I am looking at picking up a couple of recreational kayaks for the wife and I and wondering if anyone here has/uses kayaks and if they can suggest things to look at/for or what to avoid. XS and I are on the opposite ends of the size scale so we'll be looking for different models/sizes and our kayaking will be almost entirely flat water (inland lakes).
We've got 4 of them and the wife and kids use them often. She likes to fish so hers is set up with rod holders and a few compartments for gear that you can easily reach. Oh, a few beer holders too (that's my girl). I bought all of them but can't remember the brand names. Adjustable foot rests are a good idea as are adjustable width paddles. Good cushion in the back rest helps, I'm told since I never have enough time to use them, and padding around the seating area also. Get life jackets made for paddling. The ones that are for riding in a boat will just frustrate you. We live on a shallowish inland lake and it gets dangerous quickly. Even a slight wind makes it get surprisingly rough. Flat bottom kayaks are more stable but a bit slower. Not sure of the size difference between XXL and XS but I'd recommend going to a high end kayak store with hopefully a pro staffer to ask for advice even if you're going to buy from a cheaper place. The pro's will help you choose what will get you home at the end of the day.
If you are beginners who will be using them on flat water, look for a basic plastic kayak with a wider hull designed for stability rather than speed. Manufacturers websites usually have decent guidance, for example, the following from Pelican... Choosing a Kayak | Pelican Sport I would also suggest leaning toward a smaller lighter kayak for easier transportation, especially if you will be hauling them on a rooftop.
Are you looking at sit in or sit on? Hard to beat Old Town, they hold their value too. I really like my single cockpit with two seats, can be used as a tandem or single.
Sit in. I am looking at an Old Town, the new Loon 126 however I have not sat in one yet. I looked at an Old Town Vapor 12 angler last fall but I was not able to move the foot rests far enough ahead to be comfortable. Hoping the new Loon fits better. I have used the Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 and 140 and they are nice boats. Kayaks will remain 90% + of the time at the cottage which is on a larger lake so decent length for straight tracking is preferred. Also with my size I'll need the longer/bigger unit.
15" and 200 lbs Been to two stores and I've been talking with one local pro shop so far but not a lot of inventory yet here in the great white north
I'd steer you towards the sit on top SOT models. There are many stable models, not hard to get in/out of and your body is insulated from colder water. For the adult yaks spend a bit extra money for a good seat system -your back will thank you, the kids can fend for themselves I have a Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120, the GF has a Perception Tribe 9.5 - perfect for a smaller woman
I took the adjustable rests off of my Tarpon - they are not needed if you are over 6' on any standard 12' mold kayak. If you can find Jackson kayaks up the that neck of the woods they are much bigger and the foot rests are sorta useful - hold your breath when you see the price tags.
I did think about the SOT but leaning more to the sit in models. Some times the waves get up on the lake and with lot of speed boat traffic I'm thinking I'd rather have my centre of mass as low as possible. Yes we have Jackson kayaks but wow Trying to keep it around the $1K range.
I bought an Old Town 12 footer last year. Only had it out a couple times so far but am happy with it. It moves through the water nicely and feels stable. I was surprised how quickly I could get it moving along in the water. BretHart is right about the life vests. Get one made for paddling.
Sat in about 8-9 kayaks today including the front runners Old Town Loon 120 and Pungo 140 and the new ACS2 seat in the loons are hands down more comfortable than anything else on the market. Leaning heavily that way.
Do any of the yaks your considering have a rudder or the option if a rudder.? A long boat can be hard to handle in wind.
I think there is an option on some but not really necessary as we will be fair weather kayakers. We may have to deal with a little wind but if it's looking nasty, we just won't go out. Now having said that, a couple of the yaks I'm considering for my wife have drop down skegs (wilderness system aspire and necky rip) to help track better and help in the wind. There is one guy at the cottage with a touring /sea kayak with a rudder. I have not tried it...don't think I can fit, but my cousin did and said it was pretty slick.
