A couple of Kayaks

[kayak karl]

My wife and I bought a house on a creak and want to try kayaking but want to see if there are any used options.

Any advice on getting into kayaking would be greatly appreciated

Thanks!

There are a couple of places in NJ. about an hour and a half from Langhorn.

Belhaven Canoe and Kayak on rt 542 between Batsto and Bass River sell used. http://www.belhavencanoe.com/ They let you try them out in the lake

Theres a place in Brick, NJ http://www.jerseypaddler.com/index.html

And even closer is Wilderness Kayak on Concord Pike In Wilmington Delaware. http://www.wildernesscanoetrips.com/index.dws they offer a nice day trip on the Brandywine

hope this helps

[rpettit]

Check out a Necky Manitou Sport. It is a 12 foot boat. It is a hybrid design which places it inbetween a rec. kayak and a touring kayak. I use it on the New River and in big lakes. Cost around $600, weighs 35 lbs. Be careful about the weight of your yak, you have to carry it to and from the water, not to mention loading the boat on top your vehicle or in the bed of your truck. Quite stable, tracks well, a bit more responsive than a rec. kayak, not as efficient as a touring boat. Try mutliple boats before you buy.

[Greg Dunlap]

If you don't mind traveling a little, Mountainman Outdoor Supply is hosting their paddlefest just 350 miles away from you soon. You can get information at their website http://www.mountainmanoutdoors.com

They take every boat in their inventory, plus get the manufactors reps to bring all their boats, place them on the water and let you try them out.

I went to the one in my area and found just the right kayak to fit my frame in. When I sat down in it, it fit me perfectly!! I've since spent many happy hours in the one I bought just one month later

[neo]

me and my 2 sons are kayaking fools,cant get enough of it. neo

[DGrav]

THANK YOU all for the great info! The links to events and retailers are especially helpful.

Lone Wolf I learned more from your post than I did in all the web research I did. If I'm in your neck of the woods I may take you up on your offer!

Wilderness systems keeps popping up in searches and conversations I have had with a few people as the most comfortable Kayaks out there. I have heard several people tell a story similar to Lone Wolf's where they start out with a couple different kayaks and eventually end up with a Wilderness Systems.

Once again thanks for all the great information!

[Take-a-knee]

THANK YOU all for the great info! The links to events and retailers are especially helpful.

Lone Wolf I learned more from your post than I did in all the web research I did. If I'm in your neck of the woods I may take you up on your offer!

Wilderness systems keeps popping up in searches and conversations I have had with a few people as the most comfortable Kayaks out there. I have heard several people tell a story similar to Lone Wolf's where they start out with a couple different kayaks and eventually end up with a Wilderness Systems.

Once again thanks for all the great information!

Wilderness Systems sit-on-top kayaks are highly regarded among kayak fishermen. I still say a canoe is the most useful boat for freshwater.

If you want a cross between the two, try a Native Ultimate 12 or 14:

http://www.nativewatercraft.com/

Here is a review from a friend of mine:

http://www.georgiariverfishing.com/G...Ultimate12.htm

[DGrav]

Went to a local shop to do a bit more research.

As of now it looks like my wife is going with the Necky Manitou sport.

I have it narrowed down to two, the Necky Manitou 13 and the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120.

Hopefully I will get sometime to test both boats out in the next couple of weeks and then make my decision.

[Greg Dunlap]

Be sure to deal with a shop that will let you try the boat out for a period of time before you buy it. I bought blindly the first time around and hated the boat. It squeezed my knees together resulting in cramping after about an hour of sitting in it. And the place I bought it from would not take it back so I ended up selling it and buying the one I have now. I recommend a Prijon Kodiak, it flares a little from the position of the seat forward allowing you to spread your legs out, is fairly stable in the water, is 17 foot long so you can load up on camping gear and even bring firewood if you wanted to. Fits me like my lounger at home.

[DGrav]

We got our Kayaks yesterday.

We went with Wilderness Systems Tsunamis, a 120 for my wife and a 125 for me.

After a few hours on a local lake and were sold.

As Lone Wolf pointed out Wilderness Systems had the most comfortable seat by far.

Thanks for all the advice! I cannot wait to float to a hang.

[Lone Wolf]

Now comes the fun part....outfitting the yaks to your personal preferences. Things like paddle holders(dont buy the rubberr ones, a simple bungie with a hook), rod holders, workdecks, dry bags, etc.

PA is a great place to float and you will definately enjoy yakking and hanging.