Who Knows Something About Kayaking?

[Chattyaholic]

Since I've lost weight I've gotten a lot more active, and I'm thinking about giving kayaking a try. DH and I have gone canoeing several times, but I think individual kayaks would be fun too. However, DH is a very good swimmer...but I am not. I can swim some, but really hate having water in my face so I'm a little fearful about tipping in the kayak. I would definitely wear a life preserver, but I would like to hear from kayakers. Are there any certain kayaks that are less "tippy" than others? How hard are they to maneuver in smooth water? How expensive are they should we decide to purchase our own?

 

[Pam]

I can't answer any of your questions - but I do know that both the local University and the YMCA hold training/safety courses on a regular basis - which includes learning to roll your kayak over in the water.

You might want to check into something like this.

 

[Tiggeroo]

Yes, some kayaks are more stable then others. DH and I have sea kayaks which we use in the ocean here. We both can swim, and wear life preservers. Which one you purchas will depend on where you want to use it. Do some research, and then if money is an issue, you might be able to get one used. New kayaks run anywhere from $300. up.

 

[mickeyfan1]

Keep in mind there are at least 3 types of Kayaking, white water, which most everyone knows about, flat water, which is more racing and done on flat water, and ocean, which is getting very popular at the becahes everywhere. It is great excercise, my son did it for a summer (flat water) and my sister dit it before her heart valve replacement, on the marshes in Williamsburg. But do find somewhere that can teach you how to do it safely. And even though your DH can swim, tell him a life vest is required. FOr his safety and a long marraige.

 

[campinggal]

Kayaking is great fun and kayaks come in all sorts of widths and lengths depending on your use.

A sea kayak- designed for big water- will be long (17 ft) and narrow. A recreational kayak which is designed for lakes and sheltered water is usually smaller and wider thus more stable. Given the width and design of some recreational kayaks- 'rolling it' as mentioned above would not work- if you were to capsize, you would just climb back in as you would a canoe. If you are using a recreational kayak in its intended conditions (flat water)- the chances of flipping it are slim.

Look for a local boating store or outdoor sporting store and talk with the associates there. They can help you figure out the best kind of boat for your needs.

They do ususally start around $300 in price and go up from there.

Happy shopping!!