Brahma Tales

 

Forum: General Discussion

TOPIC: 

Ocean Kayaking

Created on: 04/21/09 03:29 PM Views: 2451 Replies: 2
Ocean Kayaking
Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2009 10:29 AM

I know this is a departure from the discourse, but I was curious to know if any of you have experience with ocean kayaking. I am interested in doing this, but its one of those things that may look easier, and more pleasant (fun?) than it really is? any comments, experiences or advise is appreciated...thanks gm

 
RE: Ocean Kayaking
Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2009 04:08 PM
Ocean Kayaks are pretty common here in the Florida Keys, especially amongst the mangrove channels on the bay side.  There are two basic types: sit-on-tops and sea kayaks in which the occupant sits inside the kayak.  Tandems are called "divorce makers"!  The sit-on-tops are popular since they are easy to bail out of and climb back into, and you can stand up and fish from the wider ones - but they are slugs to paddle in comparison to the sea kayaks.  Popular lengths are in the 16'-17' range which are long enough to get some speed out of (7-10 mph) but at the same time are not too long to maneuver amongst the tight turns in the mangrove channels.  Better ones are equipped with a controllable drop-down skeg or a rudder to control their side drift in a breeze.  Materials range from heavy but durable and cheap roto-moulded units through fiberglass and the higher performance, light weight Kevlar (less than 30 lbs.).  Same with paddles - you get what you pay for.  The cheap paddles have aluminum shafts, but at the end of a long day the $450+ price of a Kevlar paddle will seem cheap from lifting an aluminum one all day.  Valley from England makes a real nice 16' and 17' Kevlar sea kayak for around $4,500 that you can't go wrong with.  Hobie (of Hobie Cat and surfboard fame) also makes a sit-on top hybrid kayak that has pedals to drive a sculling device below the kayak if you get tired of paddling!
Have fun.
 

Dave Boerner

 
Edited 04/21/09 04:12 PM
RE: Ocean Kayaking
Posted Tuesday, April 21, 2009 07:07 PM

Thanks Dave- I think I would rent from an outfitter our first times out, but still I know what craft to look for now. I've read of some inlets around Corpus Christi that I think would be about my speed. I appreciate the feedback. gm