-- Last Updated: May-23-12 9:33 PM EST --
A friend has gone paddling crazy and doesn't even have a boat. She just got a PFD and a car rack so it won't be long. we have a couple of suggestions - a Phoenix 140 and an RTM Disco. Any others?
I wish Epic was still offering their
composite 12 footer. Light and fast.
Two
Eddyline now has a sit on top. I only got to see it and not paddle it. Sorry.
For the more petite paddler Feel Free has the Moken 10 Lite.
Just ideas. I’m sure there’ll be others.
See you on the water,
Marshall
The River Connection, Inc.
Hyde Park, NY
Second G2d … That is a neat boat.
small
– Last Updated: May-24-12 10:55 AM EST –
Where will she be paddling? Surf? flat water?
I'm guessing she'd like a weight under 40 pounds.
As you know, speed, size, weight, stability, and cost are all tradeoffs....
Malibu 3.4: http://www.malibukayaks.com/kayak_34.asp
Ocean Kayak Venus 10: http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/single_kayaks/Venus_10/
Phoenix 120: http://hurricaneaquasports.com/kayaks/phoenix120.html
Cobra Play: http://www.shopatron.com/products/productdetail/Play/part_number=1010V-12/10084.0.1.1.25071.0.0.0.0?pp=12&
At the other end of the scale.....
http://www.huki.com/index.php?page=S1-R
If she is exceptionally small and light
Look for whatever RTM is calling the (former) Ocean Kayak Kea. It is a child’s SOT. I sat in one but never paddled it. The seat well is definitely for kids or tiny adults. While I could sit in it, it might’ve been uncomfortable paddling, or I might’ve put the boat lower in the water than is optimal. Wish I had paddled it!
Epic
V-8? Most folks will say that this is not a beginner’s boat, but it depends on the beginner. My wife Bonnie is a natural athlete and has great balance. She could handle the fast boats from the day she started. Your mileage may vary.
location?
there is a 39-lb CD Kestrel 140 SOT for sale in the DC/MD area
http://www.cdkayak.com/products/template/product_detail.php?IID=136
That RTM Disco looks like a great choice though and sometimes you can find them relatively cheap.
Current Designs Kestral 140
You can only find them used and even then they are around $1000, but they are very light and paddle well.
I got a deal on a used Kestral 140 older model that is more stable than the newer model with the raised seat and foot pegs. I got a real deal because the boat need some work on the repairs to the hull. If I had not founf this boat I would have bought an RTM Disco or a Cobra Revision.
I may still buy a revision someday.
Found hera kayak. A 14’ Heritage rec
boat in almost new condition for $350.