For the love of Kayaking

[Blaze]

A heart warming story of a dog... Kayak Fisherman Rescues Tragic Dog in Gulf of Mexico


http://www.gofishn.com/mary-pinkowis...ulf-of-mexico/

[The Oopster]

so i survived my first time out!

I loved it! Although I think I'm going to be really sore ... I didn't realize how much it would get your leg muscles also, even though that part of my body is pretty strong! I was out for somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half I think.

I'm really really happy with it though. I really have been trying to find something to strengthen my upper body that I enjoy and I think this will do the trick!

I was surprised at how easy it was! I don't know if this is due to my canoe experience or what. But I felt it was so much easier to maneuver then a canoe.

Definitely need to stock up on Dramamine if I'm going to be on any lakes with motor boats or waverunners on them.

The insulation seems to work really well on my rack. I do recommend putting it on before putting the boat on top though. Whoops! Then I just used tie down straps that I looped through the drainage holes wrapped around the cross bars then fed through the interior of my car! Cost for insulation was about $11 and cost for tie downs around $5. Now I just have to get my carrier built so i can take it to a few of the more remote coves I like!

I'm not as strong as I'd like to be but still can manage to get it up on my car. Luckily it's a newer crv. So not as high as some suv's plus the back is sort of round and I was able to use the curvature to help me ease it up there.

I do want to see if they have some type of cover for it though. I'd like to keep it up on top of my car a lot but would like to protect it from the sun and bird poop!

[Blaze]

Here is a trick to help load a kayak by yourself, if you have a harbor frieght near by. for $5.99 you can buy one or two of these Dual Cup Suction Lifter

Basically you can stick it to your window, or when I had my Jeep, I use to use the suctions and attach them to the top of my rear roof, I would use a pool noodle from walmart or the dollar store.
And when there on sale, stock up on these suckers! You can use them for just about anything, from floating your line, to extra flotation in your yak, to cutting a piece and using it to help from your paddle sinking, you'll be surprised at what you can use these for. Any way, I cut the pool noodle to fit the handle and use plastic tie straps to keep it on the dual cup suction lifter, that way when you lift one end of your kayak onto it it will help you guide and slide your kayak easily onto your vehicle roof rack....
If you buy two of them you can also attach a PVC pipe with pool noodles to make an even wider guide for your kayak, imagination is limitless!
Paddle on!

[Blaze]

Welcome to the world of kayaking Oopster! Glad you enjoyed it, and yes, kayaking actually helps you to use every muscle in your body. It's a wonderful exercise and can tone you up quickly. Just be aware of your limits and your surroundings! I can't stress this enough, Mother Nature has no favorites and you don't want to become a statistic. Be aware, be careful and use as many safety precautions as possible.

Originally Posted by The Oopster

so i survived my first time out!

I loved it! Although I think I'm going to be really sore ... I didn't realize how much it would get your leg muscles also, even though that part of my body is pretty strong! I was out for somewhere between an hour and an hour and a half I think.

I'm really really happy with it though. I really have been trying to find something to strengthen my upper body that I enjoy and I think this will do the trick!

I was surprised at how easy it was! I don't know if this is due to my canoe experience or what. But I felt it was so much easier to maneuver then a canoe.

Definitely need to stock up on Dramamine if I'm going to be on any lakes with motor boats or waverunners on them.

The insulation seems to work really well on my rack. I do recommend putting it on before putting the boat on top though. Whoops! Then I just used tie down straps that I looped through the drainage holes wrapped around the cross bars then fed through the interior of my car! Cost for insulation was about $11 and cost for tie downs around $5. Now I just have to get my carrier built so i can take it to a few of the more remote coves I like!

I'm not as strong as I'd like to be but still can manage to get it up on my car. Luckily it's a newer crv. So not as high as some suv's plus the back is sort of round and I was able to use the curvature to help me ease it up there.

I do want to see if they have some type of cover for it though. I'd like to keep it up on top of my car a lot but would like to protect it from the sun and bird poop!

[Blaze]

Found the one made on youtube, hope it helps, loading by yourself
http://youtu.be/LBcPgDx5kJY

[Blaze]

How to load a kayak for smaller cars and your cart
http://youtu.be/6wnzk1VOJa0

again for a car http://youtu.be/4SN55Jfu94c

how to tie down and load. http://youtu.be/fgPCYYfLjBA


More to come later, I'm tired, lol

[The Oopster]

I can't video stream on my computer and couldn't quite follow the noodle lifting technique!

I figure by the time I get something to make that and getting the boat down to the water I'll be strong enough that it won't matter. However I still need to get my cart made since there is one spot I would like to take it that is a half mile hike in.

I highly recommend the lifetime kayak for a beginner that just plans to be on lakes and such. Even with some heavier wake it's been real steady. I just put my paddle on my lap and hang onto my seat straps and just ride it til it subsides and then try to paddle like mad to get into calmer water... usually finding where the motor boats and waverunners don't go!

[Blaze]

Here is a material list I put together for this project.
I am a bit unsatisfied with the end costs, $49.79+tax.

Material Description QUA Cost Sub-Total
1" SCH40 PVC 24" Length 2 1.77 3.54
1" SCH40 T 2 1.29 2.58
1" SCH40 Elbow 4 0.99 3.96
1" SCH40 Cap 4 0.69 2.76
PVC Cement/Primer 4oz Pk2 1 6.99 6.99
Tennis Ball Yellow Can 3 3 3.99 11.97
4 Head Suction Cup (Northern Tool + Eqpt.) 1 17.99 17.99 Shipping Included this part
TOTAL (less tax): 49.79
Or you can go to Harbor freights for half the price. Up to you...

File comment: I used a Forstner Bit 1 1/4" (or 1 1/8" I don't recall) to drill the holes in the tennis balls. Burnt rubber smells. First I tried scissors and a knife but that returned sloppy results, not to mention dangerous.

File comment: Parts prepared. I used teflon tape but used a razor blade to cut and expose a portion of the suction cup hangle through the teflon tape. Once I put the PVC cement on there it bonded with the handle firmly.

[Blaze]

or Another idea is:
I would like to thank twiceayear who created the original loader for his fabulous idea, information online and the feedback which he gave me. I originally saw his on youtube and I can see many people have benefited from his idea.

I made a variation based on his for a friend and thought it may be useful to someone so I am posting a few pics as well. For mine, I used a three suction cup loader as it was the only one readily available to me at the time and it was on sale. Also used was two skateboard wheels courtesy of a neighbours garbage, some pvc pipe, threaded rod, locknuts, and wooden dowel to reinforce the pvc and a piece of pvc blind I wrapped the dowl with for a tight fit before inserting. Mine was made higher than typical as there was a spoiler on my friends car and I didn't want to stress the spoiler by attaching it there so had to be high enough for clearance. The kayak flys up to the roof with the skateboard wheels.

[Blaze]

This one is like how my first one looked like. And you can see the simple V cut foam I used.

[The Oopster]

Thanks Blaze

Even if I don't do exactly that I get the idea! Which helps a lot!

[Kätzchen]

[Lady_Di]

Originally Posted by Kätzchen

WOW!!!

I am praying to be able to kayak again soon!

for me it is all about the goals, little and big and short term and long term...

my dreams keep me alive!

[TickledPink]

I was thrilled to find this thread! I love to kayak! I had not tried it in years until recently. Shad got me a kayak and I never want to get out of it!

It is relaxing and a workout all in one. And, one with nature. Win/Win/Win!!!

[Blaze]

I was reading about free style kayaking, Now this looks like fun, or I want to try touring kayaks. I am a fishing kayak-er but I am starting to find interest in other styles of kayaking. I am just spoiled to if I'm going to paddle, why not drop a line and troll or even better, stop in that cove and cast away...
But I will admit, free styling looks challenging!

[Blaze]

Right now paddle boarding is pretty popular in Galveston bay area's.
And I know that in Austin there doing the paddle board yoga...

[Blaze]

Here is a very good link for kayak fishing info http://mylocalshop.ecrater.com/
Great photo gallery and information forums...

5 days ago on the news, when people were yelling for the kayaker to paddle man, paddle as the great white was on his tail...

[SnackTime]

Here ya go Blaze,



We saw this in Stuart, Florida yesterday

[SnackTime]

The paddle board is popular here too. Yesterday, we were out venturing around we saw tons of people on kayaks and paddle boards. I would love to do the paddle board and teach Skye how to stay on the front of it like one of your pictures above.

[Blaze]

Now that's what Imma talking bout! When vehicles look skinny and the yaks look well fed, see... this is the reason great whites are more and more attracted to the over weight kayaks I think you have come up with a very good synopsis Snack.
And yes, the boards are very popular here too, Academy is selling the %&@ out of those, but me thinkethes that you have more chance in a kayak than a board... Just my imho.... hmmm something more for me to ponder on, geee thanks Snack!

Originally Posted by SnackTime

Here ya go Blaze,



We saw this in Stuart, Florida yesterday