Looking for a kayak

#1
Grey_pilgrim

Grey_pilgrim

Volnations resident crotch flea
Joined
Nov 11, 2012
Messages
7,277
Likes
7,101
#1
As the title says I'm looking for a kayak. I've never been so I'm very much a beginner and don't really know what to look for. Probably will mainly be kayaking on lakes and slow rivers until I get the hang of things. Anyone have any advice on buying and what to look for? I have no problem buying used to save some money just don't want to get a bad deal.
 
#2
#2
You might want to look into a placid boat, portability of a kayak with the functionality of a canoe.
 
#3
#3
You can usually find some decent entry level stuff anywhere from Dick's, Academy, and even Tractor Supply.

You can spend some Bucks on the more serious stuff.
 
#4
#4
The pedal drive on Hobie sit on top kayak's works very well. It adds about $500 on a new model. Let's you drive without using your arms,
 
#5
#5
I've been in many. I'm a kayak fisherman so I've had experience in a lot of them. It depends on what you want and what it is used for.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 people
#6
#6
I got a decent little sit on top on Craigslist a few years ago. I'd check on there and see if anything jumps out.
 
#7
#7
If you're entry level just get one of the $300 ones at Dick's or Academy. The shorter ones are more portable, but don't track as well in the water...... But if you're just drinking beer and floating it won't really matter.
 
#8
#8
what are going to use it for ? fishing or wanting to ride the ruff water :) and do you plan on having somebody with you ?
 
#9
#9
Thanks for the responses. It'll mainly be just out on the lake and whatnot. Might try some fishing once I get the hang of it. I'd love to do white water at some point but that's a ways off. I'll be going with friends who all have their own kayak.
 
#10
#10
volfan_89 said:
Thanks for the responses. It'll mainly be just out on the lake and whatnot. Might try some fishing once I get the hang of it. I'd love to do white water at some point but that's a ways off. I'll be going with friends who all have their own kayak.
Click to expand...

You don't want a sit on top for white water. You want a sit in and by the proper skirt to fit. Sit on tops are my favorite though because I can't get in one without getting a line wet and catching some smallies. I have a Jackson kuda 12 made right here in Tennessee. I'm wanting to look at the Vibe Sea Ghost as a new one. Nucanoe makes the most stable Kayak on the market but it tracks slow. The Atak by wilderness is a fantastic ride but it's mainly for anglers with all the accessory options. Native Slayer and the Old Towne Predator are great yaks (I prefer the Pred for its open deck floor plan). A great entry fishing yak is the ascend fs12. Suspension seat, stable and won't break the bank. Check out the sea Ghost as well. Comes with rudder for lake fishing which could come in handy for sure.
 
#11
#11
ask your friends if you can borrow one of theirs and hit a lake or a river and see what you like best as far as a kayak goes

you will get tiered of a lake in a hurry and do like you said,hit rivers that are easy to navigate to begin with and slowly work your way up

and listen to people that have a lot of experience on what to do.once you decide on what you want

I'd go used till you know exactly what you want and then go from there


are you looking at a single seat or a two seater ? a comfortable 2 seater is harder to handle,but you have an extra oars man handy :)

and you can hit them in the head with the oar when you get bored :)
 
#12
#12
barknoxbrawler said:
You don't want a sit on top for white water. You want a sit in and by the proper skirt to fit. Sit on tops are my favorite though because I can't get in one without getting a line wet and catching some smallies. I have a Jackson kuda 12 made right here in Tennessee. I'm wanting to look at the Vibe Sea Ghost as a new one. Nucanoe makes the most stable Kayak on the market but it tracks slow. The Atak by wilderness is a fantastic ride but it's mainly for anglers with all the accessory options. Native Slayer and the Old Towne Predator are great yaks (I prefer the Pred for its open deck floor plan). A great entry fishing yak is the ascend fs12. Suspension seat, stable and won't break the bank. Check out the sea Ghost as well. Comes with rudder for lake fishing which could come in handy for sure.
Click to expand...

Thanks! I'll check those out.
 
#13
#13
governmentmule said:
ask your friends if you can borrow one of theirs and hit a lake or a river and see what you like best as far as a kayak goes

you will get tiered of a lake in a hurry and do like you said,hit rivers that are easy to navigate to begin with and slowly work your way up

and listen to people that have a lot of experience on what to do.once you decide on what you want

I'd go used till you know exactly what you want and then go from there


are you looking at a single seat or a two seater ? a comfortable 2 seater is harder to handle,but you have an extra oars man handy :)

and you can hit them in the head with the oar when you get bored :)
Click to expand...

One seater for now, but I'll keep that I mind :)
 
#20
#20
volfan_89 said:
Thanks for the responses. It'll mainly be just out on the lake and whatnot. Might try some fishing once I get the hang of it. I'd love to do white water at some point but that's a ways off. I'll be going with friends who all have their own kayak.
Click to expand...

I have a Dagger RPM that I will sale if you decide you want to try whitewater. You definitely don't want to be fishing out of it though unless you are trying to win America's Funniest Home Videos.
 
#21
#21
So I recently started looking for a kayak for the beach and local use. Will take the advice to go cheap to see if I'm into it then upgrade if I get serious.

Came across this product (thanks to poster who mention Hobie foot drive). Looks like a blast

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCv1MeL0Cyo[/youtube]
 
#22
#22
volinbham said:
So I recently started looking for a kayak for the beach and local use. Will take the advice to go cheap to see if I'm into it then upgrade if I get serious.

Came across this product (thanks to poster who mention Hobie foot drive). Looks like a blast

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCv1MeL0Cyo[/youtube]
Click to expand...

I know nothing about them except I noticed Walmart has them now (here in Georgia anyway). I just noticed the price on them from walking by. $128 for adults, and $88 for the kids. That is cheap from my understanding, but I like cheap.
 
#25
#25
if you're using it for fishing it's a whole different story.

stability is what matters. I've been in some very tippy models.
I've got a sun dolphin Aruba 10, sit in model, and for the money it's great. very stable and good on flat or light/moderate white water. (the Aruba 8 is horrible.) My 10 is good for a beginner or intermediate , but not what you'd want on class 4 rapids.

A good paddle is also key. And for goodness sake, wear a life jacket. Get one for fishing or kayaking as they are better vented to keep you cool.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sun-Dolphin-Aruba-10-Sit-In-Kayak-Paddle-Included/25845710
 
Last edited:
New posts
You must log in or register to reply here.

VN Store



Back
Top