Kayak Buying Choices

By F Gual

Before looking for a new kayak, you must consider how you intend to use it. And before that, you have to shop for all the essential equipment you must have.

Choosing the right kayak can be a difficult ordeal. Several factors must be considered before starting a search. Some simple steps will make the search easier.

First, decide what it will be used for. Is this all new to you? Do you plan to enter competitions? This will guide you when exploring all the different designs on the market. An online search will reveal hundreds of choices, and narrowing your choices will take time. Hurrying through this step could bring buyer's remorse.

But before that happens, you must get all the equipment you will need for safe and enjoyable kayaking. Wetsuit, life jacket, paddle, footwear, and more will be essential, so go for quality here.

Thinking of your kayak as an investment is the way to go. A quality kayak need not be expensive, but lots of research is needed to get the most for your money.

Famous top brands include Clear Blue Hawaii, Old Town, Coleman, Pelican International. The popular Hobie has a line of simple, durable boats. Sevylor has been making tough inflatable kayaks for years. Emotion makes plastic kayaks as small as eight feet, ideal if space is a problem. Folding kayaks have been made in Germany by the Klepper company since the fifties. Their wooden frame covered by a waterproof synthetic skin can be assembled quickly once you know how.

If you have never been on a kayak, it would be wise to rent one, even if only for a day. Learning how to get in and out of the kayak safely may take several attempts to get it right. Plus learning how to hold your paddle through the strokes also takes some trying.

Many people of all ages have become addicted to gliding through the water. Why not you?

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5 THINGS PEOPLE DO WRONG WHEN BUYING A KAYAK

Photo by James Coleman on Unsplash

Four Things a Kayaker Should Have On Board

By Michael W Gibson

Kayaking is a fun and simple activity that can keep you close to nature. It is also a great way to get a workout. Like other forms of wilderness travel, kayaking requires a certain amount of preparedness.

Part of this preparedness is knowing what to take with you.

Aside from water, food and your life jacket (state law), four items you might want to consider carrying along on your kayak excursion include:

GPS

If you're paddling down rivers or on small lakes, you may not need a GPS. However, if you're on a large body of water and planning on paddling over the visible horizon, GPS is a requirement. GPS units are also great for swampy areas where you're buried under a canopy of cypress and tupelo.

Waterproof Containers

There's always a need to keep the dry stuff dry when you're out on the water. Cell phones, cameras and many other items don't mix well with water. Waterproof containers are a must when kayaking. They come in all shapes and sizes, from flexible rubber deck bags to hard plastic cases sealed with o-rings.

Anchor

Although it may sound absurd, they do make tiny anchors specifically for kayaks, and they can come in really handy. When you've paddled hard for hours against the current or wind, it's nice to be able to drop anchor and take a break without worrying about drifting back the way you came.

Towel

Just because you don't capsize doesn't mean you won't get wet. On a windy day, the spray alone is enough to leave you damp at best and drenched at worst. Don't forget to bring a towel along. You can store it in one of your waterproof containers.

A kayak trip is so much better when you know what to bring along. Anticipate what you want to do, what could happen, and pack accordingly. Having the right gear can mean the difference between an exhilarating experience and pure misery.

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Choosing the Proper Kayaking Accessories

Paddle Board Fishing

By Jonathan Gafill

Paddling along the shallows you can see the shadow of the board gliding across the sandy lake bottom. It's not uncommon to see a fish cruising along close to you... so why not seize the moment and cast a line out.

I've found that the stand up paddle board can be an excellent fishing platform. Where I live, we have hundreds of inland lakes around that are great for exploring and fishing. Some of the great fishing spots aren't even accessible from a boat, but with a paddleboard you can scoot right up on a fishing hole without even being noticed. With the high vantage point of stand up paddle boards, you can see the fish about as far away as you can cast. It's nearly a perfect situation.

Here is my typical paddleboard fishing excursion. For this example let's assume we're fishing for Bass. First I'd scope out the satellite layout of the lake on Google Maps. You'd be surprised how many times features of the lake will go un-noticed. Look for dark spots that resemble "holes", or spots that look like steep drop offs around the edge of the lake. You'll also want to take into consideration the time of day that you're planning on fishing. Early morning and late evening are the best times to catch the fish.

When getting ready to go out on the lake, grab a backpack that has an external side pocket for drinks -most do have these. Test fit your fishing pole in this little pouch... You might need to make some small modifications to get it to stay in while paddling. Then put your lures, tackle, and anything else you plan to fish with in the bag.

When you get to the lake, scope out the wind direction. The wind tends to blow the warm top water to one side of the lake... in my experiences; the fish tend to stay in the cooler water. So paddle out to a spot that looks like it might have some fish. Weed beds or underwater debris can be a good place to start.

Reach behind your head and grab the fishing pole. Get yourself steady, and cast. You may have to repeat that process a few times, but with a little skill and a lot of luck, you'll hook a fish.

This is the fun part... the fish will start pulling back. Sometimes, if you've got a decent fish on the end of the line, he'll actually pull you around a little bit. -Really fun.

Good luck... and keep paddling!

Learn more about Paddle Board Fishing [http://www.burley-paddleboarding.com].

Visit Burley Sports [http://www.burleysports.com] for tips, tricks and videos of all your favorite water sports.

Jonathan James

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CNY paddleboards sales

Five Easy Ways to Be Miserable While Kayaking

By Larry S. Kang

Don't be misled! Kayaking can actually be a very enjoyable experience. The gentle breeze, the beautiful scenery, and the fascinating wildlife all make kayaking the perfect escape from your boring desk job. But just in case you don't think life is hard enough, here are five simple ways to make even a fun activity like kayaking into a horrible and painful experience.

1. Don't check tides

Who cares what the moon does? And the sun too, for that matter. Ignore the tide charts and you may be surprised at how strongly the water pulls you to exactly where you don't want to go. In addition, when the tide falls, you may end up with your kayak stuck in mud while you decide whether you want to drag it out while slogging knee-deep through the muck or just abandon it completely. You might be better off ignoring the tides if you are going kayaking in open waters, but if you are paddling in sloughs or near straits, ignoring the tides and tidal currents is a quick path to kayaking misery.

2. Dress inappropriately

However careful you are when paddling, you will get wet. Therefore, if you want to be miserable, find the heaviest and most absorbent fabric to wear, like cotton or denim. This will make sure that when you do get wet, you will also stay wet (and stay cold) for longer. You can also get that lovely clammy feeling that doesn't go away until your next hot shower.

3. Forget the weather

Kayaking in the rain, cold, or wind is another sure way to have a miserable paddling experience. While some more adventurous types will gladly go kayaking in the rain and cold, they still need to be aware of the weather and be prepared for it. Failing to check the weather forecast and come prepared for the elements can not only make you physically uncomfortable, but can also be outright dangerous. Just imagine trying to get back to shore in thick fog.

4. Lose your paddle

One of the most important pieces of equipment, aside from your kayak, is your paddle. If you want to be miserable while kayaking, just throw your paddle into the ocean! It's very simple and will be sure to make you miserable as you either try to flag someone down to help you, wait and feel guilty while a friend tows you back to shore, or frantically try to paddle back with your hands. If you really want to suffer, make sure you don't bring a spare paddle or use a paddle leash.

5. Cross in front of boats

This is likely to make you either feel hated, scared, or seriously injured, all of which fall under the broad category of "miserable". The worst outcome is that you and your kayak can get run over by whichever boat you are trying to cross in front of. Even if you don't get hit, you are likely to seriously annoy whoever is driving the boat, who will have to stop or turn quickly to avoid hitting you.

All kayakers have made their share of mistakes - but don't worry, even if you screw up at some point and have a miserable kayaking trip. As long as you survive, there is always another opportunity to have a great one.

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Pick the right boat

Tips for Kayaking With Kids

By Brandon Rome

With a little thought and planning, kayaking with children is a great way to foster a love of nature and help them develop hand-eye coordination. With kids, it's usually a good idea to choose a kid-friendly destination without a lot of boat traffic or strong currents. You may want to begin in small lakes nearby until they get a bit more experience. Here are some tips to help you plan a kayaking trip with your children, including advice about where you should go, what you should bring and when your kids are ready to paddle on their own.

What to Bring

The first thing you need to bring, of course, is your kayak! Most families can enjoy a day on the water with an inflatable kayak, which is easy to store in the trunk of the car and inflate when you get to the water. You'll also need a paddle for everyone that will be actively involved. Look for child paddles, which are usually around 200 cm long with a narrow shaft that's easier for small hands to hold. PFDs (personal floatation devices) are also necessary, so select models that are approved by the United States Coast Guard. You can find infant-sized PFDs, as well as those for children between 30 and 50 pounds and youths between 50 and 90 pounds. A word of advice here: if you plan to bring a baby, get them used to the PFD before your trip because they may refuse to wear it when you're ready to hit the water.

Along with these basics, make sure you bring along plenty of snacks and food, a change of clothing and a first aid kit. Small kids will also likely appreciate their own camera to take pictures, binoculars to spot animals, a journal, books or even a fishing pole of their own if you plan to do some kayak fishing.

Choosing the Best Spot

When you're enjoying paddle sports with your kids, try to choose areas that offer a lot of variety and great scenery to keep them engaged. You'll also want to know the area well beforehand. If possible, research state parks in your area to find great kayaking areas that are kid-friendly and include a couple of stops for bathroom breaks. You'll also need to think about the length of the trip, as younger kids won't be up for a long 6-mile paddle. Keep in mind your child's strength, coordination, age and swimming ability when you're planning your trip to make it safe and enjoyable for everyone.

When Can Your Kids Paddle?

Some kids can begin paddling their own kayak by 8 to 10 years of age, if they have the experience. You'll still want to venture into safe areas until they gain more experience. Younger kids do well with inflatable kayaks, which are lightweight and a bit slower. For kids 10 and older, select a small kayak. Kids over the age of 14 can learn to paddle medium-sized inflatable kayaks. If your child is under 8, the middle of the kayak is the best place for them to sit with an adult. They won't help to propel the boat, but they will learn how the kayak feels as it moves. By the age of 8, they can also begin riding in the bow of a double kayak to help you paddle.

Involve Your Kids in the Planning

Don't forget to involve your children in the planning of the trip as well. If your kids have never been involved in paddle sports before, let them get in the kayak at home so they can get used to how it feels. They can also help you research the trip by looking through guidebooks, animal charts and pictures online.

Additional Tips for Kayaking with Kids

Be sure to give your kids lots of praise and don't criticize their efforts unless it's a matter of safety.

Make rules clear beforehand, including no standing or leaning in the kayak.

Go slowly and don't get separated from the rest of your family.

Take plenty of breaks to enjoy the scenery and point out interesting things to your children.

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Years ago, a salesperson showed Kitt two boats that were within his limited budget. He ended up choosing the wrong one.

"I was furious," Kitt says. "I had that boat for three months before I had to get rid of it and get one more appropriate for me. I was so mad at the guy that sold it to me that I opened kayak store in CNY."

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Day 69 - 1 hour

I finally got the first coat of varnish on the hull thinned 25% with mineral spirts, per my painting expert. We will find out tomorrow how well that worked.

Day 64-66 - Sept 25-29- Day 71-74 - 2 ½ more hours

I couldn't do too much each day. Applied a coat of varnish each day after a little sanding. It looks pretty good although I wish I knew more about applying varnish. It is tough to get that smooth finish. The thigh pad assemblies are completed as much as I could without setting in the cockpit and finding their final position and the angles necessary for my legs.

I did find a good number of runs from the hull onto the deck. They are a real pain to sand out. I applied masking tape to the hull to try not to repeat the mistake. Hopefully I will have it water ready by next week.

Day 75-76 - 3 more hours
I have put on the last coat of varnish, installed my deck cords and straps and I am 99.9% completed. All that is left is positioning the thigh braces and foam pads. This has been a unique project. I have learned so much about the process, much of it the hard way, and am looking forward to my next project. I know where I went wrong and the boat does have the scars to prove it. This weekend it meets the water and I am certain all will go well.

As for the amount of time required, the guidelines called for 80 hours. I have almost doubled that but I did install the sliding thigh braces, bulkheads and hatches and every deck related item available. That accounts for a good portion of the extra time. The other component that took much too much time was in trying correcting my error in allowing runs and drips of epoxy run all over the boat. What I have learned there is to cover my seams and wire holes on the outside of the hull with plastic tape and glue the seams from the inside where the runs don't show.

Project complete

I have cleaned out my garage and my car is home again. New Murrelet is happy on its rack and finally we made it to the water. I am really pleased initially how it handles. It has met all my expectations. This has been a great project. The only area which I am unhappy about is the adjustable thigh braces. They do not function well, which could be partially my problem on the fabrication of the slides. In any event, they are going to be located and epoxied into place (when I figure where they should be). Would I do it again? YES! This has been a great experience and the manufacturer has been very helpful. I would recommend their kits gladly.



I used my new kayak on our club’s weekly paddle for the first time Sunday. Almost 7 miles on the canal and I am very pleased. For a boat with no rudder or skeg, it tracked beautifully. Initial stability is good and secondary stability is great. Still having problems with the adjustable thigh braces but that can be fixed. Best of all, the only water in the boat was from our boots. I am very pleased.

Choosing the Proper Kayaking Accessories

By Ernest Tang

Kayaking is an unpredictable sport as you will not be able to foresee the outcome. It is only through preparation that you are able to prevail over whatever odds that might be thrown at you. Different kayaks are built for different purposes to cope with the diverse types of sea conditions. Some are just for sightseeing while other may be for dangerous white water kayaking. When you are dealing with the trying condition of the water, a kayak with a paddle is not enough. You will need other accessories to help you survive and the first equipment you will need is the ability to transport the kayak.

You need to outfit yourself with the right kayaking accessories and clothing is crucial. Clothing has to be waterproofed and disperse all perspiration. The best type is makes of synthetic material as they are resilient. Sandals have to be waterproofed as well as a pair of gloves that will protect your hands from freezing cold in addition to avert blisters.

Kayaking is a water contact sport and can keel over without warning. You can permit a little water displacement and above that, you will put your personal safety in danger. To overcome that you can use sprayskirt that cover you fully that help to avert paddle splash in addition to keeping off rapids. As in water sport, all kayaking accessories need to be waterproof with food cooler manufacture from vinyl to keep it afloat. Add a flotation device too in case of emergency.

There are other essential kayaking accessories depending on whether you are in calm water or out at sea. In the unpredictable sea, you need survival accessories and remember to prepare yourself for any outcome, even the worst. Whatever your discretion; do not over pack as you need to be agile to cope with the treacherous conditions.

A bilge pump, a map and a compass together with paddle floats will do nicely. Irrespective of your experience, you need to carry those indispensable accessories at all time. Other additional kayaking accessories that you can bring along are baseball hat, sun visor to cut off glare and maybe some snacks such as a cereal bar or chocolate to perk you up.

The kayaking expedition will be enjoyable and safe if you get yourself outfit with all the proper accessories. Kayaking is best done in group as more people can take care of each other and it is more exciting that way. Even without kayaking accessories, it can be done but not out at the treacherous sea. Whatever, it is best to equip yourself by choosing the proper kayaking accessories.

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Kayak sales

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Day 58 - 1 more hour

Removed all the hardware, seat, lines, etc. and epoxy saturated the holes. I will let it cure completely and start the sanding. Now the nerves are setting in. Soon we will see the final project, however it comes out. I also purchased some lower sawhorses. My table is a little too high to make it easy to sand the surface.

Day 59 - 4.5 more hours

Started the sanding today. Started with 120 grit on my orbital sander with LOTS of disks. I had a lot of runs and drips to remove. Really came out better than I had hoped. Finished with 220 grit with the orbital. Found a few areas that needed a bit more epoxy so I will let it cure for another day or two and start with a sanding block. Hand sanding only from here on.

Day 60-63 - 6 more hours

I read the instructions on the spar varnish! The manual advises that once you are finished with the glassing to take your boat kayaking. That is a very pleasant way of saying that is your only choice. You cannot start applying the varnish until 7 days after the last coating of epoxy. Well, I wasn't planning on introducing it to the world until it was finished so I decided to do some more sanding and I am really glad I did.

I had used my orbital sander with 120 grit and then 220 grit and thought it was pretty good. I noticed that the surface still had a mottled surface even though it felt fine. I started sanding it by hand with the 220 grit paper and was really pleased with the improvement. On the photos you can see both sides of the hull. One half is hand sanded and the other is not. Vast improvement; however at the rate I am going it will take another 12 hours to get it ready for the varnish. With the amount of time I have invested already I am not going to cut corners now. So it looks like no varnish until I'm ready.

Day 64-66 - 8 more hours

I have continued to sand the hull with 220 grit paper by hand and it looks pretty good. My 7 days of waiting are almost up (before I can start the varnish) and then I realized I forgot the half rounds for the hatches. It looks like the hatches will have to wait a week more before they get completed. Also got the clips epoxied under the hatches for the retaining cords.

I did weigh the boat. Without the straps, cords, seat and hatch covers it weighed 38 lbs.

I came up with a fixture to help with the epoxy saturating of the ½ rounds. To allow me to do all sides at once, I made a "V" form from some aluminum foil. Worked neat. I have the hatch seals installed, glued the Velcro to the seat pad and epoxied the other half of the Velcro to the hull, held down by some bricks over Mylar.

I have to epoxy the ½ rounds in place; after they cure I can then remove the hatch straps and can start the varnish. The finish is in sight.

Stand Up Paddleboard for Exercise

By Elizabeth Froment

Stand up paddleboarding is taking the world by storm! Originally started by surfers in Hawaii looking for a way to keep in shape while the waves were not good, they found that using a paddleboard provided a perfect way to still be out on the water, and get exercise at the same time.

Since that time, millions of people have gotten into the world of SUP (stand up paddleboarding). Now people paddleboard to get out on the water, explore, enjoy nature, have fun with friends, and to exercise all at the same time.

Paddleboarding is one of the best core workouts you can find. From a paddlers toes to her head, practically every muscle in the body is being used (even counting the smiles!). Because a major component of stand up paddleboarding is balance, the feet and legs are working hard to keep the board (and you) balanced and sturdy. At the same time, since paddling is involved, arms, hands, shoulders and the back is all utilized to keep the paddleboard gliding on top of the water. All the while, the paddlers core abdominal and back muscles are getting a fantastic workout.

Another benefit that comes with stand up paddleboarding is that the sport is super low impact. If an athlete is struggling because of joint or muscle pain running or doing other exercises at the gym, paddleboarding can really help. Since there are no heavy movements or violent impacts associated with SUP, someone can paddle for hours, burn over 1,000 calories and not feel achy and creaky the next morning.

Now, many people (men and women alike) are getting into a new way to use your stand up paddleboard: yoga. That's right, yoga on a paddleboard! Doing yoga on the board provides an extra balance dimension, which can be an extra bit of fun and challenge for a yoga practitioner. What might be the best benefit of doing yoga on a stand up paddleboard is the view. Being able to take in the water and relax in the sun adds a really nice experience to yoga that someone could not get in a gym or studio.

Many people are still on the fence as to weather they want to buy a stand up paddleboard, but once they realize that there are so many extra benefits to paddleboarding such as exercise, fun, exploration and enjoying nature, it can push them in the right direction.

Elizabeth Froment writes about stand up paddleboarding, including its excitement and benefits. Check out more great info on paddleboarding [http://paddleboardforsale.net/], and get out on the water!

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CNY paddleboards sales

ROGER’S NEW PROJECT IS THE BUILDING OF A PYGMY MURRELET KAYAK FROM A KIT TO PUT TOGETHER.

Day 51 - 1 more hour

I inverted the boat in my back yard and completed the other end pour (and then I went paddling with my kayak club).

Day 52 - 1 more hour

Installed the hip braces and started cleaning up around the hatch and coaming areas.

Days 53-54 - 4 more hours

I installed the hatch spacer strips, one side each night. Finally installed and glassed the coaming. I had waited to apply the upper coat of glass until they were installed, I felt it would look better and it does. Not much left and I will be able to sand the boat in prep for the varnish. I did put a fill coat on coaming and hip braces to smooth out the surfaces.

Days 55-56 - 2 more hours

I installed the seat back and hand toggles. Not much excitement and it looks closer to being finished every day now. I am still waiting for the new foam thigh brace pads from Pygmy. They were backordered on my last order. I would also like to caution everyone about lining up their components correctly before they drill holes in the boat or you will have some patching to do later (see last photo).

Day 57 - 3 hours more

Using a method from my work, I marked all the locations for the deck lines, etc. using masking tape. No lines on the surface required, just aligned the tape with the carpenters square on the measurement in the manual and use the intersections to mark the hole locations. This proved to be very exact. I then mounted all the deck lines to verify locations. Looks Great! Now everything must come off so I can seal the edges of the holes and sand and varnish the boat.