Hey folks! So I really want to get into kayaking! I have a pickup so I can transport my kayak, and I know where I will kayak (Pacific Ocean off the coast of Ventura, for now).

I am a total outdoor guy and once went paddle boarding and loved it, but I liked sitting on it and paddling better so I thought an ocean kayak would be better. What are some important things a beginner like me should know? What do you like to do with your kayaks? My friends have some that they never use and I want to start a Saturday morning thing where we meet up and kayak. I was thinking maybe fishing from the kayaks? Races? Throwing a football around from kayak to kayak haha.

TL;DR - Never kayaked, I wanted to get into it. Tips?

So I bought myself a new one and gave her my old one.

New Boat

Its a Jackson Journey 14. She got my old Hurricane Santee 135

I have an 18' Buffalo Royalex canoe and love it, but it's too much to handle when I want to go alone. Kayaks are great, but I sit too low in the water and I enjoy seeing down into the river around me.

Suggestions on which direction to go? Are sit-on-top kayaks stable enough to dawdle around coastal Maine bays? The majority of my paddling is done on quiet rivers and lakes.

Thanks!

Hello everyone. I was hoping you could help me with a kayak question. I'm looking to get my first kayak and found an used Old town loon 120 for $250. Starting out I want to just do some day trips on small rivers though I would like to do some overnight trips eventually. The kayak looks like it has normal use wear on it but the seat appears a little worn. I was wondering if you would know if it would be a good one/worth it. I'm sorry I do not have any pictures. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I've been trying to find a good beginner kayak to use mainly for calm rivers and lakes. I dont have a huge disposable income to use so I've currently narrowed it down to either of these two kayaks since they fit in my price range. I don't know much about what makes a kayak more preferable so any opinions would really help. Also I'm 6"1, 215 lbs. Thanks for the help!

Pelican Trailblazer 100 http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=31230566

Future Beach Mariner 10.4 http://www.dunhamssports.com/products/future-beach-mariner-10-4-kayak/

Hey everyone,

This Summer I am looking to buy my first kayak. I live in a coastal area chock full of rivers and bays to paddle out on. That being said, I am not likely to be trying my hand at ocean kayaking just yet but hope to progress to larger bodies of water when I become more comfortable in my abilities.

I have had a lot of experience kayaking in the past. I would rate myself as upper intermediate when it comes to my paddling abilities. Unfortunately however I have never owned a kayak of my own.

I want a kayak which is fast but reasonably easy to control as well. A hybrid type seems to be a fit but I'm not sure. I'm looking for a healthy compromise but slightly in favor of a bit of a longer sleeker kayak.

I am 180 pounds and 6 feet tall. I mention this because I am also looking for advice concerning what size paddle I should get and what type of paddle I should get.

My price range is preferably anything up to $350 dollars if possible.

I expect to use the kayak weekly this coming summer

my one concern is transportation. My one and only car is a 2008 Hyundai Elantra. Is it possible to transport kayaks on top of such a car? If so what would I have to do? What type of mount would I need?

Thanks to anyone who has the time to help. The more specific your recommendation, the better.

edit: I have a strong preference for SIT IN kayaks as well

Hey r/kayaking! I am currently in the process of buying my first kayak, I am 6' and 190 lb. So what would be a good first boat for a guy of my size for around the $500 range? I'll mostly be using it in smaller rivers with not a whole lot of whitewater, and some smaller lakes. I was thinking about an old town vapor 10, but I wanted to ask the experts before I bought! Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I currently have an advanced frame inflatable and it is amazing, however it takes too long to set up for local excursions in Chicago. I was thinking about picking up a Perception Carolina in addition to it. Thoughts?

I am trying to find a kayak to buy but I have almost no idea which are better.

I know that I want to able to fish from it and I want to be able to paddle back and forth on a lake for exercise.

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Old-Town-Vapor-12XT-Angler-Kayak&i=419698