I think I am interested in getting a kayak. But I know nothing about them. Can someone tell me what I should be looking for (specific models if you know a good one)? And I don;t want to spend a lot on it. Like $500 tops, less is better.
I want something that someone who was only in a kayak once can learn to use. It will mostly be used on the Delaware river in an area without many rapids, but I would like something that I would be able to take on class 3 rapids in the future.
This may be the only kayak I ever own.
You have conflicting goals - flatwater kayaking & whitewater kayaking. So let me break it down a bit.
General thoughts on cost
kayaks generally hold their value pretty well
you going to need more than just the kayak. A half decent paddle is usually at least $100, and you’ll need a pfd. If you do whitewater Class III you’re going to need a helmet, spray skirt, wetsuit or drysuit and probably for comfort you’ll want neoprene gloves, footwear and a few other items.
Flatwater/Recreational
Sea kayaks (ocean goings) cost well over $1000, usually in the $2000. Typically made out of kevlar or fiberglass or plastic.
Recreation kayaks can be had for $500 or less. Unfortunately, they are not much good for going in the ocean and they are not good for Class III either. However, this might be your best bet. They track pretty well (read - go straight) - especially if they have a rudder or skeg. The biggest problem I see new kayakers having is an inability to go straight. Read/learn how to hold the paddle and after some practice this usually goes away.
Whitewater
Short boats made out of tough plastic - they are great for turning and doing tricks but they do not go very straight.
I personally have whitewater boats that I’ll take onto flatwater. They kayak just fine on a lake or slow moving river, but the chief disadvantage is that they are much slower than a longer boat would be.
You can probably find a USED one for less than $500, but a decent new one will be closer to $1000 or more.
You should have one of these if you’re eventually going to go down a Class II or III river
If you really get into kayaking you’ll find one boat is not enough. I personally own a whitewater boat, a specialized kayak for playing kayak polo and another recreational 2 seater kayak for taking out the kids.
Oh, I don’t know about that. I have an Ocean Kayak Drifter, and I’ve paddled it out into the Pacific off of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, and between the islands in Barkley Sound. Worked for me.
I may not be much help, since I don’t do the type of paddling you’re looking at. But as far as the type of paddling I do do, there are basically two types of kayak: Sit-inside and sit-on-top. Mine is a sit-on-top, which is excellent for Southern California. Up here in the PNW… not so much. Nothing wrong with it in general, but sit-on-tops have scupper holes. You’re often sitting in a few inches of water. Water up here is generally about 45° in the sea. Of course there are plugs; but then water gets sloshed over the gunnels and you’re sitting in a few inches of water. Up here, a sit-inside is a better option except for hot Summer days and warm, shallow water.
FWIW, I bought my kayak at REI with a pre-installed rudder and pedals for $800. Up here, a former neighbour bought the same boat without the rudder from the factory (which has moved since they were bought by Johnson Outdoors). It was a ‘blem’ – an imperfect boat, but I couldn’t seen anything wrong with it. He paid $300.
We are occasional users of kayaks and own one and a canoe. Both seem to be made of thick plastic and are quite hardy for our purposes. My sister also has (had) a couple so we could all paddle together. We are not particulary adventurous and just use them in bays, lakes and slow moving, not too challenging, rivers. I suppose a good description of our use is ‘lazy kayakers’.
There are sit-in and sit upon kayaks. The sit-in needs a spray skirt to keep water out if you are going to be in waves or more challenging rivers. I prefer the sit upons and calmer adventures.
They are relatively inexpensive, easy to transport and easy to use. They are even more fun if you have some friends or family who have one, too. Perhaps you would like to get a used one at first to see how you like it and get a better feel for what kind of features you would like.
We are in a warm climate so don’t have to worry much about water that is too cold.
I can’t speak for Class III, but you can get a very nice ocean worthy kayak for $500. Johnny L.A.‘s recommendation is spot on. Ocean Kayak’s Drifter and Prowler are very popular here in Southern California. A few other ones to look for are Wilderness Systems’ Tarpon series, Malibu Kayaks, Pro Explorer, Xfactor and Extreme, and a few by Cobra Kayaks too.
For the ocean, you want a sit on top.
Anyway, I was able to buy a Macski Kingfisher, that had only been used two times, for $300. That’s a South African fiberglass kayak. It was a hell of a deal and one I probably will never find again, but if you check up on craigslist, the more common Cobras, Ocean Kayaks and Malibus are commonly sold in the 300-500 dollar range.
I’ll let other people clue you in on what type of kayak you need for rivers though.
The model I’ve most seen for rental has been the Frenzy.
My friend had a Cobra. Here’s a photo from January, 2004. The Cobra is the yellow one, and my Drifter is the white one. Interestingly, he bought the Cobra from the Southern California manufacturer and had it shipped to Northern Washington. My Drifter came from the factory not far from where the photo was taken and shipped to me (well, REI, where I picked it up) in Southern California. Since we got them at the same time, they must have passed each other in transit.
We traded kayaks for a stretch in Barkley Sound. The Cobra is drier than the Drifter, but the Drifter is faster and more stable.
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Lots of good advice so far. My advice for getting the most for your money is to buy used, but with the support of someone more knowledgeable along for the experience. I’ve gotten a $1500 kayak off Craig’s List for $550. But it took about a year of searching.
Why not search Meetup.com to see if there is a kayaking group in your area? Then get in the groups good graces, meet someone who can mentor you and help you find a good boat. I’ve done this with a few people in my area.
My experience is mostly whitewater so here’s my .02 worth:
Class III rivers are actually pretty tough. The benchmark Class III I am most familiar with is tha Ocoee in E.Tennessee. I would not take someone on that unless they had a lot of Class II experience and at least 50% chance of hitting a combat roll.
If there’s anyway you can swing taking a class I would highly recommend it. Typically they will have a fleet of different boats you can try and can get a boat outfitted to fit you correctly. If there’s much whitewater near your area you should be able to find a dealer that offers classes. Also finding a club in your area will help. I belong to a club and we have beginner and intermediate level trips (as well as ClassIV-V) and try to never get people in over thier heads.
This might sound a bit silly, but if you don’t have a lot of paddling experience take the time to learn proper technique and build up your core and arm muscles to avoid injury. Back injuries (sprains and herniated disks…ask me about this one :rolleyes) and shoulder injuries are common to a lot of different paddling sports (kayak, canoe, OC, dragon boat…)
Since you are asking about the Delaware, let me assume that you are in within driving distance to Nockamixon State Park. There, just before the park’s entrance is a wonderful roadside business with several local experts–Nature’s Way Canoe and Kayak. I don’t have a “Garmin” address, but you can’t miss them, they line up all of their kayaks on the lawn. I have purchased 3 kayaks there and they have been really helpful!
