Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire So, My Wife Thinks She Wants a Kayak....

Ya, I know. It will probably be for sale on Craigslist by this time next year, but my wife claims she wants a kayak to leisurely paddle around on local lakes with some friends who have them. Nothing technical at all.

What do I need to know about boats, paddles, PFDs, roof carriers, etc?

Thank you.

You should tell her to research these issues and let you know what all she needs.

There's basically two different types. Sit on kayaks and sit in. In other words some have a deck that you sit on above the water line a bit and others like a canoe you sit inside the hull. Sit ons are a newer thing they're a lot easier to get on and off of but probably aren't great if she wants to kayak in real cold water as you can will get splashed a little. Sit in are more stable and sea worthy normally as you're center of gravity is a bit lower. There's some cole's notes to get you started.

Quite a few people around here use them for fishing on Truman Lake and some even on the upper Lake of the Ozarks. Some even use them to fish for blue cats... I've seen photos of several over-slots caught from 'yaks. Boating a 30-40lb blue would be a lively time in a kayak I would think.

The local Menards has inexpensive ones on sale for around $150 from time to time but the ones they are fishing from are several hundred dollars more.

Investigate rentals first. That way you can see how heavy they are and how much she enjoys getting back on it after falling out in the middle of the lake.

You should consider doing what I did. My wife said the same thing that your wife said, that she wanted a kayak. I told her to figure out what she wanted as far as the boat and paddle. I volunteered that I would buy her a lead lined PFD. All of a sudden she decided that she could do without a kayak.

That's a good idea. Plus they often upgrade every couple few years and sell off their rentals I bought a yak off an outfit that way. At any rate very good to try a few how ever you can swing it.

Sit ons are going to be quite a bit heavier than sitins. I rented a few, including a Hurricane Santee 126 Sport, but ended up buying a Hornbeck boat instead, due to lighter weight (16 lbs). I would encourage renting for a while to make sure she likes it. You will be in for over $1K easily.

Good advice. That should be our first move.

We got a Dunham's Sports sale flyer in today's Sunday newspaper. They have several lower-end kayaks on sale now. I don't know much about them, but they are also selling all manner of firearms in the same flyer, including AR-15s and AR-10s. I'd be inclined to give them my business for that reason alone.

I'm sure they'll have additional discounts throughout the year after she gets some time in a few rentals.

I'm sure you're right if I wanted something worthwhile out of the gate, but I'm seeing boats in the $200 - $300 range. I might start there and see how things go, if the rentals don't deter her.

Honestly, I don't see this becoming a real hobby. If it does, we can hang onto the cheap kayak for friends or guests and upgrade to something better down the road.

dunhams has a nice selection. i like sit in. they seem more stable to me. i've been yakking for about 15 years in PA on lakes and rivers. one thing i can tell you about the cheap ones like the sub $300 pelicans, etc is that the seats suck and you usually can't replace them. i have a few pelicans we got for $200 and they are ok for little jaunts. spend much time in them and your back and ass will hurt. a couple of years ago i went up a step and got an old town vapor 10 angler from dunhams for $399. they sell the the non angler vapor for $299. the difference between the vapor and the pelicans is the seat is a hell of a lot better and it tracks straighter with less need for corrections. it also has a much more open cockpit which keeps your legs from rubbing on the edges. this is a biggie for me cause i'm 6'1" with long legs. i highly recommend the regular vapor 10 if you are starting out. its not much more than a cheapo and much better. and if you decide to sell it in a few years you can probably still get $200 for it. get a PFD and a cheapo paddle while you're at it. probably 400 bucks all told.

my canoes have sat since i bought the yaks. canoes have a lot more room for stuff but the yak is much more manuverable, doesn't draw hardly any water and one guy can carry it. ~40lbs

Sit ins do much better on a windy lake. I have 2 Old Towns. My favorite is the Dirigio. I suggest the 10 foot if she will be handling it by herself and has to load it by herself but a 12 ft handles better in the water and is more stable. There is more room to fish out of a 12 footer. Some materials also float better if she should turn over. Avoid a cheap plastic one. I highly recommend the Old Town Dirigio.

kwg

Dunham's flyer includes the Old Town Vapor 10 for $330 and the Dirigo 10 Angler for $500. They are very small photos, but both appear to be sit-ins.

My retired granddaughter uses one on Truman Lake. We eat most of the fish she catches.

You got a laugh out of me.
*knucklepunch*

Easiest route is get her the same type of kayak her friends have.

Flat water, ?

I'd get a 12ft sit in.

I wouldnt want to fall off a top sitter in a 40degree water. Unless your only going out in the heat of the summer.


Rather have a sit-in, you can get more water time in. Long as you dont spill it.
Btw, you need to both learn to be about to flip yourself back upright with your paddle. May want to practice in someone's indoor pool.


I have two 12ft Perception boats. For creek sport they work fine. I just let them stick out of my truck bed with the tailgate up, strapped in diagonally.

The girlfriend and I both purchased Old Town Dirigio’s off of Craig’s List for about half the price of new.
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120 is another good 12’ kayak to look at.

12 ft sit in, spend money on the kayak vest especially if not a strong swimmer, tell her to leave her phone and other chit on shore. Wife and 2 daughters kayak all the time. Good times for them

Wife and I took a class together at REI. Tried some rental equipment, but after the class we were able to realize the rental equipment was not only beat up, but it was crap to start with. We picked up a couple off craigslist. Been having a blast together. Our middlendaughter has gone on several trips with us. This child likes to be warm, dry, well fed, and comfortable. She has now been on two trips with my wife and I. We even did a moon light trip. Much fun.

We are planning our first kayak camping trip. Middle child wants to go. Suddenly, I'm ignoring my buddies because my wife and kids have found a love for the outdoors they didnt have before kayaks.

My advice, surprise the hell out of your wife by signing BOTH of you up for a kayak class. First outdoor activity my wife has really been active with in 20 years together. Good luck brother.
Peter