For the love of Kayaking

[Blaze]

Speaking of racks and travel. When I had my jeep Cherokee I used the basic style foam

then there are
Now that I have my truck, I use the half rack from harborfreight, got it on sale so it cost me $39.00 and I love it! you can pull the rack off and put it back on when needed! I didn't like drilling into my truck bed, but... hauling my yak is a breeze.

Some also use the extended bed holder for yaks, this seems more easy. But I like my rack because I can carry lumber and it's less attractive for thieves to steal off your truck while your paddling.

[Blaze]

This guy Robert knows how to reel them in. Fishing in a kayak. Seen him last year in Tiki Island.
http://youtu.be/6tajGjUgTiQ

[DapperButch]

So I have only done canoeing in calm waters and of course the standard white water rafting group thing.

I have been wanting to try kayaking for years, but never got around to it.

tantalizingfemme wants to try it too, so for my birthday she got us a gift certificate for a guided eco-tour. They have different tours and we are going to choose the tight river, swampy type one. I am looking forward to it and if we like it enough and we can find some kayaks in our price range, we may have a new activity!

I am trying to decide if we should rent a tandum kayak or a two singles. I am leaning towards two singles, but it would be fun to be together, too.

What are people's thoughts on this? I am assuming that if we want to get into this as a sport we will buy singles (?), so I figure we should use singles on this tour to assess how much we like this sport. Thanks.

[Sparkle]

I would recommend single kayaks to begin. I think its important that you both find your center of gravity and your paddle style separately before tandem kayaking.

What type of water will you be going in?

Besides the practicality of learning individually before getting in one boat together...

I call tandem kayaks: "divorce kayaks".

I have never enjoyed them, I find it frustrating and slower going. It takes patience to get in sync paddling both in style, in stroke length and speed. (I am not patient.) It also requires a distinct leader/follower relationship in terms of setting the course and speed.

I love the feeling of freedom and independence the kayak gives me, so the tandem always felt like work and perpetual negotiation, it took all of the joy out of the experience for me.

Occasionally I've even considered swimming back to shore rather than remain in a tandem.
But that could just be a me-thing.

I know people who love tandem kayaking.

[Oiler41]

Originally Posted by DapperButch

So I have only done canoeing in calm waters and of course the standard white water rafting group thing.

I have been wanting to try kayaking for years, but never got around to it.

tantalizingfemme wants to try it too, so for my birthday she got us a gift certificate for a guided eco-tour. They have different tours and we are going to choose the tight river, swampy type one. I am looking forward to it and if we like it enough and we can find some kayaks in our price range, we may have a new activity!

I am trying to decide if we should rent a tandum kayak or a two singles. I am leaning towards two singles, but it would be fun to be together, too.

What are people's thoughts on this? I am assuming that if we want to get into this as a sport we will buy singles (?), so I figure we should use singles on this tour to assess how much we like this sport. Thanks.

To me, tandem kayaks are a lot of fun, in particular, when one seasoned kayaker is introducing someone to kayaking. But, if the plan is to decide if you want to get your own kayaks, then I would suggest two singles. The thing about doing an analysis on a trip like this is that they will tend to have an average, middle of the road size of kayak. Several things determine what type, length, width, etc. kayak is right for you.

So this trip would be a good introduction, but after the trip, as Blaze said, look around for somewhere that will have kayak demo days. They will have every size and style of kayak for you to hop in and try out. And, it depends on where you plan to do the majority of your kayaking. I like lakes and rivers, nothing too rapid. My kayak is long (14') and fairly wide. I like the stability, but a 14' kayak isn't one you want to be in on many rapids. It can't be turned fast enough for that activity. Also, the more narrow the body of the kayak, the easier it is to flip,,and in water where you can't stand up, it is pretty hard to get back in, lol.

Kayak paddle length and style is another issue; I like an ergonomic paddle with a curved shaft; some folks like a straight shaft; some like the blades straight, some like them offset; how long your paddle is depends on your body size, arm length, kayak width, etc.

But I will say this, when you find a kayaking set up that fits you, it is an activity that can be done for many years to come and can take you to places that powered boats can't go. You can sneak up on wildlife and get some great pictures too, lol.

Enjoy your trip!!

Glynn