eraclito said:

It is extremely fun. And a great form of exercise (500 calories an hour).


There are two types of kayaks : Sit-on-top, and sit-inside. If you live in a place where the water is generally cold, and/or deep, I'd recommend sit-inside kayak. Sit-inside kayaks have a lower center of gravity which gives you a little bit more control of the boat. Sit-on-tops allow you to get in and out of the boat in water easily and there is no fear of flipping it over.

I have a sit-on-top kayak becuase, I tend to kayak in shallow water. And my kayak is plastic (they use a fancier name for it at the store ).

Plastic kayaks take a hell of a beating, and are cheaper than fiberglass. Fiberglass kayaks will slice through the water better, and are fucking gorgeous.

Whatever store you go to, makes sure they let you sit in the kayak. (if you have stores like that).


My kayak is a sit-on-top, Prowler 15.

My recommendation is that you spend the extra money on a 15 footer (or at least a 13 footer). The longer the kayak, the easier it is to move through the water in a straight line (and trust me--this is an advantage you'll appreciate). The longer the kayak, and the thinner, the better.

My kayak cost about 800 bucks, and the all the gear brought me to about 1100 to 1200 bucks. But I kayak ALOT so renting a kayak is 50 bucks each time, and I can only be on the water 3 to 4 hours.

I've taken my kayak out about 15 times now so that's 750 bucks , and I've owned it less than a year. It'll pay for itself by mid summer, and that's just in the first year of use. For most people I'd say their kayak will pay for itself in 3 years or less if they use it moderately.


But the benefits are:

1) You can put to water anywhere (as long as you know the current).

2) You can go at any time

3) You can stay for as long as you want

I'd also recommend one that has dry-storage compartments. Even a half day trip often requires you to lug stuff around. My compartment is large enough to store towels, water, food, beach supplies, and the back of my kayak has an area I can place my cooler.

This is the exact model of mine:





Ocean Kayak company: http://www.oceankayak.com...er_15.html


http://www.atlantiskayaks...kayaks.htm

http://www.c-kayak.co.za/...ew_all.htm


.
[Edited 3/11/07 9:44am]

Imago said:

thanks man, i appreciate your time and effort

i like the design of the sit on top kayak, like yours
i plan on exploring the waterways and like the idea i can jump on and off easily
would it be okay if i run more questions by you as i learn more.

for instance i was looking at the kayaks for two, would it be too big for one person to navigate?

i like the thought of company sometimes or maybe i can train my dog to sit in it.

lol...

or do u recommend i start off with a single seater?

i have some experience with sailing, i love the water, kayaking just never occurred to me,

until now

eraclito said:

I think they sell tandem (2 seater kayaks) where the other seat can double as storage, or that you can adjust the seating position when you go alone. I'm not 100% sure.

Tandem kayaks are very popular because alot of times couples want to go out, but they don't want to spend alot of money on a two singles.

Imago said:

cool, ima get me a tandem kayak

the fibreglass ones look slightly fragile and i have a big fuck of truck
i might drop it or knock it sticking it on the roof. am i correct in thinking that
the material of your kayak is more robust and durable.
and less prone to stupid accidents and damage

eraclito said:

Plastic is much more durable than fiberglass. The tradeoff is speed performance , weight, and looks.

If you scratch a fiberglass one, repairs could be expensive. You can pretty much scratch the hell out of a plastic one.

ItsOnlyMe said:

Let me know how it is. If I ever get to visit, We'll go out and get wet together.

Imago said:

Speaking of company, I take it there's no crocodiles in lakes??

Please stop taking pictures of your feet.

Thanks in advance.

eraclito said:

It is extremely fun. And a great form of exercise (500 calories an hour).


There are two types of kayaks : Sit-on-top, and sit-inside. If you live in a place where the water is generally cold, and/or deep, I'd recommend sit-inside kayak. Sit-inside kayaks have a lower center of gravity which gives you a little bit more control of the boat. Sit-on-tops allow you to get in and out of the boat in water easily and there is no fear of flipping it over.

I have a sit-on-top kayak becuase, I tend to kayak in shallow water. And my kayak is plastic (they use a fancier name for it at the store ).

Plastic kayaks take a hell of a beating, and are cheaper than fiberglass. Fiberglass kayaks will slice through the water better, and are fucking gorgeous.

Whatever store you go to, makes sure they let you sit in the kayak. (if you have stores like that).


My kayak is a sit-on-top, Prowler 15.

My recommendation is that you spend the extra money on a 15 footer (or at least a 13 footer). The longer the kayak, the easier it is to move through the water in a straight line (and trust me--this is an advantage you'll appreciate). The longer the kayak, and the thinner, the better.

My kayak cost about 800 bucks, and the all the gear brought me to about 1100 to 1200 bucks. But I kayak ALOT so renting a kayak is 50 bucks each time, and I can only be on the water 3 to 4 hours.

I've taken my kayak out about 15 times now so that's 750 bucks , and I've owned it less than a year. It'll pay for itself by mid summer, and that's just in the first year of use. For most people I'd say their kayak will pay for itself in 3 years or less if they use it moderately.


But the benefits are:

1) You can put to water anywhere (as long as you know the current).

2) You can go at any time

3) You can stay for as long as you want

I'd also recommend one that has dry-storage compartments. Even a half day trip often requires you to lug stuff around. My compartment is large enough to store towels, water, food, beach supplies, and the back of my kayak has an area I can place my cooler.

This is the exact model of mine:





Ocean Kayak company: http://www.oceankayak.com...er_15.html


http://www.atlantiskayaks...kayaks.htm

http://www.c-kayak.co.za/...ew_all.htm


.
[Edited 3/11/07 9:44am]

Imago said:

Dude, I already accepted that you have a huge penis.

CarrieMpls said:

I am with Carrie!!

Fauxie said:

Just be thankful he did not post a picture for all of us to see to prove it...

Shanti1 said:

All of a sudden, I wish we were still on the subject of my toes.

this is the one i think i will buy
its going for a deal, which sweetens things



whatcha think?

Imago said:

AHHH...we love you!!!

Shanti1 said:

Admit it--my balls are uber rad. Admit it!

Imago said:

I will let Fauxie have that one...

Shanti1 said:

Holy shit! You just caught this thread on FIYA!! Thanks
It's my first kayak thread that caught on fire!

Imago said:

I'm surprised your balls haven't cought on fire yet.

retina? Where the hell are you? Post on my thread damnit.

eraclito said:

OK.

That's a 9 footer I think--13 footer at the most. That's ok, and if it's a great deal, go for it, At the very least, it'll introduce you to kayaking and you can see for yourself if you like it or not.

Bear in mind, the shorter the kayak, the more you will have to keep it tracking (going in a straight line). Also, it will not be as fast as the longer kayaks, and you will need to be careful if you take it out to the ocean or any place with waves.
But it's a very common design that kayak rental places use. And as long as you don't care how fast you're going, it's a great kayak.

ANY kayak will be fun. It's about freedom, and getting out on the water. You'll love it.

Imago said:

Sorry! As you know, I didn't want you to think that I was posting just to return the favour.

I think it's awesome that you are so into kayaking. Your arms and shoulders must be like granite now, there is so much strain put on them, at least that's how I remember it from when I tried kayaking myself. I also remember getting so stiff in my legs that I could barely get out of the damn kayak when I got back.

What was it like to flip over for the first time? I always dreaded that moment.

Imago said:

3.76 metric metres

long enough yaaa?

...