bump’d…
… to keep thread alive as resource to other new boat buyers.
Bay area shop recommendation
CCK (California Canoe & Kayak) is probably THE BEST in the area.
There used to be a shop at the pennisula associated with WSK (Western Sea Kayaker), the sea kayak club outside of the city. But that’s closed. I would strongly recommend joining the club and ask their advice.
Perception
I’m new to this myself and I’m looking at boats I’m not likely to outgrow any time soon. The one I’m looking at (on the Perception site) is a new model, the Perception Expression 15. It has a skeg which appeals to me more than messing with rudder pedals. It’ll be after the first of the year before I hand over cash for a boat but that one so far looks pretty decent as a touring type boat for a newbie.
Re: Western Sea Kayakers…
Good suggestion. I’ve already run into a WSK member, in, of all places, Whole Foods.
He said something to the effect of most WSK members used to be part of BASK, but a lot of the South Bay ppl got tired of driving all the way to San Francisco for meetings.
Seems like joining WSK is a no-brainer. And maybe eventually BASK as well… at least until I get sick of the drive. =]
I noticed that boat…
Just came on the market, and is very attractively priced for a 15’ skeg boat @$999.
Will definitely be checking it out.
“clubbing”
“Seems like joining WSK is a no-brainer. And maybe eventually BASK as well… at least until I get sick of the drive. =]”
If you live in the south bay, WSK is indeed a no-brainer. Also, the water accessible locally at south bay are more protected than the Bay itself. So better for learning.
But if you stay with it, you’ll eventually end up driving to SF for a lot of the more interesting paddles. It becomes academic which club you’re “officially” associate with.