We are thinking of purchasing a kayak. Can anyone recommend a brand? We are considering a tandem, then next summer buying a single, so maybe we can train Lucy to go along. Any suggestions, or dire warnings?
I personally knew nothing, so went to Dick's sporting goods, and bought one. I spent $350, and then ended up buying another one. They are great. I know I could get one that is more expensive, maybe that went "faster", but I have a lot of fun, and I have the second one for friends, and for under $1000 for everything, including life vests and paddles, I am happy.
my parents just got two kayaks. they love it and it is great exercise. would love to have one, used to keyek when i lived in MD with friends who had several.
I do whitewater kayaking, so my needs in a kayak are a lot different from yours (I'm assuming you're looking for a lake or touring style kayak).
Cobra makes great kayaks. I've never been in any of their touring kayaks though.
Dagger is another good name. I have a friend who spends a lot of time on lakes in a Dagger and he loves his.
Heritage makes good kayaks for beginners - they are known for being stable and easy to maneuver.
The most important thing in a touring kayak is comfort - you want a comfortable seat with good back support. Better ones will also have a water-tight storage compartment in the front to keep your lunch and other dry gear dry in the event of a flip.
For a beginner, you want a kayak with good stability characteristics. You won't be able to tell that until you're out on the water, so it's best if you can find a place that will let you test drive one before you buy it. You also want one that's easy to get out of if you flip.
Hope this helps some. Everyone has different needs, and there are lots of kayaks to choose from, so it's hard to say from here what will fit you best.
I have a kayak & canoe advertiser client who highly recommend you demo kayaks before you buy.
They sell lake & river and ocean kayaks and I've written copy on Old Town, Wenonah, Necky and Prejon. You should be able to find all you need to know on the internet or with a reputable dealer who can advise what size & make to buy for your skill level. Your skill level will dictate everything.
I'm a canoe person myself. I love canoes. But kayaking is wonderful fun too. Make sure you take lessons in how to right yourself if you tip over. Most community centers give lessons.
My sister and her husband live in Victoria B.C. and they have owned kayaks for several years. I'm afraid they shopped around quite a bit first, and I'm not privy to which brand they ended up buying, but they sure have found a healthy hobby. Hope you find the right fit too.
We have two kayaks at the lake. The boys use them, mostly to sink or have paddle wars. My advice? There are boats that have motors. Much easier and you don't have to sweat.
I don't know much about kayaks, but they look like they would be a lot of fun. Down here, we use pirogues, (small canoes) and just about every kind of boat that you can imagine. Good luck finding the right one and have fun!
I personally knew nothing, so went to Dick's sporting goods, and bought one. I spent $350, and then ended up buying another one. They are great. I know I could get one that is more expensive, maybe that went "faster", but I have a lot of fun, and I have the second one for friends, and for under $1000 for everything, including life vests and paddles, I am happy.
ReplyDeletemy parents just got two kayaks. they love it and it is great exercise. would love to have one, used to keyek when i lived in MD with friends who had several.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'm kayak material haha ...but I do do do love the look of Lake Tahoe ...
ReplyDeleteI'm more of a canoe kind of person. Well ... I'm a hybrid - I like to use a kayack paddle in a canoe.
ReplyDeleteClearly I can not be of any help!
I've never been in a kayak, so can't be of help. But it looks so nice to be out on the water like that!
ReplyDeleteI do whitewater kayaking, so my needs in a kayak are a lot different from yours (I'm assuming you're looking for a lake or touring style kayak).
ReplyDeleteCobra makes great kayaks. I've never been in any of their touring kayaks though.
Dagger is another good name. I have a friend who spends a lot of time on lakes in a Dagger and he loves his.
Heritage makes good kayaks for beginners - they are known for being stable and easy to maneuver.
The most important thing in a touring kayak is comfort - you want a comfortable seat with good back support. Better ones will also have a water-tight storage compartment in the front to keep your lunch and other dry gear dry in the event of a flip.
For a beginner, you want a kayak with good stability characteristics. You won't be able to tell that until you're out on the water, so it's best if you can find a place that will let you test drive one before you buy it. You also want one that's easy to get out of if you flip.
Hope this helps some. Everyone has different needs, and there are lots of kayaks to choose from, so it's hard to say from here what will fit you best.
All my kayaking experience is in river/whitewater kayaks. Jeff gave some great advice and guidelines though.
ReplyDeleteLike Reya, I much prefer a canoe.
I can't be of any help, but jeff's comment was very informative. I always love the pictures you post at the top of each blog post.
ReplyDeletesorry, I can't help you there Nancy. I've never been in a kayak.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
I have a kayak & canoe advertiser client who highly recommend you demo kayaks before you buy.
ReplyDeleteThey sell lake & river and ocean kayaks and I've written copy on Old Town, Wenonah, Necky and Prejon. You should be able to find all you need to know on the internet or with a reputable dealer who can advise what size & make to buy for your skill level. Your skill level will dictate everything.
nope cant help ya I know nothing of kayaking. Hope you find a good one though!
ReplyDeleteI'm a canoe person myself. I love canoes. But kayaking is wonderful fun too. Make sure you take lessons in how to right yourself if you tip over. Most community centers give lessons.
ReplyDeleteMost importantly -- have fun...!
Thanks everyone - you have given me many things to consider before we buy. Not the least of which, is to try them out first. Good advice.
ReplyDeleteMy sister and her husband live in Victoria B.C. and they have owned kayaks for several years. I'm afraid they shopped around quite a bit first, and I'm not privy to which brand they ended up buying, but they sure have found a healthy hobby. Hope you find the right fit too.
ReplyDeleteLove kayaks, but am clueless about brands. Tandems are great fun, but the solo route is cool, too. Maybe two solos?
ReplyDeletehey lady - aren't you just loving intention experiment? hope so! jenean
ReplyDeletegypsy - I am! About halfway.
ReplyDeleteWe have two kayaks at the lake. The boys use them, mostly to sink or have paddle wars. My advice? There are boats that have motors. Much easier and you don't have to sweat.
ReplyDeleteI don't know much about kayaks, but they look like they would be a lot of fun. Down here, we use pirogues, (small canoes) and just about every kind of boat that you can imagine. Good luck finding the right one and have fun!
ReplyDelete