Thinking of buying a kayak

[Tripper11]

Nothing expensive, money is tight. But I think it would be nice to get out on the lake and just paddle quietly, relax and breathe a little from the stresses of life.
I was at Dick's sporting the other day and saw this...anyone got any advice?



The Potomac 100 ES

[taterguy]

1. Paddle faster when you hear banjo music

Obviously

[Duer 157099]

5. rofl n/t

[alphafemale]

2. SeaEagle Inflatables

You can get one pretty cheap and you can throw it in the back of a car trunk. It inflates in about 10 minutes or so.

My BF and I love ours.

[demmiblue]

3. Kicking...

because I am interested, as well!

:hi:

[Courtesy Flush]

4. I have a sit-on-top model

It was the best choice for me, as I'm an amputee, and I think my prosthesis would not fit well in a regular kayak.

One bit of advice: Get one that has a weight capacity much MUCH higher than your weight. I'm a little guy, and I feel very stable on my kayak, but when big guys use it they tell me it feels like it's always about to tip over. If possible, field test it before you buy (I didn't, but I got lucky).

[Tripper11]

6. here's the specs

I'm short and stocky, weighing in at 200lbs.
Would this be stable enough for me? I'm hoping that with some paddling I will lose some weight.
I just want to paddle around the lake, enjoy the water, the outdoors...nothing crazy like rapids rivers etc.

Ram-X® Hull: Multi-layer material known for its high impact resistance; ability to regain its initial shape after violent impacts; UV-protected exterior finish
Adjustable padded backrest
Adjustable oversized foot pegs
Bow and stern carrying handles
Elastic bungee cords in bow
Molded seat
Stern storage hatch with bungees
Length: 10'
Beam: 28"
Depth: 14"
Cockpit Width: 24.5"
Cockpit Length: 41.5"
Weight: 41 lbs
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs

[david13]

7. Rent or borrow first, to be sure you like it and can do it. It takes

skill. Go for the training on it, which will help a lot. You need to know how to right yourself if, oh, I mean, when you tip over.
I'm very old, but my father was a big kayaker when I was young, back in the days when no one kayaked. Today it is a rather big sport.
dc

[Incitatus]

8. I've been a few times.

It's fun and wasn't that hard to get the hang of. You might want to check out craigslist before you buy a new one. I don't know enough about them to advise on specific models.

[Aerows]

9. I've been

and it's fun :)

I sincerely hope you enjoy yourself, I certainly did! I went in crystal springs Florida - it's a natural spring that remains at 70 degrees year round. it was a blast.

[FLPanhandle]

10. Also look at paddleboards

We have both kayak and paddleboards, but the paddleboards get used more often. You are up higher and can look down through the water easier (a must if you have clear water).

The sit on top are easier to get in/out of, but slightly less stable once in.

[Curmudgeoness]

11. I have been renting several different kinds of kayaks

in the past few years to see what I like. I have determined that I do not like the fat stubby ones, but prefer the long thin ones. But this is a personal preference for me, and I never would have known without trying several styles. The problem I have now is that the ones I like are the much more expensive ones. Also check and see if there is a kayak club in your area, because the folks there can help you a lot with how to use it and may even let you try out theirs. They also know when and where there are sales on good used ones.

[Tripper11]

12. thanks for all the great responses

The way the weather has been here in Seattle, I won't need one anytime soon. But it will give me time to do some research and see where it leads me.

[denbot]

13. Ally and I have a 16.5' sit on top..

We ocean kayak and love it.. Length = ease of movement through water, but sacrifices stability exiting surf. Spend a couple of more bucks if at all possible and get a kayak with a rudder or skeg for steering and/or tracking. Sit in kayaks have more stability, but self rescue is VERY difficult.

Down here in So. Cal we take snorkling gear with us and drop in the water when we see something interesting. Exiting and entering at sea is a plus with a sit on top.

A picture of us and out rigg..

[applegrove]

14. That one looks good. Get one where you don't have to have your legs flat as you sit.

We had the kind that had a small hole for the seat and you had to sit with your legs straight out. I could not walk after kyaking for a while. I was paralysed. That said, kyaking is a nice way to get close to nature. You can glide right over beaver dams and sneak up on blue herons. Wonderful.