learn me about Kayaks
 

So, the wifey has been wanting a kayak for quite some time now and I've decided to get her one for Christmas. Now, she is very frugal and so am I, so I'll be buying a used one.

Requirements:
-not the cheapest junk
-that's aabout it.

She'll start off playing in the super slow rivers and lakes around here, no rapids for this first boat.

I Have been researching and discovered these modular kayaks. That really appeals to me because we can have a 1-persob kayak when she goes solo but convert to a tandem one for us to both go. Are those any good?

Would we be disappointed with something like this:
perception mirage kayak & paddle
Any input is appreciated.

Use will be a few hours here and there, no full-day or overnight stuff?

My wife and I bought a couple of used kayaks a few years ago - Necky Rip 10.6's. They're a step up from the tubby-looking beginner ones, but still easy to maneuver. Not sea kayaks, but not bad in open water so long as it isn't too windy.That Perception looks like it might be better for an experienced paddler, but I'm not familiar with it.

New kayaks are fairly cheap - look at the LL Bean website for good examples - so used ones generally are, too. I paid $800 delivered for both of ours, with carbon-fiber paddles and pfd's included. You should be able to do better than that, so long as your wife doesn't need them in time for Christmas.

I don't know your area, but out here we have lots of kayak places that rent them hourly, give lessons, lead trips, etc. At season's end, they generally try to sell as many of the past year's boats as they can - that's how we got ours. It might be worth looking for places like that near you.

Just make sure not to kayak in the rain










































jkjkjk too soon? dont kill me

At first I was like... oh right cause lightning. Then I was all... wait a minute...

https://www.miataturbo.net/attachmen...ine=1418226486

I lol'd IRL.

I was going to post a long reply, but then I saw this page from REI that breaks everything down pretty well. Kayaks: How to Choose
I've paddled everything from tiny surf boats to 18' open water cruisers, and I think a good all around 12-14' boat from perception or wilderness would do you well.
You can usually find used ones pretty cheap. I personally like drop down skegs, but don't really care for rudders.
Something like this would be nice: Perception Tribute 12 Kayak

Story about Perception Kayaks. They are (were) made near Easley, SC. One of my co-workers used to be employed there. The roto-mold technique is an economical way to build a robust boat.

In the early days, the owner was selling his boats at a "reasonable mark-up", or to say, at a great price. However, he found that when a user broke a boat, if it were some high $$ hand build boat, then the failure was due to, "Man I hit those rocks so hard...", but if it were a low $ boat, then, "that was a piece of crap boat."

He raised his prices and the perceived quality of his boats went up. Hence the name... Perception.

These days, most major economy kayak brands are owned by Confluence Outdoor including both Wilderness and Perception.

I couldnt tell you about the kayak you posted but I bought a Sun Dolphin Aruba 10' on sale at Dunhams (sporting good store in my area) on the cheap two years ago. these thing go on sale around me every other month. It was my first kayak and I am new to paddling so I also cant really tell you if ifs the right choice....but it floats and was cheap lol. The seat isn't that great but that is to be expected from a cheaper kayak. My opinion- just keep an eye out for something cheap that doesn't have holes.

You mention it will be used on lakes and rivers. More experienced paddlers recommend 12+ foot kayak for speed and stability for a good flatwater kayak. Rapid kayaks are tiny little things that look like you immediately flip over and die in. The one I bought, although under the recommended size, is wider which is common in entry level kayaks. This makes it slower but more stable. I dont think you can really go wrong when buying a kayak though if its for flatwater. Someone with more experience might be able to chime in with better info though.

My wife and i have pyranha hybrids. They are river running length with drop down skegs. Totally frustrating to paddle flat water without the skeg. Dont buy a shorter whitewater rig if flat water is its main use. You will hate it. A lot of your paddling energy will be used just to keep it straight.

We have run some whitewater with ours and were happy. We dropped the skegs to paddle the flat water to get to the WW and then pulled them back up once the current started.

Thanks a ton for your help guys. All of your comments were very helpful! I'm doing some more pointed searching to see what I can scrounge up. Definitely avoiding the whitewater rigs for now. I just want to get something inexpensive but not junk. If she loves it and uses it a lot then we'll upgrade to something she can really get going on.

Thanks again! MT.net FTW.

Oh, and Vlad, you about put me on the floor man. Props to all.

I would go check out Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe. My dad started it and owned it for 10+ years and now its owned by a good family friend. Its out on Jantzen Beach and they know more than you will ever want to know about kayaking.

Here are a two near you that might be worth looking into. Pair of Perception Kayaks
I prefer something with a more pronounced chine, but these should be good all around boats.

Props to you again, sir. those look really nice. I reached out on a cheap cheap one but those look nice. Thanks!

Oh and avoid a two person if possible. Might be fun the first time out but they are a real chore to carry, store and transport.

+1 for Wilderness, wife and I have a few tarpons, two singles and a double, great boats. I've picked them up as we've gotten deals on Craigslist all for around $250/boat. I really like their replaceable hardware systems and they're pretty dang sturdy, track straight, and are quite easy to paddle.