I am a rookie with a few questions

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Permalink Reply by Alex Torres on January 10, 2009 at 5:25pm

Loni,
You can also see if there is any used kayaks in your area that someone is selling to upgrade or just have to many in the garage. This method can save you a few $100 on a good kayak. Then there is the way of looking into the demo's that some shops have that they sell for a really good price to make room for the 09 models. You can never go wrong with saving some money sometimes. I hope this was helpfull.

Alex

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Permalink Reply by Rick K. on January 10, 2009 at 10:23pm

I'm not sure anyone can really say what is right for you. For the type of kayaking I do, a canoe just wouldn't work. I go alone 90% of the time, so the weight savings is a factor. Also, in the area I kayak, a canoe would probably get swamped easily, not to mention that for me, kayaks are easier to paddle and easier to manoeuver. So for me, a kayak is entirely worth it.
I think your best bet is to rent one for a day or so and give it a try. See if it's what you are looking for. Try loading/unloading it by yourself, try a trip by yourself, etc. Hopefully then you can see if a kayak is for you or if you'd be better off by sticking to the canoe.

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Permalink Reply by Jason Bates on January 15, 2009 at 8:34am

Hey Loni, I have a few thoughts from your questions, but they are a bit on the vague side. It sounds to me like you are not too sure exactly what you want from your craft or where all you'd like to paddle? Anyways here's a stab at some ideas for ya:
Canoe vs. Kayak, really depends mostly on what you'll be doing with that boat. If it were I, a Canoe really shines for longer trips packing gear, and in calmer waters. There is more room to move around in the boat, and to me they are more comfortable than a lot of kayaks, and they can handle a lot of gear, a dog, or a friend... They don't do as well in high winds or rough water.
As for going out alone, that's one of those "no-no's" in paddling, and I think that it would be irresponsible for me to recommend that as a safe option. That doesn't mean that lot's of people do paddle alone, typically in relative safety (I've certainly had some fun days paddling solo). The thing is that as a newer paddler, it's more than likely that you might suffer from a moment of poor judgement, or paddling error, or just bad luck... with no one else around, a very small issue could suddenly become a life threatening situation. Anyways, aside from the safety lecture (sorry), I don't personally think that changing the craft would make a major impact on how safe or unsafe it would be to venture out alone.
As for the $$$, and is it worth it or not; you're asking a forum filled with paddling addicts so we may or may not be the best source of an impartial opinion on the matter. $800 is a lot to me, but seems insignificant compared to the joys that paddling brings me every time I venture out on the water. The suggestion of starting out by renting some boats, and/or looking into a used boat could be a good way to go. There are really only a couple of issues with going used: making sure that the boat is in good condition, ability to find the ideal boat for you (sometimes a specific model or size can be harder to find), and the lack of warranty (from time to time the manufacturers send out some boats that are not as strong and sound, but are not always obvious to the naked eye). So there can be some risk, but all in all, for your needs might be a good way to go.
as for sit on tops vs sit in boats: For the most part sit on tops tend to be a bit higher stability, easy to get in and out of (or on and off of), they can't "swamp" from waves, and in general tend to make for very easy kayaks to learn with. They do also work a lot better for being able to swim (or dive) from, but in most other respects they don't tend to have quite the performance of other kayaks. There are touring kayaks that will be easier to cover greater distances, handle some rougher water and winds, be able to carry overnight gear... etc. It really just depends what issues seem most important to you and most relative to the areas you want to explore.
Good luck, JB

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Permalink Reply by brad caton on January 29, 2009 at 6:54pm

I personally enjoy a sit on top kayak, the material nowadays are very durable, I guess for a lady the weight of the kayak would be important , and also the width the wider the kayak is the safer it is, there are plenty choices out there at different price ranges, go to a dealer where you can kick it, pick it up to see if you are able to handle it, and most good dealers will let you try it to see if is right for you, they are looking for a customer for life and one that will recommend them to other people, good luck and have fun and don't go alone until you feel confident in your abilities, and always let some one no where you are going abd when you will return.

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