Bushwalk Australia

Not bushwalking related, but I think I might get some good advice here.

My parents are looking at buying a couple of kayaks within the next month or two. Usage will be day trips, not longer than a few hours - though overnight capabilities wouldn't be knocked back provided no sacrifices are needed in other areas and cost isnt affected too drastically. Neither have extensively paddled before.

Stability is the key criteria, and need to perform well in a mild chop should the weather pick up.

Any suggestions? They have been looking at the Mission brand lately.

get them to discuss it with a kayak shop, as starters they should be getting a plastic kayak , not a fibreglass one, plastic is strong, fibreglass isnt, sea kayaks are generally stable by default, double kayaks more stable than single....
if they are only going a few hours they could just get a sit on kayak, sea kayaks are pretty much made for multi day trips...

G'day Strider

This is a big question!

I have owned several types of kayaks, from calm water to expedition. I currently own a Dagger Exodus, which is an ocean/expedition kayak. Whilst this one may not be appropriate for your parent's needs, I can however vouch for the great design and comfort found in Dagger kayaks. Great chines, even better and more stable when loaded up with gear. They handle chop very well, although I do believe that chop is all about skills as well as the kayak. They are a little expensive however. Great nonetheless.

Prijon, RTM and Wilderness Systems make excellent boats too. There are plenty more, but I guess it's all about retail accessibility, and price. Capacity Sports used to sell Prijon, and so did Canoes Plus...two well known kayak shops here in Melbs. Whilst I'm not a fan of Anaconda, they do often jag some pretty good deals on kayaks. Whilst they may not be big ticket brands, they do have similar characteristics in design to the bigger brands, and much cheaper.

It's important they sit in them (dry or wet...although in-water is far more preferable), and try them out if possible...the size of the cockpit plays a significant role in good paddling technique, balance and comfort (especially if you intend on sitting in it for hours). I've spent plenty of days down at Wilson's Prom here in Vic, where we wouldn't get out of our kayak for 6 plus hours, so comfort is very important, plus...a proper fit makes for a safer experience, as it can be manoeuvred and controlled properly with body position and core stability...not just paddle strokes. I also know that some Anaconda stores have test pools for this purpose.

Other considerations are whether they want plastic or fibreglass (plastic may be more suitable for them perhaps), day hatches, storage capabilities and deck configurations (for when YOU get the kayak bug and decide to throw a sail on it...hahaha)

Tassie certainly has some renown kayak clubs such as the Maatsuyker Kayak Club (http://www.vision.net.au/~jennings/) or the Tassie Sea Canoeing Club (http://www.tscc.org.au), so perhaps they could help to direct your enquiries also.

Hope this helps...it's a start anyways.
Jase

Hmmm - tricky.

A stable kayak on flat water will be less stable in waves.

Generally a sit on top will be the go for the occasional yakker who avoids big oceans and dosen't need to go far.

Camping is not going to be a problem with most kayaks (if they are used to bushwalking gear - not car camping). Plenty of room to stash things and paddling efficiency is little impacted by weight.

Are they wanting something that they can be comfortable with straight up or are they prepared to learn some skills and work up to something a little more advanced? Any budget guidance? What sort of water do they think they will be using it on? Where - Tasmania?

Also, if they are interested in paddling efficiency they should not skimp on the paddle.

nq111 wrote:Hmmm - tricky.

A stable kayak on flat water will be less stable in waves.

Generally a sit on top will be the go for the occasional yakker who avoids big oceans and dosen't need to go far.

Camping is not going to be a problem with most kayaks (if they are used to bushwalking gear - not car camping). Plenty of room to stash things and paddling efficiency is little impacted by weight.

Are they wanting something that they can be comfortable with straight up or are they prepared to learn some skills and work up to something a little more advanced? Any budget guidance? What sort of water do they think they will be using it on? Where - Tasmania?

Also, if they are interested in paddling efficiency they should not skimp on the paddle.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

I am well familiar with vessel stability. Was more after guidance on models that might present an acceptable compromise for all round usage. Thanks Quickly for those recommendations.

Sit on top seems like the go I think. And plastic for its robustness.

They are after something they will be comfortable with up front. No intention of upgrading down the track.

They have no intention of camping, but have told me I'll have unlimited access (this years christmas pressie!) so I might head away for a night here or there.

Interested in 2x singles rather than one for both. Budget of $3000 all up, roughly.

Usage will be around Channel area.

You could always consider 2 second hand kayaks...they usually keep well, and you may pick up some bargains that come with PFD's, paddles etc. Just a thought.

I have had a variety of kayaks. First ones were second hand 3-3.5 m "white water" style boats. Frustrating to learn to paddle, as my newby technique prevented them going in a straight line. Subsequently learned how to paddle them properly, but decided I wasn't so keen on flat water, and wanted to do some bay paddling, so sold them, and bought 2 used 5.2-5.6 m sea kayaks off flea bay, which I love. Fast, stable, and useful if i want to do overnight. Also have 2 Alpacka rafts for white water/ backpacking trips.

I suppose if I was recommending a kayak for your parents, I'd suggest they looked at a 4.5 ish m sea kayak style boat with rudder. Easy to paddle, quick enough, not horribly heavy or cumbersome ( eg some sit on top boats), and a useful size. Very important to ensure they can sit comfortably in the cockpit, ESP with respect to bum width.

Andrew A

also sit ons can be self draining, much easier to get back on if you come off, and you dont have to bail them out if you capsize

When are they going to be using them? Sit on tops are generally wet a.r.s.e, whereas a kayak you can cover up and can stay dry in the cold.
Drag across the beach, short paddle, swim, fish out of, all in good weather, the sit ons are cheap and easy. Noticed most of the Sydney harbour tourers and paddle for fitness types were all in sea kayaks.
Rent or hire till you know what you want. Better than two boats hanging from the rafters.
Freycinet, or Roaring 40s where you are both have boat hire, instruction and tours.
Mountain Creek Hobart flog Mission. Do they hire out or have demonstrators? Ask them.

http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation ... and-walks/
There are extensive walking and mountain biking opportunities on conservation land

pales in comparison to the great walks
http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation ... eat-walks/

wayno wrote:http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/
There are extensive walking and mountain biking opportunities on conservation land

pales in comparison to the great walks
http://doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation ... eat-walks/

Thanks Wayno. But isn't that a bit far to walk with a kayak?

ha, too many windows open, wrong post....

Usage will be day trips, not longer than a few hours

sounds like paddling distance could easily be quite a few km, maybe up to 10? ... to me that means it should be a touring oriented kayak, at least 4m long, better a bit more.

Stability is the key criteria, and need to perform well in a mild chop should the weather pick up.

yup, sit-on-top sonds like the go, ideally one with rudder. also makes for more peace of mind coz self-rescue is much easier.


you may get something out of reading this?: http://members.iinet.net.au/~ahack/Sit-on-top%20Kayak%20for%20Touring%20&%20Sea%20Kayaking.htm


the following may fit the bill? ... with a bit of wheeling & dealing you should be able to buy 2 new for $3000 or better:
- Mission XSTREAM 420 EXP (ruddered)
- WILDERNESS SYSTEMS TARPON 160
- Cobra Tourer
- Perception Napali 470 (now only 2nd-hand if you can find them)
- Ocean Kayaks Scupper Pro / RTM Tempo (with rudder) ... 2 names, same hull, different hatch & rudder configurations

I currently have a Napali 470. Used to have a Cobra Expedition, Cobra Tourer, DAG Midway & Perception Swing. I like the looks of the Mission XSTREAM.

There are at least 5 members of the Tas Sea Canoeing Club with touring sit-on-tops.

Happy to do a show & tell if that's of any use, we're in Sandy Bay.

dq.

Hmmm - can't beat what DonQx has put up - should just about settle it

Got enough guidance Strider?

nq111 wrote:Hmmm - can't beat what DonQx has put up - should just about settle it

Got enough guidance Strider?

More than enough! Thanks guys!