Douglas MacArthur High School Class of 1969
San Antonio, Texas
Brahma Tales
| Forum: General Discussion | |||||
|
|||||
|
Gary McCaffrey
 Joined: 04/17/09 Posts: 26 View Profile |
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 |
||||
|
|||||
|
Dave Boerner
 Joined: 04/21/09 Posts: 11 View Profile |
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 |
||||
|
|||||
|
Gary McCaffrey
Joined: 04/17/09 Posts: 26 View Profile |
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 |
||||
|
|||||