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Malibu Stealth 12 Fishing Kayak Review

Today we present our review and description of the Malibu Kayaks Stealth 12 Fishing Kayak.

Most anglers look for a few different things in a fishing kayak — stability, manoeuvrability, comfort, storage, and rod holders. The Malibu Stealth 12 offers all of these features and more.

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Enhanced Stability and Maneuverability

Malibu Kayaks are known for offering superior stability, and the Stealth 12 Fishing Kayak is almost impossible to tip in normal conditions and is stable enough to stand from when fishing. At 12 feet long, it’s not the fastest kayak in the fleet, but it offers outstanding manoeuvrability.

Center Live Well, Bait Tank and Casting Platform

A significant feature of the Stealth 12 Fishing Kayak is its built-in bait tank and live-well. Water is pumped into the tanks via hull pumps and is discharged once the water reaches a certain level by use of integrated discharge drains. An adjustable aerator valve allows you to adjust exactly how much water flows in. Access to the bait is simple by use of a 6-inch screw-off hatch in the middle of the well.

No live bait? No problem. The live-well also works as a storage area for a tackle box or other supplies.

Located to both the right and left of the casting platform are two additional hatches. The left trap provides access to the live bait pump and plumbing. The right trap is a built-in tackle box.

Incredible Storage

Anglers need space for rods, gear, lunch, bait, etc. The Stealth 12 includes four built-in rod holders — two up front for fast access and two in the rear. A Gator Storage Hatch, Child Seat, and Bungee Storage system at the hull of the boat and a large open back well located behind the seat offer the ability to carry almost anything and give you the ability to keep your rods safe and secure when necessary.

Additional features of the Stealth 12 Kayak include bow and stern handles, adjustable footrests, a comfortable high back seat, and built-in paddle holders.

The Malibu Stealth 12 Fishing Kayak measures 12’4″ in length, 33″ in width, and weighs in at 60 pounds. It offers a maximum people and gear weight capacity of 450 pounds.

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Full Features

Length: 12 feet, 4 inches Width: 33 inches Depth: 12 inches Weight: 60 pounds Capacity: 450 pounds Casting Platform and live-bait tank Unmatched Stability Made for Anglers Bungee Cord Storage Child Seat Gator Storage Area Flush Mount Rod Holders (4) Paddle Holders and Carry Handles

Optional Features

X-Wing Sliding Console with optional 3 Switch Electrical Plate Foot Rudder System Rear Live Well/Storage Tank, Trolling Motor Kit

Malibu Stealth 12 Fishing Kayak Reviews

Customer Reviews

Reviews of the Stealth 12 Kayak have been outstanding from its owners.

Positive Customer Reviews

The most stable kayak I have ever owned. It takes some balance, but you can comfortably stand and fish from the Stealth 12. The live bait well is fantastic. I’m so happy with this kayak. — T.R.

I purchased mine with a rudder system making it very easy to steer and move around. I was casting while standing up on my first trip out. I don’t use the live-well for bait but as an extra storage area and I can’t tell you how beautiful it is to have easy access to everything instead of always having to reach behind the seat. Great fishing yak here. — T.C.

Negative Customer Comments

I always seem to be in the rear when paddling with other boats — even other 12 foot kayaks. No big deal as I’m not racing, but it’s not the fastest 12-foot kayak out there. But it’s also not the slowest. — R.W.

Latch for the live-well is flimsy as it gets. Front hatch will leak on occasion is not 100% waterproof. — B.G.

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kayakerguide-blog · 7 years ago

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The Best Sit On Top Kayaks On Sale in 2018 - Kayak Reviews

Sit On Top Kayaks Are On Fire!

Previously the sit on top kayak was slightly less popular than their traditional counterpart sit in kayaks however over the past years the market has exploded with hundreds of new models and ever increasing market share.

The need for these sit on top kayaks is justified because of their easy handling, manufacturing, and storage capabilities. The market continues to grow with an estimate being that sit on top kayaks will replace their traditional counterparts in the near future.

Deciding first steps

The first thing you will have to decide is what you’re going to use the kayak for, and see if you need a touring kayak, or a fishing kayak, etc.

Next, decide whether you want to get a sit-on-top or a sit-in kayak. There are subtle differences between the two.

Sit-on-top kayaks tend to be the most user-friendly ones, as they’re very stable, and fairly easy to get in and get out. You also don’t feel closed inside them, and they usually come with scupper holes that allow water to be drained through. However, they leave your body exposed, and they’re more suited for warm environments. Plus, it’s certain that you won’t remain dry while you’re paddling, which is something that a lot of people tend to avoid.

Sit-in kayaks, on the other hand, shelter your entire lower body, protecting it from wind, which makes them much better for situations where you need to remain warm, or colder environments. If you want to remain dry while you’re paddling, they’re your best bet. They are also best suited to people who look at the kayak as a vehicle for traveling, instead of a toy.

Top 5 Sit On Top Kayak Rankings

The following is a comparison table of the top five best rankings for a sit on top kayak. This comparison table was made using the most important specs for kayaks and customer reviews.

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Inflatable Budget Also GoodBest BudgetTandem OptionFishing Option

Best Sit On Top Kayak

Name

Intex Challenger K1 (Budget)

Malibu Mini-X Recreational Model

Ocean Kayak Frenzy Kayak

Lifetime 10 Foot Manta Tandem

Ocean Kayak - Trident 13 Angler

Rating***********************Price$+$$$$+$$$+$$$$$+$$$$$$+ Weight27lbs45lbs50lbs65lbs60lbsSize9'9'39'10'13' User Reviews17016324911Detailed ReviewClick hereClick hereClick hereClick hereClick here

Tips and Guide For Buying Your First Sit On Top Kayak

The following is a list of a few steps to guide you on your first purchase.

1. What do you plan on doing with your kayak?

No kayak is made as a multifunctional vessel, and buying a kayak for your exact needs is important. For example, fishing in a whitewater kayak is difficult, as you don’t have nearly enough mounts and storage for all your gear, so make sure not to buy the wrong kayak. Is is going to be used for family trips, used on the weekend at a nearby river or lake. Have you seen videos of more extreme kayaking like white water or ocean kayaking and like the idea of doing something like that. Maybe you like to fish and have decided that you would like to try out kayak fishing. There is no point buying a 13ft long self baling kayak if you plan to use it on your local lake and you won’t want a inflatable if you plan on shooting rapids or hitting the ocean waves.

2. Transporting & storing your Kayak

If you have a decent sized vehicle, a garage with some space in it and a little bit of cash to spare then you can look at any kayak that suits your budget. If you have limited space, don’t have a suitable vehicle or have limited cash then you might want to be looking at an inflatable kayak for transporting your kayak.

3. How often will you use the Kayak

This is the question I always ask to the kayak novice, I mean you can buy a kayak for under $200 that will do just fine for some recreational kayaking on weekend and family trips and if looked after will last a number of years. So ask yourself is the kayak going to be used enough to warrant it’s cost. If you buy a hard shell kayak for a $1000 for white water kayaking and then only get out in it once or twice a year isn’t that going to be a waste of money? You’d be better off hiring one for the time you are going to be using it instead.

4. Cost

Now that you have read points one to three you can decide on how much you will need to pay for the kayak, depending on your budget, what and how often you will use the kayak and what you will be using it for. It’s your first kayak, and you will most likely use it to learn the basics, as well as some more advanced things. Get a polyethylene kayak, they’re fairly cheap, and difficult to damage. If you happen to like the sport, you will use this kayak as a stepping stone to a more expensive one, thus it is smart not to spend too much on it.

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Follow a video on how to choose the perfect Sit On Top Kayak or other kayak

Components of a Sit On Top Kayak

The cockpit

This is the inside area of the kayak there are three main types for traditional kayaks, the recreational cockpit, the keyhole cockpit, and the ocean cockpit. Force it on top kayaks the cockpit is always in open design making it easier to get in and out and recover if it is flipped.

you should know that a cockpit should fit you properly, and you should be aware of this when you’re buying the kayak (more on that later). A cockpit that fits you right will allow you to use your entire body to help you with moving and maneuvering the kayak, which makes things much easier once you get the hang of it. You will find that it’s much easier to turn and lead the kayak in the direction you want it to, using your hips and legs and not only the paddle and your upper body half. You will feel like the kayak is an extension of your body, and you will see plenty of people that say a proper sit-in kayak is a thing you wear, and not sit in.

The Hull

The hull of the kayak is the most important part of the kayak it can be designed from different types of material including: thermal formed or carbonate plastics, fiberglass, Kevlar, polyethylene and more.

The bow or the nose

The nose of the kayak can improve speed when breaking through water.

The Stern or the tail

The tail of the kayak helps in directing water after the break and can provide a more aerodynamic kayaking experience.

Beam Profile

When we’re discussing the build and construction, it’s important that we mention the beam profile, which is the key thing about stability. If you measure the width of the hull’s cross-section, you can easily see what the boat is best suited for. A shorter beam profile will give you a more agile kayak. A v-shaped hull can also give you a lot of stability in certain situations. It is also worth mentioning the kayak’s rocker, which describes the lengthwise curvature of the kayak. The more curve it has, the shorter it’s waterline is, and you get sharper handling which is essential with high-performance kayaks like the ones used in whitewater.

The seat

The seat is one of the most important parts of the kayak it ensures that you are comfortable and avoid back problems. A good kayak seat can run up to $100 or more. Seats come in many types including homemade seat pads, sleeping foam pads, many cell phone and sculptured foam seats.

The hip pads

The hip pads only used for the sit on top kayak or semi open kayaks are more orthopedic and use and help the sitter have a more comfortable experience by allowing foam or material to absorb impact from the sides of the kayak.

Spray skirt?

First of all, what is a spray skirt? It’s basically something that the kayaker wears, and it connects you to the cockpit, thus creating a watertight seal. This is excellent as you won’t get wet, and you also won’t get water inside your kayak. A basic rule of thumb would be that if you don’t always paddle in calm conditions, you should wear a spray skirt. If you have no intentions of going near waters such as rapids or rivers, you will be fine without a spray skirt.

First of all, the spray skirt must be easily removable during an emergency or capsize, and you should always try it out before buying it, because not being able to get it out may be a serious issue. You should also be careful whether the skirt you’re buying will keep out water 100%, as some don’t. This might not be an issue during summer, but in the cold winter months, this is a big deal. You can also look around for spray skirts that have extra features such as storage pockets or adjustable waist bands etc., but keep in mind that they have a bigger possibility of leaking.

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Sit On Top Kayak Materials

The next thing you should know about sit-in kayaks is the materials they’re made of. There aren’t many, and they all come with discernible differences, as well as prices. Here are the ones that are most commonly used, as well as their primary characteristics:

Rotomolded polyethylene kayaks are usually the cheapest ones, and the heaviest too. They’re best suited for recreational paddlers who don’t want to spend all their money on a kayak. The material is known as a fairly flexible one, and that also makes it the most impact resistant one. However, flexing means that if you don’t store it properly, it can easily get deformed, and there will be a loss of strength when you’re paddling. Polyethylene is usually the material of choice for whitewater kayaks, where paddling efficiency isn’t that important, but impact resistance is. You should be careful, however, as it can easily wear through if you constantly drag it around on rough surfaces. The price makes it ideal for a first kayak, but advanced paddlers tend to go to more expensive options. Thermoformed or polycarbonate plastics are the next step up, price wise. They’re more scratch resistant than a polyethylene kayak, and hence have less drag in the water. They’re cheaper than fiberglass, and more repairable than polyethylene, making them the perfect middle ground if you don’t want to spend too much, but don’t want to buy the cheapest option either and need a lighter kayak. However, you should be aware that they haven’t exactly excelled in durability.

Fiberglass is one level up, and a fairly common choice for sea kayaks. It’s lightweight and lasts for decades. It can take a beating, but it doesn’t quite match the impact resistance of polyethylene. This kind of kayaks are usually covered with gelcoat, which improves scratch resistance and reduces drag at the same time. They’re also very good with the fact that if you happen to damage the kayak, it is easily repairable, and you can even do it yourself, as materials for repair are available at a number of stores. What you should avoid is chopped mat glass, and see if you can find woven cloth lay-ups, as the quality of the fiberglass can make a huge difference.

Kevlar is very similar to fiberglass, and also covered in gelcoat. However, Kevlar kayaks are much more lightweight than fiberglass which can raise the prices by up to $400 or $500 more. However, a lot of people say that Kevlar boats can suffer from gelcoat cracks, but that depends on the construction itself. Kevlar doesn’t tear, nor puncture, but if laid up in very thin layers it might flex. The gelcoat, however, doesn’t flex, and in these circumstances it cracks. When buying, look for a carbon-reinforced Kevlar, or go with a heavier layup that won’t flex as much.

Wood is the final option, and usually the go-to material for a do-it-yourself kayak project. Kayaks made of wood are both strong and lightweight, and they’re easy to repair and customize. With wood you get an either “stitch and glue” construction which is easier for beginners, or a “strip built” kayak that requires a bit more skill. Building your own wood kayak will give you fiberglass or Kevlar-level quality, but at a polyethylene price. However, if you have it built for you, you will pay more than a Kevlar kayak would cost, but the aesthetics and craftsmanship are well worth it.

Foldable or inflatable kayaks are also there, but people tend to avoid them, except if they really don’t have where to store a hard-shell kayak, as they don’t last as much and tend to suffer performance losses, as well as being very susceptible to punctures.

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The Health Benefits of a Sit On Top Kayak

There are not that many physical recreational pastimes that appeal to people of all ages, male or female and from all walks of life but kayaking is certainly one of them. Kayakers are the most diverse group of people you can find.

It can also increase your strength and overall fitness it especially works the upper body and abdominal muscles and what’s great is that you are having fun while getting fit, not pushing weights in a stuffy gym but breathing fresh healthy air!

Key Benefits of Kayaking

Weight Loss

Cardiovascular Health

Cholesterol Reduction

Stress Reduction

Back, Arms, Chest, Abs Toning and Strength

Joint Health

Detailed Health Benefits Article

Last important words

When all is said and done, you will see that choosing a kayak after you’ve read this sit in kayak guide isn’t in fact so difficult. It is true that there are quite a few variables, but if you have a clear image of what you need the kayak for, as well as what your budget is, you can make a decision you won’t regret. Of course, you should always try before you buy if that is an option, but if you read the aforementioned guide carefully, you can be sure you won’t make a mistake.

We at kayaker guide know that Sit On Top Kayak kayaking is an amazing recreational sport and pastime and sit on top kayaks are a great way to participate. The guides and rankings on this site have been researched thoroughly and have taken many man hours to compile. Please use this information and we wish you the best of luck when choosing your next sit on top kayak.

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Want to See Even More Kayaks?

Click here for our Best Fishing Kayak Rankings

Click here for our Top Tandem Kayak Rankings

Click here for our Top Inflatable Kayak Rankings

Check out More Detailed Reviews

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kayakerguide-blog · 7 years ago

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The Best Tandem Kayaks On Sale in 2018 - Kayak Reviews

We have compiled over 40 hours of research and writing time to find you the best kayak. Through our experiences and considering the average kayakers budget and experience we have found the Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak to be the best deal out there at $500 and with the added benefit of having rigging for fishing in the case you ever decide to partake in the sport its unbeatable.

Last Updated: April 4th 2018 We have updated our top list to include more affordable options we have removed the Hobie 2000 tandem options and switched them in for the more affordable alternatives to reflect the users that usually come to this guide.

Kayakerguide is providing kayak recommendations using research from only the best hand chosen sources and veteran kayak testers who refuse to display only but the best in kayaking choice and journalism. Let us know what you think so far and sign up to be notified when we publish a new guide or article.

Our Pick Lifetime Sport Fisher Tandem Kayak The Lifetime Sport Fisher offers the best overall tandem kayak features with solid design, great tracking, and the added benefit of converting into a fishing kayak if you want to try the sport. Check Price And Availability The Lifetime Sport Fisher was an easy choice when we thought of a good overall tandem kayak that would give a person everything they wanted while weighing in features, design and price. Sure there were more expensive models with more features and even better designs but once we came down to it nothing could beat the lifetimes price tag. The Lifetime Sport Fisher comes with different scupper holders for any fishing rods you may have. It comes with a very sturdy design that even allows your to stand up while kayaking. The seats are made of extra firm plastic that gives extended comfort and the storage space includes mesh at the front of your extra gear. The weight capacity is more than ample as-well.

The k2 is the Cadillac of kayaks, its a roomy ride that rides smooth with great tracking and decent speed and maneuverability. The Kayak itself is very stylish with its yellow skirts and black patterns. The Intex Explorer K2 Inflatable Kayak is the perfect buy for the new kayaker that wants a plus one, regardless of its 10 inch length it provides a great ride that’s unbeatable at its price range. Check Price And Availability For Tighter Budgets K2 Tandem Inflatable Kayak The standing champion in budget kayak the k2 offers a entry level inflatable kayak for tight pockets. This kayak is one of the best multipurpose kayaks on the market today it can be used for any type of water including lakes and calm rivers and works great with two people without causing any speed of maneuverability problems. You can even rig this kayak for fishing. The kayak tracks well, paddles smoothly and works great with an anchor or trolley. If your looking for something a step up from the normal tandem the Ocean Kayak 12 ft Malibu should be your go-to kayak.

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Runner Up Ocean Kayak 12 ft Malibu Tandem The Malibu offers a bit of a more advanced and longer hard shell kayak that is perfect for the kayaker that wants something they can show off in! Another inflatable model of tandem kayak that does not disappoint. Many know the sea eagle brand as a leader in inflatables and the 330 is their flagship tandem bestseller. The Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable kayak provides a super smooth ride on lakes and rivers and bounces off rocks without any damage to the boat. The boat tracks decently and meets all of the demands of whitewater as-well Check Price And Availability Also Great Sea Eagle 330 Inflatable Kayak The sea eagle is another inflatable option perfect for the cottage or family trips out, it packs and unpacks quickly and efficiently.

Want to See Even More Kayaks?

Click here for our Best Fishing Kayak Rankings

Check out More Detailed Reviews

Best Tandem Kayak Report Card 2017

How to Choose a Tandem Kayak

A Tandem Kayak can come in two basic forms. They come as sit on top kayaks and sit inside kayaks and both are available as singles or doubles. They also can have hard shells or be inflatable’s.

Although there are some major difference between sit inside and sit on top kayaks they share many of the same parts. The top of the kayak is called the deck, the bottom is the hull, while the front is the bow and the back is the Stern. On top of the deck you’ll often find deck hinges or bungees. At the start of the kayak you should find black hoops and some kayak rudders move from side to side in the horizontal plane and some are controlled by foot pedals that simply drop straight in the water and help the kayak move straight.

The sit on top and sit inside tandem kayaks have seats and some form of back support. There are foothills which slide on a track to adjust for different size riders which are convenient because you’re going to be spending a full day on the water so using the foothills are a lot more comfortable and give you a lot more support.

The best kayaks also have a built-in backrest which makes sitting in a kayak a lot more comfortable.

The biggest difference between the two types of kayaks is that sit inside kayaks are enclosed, there is a cockpit where you sit. Around the cockpit is a place where you can attach a skirt to keep the water inside the cockpit. Within a tandem kayak you’ll find two seats and sometimes foot pedals which you can adjust according to your legs.

With hundreds of kayak options out there choosing a tandem kayak can be overwhelming but it doesn’t need to be and it’s hard to make the wrong decision.

The best way to narrow out your options is to :

Identify how and where you will be using your kayak.

Will you be paddling at a sheltered Laker out on the beach? Will the temperature of the water be warm Are you looking for a kayak that can travel quickly? Are you looking for a kayak that is stable and is difficult to tip over?

Your first and biggest decision is to go for a sit on top or sit inside tandem kayak and there are pros and cons for both.

Sit on top tandem kayaks are the most user-friendly. They are very stable and easy to get in and there’s no feeling of confinement. They are also self-bailing which means they have small holes like stopper holes that allow water to drain through them. Another thing about sit on top tandem kayaks is you can slip in and out of them as you please.

All these features make the sit on top kayak a great choice.

The downside of the sit on top model is that you’re guaranteed to get wet while paddling while sit inside kayaks of allow you to stay dry. Sit insides also shelter your lower body from the wind which make them much more beneficial for paddlers that want to be in cooler water and stay dry while paddling. One downside of the sit inside tandem boat is that you don’t have the same freedom to move inside of the water and if you do flip for some reason recovering is a hard process because you’re kayak will be filled with water. Sit on top recreational kayaks are very stable fun and easy-to-use. They have large cockpits so they are not confined and some even have waterproof compartments that are accessible through hatches in the deck.

You’ll need to decide on a length of your tandem kayak.

There is a general rule the longer a narrower a kayak is the faster it will travel and the wider a kayak is, the more stable and slower it will be.

Sit on top tandem kayaks are considered recreational and are ultra-stable. Sit inside kayaks can vary a lot more in shape and size and purpose in fact sit inside kayaks can be broken into two distinct categories there are:

Recreational sit inside kayaks and then there are Sea kayaks.

The recreational boats are wider, shorter and have a big cockpit so they do not feel confining. The sea kayaks are longer, and narrower so that they travel faster. They also have a lot more control over the edge of the boat. The cockpits though are a lot smaller so they do tend to feel a lot more confining although it’s very easy to get in and out of these ones as well if speed is in that important to you might as well choose a shorter kayaks. They are lighter and easier to move around. Most tandem kayaks have a hard shell made from a durable plastic that will last forever and it doesn’t require much maintenance.

There are also tandem kayaks that are made from composition materials like fiberglass carving and Kevlar that make them significantly lighter. The downside is they don’t take abuse as well and they also tend to cost a lot more.

You’ll also have inflatable tandem kayaks. They are very comfortable to sit inside and they can be deflated and folded down and actually carried in a backpack. These kayaks are made from fabrics that are surprisingly durable. Inflatable kayaks are incredibly versatile.

Additionally thermal formed tandem kayaks are the new thing to hit the market they are gaining popularity because of their affordability, durability and weight.

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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Learn To Kayak

Small Intro To Kayaking

Health Benefits of Kayaking

Storing Your Kayak Guide

Habits of a Successful Paddler

Getting In And Out Of A Kayak

Sea Kayaks and Intro and Getting Started

Strategies To Save Big On Kayaking Gear

Kayak Bass Fishing Fly Tying Patterns

Kayak Bass Fishing Rigging For Fly Fishing

How to Choose The Best Spinning Reel

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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The Essential Kayak Anchor Guide: Be Still

Getting Started With Kayak Anchors

Imagine this. You get up in the morning, pack up, and put your kayak on your car rack. You’re headed out to your favorite fishing spot, hoping that it won’t be crowded. You get into the water and paddle to your favorite spot and, as you get within the perfect casting distance, the wind turns you around. Or the current grabs you. Regardless, you’re no longer within that perfect window of opportunity, and you’re starting to get nervous.

But, does it have to be like this? Absolutely not. There are plenty of ways to ensure that you stay still, and by far the most popular one is using an anchor. This is pretty much the standard method to make a boat stay in one place. And, of course, it works for kayaks too. You will notice that some of the same principles that apply to boats, will apply to the kayak too, albeit on a smaller scale. For an anchor, the weight is not the only determining factor; the size is as well. Below you will find a few types of anchors, all with their pros and cons, as well as a sample anchor setup that should give you an idea of what the system consists of. However, there is one thing that you should know before you try any of the options below. An anchor doubles as a safety device. When you’re at point A, and would like to stay there, instead of drifting towards rocky rapids, or a busy boating channel, etc., this could be essential to your safety. But, as with any safety equipment, you will want to know how to use it, so you ought to learn how to use one correctly, long before you set out on the water.

Types Of Anchors

3 vs 1.5 lb kayak anchor

Even though many people might say that “anything heavy enough can be an anchor”, this can be a terrible mistake. If you don’t use a proper anchor, you will have it slide across the bottom of the water in adverse conditions. The most common kind of anchor you’ll run into in the kayak fishing crowds is either a 3.0lb or 1.5lb folding anchor. This is incredibly efficient. It lies on the side, grabbing the bottom. This is where a thing called scope is important. The scope is the ratio of the amount of line from the vessel to the anchor, to the water’s depth. The most commonly used ratio and the one you’ll probably run into the most often is 7:1. This means that for every 10 feet of water, you need 70 feet of line. Even though this might seem like a lot for a kayak, if you want the anchor to be useful, you’ll need it. The anchor’s goal is to get on its side and dig in preventing on minimizing movement, and having this amount of line is crucial for this. You could also put a few feet of chain at the anchor, and tie your nylon rope to that. This little trick makes sure that the flukes of the anchor are well stuck in the bottom. If you’re in a significant current, you’ll want a 3.0lb anchor. For fishing on flats, a 1.5lb model should do well.

Where To Position The Anchor? Bow, Stern Or Side?

For anchoring on the bow or stern, both have their benefits, as well as their downsides. It is entirely up to you to choose where you want it. If you anchor from the bow, you will be casting up current. You should be aware of the anchor line in front. On the other hand, if you go from the stern, you don’t have to worry about the anchor line, but at some point, the line will move in front of you, thanks to the current. Another safety tip, if you do decide to anchor from the side is to be very careful when pulling your anchor up because the instability of raising it can tip the boat quickly.

An Anchor Trolley

What happens when you want to switch from the bow to the stern, without having to get out of the kayak? This might be tricky, and that is where an incredible device known as an anchor trolley comes in. This is a rig that runs the whole length of your kayak, on one side. The anchor line is run through a ring in the rig, and what this does is it lets you move the ring, and change the placement of your anchor. All you need to do to change from the bow to the stern is to slide the ring.

A anchor trolley is a means to not only stay in 1 place but to have the ability to keep in 1 location and face the direction which you would like to be positioned towards.

– A anchor trolley can be used so that you can fish with the wind direction at your back, across currents, or fish directly into the wind – A anchor trolley makes it a lot easier pulling up the anchor and enables complete control for the consumer anchoring in any sort of water. – Utilize a kayak anchor trolley method to turn your kayak around without needing to take out your anchor

A Stakeout Pole

You might notice people using these, and initially, you may think that it is a pretty ridiculous idea just stabbing a pole into the muck and hoping you don’t move. However, that stake out pole is pretty good in keeping you still. It simply sticks to the bottom and holds you in place. You can also use it through the scupper holes of your kayak, for added convenience. And, if you don’t want to buy one, you can make one from PVC. Any home improvement store will let you get yourself a pair for less than $10. All you need is some PVC, and you’re pretty much set to go. There are even some people who opt for broken rods, or golf clubs. The advantage is pretty much one of convenience. Deploying an anchor might take a few minutes, but staking out is a thing that takes only mere seconds. However, the disadvantage is that this trick only works in shallow water, otherwise you would need a pretty long pole, and they’re too flexible to stick when the depth increases.

Drift Chutes Are A Thing Too

In case you just want to slow down, but not stop completely, you can use a drift chute. It is a pretty slick idea that creates additional drag and slows you down. You deploy it, and it catches water, thus creating more resistance and slowing you down. If you’re battling a large fish, and want some additional pressure, this is a great, effective way to do so. No tarpon angler launches without one. Well, not a respected one anyways. And the best thing is that once you’re done, all you need to do is pull it in, and pick it up. The water will run out, and you can throw it in storage, and you’re done.

A Sample Setup

Foldable Anchor, Great For Saving Space

After a while, you’ll realize that most, if not all kayak fishing, is done while at anchor. At certain places, especially those that have a high tidal range, that can be tricky. However, there are some combinations of a kayak anchor and additional tools that can always be of assistance, and work in a variety of conditions. Below, you will find one such system, as well as a pretty detailed description of how everything works and how the whole system is assembled.

We’ll begin with the anchor itself, and how it is set up. You’ll be best off using a foldable anchor – this will help a lot when you need to store it inside your kayak, as it takes up much less space. You also might want to set up some kind of a trip mechanism. This makes sure that you can free the anchor even if it does get stuck on something. There are a couple of methods, and they work as follows:

– Attachment Options. Attach a chain both at the top and the bottom of the anchor. However, at the top, use a cable tie to attach it. Cut a small nick in the cable tie. When an anchor gets stuck, if you pull on the anchor tie, the cable tie will snap. This lets you pull the anchor from the bottom, which frees it in most, if not all situations. However, there are two possible tricky things here. First, the cable tie might snap too quickly, and the anchor will be continuously pulled from the bottom, thus rendering it useless. Or, the cable tie might not snap at all, and you’ll have a hard time getting the anchor out. – You can also use a trip link clip. This is a device that attaches your chain to the top of the anchor and releases once the tension reaches a certain point. A movable trigger can adjust that point on the clip. This has the same effect as the cable tie from the method above, but this time you can specifically adjust when it releases, and not worry about it snapping off when it shouldn’t.

– Go with a bridle. A bridle is basically a small piece of rope that goes from the top of the anchor, to the bottom, and is attached using shackles. You attach the chain to it with a shackle, as well, which lets it move along the length of the bridle. There needs to be a bit of slack, but you should be careful with the amount of slack. Too much, and it won’t work. The idea is this: once your anchor is set, the chain goes to the top, and holds the anchor in place. However, if it gets stuck, all you need to do is paddle up tide, past the anchor. When you pull from this position, the shackle should slide down to the bottom, and you’ll actually pull the anchor from the bottom, effectively freeing it.

Next, you will notice that you do not run the anchor line to the anchor, but you have a chain connecting them instead. This is a pretty critical thing, because, for one, the chain makes a huge difference to the dragging power. Apart from the fact that it adds weight, it changes the angle that the line makes with the anchor. It also smoothens out any sudden movements on the line, which might shift the anchor. For stronger tides, around three feet of 6mm chain should be sufficient. If you have weaker tides, you could get away with less.

That chain, as described, is attached to a Para cord/nylon, which is then wound onto a divers reel. The line usually comes with the reel, so that’s one less thing to worry about. You will also find a brake or ratchet on the reel, and this should lock the line, actually stopping it from coming out when it’s anchored. When you want to release the line, just press the lever. However, if you’re deploying over the side of the kayak, be careful. Slowing the drum with your hand is a good idea, as the anchor drops to the seabed. Otherwise, you can get an overrun, which is a mess. There is also a float attached to the anchor reel as well. The buoy is best chosen as one that can support the weight of the anchor, but this isn’t very important. When you’re fishing at night, you could also use some reflective 3M tape or an LED on the float, so you can find it easier.

On the kayak, you have an anchor trolley. As discussed above, it lets you move the anchor closer to the stern, or the bow. The closer you are to those ends, the more stable the kayak is. We already discussed the pros and cons of each end, so choose accordingly. You can attach the anchor to the trolley with the karabiner that runs along the length. And that is basically it, a system that works great for any kayak, and is pretty easy to both use and set up.

Anchoring The Kayak

Once you have a decent knowledge of the equipment (and if you read the article above, you do), you should know how to anchor. There are three main factors here that can affect your anchoring; those are the tide, the wind and the depth of the water. You will want your kayak to come at a certain point once you’ve dropped the anchor. For this, you will need to deploy the anchor at a certain distance, before you get to your target. The distance is the first thing you should be careful about, since the distance is directly proportional to the speed of the drift, and it continually decreases. The faster the drift,

the faster the distance to your target decreases as well. If there is a faster drift, you will want to drop the anchor sooner. As far as anchor warp goes, you will need about twice the depth of water. When the distance is around twice the depth of the water, you can go ahead and drop the anchor. You should be ready for it at this point, as missing it may lead to you overshooting your target, or not even getting there.

Once you’re set, just lock the anchor line and the quick release. You should be aware, though, that this is a pretty tricky task to do. A GPS and a fish finder will be of great help if you have them, as the fish finder will tell you the exact depth of the water, while the GPS will let you drop a pin where you want to be, and calculate the distance with greater precision. However, even without them, with a little practice, you should be good. Nobody does it right the first few times, so patience and practice are essential. And, as mentioned above, in the beginning, you will want to learn this before you need it.

Summing Things Up

Anchoring a kayak is a handy thing to know. You will be able to stay still in one location, as opposed to letting the current drift you away from your fishing sweet-spot. Fishers, as well as photographers, or even bird watchers, will come to appreciate this, and investing in a good anchoring kit is a good idea. Take some time to practice anchoring, and learn your equipment. This will all come in handy once you need to anchor, and you’ll spend much less time trying to get things right.

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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The Essential Kayak Anchor Guide: Be Still

Getting Started With Kayak Anchors

Types Of Anchors

3 vs 1.5 lb kayak anchor

Where To Position The Anchor? Bow, Stern Or Side?

An Anchor Trolley

A anchor trolley is a means to not only stay in 1 place but to have the ability to keep in 1 location and face the direction which you would like to be positioned towards.

A Stakeout Pole

Drift Chutes Are A Thing Too

A Sample Setup

Foldable Anchor, Great For Saving Space

Anchoring The Kayak

Summing Things Up

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

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Kayak Or Canoe, Which is Best for you?

Even though you might very well be able to tell the difference between a kayak and a canoe, simply by looking at them, many people can’t. They often mix them up, even though they differ in quite a few areas. In the article below, I will try to touch upon the history of both kayaking, and canoeing, and we will take a look at some of their similarities and differences. We will also see what kind of people each of the boats is best suited for, and who should buy what.

The history of canoeing vs. the history of kayaking

The accounts are pretty different, and both sports started developing in various parts of the world. Well, at least in the beginning. The oldest example of a canoe is the Pesse Canoe. Experts believe that it dates somewhere between 8,000 and 7,500 BC. This is a simple dugout, and it was recovered near Pesse in Holland, during the construction of a new motorway, hence the name Pesse Canoe. And, it isn’t just the world’s oldest canoe, it is also the oldest boat ever found, of any type.

There is evidence that these kinds of canoes, dugout canoes, were used all around the world in the prehistoric times by various people. This also includes people such as the Aborigines and the Amazon rainforest tribes. However, the greatest advances in canoe development were made in North America. When the Europeans initially explored the interior of the continent, they noticed that locals used a more sophisticated design. Namely, their canoes were made of birch bark, which was stretched over a frame made of wood. These are considered the predecessors of today’s boats which are made of metal, fiberglass, and plastic. And, this is why the open top canoes are often known among people as Canadian Canoes.

As far as kayaks go, their history is a little different. Their origins can be traced back to one particular period, unlike the canoes. It is believed that the kayak was invented by the Inuit tribes, who lived in the far north, on territories that currently belong to Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. The first kayaks were mainly made with seal skins which were stretched over a wooden frame, and their primary purpose was to be used as a hunting boat. When you couldn’t find wood, you’d use carved whale bones. They were pretty sleek and very quiet, and they were ideal if you wanted to sneak up to an animal, such as a seal, undetected.

The first Europeans to take up kayaking were the Scandinavian explorers and missionaries, and locals even taught them essential techniques such as the Eskimo roll. There was a public demonstration of the Eskimo roll in Norway in 1889, and the person who demonstrated it is known as Oluf Christian Dietrichson, a member of the Greenland expedition which was led by a Norwegian explorer, Nansen. However, kayaking as a sport only caught up in Europe in the 20th century, around the same time as other sports such as alpine skiing. However, when it did catch up in Europe, kayaking as a sport grew up rapidly. Alongside a few pre-existing canoe disciplines, it was featured in the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, as a demonstration sport. However, the two paddle sports were completely integrated into the games 12 years later, in the infamous Berlin Olympics in 1936. Nowadays, both kayakers and canoeists compete in two disciplines, sprint, and slalom, and the competitor’s race in four seater kayaks, two seater kayaks, or single seat kayaks, and there is a variety of distances.

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

The general opinion is actually that a kayak can be considered a type of canoe. If you’re discussing “canoeing,” as a recreational activity, it may refer to paddling either a kayak or a canoe. However, kayak enthusiasts will tell you that paddling a kayak is known as “kayaking.” Both of the boats are lightweight, and they’re both meant to be used primarily on lakes and rivers. They’re also both human-powered, and for that, paddles are used. Both can be used for plenty of recreational activities, such as fishing, for example, and they both can travel in shallow waters. However, now that you know how they’re similar, it’s time to take a look at the differences.

If you see them from a distance, there is one thing you can use to distinguish them from each other. The paddlers, if in a canoe, usually sit on a seat, or kneel. However, kayakers are seated lower down, on the bottom of the boat, and their legs are stretched out in front. The paddles are also different since paddlers prefer single-bladed paddles when in a canoe, and double-bladed paddles in a kayak.

The next difference is the deck. A kayak will almost always come with a closed deck. This ensures that the inside, such as the storage place for your gear, is enclosed, and it surrounds the paddler. On the other hand, canoes have an open deck, which leaves the inside of the boat uncovered and open. Due to this, if you carry gear inside your canoe, be prepared for it to get wet in case waters get rough.

If you ask someone who knows, they will tell you that canoes and kayaks are made for different purposes. There is a good analogy here; you can compare them like you can compare a sport-utility vehicle to a sports car. The canoe would be the sport-utility vehicle since it can carry more people and more supplies. Therefore, it is better suited for people or whole families who want to leisurely paddle around calm lakes. The kayaks would take the spot of the sports car here. You don’t get as much storage options, both for passengers and supplies. However, their sleek hull design usually makes them faster, and they’re better suited for competitive water sports like white water rapids racing.

The consensus is that a kayak is made to be faster, and agiler. However, in the hands of an experienced paddler who knows what he’s doing, most canoes can travel as fast as a comparable kayak. However, overall, kayaks are made for speed, while canoes are made for stability and roominess.

Besides the boats being different, you will notice that the techniques for paddling both vessels are different. Since the canoe has a single bladed paddle, there is a t-handle on the other side. One hand holds that handle, while the other hand is used to hold halfway down the paddle. With this grip, canoeists can alternate strokes on both sides of the boat, and therefore compensate for having only one blade.

However, kayakers have a double bladed paddle. What this means is that they can grab the paddle in the middle, and use alternating strokes, pushing themselves first with the left blade, and then the right blade in the water. The blades are set at a 90-degree angle to each other, which means that the paddler should know the required twisting technique to maximize his pushing power and minimize the wind resistance. Kayakers also have some advanced techniques that they can learn, such as the Eskimo roll. The maneuver lets you use your hips and the paddle to right the kayak after it has capsized. Since the canoe has an open deck, as mentioned earlier, this is pretty much impossible to do.

The fact that canoes and kayaks have pretty different strengths, as well as weaknesses, if you want to go kayaking or canoeing abroad, you should consider the destinations you want to visit. There are plenty of places that you can enjoy in a kayak, but they would be impossible to enjoy in a canoe, and vice versa. The general public opinion is that flat waterways are better suitable for canoes. They are usually easier to navigate, so if you want to explore inland waterways, a canoe is usually the way to go. For example, if you want to go canoeing, popular places include France and Holland. Kayaking abroad, on the other hand, often comes with the possibility of going white water kayaking. This requires the complete opposite of canoeing conditions and asks that you head to the mountains, where you can find fast rivers. For example, travelers in Nepal and northern India love kayaking. Uganda is also considered an incredible place for serious paddlers, mostly because of the White Nile. Another popular option is the Zambezi River in Zambia and Zimbabwe as well. You will also find that there are sea kayaks, which are boats that aren’t suitable for white water, but instead for waves, as well as sea conditions. They’re an excellent way to see the coastline of a country, as well as explore any outlying islands. For example, Florida and Puerto Rico are two pretty popular kayaking locations. If you’re nearby, you can also find great sea kayaking spots in Scotland as well.

Debunking some pretty popular myths in regards to canoeing vs kayaking

If you’re still undecided, you will undoubtedly run into a few myths on this topic. However, most of them aren’t true and are simply there to steer you towards one or the other model by sellers. Let’s take a look at a few of them and how true they are.

1. Paddling a canoe requires more skill than a kayak

This is in no way true. This may seem to be the case when you see a beginner. If he’s in a kayak, on a calm lake, he will look good, whereas if he’s in a canoe, he will need some skill to be able to maneuver it. However, for any rougher conditions, all of this falls apart, as you’re on your own in a solo kayak. You can’t possibly learn everything you need in one season. The point is that if you’re a beginner, you can get around in calm water easier on a kayak. However, once you master both, you can do equally well in any of them. The only difference is the canoe’s steeper learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s easy. Kayaks, on the other hand, are easy if you need the basics, but the advanced techniques require quite some time and practice.

2. A kayak is faster than a canoe

This one is simple physics, and it is also not true. Both are hulls, and their highest speed depends on their length. If the boat is thinner, it is faster. You will find that you can go equally fast in both a fat canoe, as well as a skinny kayak, as long as they’re the same length. The difference is that the kayak since it has the less wetted surface might be easier to paddle. The ease of paddling, and not the speed, is why some people would prefer a kayak over a canoe.

3. A single paddle is much harder to use than a double paddle

Harder? No, but it is less efficient. A double blade paddle is more efficient because the effort you put into returning one blade into the catch position is the same energy that powers the different blade. However, the double blade paddle is also much heavier than a single blade paddle used in a canoe, which means that you’ll lift more weight. And, since there’s a rotational difference between the two blades, the wind can cause resistance and require that you regularly rotate the shaft to counter this. In the long run, this is known to cause tendonitis, which is why some paddlers opt for non-directional blades, as they can’t be feathered.

4. A canoe is far less comfortable than a kayak

This is a result of the significant difference in the construction. As mentioned earlier, a sit in kayak has a closed hull design, whereas a canoe has an open one. When you’re inside the kayak, you’re wearing it. What this means is that you’re stuck inside. Situations such as portages, downed trees, or even docks, are potential problems when you want to get in or out of the kayak. This is even more of a problem if you aren’t athletic. Your dog won’t like your kayak. Your grandma won’t like your kayak either. You will be pretty cramped inside the kayak, and the fact that your legs are out in front of you will make them fall asleep. Water will run by the paddle drip rings into your lap. Sure, you can wear a spray skirt, or a dry suit top. But, do you want that in the summer heat?

On the other hand, when you’re in a canoe, regardless of whether you’re seating, or kneeling, you’re in a higher position. You have a better view of what’s ahead, and the seat of the canoe will give you a much better view of the surrounding wildlife. If you want to photograph or fish, you also get a much more stable platform due to the height you’re at.

The verdict: who needs what

As you’ve seen in the article above, kayaks and canoes are pretty different. Starting with their construction, canoes are open, while sit in kayaks are closed. With a canoe, you are on top of the boat, with a sit in kayak you’re inside, and near the bottom. They’re both suited for very different environments. Canoes are better suited for flat, calm waters, while a kayak is ideal for many things and can be specialized for white water rapids. A canoe requires a single blade paddle, which requires switching to both sides in an alternating matter, while with a kayak you get a double blade paddle. However, the kayak’s paddle is heavier and requires a more careful technique. With a kayak, you can learn the basics in a pretty short time, while with a canoe it will take a while before you can maneuver it with ease. However, once you do get the hang of both, a kayak is much more challenging as far as advanced techniques go.

It all comes down to what you need and what you will use it for. The fundamental difference, the purpose, could very well be the deciding factor. If you live, or travel often, to an area which has calm, flat waters, a canoe will be much better, even though it will take you a little longer to get the hang of it. On the other hand, if you live, or often travel, to the mountains or the open ocean, and you have fast flowing water and rapids, a canoe can be a disaster, and you need a kayak. So, if you don’t want to make a mistake, give your needs and requirements a good thought, and make your decision.

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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Choosing A Lake Kayak: Ultimate Guide For Beginners

Kayaking as a sport, a brief introduction and history

Created thousands of years ago by the Inuit, kayaks were primarily used for fishing and hunting. Even though fishing is still fairly popular when we’re discussing kayaking, it is far from the only use for a kayak. At that time, the kayaks were used as a stealthy way to sneak up behind hunted animals.

In 1931, modern white-water kayaking began. Adolf Anderle was the first to use a kayak and go down the Salzach Gorge, thus marking the beginning of white-water kayaking as we know it today. In 1936, kayak racing was introduced in the Berlin Olympic games. Nowadays, kayaking is a fairly popular sport worldwide.

Kayaks are nowadays made from various materials, and for various purposes. Materials range from polyethylene, which is the most common material due to its performance and price, to carbon fiber and fiberglass, which are more expensive but offer better performance. There are even inflatable kayaks, made out of inflatable fabrics such as rubber or PVC, for those who can’t afford to store a hard-shell kayak and transport it everywhere they need it. As far as purposes go, you will find fishing kayaks, lake kayaks, white-water kayaks, touring kayaks, etc. Their names usually tell you what they’re for, and if you investigate deeper you will find that even though some of them might appear similar, there are some differences that set them apart. For example, you will find mounts for fishing equipment on a fishing kayak, but those are obviously not present on a white-water kayak.

For the purpose of this guide, I will focus on lake kayaks. Lake kayaks are usually user-friendly kayaks for people who want to get out on the water. They are also known as recreational kayaks, and they are easy to maneuver and pretty stable, which makes them ideal for calm waters such as lakes. There are usually large, open cockpits, that let you get in and out with ease, and you can keep your gear inside. They are a great way to enjoy a day out on the water.

What you should know about kayaking

If you’re only starting out in the sport, there are a few things to know. The first thing is to know what kind of equipment you will need. The basics are the kayak and the paddle, and you will want to look into a wet suit, helmet and buoyancy aid as well.

We’ll begin with the obvious one – the kayak itself. If you’re a beginner looking to enjoy days out without any specific purpose, you will want a lake kayak, or recreational one, they’re both basically the same thing. You might be tempted by the speed you can achieve in a white-water kayak, but be aware that they require quite a lot of skill to be able to control them. Fishing kayaks can also be interesting, with all their mounts and other bells and whistles, but if you’re only out to have some fun, those bells and whistles will soon start to get in the way. And, last but not least, the storage options of a touring kayak might lead you to believe that you can take everything you need, and more, but that will slow you down severely and trust me, you don’t want that when you’re trying to learn. Therefore, we go back to the original choice – a lake kayak. More on how to choose one below.

The paddle is twin bladed, and they’re usually around 2 meters long. However, the size should depend on your height and the width of the boat, as well as your paddling style, so make sure to get an expert’s advice before you buy. A wet suite will make sure that you stay dry even though you’re constantly getting sprayed with water. A good rule of thumb would be a standard, 4:3 style wet suit, which is 4mm thick on the body, and 3mm thick on the arms, to begin with. A helmet is also important, since it protects your head from rocks and hard objects you may hit. Last but not least, you should invest in a buoyancy aid. If you want to begin kayaking, you probably know how to swim, you should be aware that an injured kayaker can’t swim that well, let alone an unconscious one. Try on a few before you buy and get one that fits tightly, yet gives you room to move your arms, you’ll need them for paddling.

How to choose a lake kayak

Nowadays, it might seem that just about anyone makes kayaks. There are plenty of brands to choose from, and all have extensive lineups, that are, honestly, confusing for a beginner. Which brand to go for? How much money to spend? Which model to buy? To help you with this, below you will find a guide that describes all the things you need to be careful about when you’re buying a lake kayak, and makes your decision easier.

Design considerations

When buying a kayak, there is one big trade-off to think about, and that is tracking versus turning. A boat that tracks well, which means it maintains a straight line with ease, doesn’t turn well. This is something that you should be aware of when buying, and keeping in mind the locations where you’d like to paddle can help with the decision.

Stability is the other important design consideration. A lake kayak is usually fairly stable, mostly due to the hull design. The hull has a flat bottom, which gives you the most initial stability in flat water. There are two ways to define stability, primary and secondary stability. The primary, or initial stability, is noticeable when a boat is at rest. This will give you an idea of how easy it will be to enter and exit the boat, as well as how comfortable you’ll feel when it is moving fairly slowly. If you’re a beginner, high primary stability can be very beneficial. Secondary stability, or final stability, is the feeling of tipsiness when the boat is moving. Generally, if a kayak has high initial stability, it will not be as stable in rough conditions. And the other way around, if a boat feels tipsy when at rest, it tends to become fairly stable in rough conditions. When you’re getting a lake kayak, you will be moving in flat water, and chances of rough conditions are very slim, which means you need to aim for high primary stability. Advanced paddlers often need a boat with higher final stability, because that means that the boat will be much more stable once they pick up some speed and the conditions get a bit worse.

Inflatable vs hard shell

Inflatable kayaks are a pretty interesting category. They can be deflated in a matter of minutes, which makes them much easier for storage and transport. They are certainly ideal for people who have smaller cars with no roof racks, or people who can’t really afford to store a large kayak in their home. However, they do come with a performance loss over hard-shell kayaks. They tend to be more difficult to maneuver, and often slower. Maneuverability is important, especially for beginners, and a slow kayak can take away part of the fun.

Materials to choose from

As far as materials go, they’ve certainly come a long way from the initial ones that were used by the Eskimos to make their kayaks. Nowadays, you can choose from plastic and fiberglass to carbon and wood, and even inflatable fabrics. However, they all serve different purposes and all come at different price ranges, so read on to see which to go for.

Plastic is by far the heaviest, and the most common variety you’ll find is polyethylene. However, it is extremely resistant to damage, which can be fairly beneficial if you’re a beginner. It is recycled from consumer and industrial scrap, and can be easily recycled afterwards. Most beginner kayaks are made of polyethylene, and there are a few reasons for that. First of all, it is a bit heavier, which makes it a little more stable, even though it is slower. Second, it is usually very cheap, and always much cheaper than premium materials such as carbon or Kevlar. As far as lake kayaks go, if you’re after a hard-shell kayak, polyethylene is the way to go.

Fiberglass is a bit more rigid, and as a consequence, more efficient. However, unlike plastic, once you damage it, it cracks on impact and is fairly difficult to repair. It comes at 2/3 of the weight of polyethylene, but a beginner kayak paddling on a lake will not even notice that, and the damage resistance trade off isn’t really worth it. The same can be said for exotic materials, such as Kevlar or carbon. They’re even lighter, but more susceptible to damage, and they’re also quite expensive.

Inflatable boats, as we mentioned, are best for portability and storage, but they do come with tradeoffs in terms of performance. They usually sacrifice speed, and tracking, and the price and performance can range from cheap and not very good ones, to some expensive and high-performance models.

Cockpit size

When you’re looking at a kayak, if you need it for recreational paddling, a large cockpit is always welcome. And, you will find that most lake kayaks do indeed have large cockpits, and you shouldn’t buy one if the cockpit is small and offers limited space. Why, you may ask? First of all, you need to feel comfortable. A whitewater kayak will have a snug cockpit, since you need to move your entire body to maneuver the kayak. However, in a recreational kayak, that is not necessary, and comfort is much more appreciated. Next, if you’re out for fun, you will probably want to bring some gear such as binoculars or a camera with you. A large cockpit will let you store this inside, and have it near you at all times, so you don’t have to dig though the storage compartments. One more thing a large cockpit offers is easy entry and exit. With time, you will come to appreciate if you don’t have to struggle for a few minutes to get comfortably inside your kayak.

The inside organization of the cockpit is also important. It contains all the contact points between you and your kayak, and you need to make sure that all of them are per your specifications. Your feet are constantly laying on the foot braces, so you should look for ones that suit your size, or maybe even adjustable ones that let you choose your position accordingly. Adjustable foot braces or pegs will also keep the price higher should you want to sell the kayak afterwards. The seat should be fairly comfortable, since even as a recreational paddler, you will most likely spend a few hours out on the water, and a comfortable seat is important in such a situation. You wouldn’t want to be dealing with pain and cramps, would you?

Storage area

Touring kayaks are famous for having plenty of storage area, but you might not find that with a lake kayak. However, you might even not need it. If you only plan on spending a few hours on the water, you don’t need a huge hatch and two bungee rigs on the bow and stern. You only need the essentials, and considering how spacious lake kayaks tend to be, you can count on the storage provided to you by the cockpit itself. However, when you’re out in the water, you’re most likely to have some sort of electronic devices with you, such as a smartphone, and possibly other items that you’d prefer if they stay dry, such as a wallet or card holder. For these situations, you will want to have a waterproof hatch, albeit a small one, that can keep your essentials dry. Most lake kayaks offer this, but it is an important thing to keep in mind when buying one.

Budget and brand

Last but not least, when buying a lake kayak, your budget is another important part. Kayaks range from fairly cheap, to pretty expensive ones, and you should set your budget before you even start looking at them. You will undoubtedly be tempted by a kayak made of more premium materials, or one that comes with a lot of bells and whistles, but the truth is that you often don’t even need them. As far as brands go, you will find plenty to choose from, but going with a reputable manufacturer will almost always guarantee a higher quality, and better customer support in case you need it. Manufacturers worth mentioning include, but are not limited to Ocean Kayaks, Perception Kayaks, Riot Kayaks, Wilderness Systems, Malibu Kayaks, Old Town Canoes and Kayaks, Jackson, Sun Dolphin etc. These are all brands that have quite a few recreational models, and you can choose one according to your budget and requirements.

What sets a lake kayak apart?

There is actually a pretty easy way to describe a lake kayak. Take a touring kayak. Then, remove most of the storage available, enlarge the cockpit, add a couple of inches of width and shorten the boat by a few feet. There, you now have a recreational kayak. They’re usually 10 to 12 feet long, and they’re by far the most stable kayaks you can buy. Even though they won’t go anywhere especially fast, you can be sure that they are very beginner friendly and comfortable. If you simply want to get on the water and not much more, they’re your best bet. The only thing you usually give up is speed, but if you’re out to have fun, speed isn’t such a big deal anyways. Shorter boats usually mean that the water has less time to get out of the way, and fill the space behind the kayak, and if you try to move too fast, you will have a big bow wave as a consequence. If you take your time, however, you will preserve energy and still get anywhere you want to. A good analogy would be an under-powered compact car. As far as performance goes, it’s not a big deal, but it will get you from point A to point B. They’re fairly fuel efficient as long as you drive them the way they’re intended to, but if you try to peg the speedometer, you’re in trouble. All in all, for people who are usually beginners, and want something to get them out on the water and keep them stable, a lake kayak is the best bet. And the guide above should help you choose one and not make a mistake.

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

New Post has been published on http://www.kayakerguide.com/inflatable-whitewater-kayak-comprehensive-guide/

Inflatable Whitewater Kayak Comprehensive Guide

What kinds of kayaks are there, and why should you go for an inflatable one for whitewater rapids?

Buying your first kayak means two things, usually. One, you’re pretty excited to be getting into a new sport, and can’t wait to go out on the water, and two, you’re going to be overwhelmed by the number of options and it is very easy to make a mistake.

The first one is always good, and you should be excited as kayaking is actually a very interesting sport. However, the second one can spell disaster if you fail to do your research, which is something that more people do than would care to admit. It is nothing to be embarrassed about, it is actually easier to mess up your purchase than you’d think. When you’re shopping for a whitewater kayak, you will find plenty of options. However, the first thing you will run into is hard shell kayaks, collapsible kayaks, and inflatable kayaks. Let’s dive deeper and see what each of them is.

We’ll begin with

Hard shell kayaks.

These are also known as rigid kayaks, or hard sided kayaks. Traditionally made from wood, nowadays the wood models you’ll find tend to be very expensive. They are also fairly high upkeep in terms of maintenance, which only adds up to the cost. However, they can mean a lot if you’ve built them yourself. Nowadays, you will find an increasing number of plastic kayaks, as they have been picking up steam these past few years. They’re the heaviest material for a hard shell kayak, but the cheapest, which is what leads people to buy them. They are in no way bad, but they are expensive to repair if you happen to damage them. However, damaging them is actually much more difficult than you think, since they��re very resistant. You will also find fiberglass and carbon fiber or Kevlar kayaks, but those are pretty exotic models, with a price to match. They’re extremely lightweight though, and easy to maneuver.

Collapsible kayaks

are more expensive than both hard shell kayaks, as well as inflatables. They are basically made of a fabric, which stretches over a frame, usually a wood or metal one, and takes the shape of a kayak.

Even though they’re expensive, they are very durable, and pretty tough, which means that you will really have to try if you want to damage them, and their resale price is also pretty good.

Last but not least, we have

Inflatable whitewater kayaks.

They will be the focus of the guide, and you will see who should get one, and why.

First of all, inflatable kayaks are the best choice for people who are buying their first kayak. They are very lightweight, tough and durable, which also makes them good for rougher situations such as whitewater rapids. They also have one more benefit that you won’t find anywhere else, and that is portability. You can deflate them and put them in a backpack, which means that you don’t need a kayak trailer or even roof racks to carry them, and you can throw them in the corner of your garage, without them taking up a lot of space. And, last but not least, they’re pretty cheap, which is great for anyone looking to try out the sport, without being sure if you want to completely invest yourself.

Even though plenty of people seem to think that inflatable kayaks are not made for whitewater rapids, it is actually quite the opposite. The materials used for inflatable kayaks nowadays are very durable and increasingly resistant to damage. And, obviously, it is much less damaging to hit a rock with an inflatable kayak, which only bounces, instead of hitting it with a hard shell and getting a hole that is very tricky to repair afterwards. One of the greatest things about these kayaks is that even though they can carry multiple people and their gear, which totals multiple hundred pounds, they can be carried to the water by a single person and only weigh a few pounds themselves. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s see what an inflatable whitewater kayak consists of, and what things you should look for when buying.

What are inflatable kayaks made of?

When you see an inflatable kayak next to a hard shell kayak, the differences are immediately visible. There are plenty of parts that are unique to inflatable kayaks, and they’re often completely different from what you will find on a rigid kayak. For anyone who is looking to purchase their first inflatable whitewater kayak, you should know what these parts are and how they work.

Air Chambers

We’ll begin with the obvious – air chambers. Inflatable whitewater kayaks are all made of multiple air chambers, which make sure that even if there is a problem, the kayak will leak pretty slowly instead of popping suddenly and causing serious problems. This way, if one of the chambers happens to have a leak, you still have a few others to keep your kayak floating, and make sure that you get to shore safely. For example, if your floor air chamber goes, that still leaves you two side chambers and your kayak won’t completely deflate this way. Most of the inflatable kayaks available today, especially those for whitewater rapids, are constructed like this, to keep you safe in case something happens.

Valves

To inflate the aforementioned air chambers, air is filled through valves. Those valves are one-way valves, which only let air get inside the air chambers, but not leave them afterwards. There are two commonly used valves, a Boston valve and a military valve. Most of the high quality inflatable whitewater kayaks will come with one or the other. A Boston valve screws into a fitting in each chamber, and comes with a rubber flap that lets air in, but not out. There’s also a top cap that covers the hole. A military valve has six screws that hold it in place, and is usually installed in a recessed boot. It is a very dependable valve, and it has been used for years.

D-Rings

This is another key part of inflatable kayaks. D-Rings are usually found all over the kayak, and the more you have, the more things you can attach to them. You can secure anything you want, from seats, to dry bags and backrests, and even your gear. The good thing is that even if you think that you need extra D-Rings, with an inflatable whitewater kayak it’s as easy as buying extra ones and gluing them on.

Seats and footrests

When you buy a kayak, they usually come with some kind of seat. The difference between a hard shell and an inflatable kayak is that with an inflatable kayak, the seats are usually inflatable as well. This also gives you the flexibility of getting a seat that suits you better. As far as footrests go, they’re often inflatable as well, and you can always add them in if your kayak doesn’t have them.

Drain Holes

Even though almost all inflatable kayaks come with self-bailing drain holes, you will find that they are a staple feature of whitewater rapid kayaks. Their main purpose is to let water that collects into your kayak drain out, and lighten your boat. This isn’t so necessary in a recreational kayak, but kayaks made for rough water will experience water getting inside of them pretty often, and drain holes are a welcome addition. However, even if your kayak of choice doesn’t have drain holes, don’t worry. An inflatable kayak is made so it doesn’t sink even if it is filled right up with water. The air chambers will keep it floating, so you don’t have to worry. However, it is pretty heavy, so if you don’t have drain holes, you might want to bring a bilge pump with you, to help you empty your kayak.

Rudders and skegs

Skegs and rudders are different, even though you might think otherwise. Rudders are usually used on ocean or touring kayaks, as they help with maintaining a straight direction. However, in conditions when your direction is affected by waves or wind, such as in whitewater rapids, you will need a skeg. The skegs can help with the skidding, and keep your kayak on track. They can truly make a big difference in the performance, and you might want to look into getting one.

What should you should keep an eye out for when buying?

When you’re buying a whitewater inflatable kayak, there are a couple of questions you need to ask yourself, and I will elaborate below. There are plenty of styles and a lot of issues you might run into when buying, so make sure to read what is written below carefully, and then make a decision.

What is your weight and size, and how much weight do you need to carry?

A whitewater kayak should be comfortable, as rough conditions will put alot stress on your body . You should look at the design of the kayak, as well as the width and the leg room. If you’re tall, is more of your height in the torso, or your legs? This can make a massive difference, so check accordingly. Also, you will need to check the carrying capacity, to make sure that you can fit along with your gear, and are below the limit.

Are you always going to paddle solo, or are you always bringing along someone for the ride? Or do you want both options?

If you want to go solo, there is no need of getting a tandem kayak. However, if you often bring someone along, you should get a larger kayak so you can both fit inside. Or, if you want both options, or are unsure of whether you need a solo or a tandem inflatable kayak, you can get an inflatable with multiple sitting positions. This way, you have front, rear and center options. The front and rear can comfortably sit two people, and you can remove one seat and shift the other one to the center if you’re going solo.

Will you carry a lot of gear?

If you want to bring along plenty of gear, you will need storage options. D-Rings can give you that flexibility, but you can also look for attachment options for storage bags, both at the rear and the front. Some whitewater inflatable kayaks even offer bungee cord storage options at the stern and hull.

Do you need a spray skirt?

Since we’re discussing whitewater inflatables here, yes, you do need a spray skirt. Especially useful in waves, or cold weather, having a spray skirt surrounding your cockpit and body can make a huge difference. It keeps much of the water out, as well as maintaining temperature inside the cockpit.

Do you need self-bailing options?

Not to be confused with drain plugs, a self-bailing kayak is especially useful in whitewater situations. There are holes in the bottom, and the water that spills inside when you pass through the rapids, will go out through the holes. However, in calm waters, the water will come back in, but you shouldn’t worry about this since you’re looking for a whitewater kayak anyways.

What are the dimensions and weight of the kayak that you would be able to carry?

People who buy inflatable kayaks often buy them because of their portability. However, you still need to carry this kayak around before you inflate it and get into the water. There are even situations where you will need to hike with a backpack to get to the rapids you’d like to go in. For this purpose, you should be careful with the dimensions of the kayak and its weight.

What brands to go with?

There are plenty of brands that offer kayaks, especially inflatable ones. You will find plenty of cheap options, as well as plenty of expensive ones, but buying from a reputable brand can mean a lot in terms of quality and durability. These brands all have extensive lineups of kayaks, and you can see the customer reviews for them, in case you decide to investigate any one of them, they are usually positive.

The first brand worth mentioning here is definitely Sea Eagle, as they have been around for years and offer some of the best kayaks you can buy. Other brands worth mentioning are NRS, Advanced Elements, Coleman, Solstice, Pelican and Intex. All of them can be trusted, and they range from cheap beginner inflatable whitewater kayaks, to more expensive and advanced models.

There are a few myths that you shouldn’t trust, regarding inflatable kayaks

Since the internet is an obvious place to find information on just about anything, you will undoubtedly run into some myths about inflatable kayaks, and here are a few that you should avoid.

They can’t perform well in whitewater.

This is outright wrong, as there are a lot of manufacturers that sell some very good inflatable whitewater kayaks, and they do well even in class IV whitewater rapids.

They are slow and difficult to maneuver.

This is true only for the cheap pool toys that you probably got when you were a kid, but a well-made inflatable whitewater kayak will be incredibly quick to maneuver, and will also track well across the water.

They’ll leak on the first sight of a rock.

Another lie. Yes, this one could also happen with those pool toys, but a serious inflatable kayak is made of heavy-duty PVC, and will bounce of the rock instead of popping.

They’re made for people who aren’t serious about kayaking.

First of all, kayaking is all about having fun. There are plenty of people who enjoy an inflatable kayak, and there are even whitewater competitions for inflatable kayaks. How much more serious can you get?

They are not as stable as a hard-shell.

When you see the construction, and the fact that an inflatable kayak’s base is usually wider than a hard-shell, you realize that they’re actually very stable.

They aren’t as fun as a hard-shell kayak.

There are quite a few things that you can’t really do in an inflatable kayak, such as blunts, an eskimo roll, the McNasty, etc. However if these few tricks aren’t a big deal there’s really not that much you can do in a hard shell that you cant in an inflatable.

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

New Post has been published on http://www.kayakerguide.com/sea-eagle-kayak-buyer-guide-top-10-boats/

Sea Eagle Kayak Buyer Guide Top 10 Boats

History Of The Brand

Located near the old Port Jefferson Harbor where several of America’s greatest sailing yachts were constructed SeaEagle started selling inflatable boats back in 1968. Their very first product was a two-man inflatable kayak made in France known as the Pyrawa. This kayak enjoyed significant success throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s and had been sold through Sears and other catalogs and vendors, in addition to its in-house promotional advertisements and direct sale procedures.

Every year they have introduced new versions to create high-quality inflatable boats available to everybody at a fair price. Through the years their line-up has exploded to comprise 10 different inflatable kayaks, SUPs, motor boats and transom boats which can handle up to 25 HP engines. After several years of introducing new and unique types of inflatable kayaks, the Sea Eagle brand name is now synonymous with quality, affordability, reliability and exceptional personal customer support. When you call into Sea Eagle, you hear a voice on the opposite end of the telephone, and each and everyone is treated as family members.

Now the line-up of Sea Eagle boats is broader and better than ever. Truly a company on the cutting edge of inflatable boats, SeaEagle continues to impress us year after year.

The Sea Eagle 300x Explorer –

The 300x inflatable kayak has brought significant changes to water sport for many kayakers that had not used an inflatable kayak before, introducing a kayak that stands out from the standard ones. It combines durability and stability to give you a kayak that speeds like a race car. The Sea Eagle Explorer 300x is extremely durable, versatile, portable, convenient and very easy to set up and inflate. In addition, the kayak maneuvers quite well and offers incredible stability. It comes with all the necessary accessories and a 3-year warranty. The most interesting thing about the SE-Explorer 300x is that it naturally fits in any vehicle; weighing 28 pounds, it certainly will not break your back when loading or offloading. With the 300x model you are assured of durability and safety. The best way to find out how great it feels is to take a ride personally this summer we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Sea Eagle Explorer 380x

The top-notch material used in the construction of the 380x Kayak means it will give you several years of enjoyment. Similar to all Sea Eagle Kayaks it comes with a 3-year warranty. It is packed full of fantastic features that make it the perfect choice: durability, safety, easy setup, convenience, versatility, and portable. The 380x model has a cutting-edge design of dual overlapped seams that have extra strength reinforced with glue finish for toughness and is also 98% welded. This amazing design not only lowers the entire weight of the kayak, but it also leads to a dramatic improvement in structural strength.

It has a sturdy, detachable slide skeg for open water tracking and is well-known for tackling extreme whitewater rapids. When you are shooting the rapids, you can leave the 16-self bailing drain devices open for extremely fast draining. For the best experience, the 380x model can offer you so much excitement and enjoyable moments. It is safe and gives you a great return on investment.

Sea Eagle Explorer 420x

The model is tough and stable enough to handle class IV of whitewater rapids. It is very comfortable and can handle flat-water too. The 16 ultra-fast drain valves can remain open for ocean kayaking and whitewater or closed for paddling in dry flat-water. The 420x Explorer is a champion with the ability to handle any adventure.

It is the largest of the Sea Eagle Explorers and weighs just 42 pounds. This durable and rugged kayak has an exclusive design of a long-lasting drop stitch floor that offers greater rigidity and enhance paddling performance.

Sea Eagle Se330

The 330 model is mostly used as a sports inflatable kayak. However, you can also paddle it as a canoe. It is the ideal model for inflatable kayaking beginners as it is nearly impossible to sink. You can quickly turn it and maneuver and can ride in almost anything apart from very sharp rapids. The best part is that any individual of any age can set up the 330 explorer since its very light. Besides, you can transport it using any car, airplane, a larger boat or even a bicycle.

You can use the 330 model for several adventures such as camping, fishing, or relaxing on the river, lake or calm sea. It comes with a self-bailing drain valve which helps to remove water if it gets into the boat. Due to its lightweight and efficient hull shape, the Sea Eagle Explore 330 is perfect for all people- young and old. It is quite easy to paddle.

Sea Eagle Se370

A weight capacity of 650 lbs, makes the 370 model ideal for an adventure with your family. This inflatable kayak is not only great in performance, but, also has some exceptional features that will give you a fantastic experience on the water. The Sea Eagle 370 is a large vessel that operates well in areas of storage, durability, construction, speed, tracking fish and portability.It has a five-tube construction that helps increase the paddling performance by modifying the sitting position and distributing the weight evenly.

Several boats do not have rear skegs; sadly this makes the boat turn aimlessly, making your paddling difficult. To avoid this experience, the 370 model has two molded skegs. Instead of the conventional pipe valves, the Sea Eagle has introduced the deluxe one-way valves. The pipes are easy and fast to operate. Furthermore, this kayak uses a modest pressure fabric in construction, making it both strong and durable.

FastTrack 385ft

The slender, curved shape together with the “NeddleKnife Keel” makes the 385 model a real high performing kayak. The essential feature of all is that this inflatable kayak is both stable and safe. It has a weight capacity of 32 pounds and can comfortably accommodate two full-grown people. The carrying capacity is 635 pounds, therefore even with two adults, there is an extra 400 pounds left that can carry maybe a dog or some luggage. Made of 1000 denier fabric with extended, overlapping seams for additional safety. The material is entirely resistant from both UV rays and salt water, which means its value does not depreciate if you leave it outside for a longer duration.

What’s more, the kayak has four air chambers which are an indication of Sea Eagle’s dedication to your safety. The FastTrack 385 can tackle ponds, ocean bay, and lakes with a lot of ease. When it comes to rivers the 385 paddles safely up to a class two rating. The original inflatable keel together with the back skeg makes for excellent tracking (hence the name FastTrack). This kayak paddles straight and maneuvers well in nearly any type of condition, whether in up streams, bay area or a windy lake.

FastTrack 385fta

The inflatable NeedleKnife Keel, innovative state of the art and rigidity provides you with a smoother and quicker paddling experience. Incorporated with narrower, sharper, pointed bows for simple entry through waves, wind, water, currently, makes this the best inflatable angling kayak. The 385fta is extremely fast, super portable, durable, stable, simple to set up and inflate. Moreover, it comes with a 3-year warranty, a variety of optional configurations and excellent tracking.

FastTrack 465ft

The 465ft is an inflatable kayak loaded with some fantastic features. It can hold a maximum weight capacity of 360 kg, which is three people. It has a white water rating of close to class two. The FastTrack 465ft is every paddler’s dream. Its sleek design and rigidity help you achieve a great kayak experience. It is great for beginners and awesome in terms of portability and safety. It is a great inflatable kayak that can handle long distance paddling. It comes with the following remarkable features: incredibly well-built, good tracking, fast set up and inflation, fast, stable and extremely durable.

Razorlight 393rl

The 393rl is sharper and straighter compared to any other kayak currently available on the market. It has an astounding paddling speed of up to 6 miles an hour. When on the water you will feel like you are riding in a hard shell. In addition to the drop-stitch construction, the 393rl uses thinner chambers that need less air for inflation. Due to its outstanding performance, capabilities, and design the 393rl kayaks are the highly recommended for intermediate and above paddlers. It’s set up is quick within five minutes you will be having fun on the water. The 393rl is durable, extremely fast, portable, stable, sleek and safe.

Razorlight 473rl

The Razorlite 473rl is one boat that has a straightforward setup. All you have to do is get it out of the bag, unfold it and inflate, fasten in the seat, the skeg, and the footrest and that’s all. This inflatable kayak has three basic chambers: one on each side and the other on the floor. You need first to inflate the floor before the sides. The sides are quite narrow, inflating them is a piece of cake. The 473rl comes with a pump that inflates the kayak quite fast. The inline pressure gauge is simple to read and operates great. The 473rl is sturdy, stable, good at tracking, has comfortable seats, simple to paddle, compact, easy setup, lightweight and extremely responsive.

Wrapping Up

The Sea eagle Line is something truly amazing the company has taken inflatable kayaking to the limits and produced a wide variety and range of kayaks that truly impresses. Known and the go to leader in the inflatable kayak market you really cant beat the design and quality of their line. If your looking for a kayak thats portable and have decided on an inflatable model we guarantee you’ll have a good experience if you choose a Sea Eagle Boat.

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

New Post has been published on http://www.kayakerguide.com/sea-eagle-kayak-buyer-guide-top-10-boats/

Sea Eagle Kayak Buyer Guide Top 10 Boats

History Of The Brand

Now the line-up of Sea Eagle boats is broader and better than ever. Truly a company on the cutting edge of inflatable boats, SeaEagle continues to impress us year after year.

The Sea Eagle 300x Explorer –

This Model is the perfect pick for anyone who wants a versatile and durable kayak. Within the lineup of Sea Eagle kayaks, the 300x is the smallest and is ideal for one person. The Sea Eagle has included all the greatest aspects of the previous models and enhanced some features to come up with the ultimate inflatable 300x kayak. This model has become quite popular since its release. Since SE is a known and respected brand in the world of Kayaking, the 300x model was well received by water lovers. The 300x inflatable kayak has brought significant changes to water sport for many kayakers that had not used an inflatable kayak before, introducing a kayak that stands out from the standard ones. It combines durability and stability to give you a kayak that speeds like a race car. The Sea Eagle Explorer 300x is extremely durable, versatile, portable, convenient and very easy to set up and inflate. In addition, the kayak maneuvers quite well and offers incredible stability. It comes with all the necessary accessories and a 3-year warranty. The most interesting thing about the SE-Explorer 300x is that it naturally fits in any vehicle; weighing 28 pounds, it certainly will not break your back when loading or offloading. With the 300x model you are assured of durability and safety. The best way to find out how great it feels is to take a ride personally this summer we guarantee you won’t be disappointed.

Sea Eagle Explorer 380x

The Sea Eagle Explorer 380x is not your ordinary kayak. It comes with exclusive features that make it stand out among its competitors. Experience all your water adventures in tandem. The Sea Eagle Explorer 380x is ideal for one or two individuals. With this model you can experience a broad range of water types, it does it all, it tackles open-water, white water, and even downwind sailing. The top-notch material used in the construction of the 380x Kayak means it will give you several years of enjoyment. Similar to all Sea Eagle Kayaks it comes with a 3-year warranty. It is packed full of fantastic features that make it the perfect choice: durability, safety, easy setup, convenience, versatility, and portable. The 380x model has a cutting-edge design of dual overlapped seams that have extra strength reinforced with glue finish for toughness and is also 98% welded. This amazing design not only lowers the entire weight of the kayak, but it also leads to a dramatic improvement in structural strength. It has a sturdy, detachable slide skeg for open water tracking and is well-known for tackling extreme whitewater rapids. When you are shooting the rapids, you can leave the 16-self bailing drain devices open for extremely fast draining. For the best experience, the 380x model can offer you so much excitement and enjoyable moments. It is safe and gives you a great return on investment.

Sea Eagle Explorer 420x

If you are making plans of camping, need to go on overnight trips or just require additional storage space. The 420x is the ideal kayak for you. Sea Eagle has integrated a detachable skeg which improves paddling speed and effectiveness and also increases tracking ability. When handling the whitewater rapids, you can just remove the skeg. The model is tough and stable enough to handle class IV of whitewater rapids. It is very comfortable and can handle flat-water too. The 16 ultra-fast drain valves can remain open for ocean kayaking and whitewater or closed for paddling in dry flat-water. The 420x Explorer is a champion with the ability to handle any adventure. It is the largest of the Sea Eagle Explorers and weighs just 42 pounds. This durable and rugged kayak has an exclusive design of a long-lasting drop stitch floor that offers greater rigidity and enhance paddling performance.

Sea Eagle Se330

The Sea Eagle Se330 comes first as the lightest and most portable kayak in America. It has a weight capacity of 26 lbs and folds small enough to fit in the truck of the smallest vehicle. Do not allow its light weight fool you. It’s a durable kayak which can comfortably hold two people or a weight capacity of 500 lbs and yet simple enough that one person can carry and paddle it. The 330 model is mostly used as a sports inflatable kayak. However, you can also paddle it as a canoe. It is the ideal model for inflatable kayaking beginners as it is nearly impossible to sink. You can quickly turn it and maneuver and can ride in almost anything apart from very sharp rapids. The best part is that any individual of any age can set up the 330 explorer since its very light. Besides, you can transport it using any car, airplane, a larger boat or even a bicycle. You can use the 330 model for several adventures such as camping, fishing, or relaxing on the river, lake or calm sea. It comes with a self-bailing drain valve which helps to remove water if it gets into the boat. Due to its lightweight and efficient hull shape, the Sea Eagle Explore 330 is perfect for all people- young and old. It is quite easy to paddle.

Sea Eagle Se370

Whether you want to explore a wild river during the day or ride down a calm lake in the morning, the Sea Eagle 370 is the kayak for you. It is an advanced model of the Sea Eagle 370 and it manages to go beyond the benchmark set by its predecessor. A weight capacity of 650 lbs, makes the 370 model ideal for an adventure with your family. This inflatable kayak is not only great in performance, but, also has some exceptional features that will give you a fantastic experience on the water. The Sea Eagle 370 is a large vessel that operates well in areas of storage, durability, construction, speed, tracking fish and portability.It has a five-tube construction that helps increase the paddling performance by modifying the sitting position and distributing the weight evenly. Several boats do not have rear skegs; sadly this makes the boat turn aimlessly, making your paddling difficult. To avoid this experience, the 370 model has two molded skegs. Instead of the conventional pipe valves, the Sea Eagle has introduced the deluxe one-way valves. The pipes are easy and fast to operate. Furthermore, this kayak uses a modest pressure fabric in construction, making it both strong and durable.

FastTrack 385ft

The Fast Track 385 is among the best tandem inflatable kayaks in the Sea Eagle Lineup. It is an improved model over their cheaper kayaks such as the 330 and 370. It is slimmer, faster and lighter than all of its predecessors. The slender, curved shape together with the “NeddleKnife Keel” makes the 385 model a real high performing kayak. The essential feature of all is that this inflatable kayak is both stable and safe. It has a weight capacity of 32 pounds and can comfortably accommodate two full-grown people. The carrying capacity is 635 pounds, therefore even with two adults, there is an extra 400 pounds left that can carry maybe a dog or some luggage. Made of 1000 denier fabric with extended, overlapping seams for additional safety. The material is entirely resistant from both UV rays and salt water, which means its value does not depreciate if you leave it outside for a longer duration. What’s more, the kayak has four air chambers which are an indication of Sea Eagle’s dedication to your safety. The FastTrack 385 can tackle ponds, ocean bay, and lakes with a lot of ease. When it comes to rivers the 385 paddles safely up to a class two rating. The original inflatable keel together with the back skeg makes for excellent tracking (hence the name FastTrack). This kayak paddles straight and maneuvers well in nearly any type of condition, whether in up streams, bay area or a windy lake.

FastTrack 385fta

The Sea Eagle 385fta FastTrack is a remarkable inflatable fishing kayak packed full with unique features that real anglers will love. Weighing 44 pounds and measuring 12’5” by 36”, the 385fta can hold a weight capacity of 635 pounds and can be set up as tandem or solo kayak. Sea Eagle is a trusted brand in manufacturing the best inflatable kayaks and boats worldwide since 1968. The 385fta is presently the only model in their lineup that is made for kayak angling. While several of their standard models possess optional fishing setups, the 385fta is the only one created exclusively for angling. It is an excellent addition to the existing fantastic Sea Eagle kayak line. The inflatable NeedleKnife Keel, innovative state of the art and rigidity provides you with a smoother and quicker paddling experience. Incorporated with narrower, sharper, pointed bows for simple entry through waves, wind, water, currently, makes this the best inflatable angling kayak. The 385fta is extremely fast, super portable, durable, stable, simple to set up and inflate. Moreover, it comes with a 3-year warranty, a variety of optional configurations and excellent tracking.

FastTrack 465ft

Typically, most people prefer to go kayaking during the summer when the weather is warm and sunny. The 465ft is ideal and durable enough for a kayaking trip in most conditions. Combining its resistant to both the UV rays and saltwater together with the drop stitch construction the durability of this kayak is remarkable. The 465ft is an inflatable kayak loaded with some fantastic features. It can hold a maximum weight capacity of 360 kg, which is three people. It has a white water rating of close to class two. The FastTrack 465ft is every paddler’s dream. Its sleek design and rigidity help you achieve a great kayak experience. It is great for beginners and awesome in terms of portability and safety. It is a great inflatable kayak that can handle long distance paddling. It comes with the following remarkable features: incredibly well-built, good tracking, fast set up and inflation, fast, stable and extremely durable.

Razorlight 393rl

The Razorlight 393rl is the first entirely drop stitch kayak in the world. It’s sleeker, lighter and faster to paddle compared to other inflatable kayaks. It is a top performance solo kayak that gives you the ultimate water adventure. It has a sharp, narrow bow and stern and as stated its entirely constructed with advanced drop-stitch technology hence it rides straight through the waves. The 393rl is sharper and straighter compared to any other kayak currently available on the market. It has an astounding paddling speed of up to 6 miles an hour. When on the water you will feel like you are riding in a hard shell. In addition to the drop-stitch construction, the 393rl uses thinner chambers that need less air for inflation. Due to its outstanding performance, capabilities, and design the 393rl kayaks are the highly recommended for intermediate and above paddlers. It’s set up is quick within five minutes you will be having fun on the water. The 393rl is durable, extremely fast, portable, stable, sleek and safe.

Razorlight 473rl

Razorlight 473rl is one of the most exceptional inflatable kayaks I know. It comes with some remarkable features that make it unique. Nevertheless, the reason I find it unique is its narrow design. It is very sturdy and extremely rigid when inflated around 7-10 PSI. The additional rigidity permits this kayak to ride smoothly through the water with very minimal effort. It cuts straight through waves and chops and moves quite fast. The Razorlite 473rl is one boat that has a straightforward setup. All you have to do is get it out of the bag, unfold it and inflate, fasten in the seat, the skeg, and the footrest and that’s all. This inflatable kayak has three basic chambers: one on each side and the other on the floor. You need first to inflate the floor before the sides. The sides are quite narrow, inflating them is a piece of cake. The 473rl comes with a pump that inflates the kayak quite fast. The inline pressure gauge is simple to read and operates great. The 473rl is sturdy, stable, good at tracking, has comfortable seats, simple to paddle, compact, easy setup, lightweight and extremely responsive.

Wrapping Up

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

New Post has been published on http://www.kayakerguide.com/jackson-coosa-hd-kayak-review/

Jackson Coosa HD Kayak Review

There are two things I find to be an absolute when kayak fishing. One is an excellent fishing spot and the other a dependable kayak that does a little more than merely get me there and back. I was pleasantly surprised when first trying the Jackson Coosa HD Kayak. The wider stance made it easier to set my gear and climb on board. The ease at staying stable, even in fast-paced waters made fishing and navigation less of a challenge.

The Coosa HD allows you to do more than just using the boat for an afternoon of fishing. I have been able to go out for a week at a time comfortably. It takes most of the work out of getting access to my favorite fishing spots. It glides silently through the water. I have taken the time to break down the essentials of what I feel is both good and bad about this kayak.

Check Price and Availability Here

Specifications

Here are a few of the pros:

Excellent Tracking and Response

The most memorable and successful fishing days involve the coming together of many factors, such as weather, time of the day, lack of noise, reduced boat traffic and getting to the right location. I may not be able to control many of these, but the Jackson Coosa HD Kayak kept me heading in the right direction. The tracking is not perfect, but correcting is easy. The calmer waters of lakes and ponds seem to provide smoother gliding surface, although it does well in a river environment.

Most Comfortable Ride Ever In a Kayak

The seat is well-padded and offers a lot of comfort for long hours of waiting to land your big catch. I weigh approximately 170 pounds and found the seat to have ample room. I’m not sure how it would feel to someone that is over 200 lbs, but I cannot imagine there would be any discomfort. I have spent over 16 hours in the seat and suffered no sensations of muscle exhaustion, or fatigue.

Width and Stability

The Jackson Coosa HD Kayak is a little wider than the original Coosa. I feel there is a slight loss of speed as a result of this design, but the trade-off is huge for those that love to kayak fish. You get increased stability while in motion. Climbing in and out of the kayak is easier with a wider frame. Staying still and lingering that way is much more comfortable while in the calm waters. The compromise on speed is minimal when taking the Coosa HD out into the rougher, faster waters. All of the enjoyment of paddling can be had with a more durable kayak than I’ve experienced in the past. This is the perfect kayak for those new to the sport.

Stand-Up Capabilities

Standing when fishing is a necessity. No matter what boat is used, there are times that standing is required. Casting, reeling the big catch in and stretching leg muscles are all a part of a successful and enjoyable fishing excursion. The Jackson Coosa HD Kayak is stable enough to allow for standing, even in lightly turbulent water. You can make quick adjustments to gear, recast the line, or add a new prized catch to your take-home stash without worries of dumping everything over.

Durable Kayak

I go fishing occasionally with my friends. These are the times I am glad to have the extra durability of the Coosa HD. They love to fish in rugged natural spots. This means I am greeting a lot of rough terrain and rocks. I never fear holes or scraping tears in the material. This is one tough hombre when it comes to taking a beating.

Gear Storage

I am amazed at how much gear I can stow on the Coosa HD. I am only limited by the amount of things I want to carry. You have areas to stash items to keep them dry, A cooler and equipment deck to secure your trip essentials and I can easily put my depth finder in place beside my GPS. I can bring plenty to drink, have my directions at the ready and know how much water is below me at any given moment.

River, Lake and Pond Worthy Fishing Tool

I have honestly come to appreciate my Jackson Coosa HD Kayak as much as my best fishing rod when it comes to my moments of solitude on the pond, lake or rivers. I would not be able to visit some of my favorite areas as stealth as I do without the assistance of the kayak. There is never a time it requires an engine, which gives me the opportunity to come and go from these areas in silence. Less noise equals more fish. There are a couple of spots I enjoy that can only be accessed by hitting the river first. This is when I am glad to be at the helm of one of the most durable kayaks made.

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Here are a few of the cons:

Weight

You will develop great muscle tone if you go out enough in the Jackson Coosa HD Kayak. You are packing roughly 85 pounds to and from the water. This was the only complaint I had, but it quickly disappeared after experiencing the comfort level of the seat. It takes two trips to pack down the kayak and gear. What I did was stow the gear under some brush and brought the kayak down last when fishing by myself. That seemed the most sensible route. I reversed the process to head back home.

Slow Turns

This kayak is a bit sluggish making turns when fully loaded with pilot and fishing gear. You have to get a sense for when to start turning, but the response is good overall.

The Jackson Coosa HD Kayak is the perfect boat for the serious fisherman that wants to get away from the noise and drift of the traditional bass boat. There is plenty of room and stability to make the trip enjoyable and prosperous. You can pack light fora day-trip, or take along a tent and sleeping bag to make it a weekend adventure. One thing is for sure, it will start a trend with your friends. Everyone will want to experience the feelings of freedom you brag about after returning from even a short afternoon out on the lake, pond, or river.

Check Price and Availability Here

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

New Post has been published on http://www.kayakerguide.com/jackson-karma-kayak-review/

Jackson Karma Kayak Review

Whether you are a light kayak user on the weekends, or an avid river runner any time the weather allows, the Jackson Karma Kayak is one of the best moderately priced boats on the market. I am impressed with the simple, timeless features that carry into all kayak activities I am drawn into from one week to the next. I never know whether I’ll be hitting some white water, or offering lessons to my nephew on the calmer waters of the lakes that surround my home. This kayak is designed to accommodate any skill level with a well-balanced, nicely performing piece of equipment.

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Features

So why the Jackson Karma?

Here are a few of the Pros:

Comfortable Cockpit

The Jackson Karma Kayak is wider and much roomier than I expected. It has a level of comfort that is nice, but it does tend to make you feel you might pop out at any instant. This is mostly an illusion since I never had any instances where I fell free from the boat. having sat in many different types of Kayaks, this is by far the most comfortable ride to date.

Forgiving Performance –

You do not need to be experienced at kayaking to thoroughly enjoy the performance of the Jackson Karma. It can go fairly fast when you want, but slow and straight to a pleasurable pace when you need a break, which is essential for beginners. I enjoyed the leisure pace allowed in the calm flats, but could quickly pick up the pace as the water demanded.

Weight and Ability to Carry –

They say you are only as strong as your ability to carry your kayak. I have a small frame but was able to pick up this boat and move it with relative ease. This speaks volumes of the weight distribution and balance. Packing it back out to my vehicle was just as easy, even after a long, challenging day on the river.

Balance On the Water –

The extended width of the Jackson Karma makes the boat feel a bit more balanced on the water. The robust construction of the hull, including ridges, gives the feeling of security when you are hitting the rougher waters and obstacles.

Ease of Correction –

Sometimes paddling the Karma too fast tends to give the sensation that you will lose control, but this boat is remarkably easy to correct. All I had to do was slow down the pace and felt in full control once again. I believe this was a problem in transitioning from using the Stinger to the new Jackson Karma. The boat tends to want to carve through waves and holes, rather than simply do the expected glide.

Outfitting Excellence –

One of the more challenging things to learn for those new to kayaking is adjusting the bulkhead. I think Jackson does well to create an easier method of just pulling the cord tight to make the change. There is no need to pull the boat in and adjust with screwdrivers and Allen wrenches. You do need to monitor the condition of the chord before each trip to make sure it is in good working order.

The Miracle of Staying Dry –

The Jackson Karma Kayak provided one of the driest river runs I have ever experienced on my first trip out. They have designed the hull with very few openings where water can enter and get you soaked. I was able to take full benefit of the cooler air along the water, without getting completely drenching like I was accustomed to for other kayaking trips.

Ease of Climbing In and Out –

Having been lake-dunked more than a few times by cheaply made kayaks, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was to climb in and out of this boat. It does take a little practice initially to know how to maintain balance when entering and exiting a kayak, but none of those fundamental stability issues exist with the Jackson Karma.

The versatility of Use –

The Jackson Karma Kayak seems to be the perfect boat for creek/river runs or a single lazy paddle around the lake. I was a bit timid to try the Karma. It was said to me long ago that Jackson was not a Kayak built for serious river runs. I am happy to say this kayak has performed well under every circumstance my trips have demanded.

Trustworthy Performance –

I honestly believe that the best confirmation of trust in a product is being able to feel comfortable in placing an unseasoned person in the cockpit and knowing they will be okay. The Jackson Karma Kayak is a great little boat for anyone to learn the sport safely.

Check Price and Availability Here

Here are a few of the cons:

Lack of Adjustable Cockpit Features –

Not having the ability to adjust the seat or thigh guards meant a few moments of careful repositioning at critical times. The cockpit has almost too much room that it feels loose, even though you are technically pretty secure. The shallow depth of the boat makes it impossible to get in the more familiar crouch position I am used to. The legs have to be kept more out-stretched and can suffer a little fatigue over the course of the day.

Awkward GoPro Mount –

The included mount for a GoPro camera is in a very awkward position. It is not at the best level to take pictures and videos of whitewater activities. It is annoying to look at.

Opinion Summary, Is It Worth A Buy?

I urge you to give the Jackson Karma Kayak a try if you in the market for a stable, well-performing boat that will answer all of your kayaking needs. This product comes as close as possible to be able to fit the needs of most adult sizes and skill levels. There are faster boats out there, but the Karma has speed combined with a level of control that is hard to find in many others of similar size. You will be pleased with the durable, yet light-weight construction. This will be the boat you grab for that unexpected day off from work. It can be carried and loaded quickly by one

Check Price and Availability Here

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kayakerguide-blog · 8 years ago

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New Post has been published on Kayaker Guide | #1 Trusted Kayak Pro Guide

New Post has been published on http://www.kayakerguide.com/best-sailing-kayak-ultimate-buyers-guide-2017/

Best Sailing Kayak Ultimate Buyers Guide 2017

From the past month, kayak sails have been becoming more and more popular because of their convenience and low prices. Kayak Sailing is my favorite sport and hobby, and I want to show and teach, how you can get into it today. From the advantages of a kayak sail, to how to pick the perfect kayak sail. This guide will focus on choosing a kayak sail rather than buying a kayak that already comes with one since its more common to get one sold separately.

Perks of owning a Kayak Sail

There are many perks of owning a kayak sail. It is cheap, portable, and convenience, they have been getting extremely popular over the course of the past few years for good reason.

For most kayak sails, all you have to do is either tie it over your kayak or position it in the middle of it. They are very useful for long trips, fishing and for convenience. The inspiration for kayak sailing came from New Zealand and Australia before it came to North America and has continued to flourish since.

Best Sailing Kayak Report Card 2017

How do I choose a Kayak Sail?

There are lots of small differences between all of the kayak sails and considerations to take in when choosing one.

1. Design

The main difference between all of the different sails are the design. There are lots of different types. There are the traditional sails, and the newer types. The wind-paddle sails are more of a circle shape. The Hobie sails, are more like the triangular traditional sails. The difference with the Sea Eagle sails, is that you can only use them on a limited number of boats. The Sea Eagle uses more of a synthetic material, which is why the QuikSail by Sea Eagle is one of the better quality and more durable sails. Some kayak sails work with specific boats. For example, the Sea Eagle Quiksail would not work with the Sun Dolphin Aruba. Some sails only work for sit-on kayaks, and some only work for sit-in kayaks.

Main Types of sail we know of are

Vshape Sails

These sails are downwind sails and the main dissadvantage here is that if a large gust of wind comes you will tip over pretty quickly and the fact that you can no sail upwind with these you can only go in the dirrection the wind goes.

Circle Shape Sails

Most the models here are also upwind sails that can only go in one dirrection and cannot be adjusted. They come with a visor to see through the center of the sail and help you manuever. These are mostly meant for beginners.

Tall L Shape Sails

Some of the best sails come in this design and they can be pivorted to switch directions and adjusted to take advantage of the wind wherever it may be coming from. These can also be some of the most expense sails and the most saught after.

2. Materials

Another consideration is the material. Depending on the company and sail the most common materials are cloth and plastic. The main difference, is that cloth is heavier but lasts longer than plastic, although the plastic sails stay efficient for longer.

To Learn more about materials scroll down to our materials section with more info.

3. Experience Level

Another way to choose the right sail is to decide how experienced you are with kayaking. If you are looking for an easier sail to setup and navigate, the Windpaddle might be the right sail for you. This is because, of its circular mast shape which makes it easier to control. However if you are more experienced and want something a little more heavy duty the hobie sail may be for you. Some sails are easier to setup for beginners in order of difficulty of experience level we would say the following from easiest in regards to setup and control to hardest:

Windpaddle, Sea Eagle, Falcon Sails, Hobie

What are the advantages of owning a kayak sail?

Speed: Kayak Sailing is an innovative sport. It is sailing and kayaking combined, so whether you like to sail or kayak, you get a combination of the two here. By combining these two sports you get an extra boost from one to the other. Though paddling can create an increase in speed the addition of a sail harnesses the power of the wind to add an extra few kilometers an hour to your speed.

Exertion: The addition of a kayak sail takes away the reliance on the paddlers arms and instead puts it on a renewable energy source which is the wind! This allows you to focus more on the other things like fishing or navigating rather then worrying about exhausting yourself

Fun: Why get a sail on your kayak? Because it’s a blast! The feeling of sailing with your kayak is great. You can pull up your sail, in a matter of seconds whenever the wind comes. When I first got my kayak sail, I had no idea how to use it but after a few hours of sailing with it, it was a piece of cake and something to this day i cant live without.

Convenience: An advantage of kayak sailing is that it also has some convenience considerations. For example; if you’re tired, you can sit back and let the wind take you, and feel the breeze while relaxing on your kayak. One of my favorite things to do while Kayak Sailing.

Fishing: One of the main reasons I first got into kayak sailing, was because of the fishing advantages. It is extremely good for trolling, and getting you to and from your fishing area. For those less experienced that know what trolling is, this is the art of leaving your fishing line out and slowly moving across bodies of water waiting for a fish to bite.

Top Kayak Sail Brands

Hobie

Hobie, was one of the first kayak sailing companies and has great quality sails. Very durable, and easy to setup. It has great customer service, and they sell the sails in major retail stores and online. The Hobie sails are made from clear plastic materials, which is why the Hobie sails tend to be lighter than some of their competitors.

WindPaddle

Wind-paddle

The sails are not customizable, but boast a great efficient design and are very easy to set up with any kayak. Wind-paddle has great customer service. Its simple to pull up and fold. The wind-paddle sails, have a very unique design and are very different from the other kayak sails. It is a circular shape, and is put in front of the kayaker with a transparent plastic material in the middle so the kayaker can see.

SeaEagle

Sea Eagle

Sea Eagle sails have great quality sails but only work with specific kayaks because they have a different way of attaching to the kayak. The Sea Eagle, has one of the best quality sails because of its composite design, and it is mainly made of synthetic plastic. This is better than having a cloth sail, because it is lighter and more efficient.

Falcon Sail

Falcon Sails

Faction Sails is a great sail company, with amazing customer service. If you email the owner of the company he will instantly respond. Falcon Sails, use a carbon fiber material for their masts which is one of the better materials for a kayak. One of the main perks of choosing Falcon Sails, is its coolest online feature. The option to customize the mast; you can choose the colors of everything on the mast, you can choose how the lines go and what the logo looks like. This is the main reason I love Falcon Sails.

5. Other Notable Companies: PAS, Serenity, Complete

There are some other players in the kayak sail field and these are more customized. Some of these offering from serenity and complete were really impressive they come off as more advanced brands that create large oversized sails for professionals or kayakers looking for the best in quality materials. If you are willing to dish out the higher prices we would definately recommend checking these alternatives out. Especially our favorite the complete giant start, supernova and the serenity upwind

Kayak Sail Materials

Synthetic Plastic and Cloth: It’s always good to know the materials of the products that you are buying. The newer kayak sails, are generally made of synthetic plastic, it may not last as long as the cloth but it does keep efficiency for longer duration. Another traditional type of sail, is cloth. It definitely lasts longer, but as I said loses efficiency quicker. It is also significantly heavier, especially when wet.

Visor Material: Because the Wind-paddle Sails are directly in front of where the kayaker sits, they put a plastic transparent material in the middle of the sail so the kayaker can see.

Carbon Fiber: Falcon Sails, use carbon fiber for their masts which are one of the better materials. Falcon Sails make really high quality and super durable masts, which is why it was a good idea for them to make it an option to customize the colors of the kayak sail.

Kayak Sailing Tips

Kayak Sailing is fairly a new concept, and even though it is a very simple sport to get a hang of, it is important to be aware of safety procedures and safety tips to have the best Kayak Sailing experience.

Know the surroundings of where you will be Kayak Sailing

Make sure you know the area that you will be kayaking in, to make sure you will not get into any hazards or incidents while Sailing your Kayak. Also understand there are boats and swimmers, so you know where those are and how to avoid them.

Make sure the weather is good for sailing

It is important to check the weather before you go on a day of sailing, because heavy rain and lightning, or extreme wind might pop up. This is a major tip for safety.

Do you have the right Sail?

There are many variety of kayaks, and different sails. Some are meant for fishing, but some are meant for heavy winds and rapids. This is important that you pick the perfect sail for you, to maintain safety.

Wear the necessary safety equipment

Kayak Sailing is not a sport to be taken lightly it brings dangers and hazards that could be threatening. Make sure to be prepared with all necessary equipment on your kayak, by wearing the necessary equipment such as a helmet and a life jacket. You can save yourself from harms way if an incident or collision ever occurs.

Keep your kayak clean!

To keep your Kayak and Sail looking good on the waters and more efficient and durable for longer make sure when you are done for the day clean your kayak and if you have been using it on the ocean to get any salt off that may degrade materials.

Know who is boating around you!

It is important to know who is kayaking, sailing or boating around you. This can stop many incidents and avoid collisions that could really harm you.

Make sure to bring some food and water

Even if you are planning just to be on the water for a couple hours, as a precaution keep a supply of food and water on your kayak in case anything goes wrong or you choose to stay longer. This is a very important safety precaution.

Know your own equipment!

This seems obvious but is important. Make sure you know how to use and coordinate the kayak sail, and understand how durable and what kind of things the Kayak Sail can handle.

Do It Yourself Kayak Sail

Creating your own kayak sail could be an option if you don’t want to shell out the money for a prebuilt one. However in all honesty some of the premade options are cheap and could save you a lot of hastle however we know theirs always those doityourselfers out there.

Example of a well drawn out plan.

The Basic elements of creating a kayak sail are listed below

Create and draw out a plan with dimensions and what materials you will need

Cut the tarp to your specifications (for this you need to choose a solid tarp material there are many options out there but a heavier duty plastic would probably be your best bet.

Cut piping (usually pvp piping is the best) creating a triangle shape for your mast, the mast must be secure and hold your sail.

Cut Rope and attach with hooks to your piping making sure to make the sail mobile so it has some give at the bottom of the pvc piping

Create wood block with dimensions for the bottom cutouts and a mount for the bottom of the kayak (more detailed instructions can be found in the video linked to and the attached documents.

Resource: 1. Video One (creating a Simple Sail for a canoe kayak for little over $20)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sABnvF9HYsY

Resource: 2. Video Two Do it yourself kayak sail, rotatable kayak sail.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Waccmq2C6TA

Summary

Kayak Sailing is an innovative sport. It is a very new and simple concept, and is extremely enjoyable, and this is why it is my favorite hobby and activity. It is an add on to kayaking, and after adding the sail it still keeps its simplicity but offers a new dimension to kayaking.

After reading all of this, you should be ready to purchase your first Kayak Sail and get on the waters. Kayak Sails, are really beneficial because of their price which easily fits in most people’s budgets. Before you buy a sail, first think what kinds of things you will be doing with it, because certain sails are meant for certain things. Also keep in consideration that some sails only work with specific kayaks.

Make sure you read through this whole guide, because every single piece of information is important. From how to pick the right kayak sail to how to maintain your safety with one. I hope you learned a lot about kayak sailing and I guarantee Kayak Sailing will be your favorite hobby after you pick it up. Thank you for reading the guide, and happy sailing!

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