I am looking to get into kayaking and could use some advice. I will mostly be paddling on calm lakes and slow moving rivers…, so I don’t need anything too specialized for rapids or open water. I am hoping to find something that’s beginner-friendly, stable and easy to maneuver. Portability is also a plus since I will be transporting it on a small car.
I have been researching recreational kayaks like the Perception Joyride or Pelican Mustang but there are so many options out there that it’s a bit overwhelming. Should I stick with a sit-inside design for better tracking or consider a sit-on-top for ease of use and self-draining: ?? Also, any recommendations on paddle size or other must-have accessories for a first-time kayaker would be greatly appreciated.
If you are near any paddling clubs or you have any friends who kayak, that would be a good way to get a sense of what different kayaks feel like and what you prefer. Otherwise, I would advise that whatever you choose, you buy some thing used. If you buy a new kayak without really knowing what you like, you could end up deciding it wasn’t right for you down the line, and then lose money when re-selling. But, if you buy a used kayak, usually you can resell it for what you paid. (At least if you find a good deal!) Regarding sit on top vs sit inside, I think that largely depends upon what you prefer, either one should work for you, depending upon your preference. Generally speaking, a longer narrower kayak will be easy to paddle faster, but might be harder to turn; whereas a short wide one will feel a bit pokey. But some people just want to look at wildlife or float, so for that use it wouldn’t matter. The best thing is if you can try out a few and determine what suits you and your style.
Calm lakes allow for a wide variety of kayaks. Most likely you would want a sit on top, recreational class, or sea kayak. These names can be a bit confusing - all can be paddled recreationally even though just one is called that category. And sea kayaks don’t need to be paddled on the sea, but are just fine on ponds.
To help you self-select which of types, this chart summarizing conditions (wind, waves, current speed, distance from shore, etc.) the American Canoe Association suggests on what boat should be used where may help:
Recreational class boats often don’t have enough flotation for deep water rescue, so may be best if limited to L1 conditions. Perception Joyride and Pelican Mustang are both recreational class kayaks.
In general, for new paddlers I pretty much always recommend buying used at first. They usually are half the new price, and if you find you don;t like the model you bought, you can usually resell for what you paid.
Listen to what this man @Doggy_Paddler has to say. Yes do your research. Research what symposiums are in your area, what demo days are in your area, paddling clubs that are in your area and get the opportunity to sit in as many kayaks as you can and chat up the people. Sitting in a Kayak answers more questions than 6 months worth of research. The people involved with paddling will go out of their way to help someone getting into the sport. There is an old established paddling club in this area called Bayou Haystackers, there are members with 10-12 boats, they will loan a beginner one of their boats, give them a pfd., a paddle and take them out one of their trips that suits their skill level. Get experience, make a list of boats, then hit the used boat market. Paddling club members are always cycling boats and on the look out for good deals on used boats, they will help look for you.
A lot if information on getting into kayaking can be found on The Chesapeake Paddlers website regarding our SK101 classroom course.
Although we are primarily a sea kayaking Club, much of this information is applicable to all kayaks. As others have said look for local clubs and outfitters and talk to people there. There are often demo days is the Spring when you can meet a lot of people and try many boats. If a local outfitter offers guided tours, that’s not a bad thing to consider. Ask the guides a million questions.
They don’t call them ka-yaks for nothing. Most kayakers love to talk about their boats and the sport.
If anyone is offering a one or two day class, that’s a great way to start. You’ll learn the basics, avoid bad habits, learn about safety, meet other kayakers, and usually have a lot of fun.
Almost any paddle is good enough to start with if you buy used or if it comes with the kayak, like it often will with the inexpensive recreational boats. The length depends on the physical dimensions of the paddler, the boat, and the paddling style you come to prefer. Basically you want the entire blade, no more and no less, to be fully in the water for the majority of a properly executed forward stroke. If you decide to get serious and stay with kayaking the general rule is to get the lightest paddle you can comfortably afford.
Depending on the kayak, become familiar with getting out of the kayak when it capsizes, learn how to get back into the boat in deep water, and be aware of the dangers of cold water. The National Center for Cold Water Safety is a good place to learn about cold water.
Always, always wear a PFD (USCG approved life jacket) and dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature. The leading causes of death for kayakers are not wearing a PFD and failure to dress for immersion, often combined.
Welcome to the forum. You are off to a good start by asking advice, and you have already received some excellent advice. If you keep asking questions and reading the material, you will be more likely to come up with a boat that suits you. Lots of knowledgeable people here.
Too bad you are so far from me. I have 2 that I’d bet you’d love which I will be selling this year. But the gas to come here would be too costly (when added to the cost of the kayaks. )
Have to do something eventually, have a patched cracked stern, patched crack right side by cockpit, the coaming is cracked about 70% all the way around taped on with 3M Extreme Hold and for some reason no one can explain this Santee 116 weighs 50 lbs.
Need something about 12’ 6”” to fit i side the truck, there is just nothing around here.
I have 2 touring kayaks but both are 16.5 feet long, so they will not fit the space you need a kayak to go into.
But I live a very long way from any ocean and in the last 4-5 years I have bought and re-sold about 3 dozen kayaks, so if I can find good kayaks at good prices around here, (well “around” being in 7 different states) I am pretty sure you’d have an easier time finding what you need. Good luck and happy paddling.
If for mostly calm waters in lakes and flatwater rivers, I would get a used polyethylene plastic (at least 12 foot long, 24" wide) sit-in kayak from good manufacturers like a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 120 or 125, Current Designs kestrel 120, Perception, others.
ABS plastic (thermoformed) kayaks are lighter and a bit more fragile, from manufacturers like Hurricane, Eddyline, Delta should be considered. Mjacs green kayak above is a Hurricane, for example.
Sit in versus sit on top should be considered. Try several to see what you like.
Some choices may depend on your age, strength, body size (height, weight), flexibility, movement issues (bad joints, etc). Plenty of people also do fine with 10 foot Pelican kayaks. Yes, it can be overwhelming to choose.
You like the plastics, but if you are mot bumping into things, thermoformed is a good choice, the importance of lightness can’t be overstated and even after years and years of abuse, you put on a coat of McQuires Cleaner Wax then a coat of finish wax and it looks great. Appearance makes for a calmer trip.
