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Sea Kayaks Techniques Bulletin Board
Re: buying a kayak
Posted By: Brad Farr In Response To: Re: buying a kayak (brenda)
Date: Tuesday, 9 November 2004, at 10:14 a.m.
Brenda,
I've been off the board here for a few weeks but I'll throw in my two cents as I have kids the same age. (10,13,15,17) I also have 8 boats to cover a wide range of uses.
1st. a 17 ft. Grumman canoe - this was great when the kids were little, it was used mostly to get from the launch to a small island beach 1/2 mile away or to a rope swing 1 mile away - My kids didn't have much interest in longer trips unless they could stop and swim and play every hour or so.
2nd. An Old Town Loon 138 - this is a "recreational" Kayak good for fishing, bird watching, Photography etc. much faster than a canoe but still not for long trips. Heavy at 60 lbs but virtually indestructible.
My kids really like the freedom of running their own boats so we ended up with some Wilderness systems Picolos. Very light, stable and easy to paddle. The weight limit is 125 lbs which will last my girls for several years. My neighbor also has a pair for his girls (10 and 12)The kids really enjoy paddling together.
I also have a touring kayak and a sit-on-top. The sit on top was $250 at Sams club and is alot of fun in waves and surf but makes for a very wet ride.Things to keep in mind when getting kids involved:
They always want to invite a friend. - the canoe was really nice in this respect.
They want to play and splash and tip - not good in a canoe or while your painting.
Take short trips or make frequent stops on longer trips to keep them happy.Go to your lake next summer and talk to the kayakers (we are a friendly bunch for the most part and are usually happy to talk about our boats) See what they have and how they like it on that lake - they may even offer to let you try it out.
Don't be afraid of used boats - most of the recreational kayaks are polyethylene which is really tough stuff. I bought 4 of my boats used - 2 from dealers and 2 private - Alot of people buy kayaks and then find out that there is work involved and end up selling them after the first year. Some outfitters sell off their rental boats every few seasons while they are still in nice condition.
Your first boat will most likely not be your last, but you have to start somewhere to see what you like. Remember that if you buy a boat and don't like it, They are fairly easy to re-sell (Or keep it and bring a friend)
Next topic: paddles - Then when your really an addict you can jump over to the boat builders forum.
: Thank you Scott.
: My kids are a boy 13 and a girl 9. We are pretty sedintary but are trying to
: change that.
: THey don't rent Kayaks anywhere around here unfortunately. Plenty of people
: use them at our lake though.
: What do you think of the inflatable ones? They seem pretty reasonable and not
: too hard to store. One site recommended a Skeg for flatwater or else you
: are just whipping in the wind. I am a painter and would like to take my
: supplies out and paint as well without being bothered by so many onlookers
: with comments.
: It would be pretty hard to bother me out there.
: Brenda
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