Any paddlers out there?

[BigT]

I've been kayaking since 2008 and loving every minute of it!  I tried a few sit-on-top models, but found them too heavy and hard to portage.  I also didn't like the way I sat a foot above the water and had to reach down to get the paddle blade below the surface.

Currently I own my third Wilderness Systems Tsunami sit-in touring kayak.  It's a great design.  Stable, predictable and comfortable, with lots of storage room.  
One of the things I like about strapping a sit-in to the roof is that it acts like an aerodynamic roof-top storage box where I can put things I'm not worried about getting stolen:
(bags of trash/dirty laundry).  Like anyone's going to be able to reach 8' to access the hatches.

I've paddled the ocean a few times, but much like lakes, I don't enjoy open water.  It's boring.  I much prefer creeks or narrow, winding estuaries with mild, easily predictable currents and lots of overhanging trees.  Places with lots of animals in the water are my favorite.  

Unless I'm driving south and the sun is setting on my right, there's no shadowing issues with my boat/panel setup. 

 

[lenny flank]

I made this one to be as lite as possible, came in at 23 lbs, with my 200 lb on board very little free board, with127 lb far better.
My daughter liked it and now has full custody.

                                             

Sweet-looking. Is that a strip-built?

 

[lenny flank]

Sweet-looking. Is that a strip-built?

Or no--it looks like a stitch and glue...?

 

[slynne]

I love to kayak. I am fat so when I bought one, I bought a tandem so I would know for sure it could take my weight and that of my two dogs. Somehow, though, this kayak has migrated over to my sister's house but that is ok with me. She lives on the same lake that my parents live on so I can just hop in the canoe or the row boat or the pontoon to go get it whenever I want to. My full time plan is to be at the lake all summer anyways so even once I have this van, it seems easier to park at the lake and use the kayak there and then just leave it there in the winter when I head for warmer climates.

The lake it is on is really good for paddling. It is part of a chain of four lakes and there are creeks one can go up too. A friend of mine once thought he could paddle all the way from my parents house near Brighton Mi to my house in Ypsilanti. He didnt make it but he proved it could be done. Turns out the creek that the lake water runs into runs into the Huron River which goes right through town here. So it can be done but not in one day. Part of me wants to try it!

 

[waldenbound]

Great kayak porn. My boat came in today, but the paddle and pump didn't so I have to wait before I can get out on the water.

 

[makenmend]

lenny flank, your right on both counts it's strip stitch and glue.

   

these are a combination strip/plywood

   

 

[Ballenxj]

I often think about getting a kayak. I'm a total novice, I know nothing about them. I mentioned this to a friend, and he said I would be much better off with a canoe? From what I have read, I would think a kayak would be more stable and beginner friendly? Anybody have any experience with both have an opinion about which would be better for a beginner?

 

[lenny flank]

lenny flank, your right on both counts it's strip stitch and glue.

   

these are a combination strip/plywood

   

Interesting--I don't think I've seen a homemade 'yak done that way before.

I never tried either of those methods. I've always done skin-on-frames.

 

[Queen]

I often think about getting a kayak. I'm a total novice, I know nothing about them. I mentioned this to a friend, and he said I would be much better off with a canoe? From what I have read, I would think a kayak would be more stable and beginner friendly? Anybody have any experience with both have an opinion about which would be better for a beginner?

You'll have much better control with a kayak.  A canoe is not very easy for a beginner unless you're with someone else.

Rent one and give it a go, it's an amazing way to be out on the water.  I really embraced it when my leg got too bad to surf anymore.

 

[waldenbound]

I tried out a recreational plastic kayak at Lake Quinault once and it only took like 30 minutes to figure out how to steer and turn it. Really easy. With an inflatable, it's easy for a van dweller, although it will necessitate a rear cargo carrier. For me at least.

But for a recreational kayaker, an inflatable or plastic recreational boat is fine. I love those sleek looking touring kayaks, but I can't Eskimo roll, and I'd be nervous trapped in there with that spray skirt on.

 

[lenny flank]

I often think about getting a kayak. I'm a total novice, I know nothing about them. I mentioned this to a friend, and he said I would be much better off with a canoe? From what I have read, I would think a kayak would be more stable and beginner friendly? Anybody have any experience with both have an opinion about which would be better for a beginner?

It really depends on different things. Kayaks, for me, tend to be more stable and less tippy than canoes (because you sit lower in them), and are better suited in rougher waters on open seas. Canoes are good for smooth-water like lakes. Canoes can also hold more cargo and are good for backwoods camping (though I have done plenty of kayak-camping as well).

The paddling techniques are different, so it takes a bit to get accustomed to both.

I guess I like kayaks better because they are more versatile--it's easier to paddle a kayak in waters where canoes are good than the other way around (I'd not take a canoe onto open ocean water).

 

[Ballenxj]

Thanks Queen and Lenny, this is more than I knew five minute ago. Lenny, I don't have any plans of going out onto open water (ocean) yet, but who knows?
I have been looking at the roto milled plastic ones on CL. Would either of you feel comfortable bringing camera equipment on a kayak? I often think it would be neat to glide along the water ways getting close to the wildlife for some good close up images. I would guess this same kayak might also would be good for fishing?

 

[Queen]

Doing photography is a lot of fun, but I'd wait until you get comfortable paddling first, and only on calmer water unless you have a waterproof housing for your gear.

I know a lot of people who fish from their kayaks and several manufacturers address the unique needs of folks who fish with everything from rod holders to trolling motors to foot paddles so your hands are free to fish. There are some yak fishing forums that could tell you a lot more about the though.

CL is a wealth of used kayaks and fishing rigs, no need to buy retail unless you have a preference unavailable used.

 

[Queen]

^^^ Too late to edit my above reply, so I'll add a little more here.

Kayaking is a wet activity, you tend to get wet feet, sometimes a wet butt, and wet hands in the course of the activity. I find canoeing to be a little dryer. So if you plan to take pictures you'll need a dry bag at the least. I use one for my keys/wallet/phone all the time, and another with some emergency gear.

 

[Ballenxj]

Doing photography is a lot of fun, but I'd wait until you get comfortable paddling first, and only on calmer water unless you have a waterproof housing for your gear.
<-------->
CL is a wealth of used kayaks and fishing rigs, no need to buy retail unless you have a preference unavailable used.

Thanks, CL is where I have been looking. I may be wrong, but I'm thinking a kayak that is good for fishing, would also be good for photography and just exploring too?
Don't know if this is in the budget, but have found one like this interesting.
 http://www.belhavenpaddlesports.com/native_09/ultimate_16_angler/ultimate_16_angler.php

 

[Queen]

General kayaking page/forum with loads of info:
https://paddling.com/

Fishing specific forums:
http://www.yakangler.com/forum/index
http://www.yakattackforums.com/

 

[lenny flank]

I have been looking at the roto milled plastic ones on CL. Would either of you feel comfortable bringing camera equipment on a kayak? 

Hah, we call those plastic boats "Tupperwares".     The good points about them: they're cheap, and they are all but indestructible. The bad points: they're heavy. 

Yes, I have often photographed from a kayak--you'd want one that is a wee bit wider, for better stability.  And bring along a big ziploc baggie---"cameras" and "water" don't play well together.

I am not really a fisherman, but yes, fishing is entirely doable. There are actually plastic kayaks specially modified for fishing--extra wide for stability and with molded water wells to keep bait in.

 

[makenmend]

I have done canoe's and kayaks, my preference being the kayak, looking at the reviews on the inflatables I'd say for traveling these are a great solution, thinking on that myself. most of my boats weigh less than 50 lb so I can lift quite easily, but getting that on the roof of my Transit, well that's another story. There are devises out there to assist but pricey, have to think on that. As far as fishing I've used them on ocean bays, lakes and rivers, fly fishing mostly, spinning gear some times. With a history of back problem I was dubious when I started  some 20+ years ago, and can honestly say my back is better for the exercise.


     

Meant to add I use a fairly cheap water proof Pentax Optio, dam thing won't quit as an excuse to get newer one.

 

[Queen]

Thanks, CL is where I have been looking. I may be wrong, but I'm thinking a kayak that is good for fishing, would also be good for photography and just exploring too?

It's good for all of those things, especially exploring, a kayak is a very shallow draft craft and you can get into places that would be almost impossible with a regular boat.

 

[Queen]

Look at Wilderness Systems and Perception brands as well, they are very affordable and well made.