For the love of Kayaking

[The Oopster]

any reason to stay away from a used kayak?

I may look into getting a kayak when i get up to the forest in a week or so.

There are tons of lakes up there. Rivers also but I'm thinking I'm best to stick to lakes.

I thought I might see if I could rent one for a day just to get the feel but then also look to see if I can find used. However if I can't find a used one for much cheaper then a new one I'll go new if I decide I'll get plenty of use out of it!

[Sparkle]

I think a used one is a great way to start; and then get out and paddle in different types of water so you can get some sense of what you like, what you love, and what you don't. That will provide you with some direction when you're ready to buy a new (or fancier used) kayak.

Most places that rent kayaks will sell their used boats when they upgrade. That is a great place to buy because they generally have baseline/basic very user friendly boats.

Just don't spend too much on a basic used boat because if you get in to it you will want to upgrade within a couple of years.

/my opinion.

[Blaze]

Originally Posted by The Oopster

any reason to stay away from a used kayak?

I may look into getting a kayak when i get up to the forest in a week or so.

There are tons of lakes up there. Rivers also but I'm thinking I'm best to stick to lakes.

I thought I might see if I could rent one for a day just to get the feel but then also look to see if I can find used. However if I can't find a used one for much cheaper then a new one I'll go new if I decide I'll get plenty of use out of it!

Oopsterrrrrrrrrrr, Long time no see!
Good question, and it depends on the buyer. Some like a brand new unscratched bottom variety, while others like me. Prefer the vintage styles. Some got lots of cash to blow, while others got a budget...
I. Myself like used. I ask all kinds of questions, if it was garage kept, covered, kept hanging or stored on the ground. I take a look-see over and make sure there are no cracks visible to the eye. Press the top to see if its soft, feel the sides to make sure there not soft or collapsed. Then I ask to turn it over to check how the(Oyster rash) is. Because we have lots of oysters beds here in Texas and they chew up the bottom pretty quick. I check the haul, push for soft spots, check for deep gouges or dings. See if it looks like it's been soft welded, or plastic welded, you can tell these by the color change. And if your lucky, you can test paddle it before you buy! Because it's Blue and cool, doesn't mean it's just for you. Could have a lean to it. Be dried out, for example. I had to water seal and plastic seal my yak, but I wanted the challenge so it was a winter project for me and I much enjoyed the out come of my racer converted to fishing kayak. Right up my alley. Now. you may not want a fixer upper so then you follow the steps I just gave you and your on your way to happy paddling, what's used to one is new to another. Either way, just remember your PFD and your good to go! Kayaking it's an addiction.

[Dominique]

[DapperButch]

Sparkle - thank you for your thoughts. I am pretty confident in thinking that small rapid rivers/just rivers in general, will be my preference. I am concerned that a plain old lake would bore me. I have never been a boater type person, but I love to mountain bike on narrow trails in the woods. I have a vision of kayaking on a river/ narrow waterways will somehow have a similar feel. But, what the hell do I know?

I will do some research of the available water sources in my area that allow kayaking and then go from there.

Oiler - thanks for the information on the roof rack. I do have a rack plus cross bars as I mountain bike. If I get to the point where I decide to buy a kayak I will DEFINITELY be returning to the thread/seek you out by PM for recommendations.

Blaze - is it better to store a kayak flat on the floor or hanging?

Dominique - you are lucky you are such a short distance to where you want to row (is it "row" or what is it one says here?)

We probably won't be able to begin any kayaking until June, but prepare for lots of questions around that time! Thanks everyone!

[Blaze]

Hey there Dapper,
Well, I prefer the hanging style. Be it side mount or strap mount. It's a personal preference my friend. some store it on the ground, but here in Texas, it gets so hot that in my honest opinion, I have seen kayaks lose there shape or bow. Once again, if your in a cooler claimant,you can leave it in your back yard and it does well. Then again I am one that doesn't like to tow my kayak on it's rack upside down, cause my superstitious way is that if the yak gets use to upside down it might do that in water. That's just my hang up lol.
Hope this helps, but heck, there are some really good idea's in the thread so don't take my words, hold on, there are probably more insight to come...

[Blaze]

I just had to share this picture, And I thought I was bad about over kill on fishing poles and equipment... I wouldn't know which pole to grab if I got multiple hits. But still sooooo impressive!

[Blaze]

Holy COwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwabungaaaaaaaaa