What is a good beginner kayak for ocean and river adventures?
I want to start, but have a tight budget.
Tight budget, varying conditions, just starting. Sounds like the perfect mix for a sit on top. Light enough that you can get it in the water easily (you'll just do it more), stable so you can get a feel for being out there, tough, cheep (comparable)and easy to move via craigslist of something similar once you figure out where you actually spend most of your time. Give it a season, if you get enough water time in you'll know what the next one should be.
10 Answers
My suggestion is to go to your closest REI and/or kayak shop and speak to the representatives there. They will be able to give you firsthand knowledge about their personal experiences and what seems to work for them, the people they assist and what has worked for others.
Since you are a beginner and have a tight budget then I HIGHLY suggest speaking to professionals before diving into a purchase. They will be able to tell you which kayak you can get the more bang for your buck but won't fall apart when you are going through rough waters.
They will also be able to tell you what safety equipment you should get along with your shiny new kayak.
One of the great things about REI is the people who are employed there are outdoor fanatics and aren't just there to 'get a job.' They actually specialize in the area they are working in.
Take a gander at the bulletin walls for possible classes or presentations for beginners. That's a great way to meet people who can help you with your questions.
Hope this helps and good luck!
-Tara
I'd recommend taking a class on basic technique and also decide if you'd rather do ocean or river kayaking. Rent a few times until you figure out if you're willing to commit to it.
After that buy either a cheap plastic ocean (long) or river (short) kayak from craigslist or the place you rented from. Remember you also need a way to tranport the kayak (ocean kayaks can run near 18 feet long) in addition to other equipment like a paddle, PFD, paddle float, ect.
After you get skilled enough that you aren't running the kayak into rocks and getting flipped in surf and stuff, sell the cheap kayak and buy whatever fancy rig you want.
Don't get a rudder because that will enforce bad boat handling skills and it's just something else that will break, don't worry about brands since shape of the hull is what matters. Make sure your boat doesn't leak before you take it out, wear a wetsuit if the water is cold, make sure you can self rescue.
I highly recommend the Perception Search:
http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/product/index/products/recreational/search/search_13/
I've used this boat in the ocean and lake and it's great for beginners because it is a Sit-On-Top kayak, meaning that if you fall over you just fall into the water as opposed to being trapped in an upside down kayak! It also cannot sink because when water comes over the top it just drains right out the designed holes in the kayak. It's great for surfing ocean waves and it tracks well on flat water. It WILL NOT do well in whitewater (remember there is no kayak that "does it all")
I highly recommend the Perception Search:
http://www.perceptionkayaks.com/product/index/products/recreational/search/search_13/
I've used this boat in the ocean and lake and it's great for beginners because it is a Sit-On-Top kayak, meaning that if you fall over you just fall into the water as opposed to being trapped in an upside down kayak! It also cannot sink because when water comes over the top it just drains right out the designed holes in the kayak. It's great for surfing ocean waves and it tracks well on flat water. It WILL NOT do well in whitewater (remember there is no kayak that "does it all")
The best kayak to buy is the one that is going to get you out on the water. It doesn't have to look good, be super light, or even last you a lifetime. I own a sea kayaking company in Alaska, and live in one of the best kayaking destinations in the world. I see a lot of nice kayaks stored at people's homes, but the best ones are the ones that actually float!
My advice would be to go to your nearest kayak symposium, retail shop on the water, gear swap, or kayak club. Paddle as many as you can while you're learning what suits you best. Then shop around for a used one with the same or similar specifications (length/width, material, hull design, storage capacity....) There is a huge market for used kayaks anyway. After you have a little more experience under your belt, you can always sell it and buy another used boat!
Or if you have some time on your hands, buy yourself a wooden kayak kit and build it! It's not hard, it's cheaper than a new boat, and after you build it, you'll always know how to repair it.
Tight Budget...
Agree with local retailers etc to some degree. REI serves sea kayaking but have zilch in the way of whitewater goods.
You really need to decide on one whitewater kayaking or sea kayaking. They are not one in the same and the gear has been specifically designed for each sport for your personal safety and comfort.
I know about nill in respect to the sea kayaking.
If you want rivers...you've got two choices, big water and creeks or play boating. I would recommend startign in a larger more forgiving boat if you head to the river. Start with www.americanwhitewater.org and then search for local clubs in your state etc also
professorpaddle.com if you happen to be in the PNW it is a great resource for those just starting. Get with people in a club or on a forum. most kayaker are pretty strraight forward and willing to help anyone learn that wants to, most will help with basics just because but good cold beer is always a good form of payment. you do need a ride back to the top of the river afterall right?
Check craigslist.org in your area and serach key words in sporting goods, kayak, paddle, helmet, life jacket, sprayskirt, roof rack. there are always people dumping stuff that dont use it anymore.
Also, again, the clubs, though some of their rules and memebers are at time quarky, as we all are, they are still the best resource. You might meet somone at a club function who's wife came foe the night finds out you want to learn, knows the husband has twenty kayaks and only paddles two of them anymore...just saying...expect some substancial upfront cost with little costs other tahn travel once you get into the scene.
I just recently got started kayaking flatwater. The best quality boats I found after reading a million reviews were Dagger Kayaks → Dagger, Perception Kayaks → Perception, and Necky Kayaks → Necky. They all make different models based on your size and what exactly you plan to do (camping for a weekend, fishing, leisurely paddling).
If you plan on being on a lot of open water, I recommend getting a rudder system attachment to help you negotiate the wind. I did not and now wish I had.
The best thing to do on a budget would be decide which models from each brand you prefer and check out craigslist and get someone who is trying to unload theirs.
Also, craiglook.com will search all the nearby city craigslist pages for keywords. It might make it easier to find them if kayaking is not as popular in your area.