ashley marie's Page

I think if the boat is going to be used by smaller folks, then the Big Yak is probably overkill. Easier to paddle...I can't really say for sure, but I'm guessing they're both highly maneuverable and easy to paddle around in. I was really too big for the Frenzy...I sat in it for about 20 seconds, and knew that it wasn't going to work for me. So I never tooled around in it. If my memory serves me, the Frenzy's seat is 18" wide. You might do a little tush measuring to make sure it'll be a good fit for you. If you think that'll work, then go for it! I think you'll be pleased. Ocean makes really fun, maneuverable, easy-to-navigate sit-on-tops for the beginner. You can't go wrong.

Yes it's a great boat for paddling around if you are not planning on going fast. It works very well in really rough water and just fine on flatwater and mild whitewater. I've only seen one adult who had any problem with the seat and she had what you could call a very large caboose. A Big Yak is going to be too wide and cumbersome for a younger paddler.

Here's picture of an average adult ... my neighbor I too out exploring sea caves last summer ...his first time in a kayak

http://community.webshots.com/slideshow/564169714aeZmfM?mediaPosition=10

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/1062074828043972821GdAojT

and my son when he was 14 goofing off in the Frenzy...
We used it when my younger son who was 11, and it was a little bit big for him to use comfortably but not too bad.

Hi Ashley,

They're not dissimilar boats. The big difference...the seat. The Frenzy is really, really narrow. It squeezed my hips quite a bit. Just couldn't get comfortable in it. If you're a small/slender person, it will probably work just fine for you. The Big Yak is really for bigger paddlers (that's me). It's got a generous seat, and can easily carry 250-300 lbs. That easily accommodates me, plus gear, plus my 45 lb. dog. I tried both boats, plus several others by Necky and Ocean, at a demo day at a local kayak seller. If you can hook up with an event like that, where you can try all sorts of boats in a short time, I'd heartily recommend it.
In short, if you want a really stable, quite comfortable boat for a larger/taller person, or if you plan to boat with gear (fishing, etc.) or with a dog, I strongly recommend the Big Yak. I've only had it a couple of weeks now, and have already used it multiple times. It's a total blast!! Very fun in surf, turns on a dime, seriously stable (good for your pre-teen), and quite nimble considering it's really a wide barge of a boat. If you're interested in touring kayaking, where you're going long distances, I'd probably get something else. But for fishing, playing in surf, gentle river paddling and 2-3 hour excursions, the Yak rules. In my humble opinion.

I also had my eye on a sit-in kayak, the Necky Sky. Good price ($350), awesomely comfortable seat, and easy to throw in your car and go with. But, no hatch and no room for the dog. So Big Yak it was. But the Sky was impressive also.

If you have more questions, please throw them my way. I'd be very happy to help. I'm a newbie too, so I don't claim any expertise. I just know what I like. :)

Hope this helps,

Diane