Entry-level kayak? Good value?

[cshontz]

I'm disgusted by the quality of my life - more specifically, my physical inactivity. When I see myself in pictures nowadays, I'm ashamed. I'm not a big dude, and I don't want to be that scrawny kid again. I just don't want to deteriorate into this gluttonous abomination of a person. If you've seen me, its not very obvious except for my nine chins, a belly full of jelly that would make Kris Kringle proud (can still be concealed), a Dell tan, and no muscle mass. I cower in terror at the onset of a slight breeze.

That was a long and pointless opener, but you get my drift. ;)

Anywho, we live near the Susquehanna river in Pennsylvania. I mean, we're really close - I can walk there. Why, for the love of Pete, do I not already have a kayak?

I've never done it before, and rest-assured, I'll try it first. There is a rental place on the other side of the river in York county. But I already know that I'd love exploring, mapping, and photographing up and down the river. That's the type of thing that I really like to do. If I can get in shape doing it - go me! :D

Can you guys recommend cost-effective, entry-level sit-in kayak that would be light, durable, and fun to use for a slow-moving river?

In the off chance that I tell my mom and she decides to help me out, the first thing she'll think of is LL Bean. Yea or nay?

My budget is that I should really not spend - at all. But... if something comes up, like a tax return or something, I might be able to make it happen.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1368/1466441790_448a244131.jpg

[Nullifier]

If you have a limited budget watch craigs list. It seems the best selection of used kayaks out there is on Craigs. Look for a boat 12-14' long this will give you planty of capacity for you your paddle gear and other stuff. Most of the national brands are comparable in over all quality so it comes down mostly to fit and features.

Personally I like to have a boat with a rear hatch and bulkhead but this adds about $1q25.. tot he cost of a new kayak so if you are on a budget you can save money by finding a kayak that does not have one. An old school pungo 12 is a great option for economy. The new style pungo 12 is just as good but alittle more because of the hatch. I love the Liquid Logic Manta ray 12 and 14 also. Great seats!!! Old Town has the Loon series and the 138 model is a good boat.

Keep in mind none of these are performance models. They are designed to head out on flat water to do photography fishing relax etc.

[Nullifier]

a few in your area

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/514902076.html

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/491778951.html

[Ursidae69]

I also think you should watch the local CL, as well as local rags, lost of folks get into kayaking and not really get into it and sell their gear for cheap later.

Also consider canoes. Maybe you can rent something from a local outfitter and try different options.

[TeleScooby]

Liquid Logic is making some really nice, stable recreational (rec) boats this year. That said, definately watch CL, I've sold several really nice boats there locally and bought several as well...

This is a really nice boat, and exactly the style you're looking for:

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/boa/514902076.html

get ready now so this spring you can get out there paddling!

[Streakerfreak]

Don't go to LL Bean to buy your Kayaks. The best place to look for your first Kayak is CL like everyone has said. You will have no problem finding a good used one in the Northeast.

Try taking some classes with your local rec clubs or outfitters. When I first started I took two. One on the basics and one on eskimo rolls. This will let you know if you really want to sell out money for a kayak.

Local outfitters also sell used boats often. When I use to be a guide down in FL for a few months we would often sell used boats for great prices. Once you really get into it you can go all out. But don't waste your money now and go crazy with kayaks

Our two kayaks, her's is a Necky and mine is a Wilderness Systems, cost more then 6 grand when we bought them together and that was before gear.

[IZZYDUSIT]

I would like to add to the great advises you got so far with a suggestion of a seat on top type boat only for the versetility and safety factor. I just helped a friend of mine in making this selection on a Wilderness System Tarpon 140-nice boat for the money-REI had them for $900.00
nice stable boat with expedition haul design, you can rig it for fishing,diving and weekend touring in rivers lakes and calm shore lines.
I too urge you to take some classes and be safe on the water-there is more to kayaking then just paddle!
speaking of which, paddle selection is just as important to the joy of the sport!
do your research, try many boats and be safe!
you would love the sport!!

[Streakerfreak]

I would like to add to the great advises you got so far with a suggestion of a seat on top type boat only for the versetility and safety factor. I just helped a friend of mine in making this selection on a Wilderness System Tarpon 140-nice boat for the money-REI had them for $900.00
nice stable boat with expedition haul design, you can rig it for fishing,diving and weekend touring in rivers lakes and calm shore lines.
I too urge you to take some classes and be safe on the water-there is more to kayaking then just paddle!
speaking of which, paddle selection is just as important to the joy of the sport!
do your research, try many boats and be safe!
you would love the sport!!


Some good advice. I took the companys Tarpon 140 out a few times to get a feel for it, even though I am not a fan of sit on tops. The Tarpon compared to the other sit on tops I tested was the best.

Good advice on the paddle. What's funny was when I was trying to sell a kayak to someone I would tend to spend more time explaining paddles to the customer. Yes you will get sticker shot at some of the good paddles. I spent $150 on two AquaBound paddles which were middle of the road paddles. Don't over look a good one. Do not just grab the cheap $50 paddles off the shelf.

[kerry]

Old designs can be obtained cheap. For instance a 13' Perception whitewater kayak from the 80's would probably be available on Craigslist somewhere for around $75-$150. It could be shipped on Forward Air for about $50-100. I've bought a number of kayaks for my daughter this way. I purchased on old Chinook touring kayak which was virtually new, having been stored in a garage for years for $300 last summer. This included storage bags, skirt and a paddle.

[IZZYDUSIT]

The problem with buying a seat-in kayak sight unseen is fitment. like a shoe, there is not a "one size fits all".
cockpit size as well as kayak width and chine design is very important to the pleasure,comfort,and safety of the boater. consequently, unless you are familiar with the boat you are buying on the internet, cheap could be expensive,
worst yet dangerous.
just my .02 cents

[Streakerfreak]

The problem with buying a seat-in kayak sight unseen is fitment. like a shoe, there is not a "one size fits all".
cockpit size as well as kayak width and chine design is very important to the pleasure,comfort,and safety of the boater. consequently, unless you are familiar with the boat you are buying on the internet, cheap could be expensive,
worst yet dangerous.
just my .02 cents

Yes, very true. For example on fitment, when I was figuring out which kayaks to buy for us I was narrowing it down between Necky and Wilderness Systems. Necky Kayaks fit Jenn like a glove and Wilderness Systems were for the most part a little to large. As for me I fit nicely in a Necky kayak except for my legs. The general angle of the side walls of there boats twisted my feet into a very uncomfortable angle.

Best thing to do is try out a boat before you buy it.

[grahamfitter]

My 2 cents...

I also agree with buying used. Its much cheaper and while the plastic might look scratched it takes a lot to seriously damage one.

If you've not done much kayaking before I'd suggest a sit-on-top. They're wider and more stable and if you fall in you can climb back on which makes you a lot more self sufficient. They're not as streamlined as regular sea kayaks so will take more effort to paddle but for a beginner that's not the most important thing.

If you really enjoy kayaking and want to get more serious about it you'll end up upgrading all the gear you got at first. Like most sports, that's just the way it works! The sit-on-tops will make great guest kayaks you can pull out when needed.

Cheers,
Graham

[stick]

There are a lot of places in PA that rent kayaks. I would recommend renting a few different styles and brands to try them out first and see what best works for you. I know of at least two outfitters that have "demo days" where they let you try out kayaks for free. There is a place in Lock Haven, PA called Rock River Trail Outfitter that has a demo day at least 5-6 times per year. It's totally free and you get to try at least 2-3 brands of kayaks. I'm not sure how many sit-on-top kayaks they have, but that's where I bought my Heritage brand kayaks this past summer and they are good people.

[cshontz]

Thanks for the great advice, everyone! I'm not ready to buy yet, but its one of my goals for sometime in 2008. A few more questions.

The outfitter at the below address is located reasonably close to me, and they sell both used and new. Do you see anything here that looks like the type of thing I seriously look into?

http://www.shanksmare.com/html/bargin_box.html

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2237141847_8d70896ac0.jpg

Also, I'm 5'7" and currently 175 lbs (should be 150-ish). Comfort aside, does this put me into a particular kayak length?

Finally, what about my camera? Obviously, there's some risk of getting wet, but... how much? I do have a (broken) camera with a waterproof housing, but I'm wondering if it'd be safe to take my Canon XTi.

[Streakerfreak]

Thanks for the great advice, everyone! I'm not ready to buy yet, but its one of my goals for sometime in 2008. A few more questions.

The outfitter at the below address is located reasonably close to me, and they sell both used and new. Do you see anything here that looks like the type of thing I seriously look into?

http://www.shanksmare.com/html/bargin_box.html

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2367/2237141847_8d70896ac0.jpg

Also, I'm 5'7" and currently 175 lbs (should be 150-ish). Comfort aside, does this put me into a particular kayak length?

Finally, what about my camera? Obviously, there's some risk of getting wet, but... how much? I do have a (broken) camera with a waterproof housing, but I'm wondering if it'd be safe to take my Canon XTi.

You see that orange kayak in the back? If I am not mistaken, it is a Necky Manitou. My fiance has that boat. Same color also. It is pretty wide and a nice middle of the road, go any where boat. She is a beginner and its is perfect for her. Very stable boat.

I am not sure about the ones in the middle next to the Necky. I would check those out. The purple one next to the Necky looks like it has a nice hull shape compared to the others. Do you know what it is? I might know it, but I don't what to guess and be wrong.

All the others might be a good price, but I think they may be a little less then you need. There will be very little room for gear you might need, they look more along the lines of just a simple play boat.

If they will let you try each type pictured, DO IT! This is the only way to know if they fit you right. Then try picturing how your gear will fit in it.

If you want to fish in these boats those Emotion Kayaks are probably too small.

[Flounder]

For starters, I wouldn't count on kayaking to get you more fit. You might tone your abs and upper body a tiny bit, but it's a pretty zen activity. You'd have to paddle for a couple hours to equal the calorie burn of a brisk hour long walk. Yes, I've calculated it with a HR monitor several times. I paddled 850 miles of ocean in 90 days and even then, I wouldn't say my upper bod was more fit than could have been achieved by 90 days of working out in my living room. Sounds odd, doesn't it?

That said, kayaking is awesome. Your first boat won't be your last if you like doing it. Don't plunk down too much dough on that first boat until you know what you want. My first boat was 16' long with a 25" beam because that's what I thought I wanted. My current boat is 21' long 22" wide, kevlar, fast and would have pinched me for about $4200 had I paid for it. There's a fast evolution to paddling and people often outgrow a starter boat quickly.

And don't skimp on the paddle. If you're going to splurge, do it on the paddle. A crap paddle won't do a nice boat justice but a nice paddle can bolster the performance of a crap boat.

As for your question about length - length and beam (width) are relative to the purpose of the boat. Lake boats and flat water river boats can be short and wide. Take that short boat on the ocean with good swells and you'll be bobbing like a cork and swerving all over. Long boats track true which is good for efficiency and logging big miles. Narrow boats also add to the sleek efficiency. Shorter boats are more maneuverable but don't track as well...usually. For what you're doing, a boat in the 12'-14' range will do. The beam will start around 25" for a flat water boat. You need to just go sit in some boats.

Depending what you want to do, don't discount a good rowing boat. I had a wineglass wherry from Pygmy kayaks that was absolutely killer. http://www.pygmyboats.com/mall/WGWSPECS.asp

[stick]

recreation boats are typically the shorter and wider boats. They're also usually the entry level boats. They usually range from 9-12' in length. You're going to be on a larger river, so I'd go with something in the range that Flounder suggested ~14'. As far as the camera, I'd keep it in a dry bag just to be safe.

[LUISJG]

I been kayaking for a long time , and will recommend you a malibu mini x, sit on top kayak start at 399.00,is extreamly stable ,10 foot, you can actualy sit sideways on the yak without tiping over, and do some fishing.

I just purchased a new kayak , native watercradt ultimate 12 ,awsome fishiing kayak but a bit expensive for entry level.

im same weight as you are ,,here is a picture of me on the malibu mini x.
http://texaskayakfisherman.com/forum/download.php?id=33364

and here is a utube video of the ultimate 12 I just got,,"not my video though"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCEJpBfv2ro

[LUISJG]

an this is how is going to fit on top of your XJ oh AND FORGOT TO MENTION they sell it in grey granite color that will match your xj!!
http://www.malibukayaks.com/kayak_minix.asp

[cshontz]

Don't go to LL Bean to buy your Kayaks.

Just out of curiosity, why not? I only ask this, because I'm looking at the LL Bean outdoor edition that came in the mail today, and its the only publication we receive that contains kayaks. They sure look fancy.

Is it a matter of their kayaks being of lesser quality?

[grahamfitter]

Hey Chris,

If you want a sit-in kayak, there's a Perception Sonoma 13.5 kayak for sale in York, PA: Link to craigslist ad (http://york.craigslist.org/boa/580378126.html)

$460 for everything you need sounds pretty reasonable.

Cheers,
Graham

[cshontz]

Hey Chris,

If you want a sit-in kayak, there's a Perception Sonoma 13.5 kayak for sale in York, PA: Link to craigslist ad (http://york.craigslist.org/boa/580378126.html)

$460 for everything you need sounds pretty reasonable.

Cheers,
Graham

Good find, Graham! I'd look into that if I had cash on hand, but I'm still at the window-shopping stage I'm afraid.

There is a local outfitter along the Susquehanna that seems to be a hot-spot. They'll be my first stop, for sure - and they're having a demo weekend on May 10th and 11th. I'm excited to check it out.

http://www.shanksmare.com/assets/images/DSC02285.JPG

[Streakerfreak]

Just out of curiosity, why not? I only ask this, because I'm looking at the LL Bean outdoor edition that came in the mail today, and its the only publication we receive that contains kayaks. They sure look fancy.

Is it a matter of their kayaks being of lesser quality?

It's all about knowledge. Places like LL Bean are very generalize and you will be lucky to find someone who really knows what they are talking about. Small independent operations live the life and know what they are talking about.

Quality is also iffy when it comes to kayaks since they are fairly new to the endeavor. Similar to Old Town. They know how to make canoes, but there kayaks tend to not be very efficient and and they are heavy. There kayaks tend to be for the general population who go to a lake maybe once a year. Go with a well know maker such as Wilderness Systems, Necky (pricey but good), Ocean Kayak (great sit on tops), etc. Kayaks are expensive so you want to make sure you get just the right one.

That is just my opinion and others will disagree with me.

[Streakerfreak]

Good find, Graham! I'd look into that if I had cash on hand, but I'm still at the window-shopping stage I'm afraid.

There is a local outfitter along the Susquehanna that seems to be a hot-spot. They'll be my first stop, for sure - and they're having a demo weekend on May 10th and 11th. I'm excited to check it out.



If you can wait to then, that is the perfect way to buy a kayak. The also tend to give some great deals at events like that. You will get to try whatever style of kayak you may like and even check out different brands. Give it a go.

[grahamfitter]

If you can wait to then, that is the perfect way to buy a kayak. The also tend to give some great deals at events like that. You will get to try whatever style of kayak you may like and even check out different brands. Give it a go.

Yeah, what he said. The weather will be nice by then too. :)

Cheers,
Graham

[Haggis]

Chris another brand you might want to check out is Old Town. We've been river running an Old Town canoe for the last1 4 years and its been a great canoe. Nice stable canoe, but handles even the twist and turns of the smaller creeks with aplomb. They take one heck of a beating and shrug it off. Now that the kids are bigger and we can't fit everybody in it anymore, we're going to purchase an Old Town Otter paddling kayak to supplement our fleet. After having tried a buddies Otter, we were really impressed.

For a deal check out the local canoe rental place and see if there are any old kayaks they are replacing and what to sell off. Sometimes you can get a good deal when an outfitter is upgrading his fleet.

[stick]

Chris another brand you might want to check out is Old Town. We've been river running an Old Town canoe for the last1 4 years and its been a great canoe. Nice stable canoe, but handles even the twist and turns of the smaller creeks with aplomb. They take one heck of a beating and shrug it off. Now that the kids are bigger and we can't fit everybody in it anymore, we're going to purchase an Old Town Otter paddling kayak to supplement our fleet. After having tried a buddies Otter, we were really impressed.

For a deal check out the local canoe rental place and see if there are any old kayaks they are replacing and what to sell off. Sometimes you can get a good deal when an outfitter is upgrading his fleet.

Old Town makes great canoes, but I found them to be of a little lesser quality compared to other kayaks in the same price range. When I was first shopping for an entry level kayak I seriously considered the Old Town Otter. I found them at many sporting goods stores like Dick's, Gander Mountain and Dunham's locally. But, as I learned more and more about kayaks I realized that some of the other brands out there had better kayaks than Old Town has and are comparable prices. Even little things like drain plugs, more comfy seat and bungi cords for cargo were better on some of the other brands compared to Old Town. I think Old Town would be okay if you get a great deal on one, but if you're spending $400 or more for a kayak, then you would be better off looking at others. Just my $0.02

[T.Low]

For starters, I wouldn't count on kayaking to get you more fit. You might tone your abs and upper body a tiny bit, but it's a pretty zen activity. You'd have to paddle for a couple hours to equal the calorie burn of a brisk hour long walk. Yes, I've calculated it with a HR monitor several times. I paddled 850 miles of ocean in 90 days and even then, I wouldn't say my upper bod was more fit than could have been achieved by 90 days of working out in my living room. Sounds odd, doesn't it?

That said, kayaking is awesome. Your first boat won't be your last if you like doing it. Don't plunk down too much dough on that first boat until you know what you want. My first boat was 16' long with a 25" beam because that's what I thought I wanted. My current boat is 21' long 22" wide, kevlar, fast and would have pinched me for about $4200 had I paid for it. There's a fast evolution to paddling and people often outgrow a starter boat quickly.

And don't skimp on the paddle. If you're going to splurge, do it on the paddle. A crap paddle won't do a nice boat justice but a nice paddle can bolster the performance of a crap boat.

As for your question about length - length and beam (width) are relative to the purpose of the boat. Lake boats and flat water river boats can be short and wide. Take that short boat on the ocean with good swells and you'll be bobbing like a cork and swerving all over. Long boats track true which is good for efficiency and logging big miles. Narrow boats also add to the sleek efficiency. Shorter boats are more maneuverable but don't track as well...usually. For what you're doing, a boat in the 12'-14' range will do. The beam will start around 25" for a flat water boat. You need to just go sit in some boats.

Depending what you want to do, don't discount a good rowing boat. I had a wineglass wherry from Pygmy kayaks that was absolutely killer. http://www.pygmyboats.com/mall/WGWSPECS.asp





Even when I was racing well, I still didn't have the metabolic rate to burn fat. I could paddle 20 miles in a day, but still couldn't hang with the guys (or half the girls!) on a mountain bike climb. While you need to be fit for white water slalom, or kayak surfing, etc, it in itself does not get you fit.

Seriously, this is how you get fit. http://bodyforlife.com/success/index.asp


Do that, then reward yourself with kayak lessons to help you figure out what type of kayaker you want to be, then buy the gear and get wet.

Best of luck.

[grahamfitter]

Even when I was racing well, I still didn't have the metabolic rate to burn fat. I could paddle 20 miles in a day, but still couldn't hang with the guys (or half the girls!) on a mountain bike climb. While you need to be fit for white water slalom, or kayak surfing, etc, it in itself does not get you fit.

Seriously, this is how you get fit. http://bodyforlife.com/success/index.asp


Do that, then reward yourself with kayak lessons to help you figure out what type of kayaker you want to be, then buy the gear and get wet.

Best of luck.

Totally Off Topic: I competed (rather slowly) in some slalom races when I was at college in Wales. I can guarantee that the number of calories burned in those twenty minutes or so of racing over a weekend was negligible compared to the beer calories drunk over that same period. We always won the boat race in the pub on Saturday night so at least I did contribute something!

Every once in a while I miss the kevlar Nomad Pro-Am Extra race boat I had at the time. The college canoe club had more paddlers than boats so I paddled the Extra everywhere by necessity. Nostalgia only goes so far - I really don't miss the post creeking and surfing repairs and associated itchy skin.

As you were...

Cheers,
Graham

[compactcamping]

Chris, one way to get a nice kayak at a reasonable price is to build it yourself. I built this one last year for about $200. It's called a Toto and is 13' long. Nice stable kayak, easy to paddle and it took about 30 hrs to make. I purchased the plans for it at www.duckworksmagazine.com for $15.

[RHINO]

nice work !!

[compactcamping]

Thanks ...

Here is a woodstrip kayak I also built. More of a touring kayak, maybe not the best beginners project.

[RHINO]

also very nice,,,woodstrip takes a little more patience than i have, i built a poragua and am thinking i want to build the toto next.

[compactcamping]

Yes woodstrips are a bit more involved and take a lot longer to see the results of your efforts. Check out the DuckWorks site if you're thinking about building another, many nice smaller plywood kayak/canoes and stories about them being built.

Happing Paddling

[TrailBlazer03]

I wouldn't buy that from L.L. Bean. I'd surf the net and poke around at different sites, and get in a price range of your liking, and then go from there.

[cshontz]

Where can I expect to be able to use a 13/14 recreation or day touring kayak? Obviously, reasonably still, slow-moving water. But what about more turbulent water? Where do you draw the line?

[02TahoeMD]

Thought I would chime in

I got severely addicted to kayaking a few years back. The first kayak I tried was a simple Old Town Otter, and I paddled it on a friend's pond. I had always loved canoeing but was instantly hooked on kayaking.

Within the month I had bought my first kayak and gear. I am a big guy ( 6'5") so it is kind of hard to find boats that fit me. My first boat was an Old Town Adventure XL 139 ( a 13' boat ) which I got from an LL Bean outlet as a "blemished" boat. I was very lucky in that the salesperson I dealt with was an advid boater and he did not steer me wrong. The price was great, and I got set up with some good gear for a starter.

I have kayaked some pretty small streams with her, so shallow I was dragging my keel in places, the Conowingo Dam resevoir ( south of you on the Susquehana, the last dam before the Chesapeake ) all the way up to going way out into the Atlantic Ocean and playing with dolphins of the coast of Duck, NC. It has been a great boat and is very stable. I have used it to play in surf, though you have to be careful to keep from getting swamped, it is fun. It is what I use now as my loaner boat in the family, so they can have a good ( read: dry ) kayak experience.

My next kayak was a P&H Capella 16', she is lean and fast compared to the Old Town. Not nearly as stable, as I have gotten good at upside down exits in rough surf. It fits me like a glove, very cozy. But she is a joy to paddle as I go blasting past the rest of my family in their Old Towns.

My next kayak will probably be either a heavy duty inflatable or a collapsable that I can throw in my roof basket and take on my excursions to the west. Every time I am out west and see a lake, I miss my kayak.

A simply great resource that I can not recommend enough is:http://www.paddling.net/
There are tons of boat reviews, as well as trip guides and ideas for places to paddle. Probably places near you that you didnt even know about.

Just a couple of pics to whet your appetite....

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/IMG_3201.jpg

My Tahoe loaded up with both boats. Lovely sight!

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/IMG_1230.jpg
Out on Currituck Sound in my Adventure XL in 2006

http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk196/JohnTahoe/DSC00947.jpg
Same place, but with my P&H in 2007.

[cshontz]

What are your thoughts on the Emotion Glide, which was recommended to me by my outfitter as a $400 entry-level kayak?

http://www.emotionkayaks.com/Graphics/Kayaks/glide/glideblue.jpg

[02TahoeMD]

Emotion makes nice kayaks, I researched them when I was looking at getting a second boat. If you have a place to take a test paddle, go for it. The New Jersey Paddler ( located in mid- NJ I believe ) actually has a pond right at their store where you can try boats out. If that is not close enough for you, try to find a local sales expo to attend. There are regular ones held in Annapolis where you can get hands on trial of a boat before buying, and they have been hosted at a local state park as well, so there is a good chance you will be able to find a show that you can get some seat time at.

For a first kayak, I would get one with a relatively wide beam, so it would be more stable to use for a first timer, and make sure it is one that fits your body.

Good luck!

[cshontz]

I put a down-payment on the Emotion Glide, which is my response to the government's stimulus. Sat in it. Passed muster. Just have to keep checking the mail this coming week, and its all good. Woot!

Matt, I need the Thule kayak dealies asap.

[jim65wagon]

So, will that even fit on top of a Mini?

[Streakerfreak]

So, will that even fit on top of a Mini?

I know its just a joke from his thread, but believe it or not when we were living in South Florida we saw two couples stuff there two tandem sea kayaks on top of a mini. Then both couples stuffed themselves into it.

[cshontz]

So, will that even fit on top of a Mini?

Absolutely, Jim! If you use their online configurator to spec one out, kayak rack is among the accessory options. ;)

[cshontz]

So this Kayak I'm getting - where can I use it, and how can I expect it to perform in different waters?

I'm going to be using it primarily in the Susquehanna, which is a slow-moving river, not much chop, and should be well-suited. However, the Chesapeake Bay is also nearby, and the waters are a little choppier.

The Emotion Glide is 9' long, and supposedly tracks fairly well for a short, entry-level, day-paddler. Do you think the kayak might be worth trying, but probably difficult in the Chesapeake Bay - OR pointlessly difficult, and not worth trying?

I'm just excited, and constantly thinking about where I might go. :)

[jim65wagon]

You can bring it down here and try it out on the Rappahannock...it's an excellent river to enjoy a 'yak on....

[Haggis]

You can bring it down here and try it out on the Rappahannock...it's an excellent river to enjoy a 'yak on....

....until you reach the old dam, then chaos reigns. "Paddle hard right and brace for impact!". Jim's right though, we had a great time on the Rap last year and is quite a scenic river.

While I don't know much about paddling on big water, like the Bay, if your interested in getting some great wildlife shots with the camera, try some of the small lakes and beaver ponds on the Game Lands. Lots of opportunities to see waterfowl, eagles, ospreys, beavers, muskrats and other critters lurking about. And you don't have to worry about powered boats and their wake. I don't know your area of PA very much, but try some of the smaller creeks as long as the water level is up. Nothing sucks more than low water and spending the majority of your day dragging your boat. There are some good books on paddling waters for PA, try Waldenbooks or B Dalton and read up on local streams. Maybe someday you can get up this way and we'll get the boats wet on the Alleghany River or Tionesta Creek. Come up in the fall and we'll throw in some duck hunting at the same time. Canoes and 'yaks, twisty creeks, deadfalls and shotguns what could possibly go wrong.

[grahamfitter]

Welcome to the damp and smelly side of the world, Chris! Have fun but be careful.

You might look for used kayak racks in the local rag or on craigslist - people often sell them when they get a different car.

When I find the photo of Emily and Dane Jackson in their kayaks, on top of EJ's Mini, I'll post it.

Cheers,
Graham

[02TahoeMD]

Chris
Open water paddling isnt all that bad, if you choose your weather wisely. I have been about a mile off the coast of Outer Banks NC in the Atlantic with no issues but the curious pod of dolphin checking me out. But, there are LOTS of places around our area to go paddling. Try Muddy Run State Park up your way, the Conowingo Resevoir ( lots of launch places either side of the Susquehana ) the Broad Creek Boat Ramp, Eden Mill Park in North Harford County, assorted launches in and around Havre de Grace, just to name a few. Check out places to paddle on paddling.net for lots of suggestions around us.

If you ever need a hand, drop me a PM, I am not too far from ya.
John

[jim65wagon]

....until you reach the old dam, then chaos reigns. "Paddle hard right and brace for impact!"

Hey! Everyone survived that trip...well, except for towelie...he's gone. I sure do miss that old towel...(sniffle)

[jingram]

Chris, one way to get a nice kayak at a reasonable price is to build it yourself. I built this one last year for about $200. It's called a Toto and is 13' long. Nice stable kayak, easy to paddle and it took about 30 hrs to make. I purchased the plans for it at www.duckworksmagazine.com for $15.

Speaking of small worlds... you have this up on CL, do you not?

[compactcamping]

Jingram, yes I do. When I sell it, I plan on building another one with a woodstrip deck.

[jingram]

I thought it looked awfully familiar. Any bites?

[compactcamping]

You know, the usual with a CL add, scam replies, people saying they're on the way and never showing up and a few people thinking about it. So far one "real" person although he would like me to build a different plywood style kayak for him.

[jingram]

LOL, yeah... I hear ya. Well good luck with the sale!

[Rallyroo]

You know, the usual with a CL add, scam replies, people saying they're on the way and never showing up and a few people thinking about it. So far one "real" person although he would like me to build a different plywood style kayak for him.

I've recently had a bunch of craigslist flakes who never showed up. Thanks for wasting my time when I could of been doing something else! :unamused: Some people just have no manners. They need to have the courtesy to call me to say they don't have the money or that they're not interested anymore.