That is what I would do. Nothing worse than buying a boat sight unseen and finding out it does not fit your needs. The longer the boat the straighter it will track and the easier it is to paddle when it is windy. Then you could try and find a used one from a kayaking web sight like this one.
http://www.npmb.com/cms2/e107_plugins/forum/forum.php

[Ageless]

Or just contact the CT Kayak Club

http://www.connyak.org/

[TheresaD]

Ageless..I never thought to look for a club like that. I find it funny that you can refer me to a link for it and your clear across the country. Thanks!

thanks to everyone else too. It's good hearing some points of view on this. I probably won't be buying for another couple of months so I'll keep checking for advise from the forum and I'll try some of these hints that you have given me so far.

[48Rob]

Theresa,

Over the years I've owned and enjoyed canoes, and kayaks.

At first were canoes.
Well suited to taking my kids on slow easy streams, and staying dry.
Good for going out with the fellows after work sometimes too. We'd put in the river, drift for a few miles, then use the trolling motor to return.
But, it was heavy, and long. I could load it on top of my truck alone, but it was a chore.

After the kids were grown, I sold it and bought a small kayak (otter) it was/is fun, though I believe like most products is designed for the "average" person.
I'm tall, and though I fit, it is snug.
It put me a little closer to the water, allowed me to dip my hands in to cool off, though the paddles by the end of the trip had usually deposited a good bit of water in my lap.

Then on a camping trip, My daughter and I rented a "sit on top" kayak.
It was the most fun I've ever had in a boat!
You still get a little wet, but the seat position is much like an easy chair, and you can easily let your toes dangle in the water as you lay back and drift down the lazy river.
The bottom is much flatter than a standard kayak, and thus much more stable.
Great for kids, people new to kayaks, or just for a more relaxing time on the water.
When funds allow, I'll be buying a sit on top model!

Rob

[kirkman]

Since we are talking about sit on tops. This is the best sit on top on the market. It is the most innovative design out there absolutely unbelievably fast and easy for any one in any shape to peddle and or paddle! http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/models_revolution.html They come in lots of models.

[stumphugger]

The major problem women have is loading and unloading a kayak on the cartop. I have 3 kayaks ranging from 75 to 56 pounds. They are all plastic. I can load and unload using hully rollers and a rug or pad and some paddleboy wheels.

The wheels go on the back of the boat. You lift the nose of the boat up onto the roof. Holding the boat in place, walk back to the stern and lift it up. Slide it forward, with the rug protecting the edge of the roof and onto the hully rollers. Continue sliding it until it is in the correct position and tie it down. To unload, reverse the process. The wheels will keep the stern off the ground.

Fiberglass is lighter than plastic. My first boat was a double, open cockpit 16 foot long Old Town Loon. I took it all over the bay I lived on. My dog rode in the front. I got wet in that boat.

The next one is the Carolina. It is a cork. I had it out on Chequamegon Bay in 4 foot waves and it just bobbed around. I have a skirt to seal it up.
The Carolina is slow.

My third is a Perception Eclipse. It is longer and narrower than the Carolina and just a little tippier feeling. But it is also faster and can hold more gear.

I've never tried a sit on top. I like the warmth of the regular kayaks. I have paddled every month of the year while living in Oregon. I put a sleeping pad on the floor when paddling in cold weather, and that insulates the cockpit making it comfy warm when sealed with a skirt.
So, I get to paddle when a sit on top would be too cold.

Be sure to find one that is comfy feeling. This is important if you go on any trips where you might not find a spot to get out for a couple of hours.

More important than the boat is to find a good paddle. Good ones cost a couple hundred bucks, but they last a long time and are worth it.

Accessories I carry besides pfd are whistle, a rope, a paddle float, a bilge pump, bilge sponge and drybag with dry clothes in it. I put shoes and wallet in that too. With two of my kayaks, I can close that drybag up in a hatch and it won't spill in a tipover. I've only tipped over while getting out, or practicing "wet exits" and rescues.

The paddle float is used for getting back in the kayak when out in the deeper water. The most used accessory is the bilge sponge. You wipe up the water that gets in the boat when you get in. Then seal up the skirt and you'll be more comfy.

After loading, the hardest thing about kayaking is getting out. We spend hours out, and my legs get stiff so I am very klutzy at getting out of the boat.

Out here, some of the dealers get together and have demo days. You sign a release and can try out different boats. I'd do that before buying one. Some people can't kayak much do to shoulder problems.

Funny, I'm shopping for a teardrop to go with my kayaking.

[Shadow Catcher]

The Hobie's are intriguing but for the most part heavy, from 40 to 70 lbs. My solo canoe is less than 20Lbs and is 14' and fast.
Lets think about the individual buying this, would Theresa be comfortable lifting a 40+ lb what ever, over head on to a car or truck?

[48Rob]

My solo canoe is less than 20Lbs and is 14' and fast.

What kind is yours, and price?
20 pounds sounds wonderful!

Rob

[TheresaD]

Shadow Catcher- as to whether or not I could lift the 40 lbs above my head onto the vehicle...chances are yes I probably could do it..it would be awkward but I'm sure I could manage it... with a struggle. I would prefer not to if I could. I have had issues w/ my back in recent years &would prefer not to push it too much while I'm out camping. So basically...lighter is better for me..

I'm finding all this info very helpful. Some of you have brought up points that I would have never thought of..