Outdoorsmen have a fascination with boats and that includes kayaks, one of the fastest growing segments of the watercraft industry. The ease of using them, their versatility and the freedom that they give you adds up to a whole lot.
When we are kayaking various locations, especially local waters, people frequently ask us lots of questions. Many of the questions involve stability, ease of paddling, sea-worthiness and their suitability for fishing. Many people who know us sometimes ask for suggestions since they know that we spend countless hours each summer in our kayaks.
There is no standard answer for what type of kayak one should buy. Scott Locorini, owner of Adirondack Exposure, explains that it depends on what a person wants to do and what type of water they plan to paddle. This will determine the type, length and material best suited for that person.
There are three basic categories of kayaks: whitewater, touring and recreational. For most people a recreational kayak is the normal choice. These are the type that most of us would use for quiet rivers, small lakes and ponds and the protected shoreline of larger lakes. Within that category there are many designs, variations and models to choose from.
Most recreational kayaks range from 10 to 14 feet in length. According to Locorini, longer length means better tracking and efficiency, while shorter ones are more maneuverable. However, shorter ones also tend to be wider so they require more effort in paddling and tend to wander from a straight line in paddling.
Within the longer kayaks there can be a difference in width. Narrower kayaks have more speed and ease of paddling but lack the initial stability of slightly wider ones. It takes a bit more concentration and care to get into the narrower ones without tipping. However the secondary stability is usually good since you have a low center of gravity, i.e. sitting right at water level.
Kayaks are made of several materials. Most common is polyethylene which is rugged, resilient and moderate in price and weight. Composites of Kevlar or fiberglass are lighter but less durable and cost more.
You can get superlight kayaks but the prices are very high, usually three or four times what you would pay for a regular polyethylene kayak. Thermoplastics represent a midpoint between the polyethylene and composites in price, weight and durability. We recently purchased two Hurricane Santee Sport models and are very pleased with them.
Cockpit sizes vary and larger cockpits make it easier for people, especially larger paddlers, to enter and exit. They also make it easier to carry gear such as photo equipment or fishing tackle in front of you. Of course the more cockpit space you have, the more likely you are to get splashed by waves, etc. Spray skirts can help solve that problem.
As mentioned earlier, the touring kayaks are longer and narrower for traveling long distances. They have many other features such as storage compartments or rudders designed for the person who wants to cover long distances such as on a camping trip or long voyage. They are heavier, less maneuverable, and more expensive so unless you are planning on distance trips across big water, you really don’t want a touring kayak.
I am often asked the question about how convenient it is to fish out of a kayak. Keep in mind that the initial users of kayaks, the Eskimos, depended on them for getting their food. Because of the increased popularity of kayaks and fishing, now there are several specialized models designed just for fishing. Fishing kayaks are the fasting growing niche within this popular sport.
However most recreational kayaks will do just fine with a little adjustment on your part and limiting your tackle. Locorini reminds us that you can trick out any recreational kayak to be a fishing kayak or you can go for some pre-designed models with larger cockpits, rod holders, etc. Some people fasten rod holders or paddle holders to their recreational kayaks while others prefer removable clips such as those make by Yakima to hold rods and paddles.
The open or “sit-upon” kayaks offer ease of movement, stability and many features including the ability to add electronics like fish finders or live wells. Another factor to consider is weight. Since they generally are heavy, most people trailer them or leave them at camp where they fish a single body of water. Most are definitely not the type you will easily hoist up on your vehicle.
For general paddling and exploring, consider the factors of weight and width that were discussed earlier. Remember that initial stability, a comfortable seat and a good back rest are important considerations for anyone who plans to spend considerable time in their kayak.
Your best bet is to test paddle several types and models to see how they handle, how comfortable each is and other factors such as weight. Take the opportunity to test paddle several and you will probably join the growing ranks of people who spend much of the summer in their kayak.
If you are new to kayaking or want to develop your skills further, consider taking various paddling classes from Locorini of Adirondack Exposure. He is a licensed Adirondack guide and a member of the Kayak Hall of Fame. Locorini is located four miles south of Old Forge on Rte. 28 near Okara Lakes. Check out web site www.adirondackexposure.com or call Scott at 315-335-1681.
Kayaks are actually very stable since you have a low center of gravity sitting right at water level. They are easy to paddle, go where other boats cannot go and are easy to transport. Choose wisely and join the growing ranks of people who have discovered just how much fun kayaking is.
SHORT CASTS
Clayton Decoy Show: Enjoy Clayton’s 46th Annual Decoy, Wildlife Art and Sporting Collectibles Show on July 18 and 19. The event is put on by Thousand Islands Museum and runs 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. Vendors and exhibitors participating include nationally-known carvers, wildlife artists and vintage decoy and sporting collectible dealers.
There will also be a Vintage Decoy contest on Friday at 11 a.m. At noon on Friday, the Art Knapp Singles Contest will take place in the arena. There will be a Guide’s Traditional Shore Dinner available on Friday ($20) from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Coyote Moon Vineyards, sponsored by Classic Island Cruises. Proceeds will go to Thousand Island Museum.
Kids Fishing Follow Up: Have you taken your kids fishing lately? If not, shame on you. If you think that taking them to the local derby or going on the Free Fishing Days (for adults) last month were enough, you are wrong. Surveys show that less than half of the kids who attend one of the many derbies in the spring, ever pickup a fishing rod again for the rest of the year! Make it part of a family outing, go for a special hour or so after supper or make it a special day. But don’t delay. The days are already getting shorter!
Crossbow Banquet: The New York Crossbow Coalition will hold its first annual banquet on July 26 at the Ramada Inn, Buckley Rd, Syracuse. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with dinner at 7 p.m. There will be raffles, auctions, deluxe buffet and informational presentations. Various ticket packages and sponsorships are available. For more information contact NYCC, PO Box 316, Pulaski, NY 13142 or email rick@nycrossbowcoalition.com.