Anyone know how much it might cost to start kayaking?

Question

I mean like the kayak,cloths and etcc... I'm so bored that I want to find something to do. Hopefully meet some kayakee people.

Anyways, someone give me and estamate of use and new equipments so I have an idea what I'm getting myself into. Thanks.

Answer 1

What kind of kayaking do you want to do?

Whitewater? (rapids): You need to get a small, short "banana" shaped boat that is easy to maneuver, so you can get around rocks and debris. Some people take these to the surf to "play", if they know how to ride the waves. It takes practice!

Flatwater (no rapids, lakes, calm rivers):

You could get a "sit-on-top" kayak that is less expensive than an "expedition" sea-kayak. It's open on the top side, and is very stable, and can have hatches that you can store food/supplies/water in. These are the kayaks usually for rent.

Open Sea; Open Water: You could get an expedition sea-kayak, which is used on the intracoastal along the shoreline, or in open water, or going in and out of the surf. Or you can use it on lakes and rivers with out lots of debris (they're not easy to get in and out of) These are the most expensive boats, have sealed bulkheads to store equipment, and have a "cockpit" that you have to put a spray skirt on if you want to keep the water out. They often have a rudder so you can turn, since usually these boats are long (15-16 ft, though you can get ones shorter) and can be harder to turn-they do like to go in a straight line.

Check out http://www.rei.com and look at the costs of the water sports items (paddle, pfd, sprayskirt). I'd buy the lightest whitewater or sea kayak paddle you can, so you don't get tired. Take a class, so you know how to paddle safely, like from http://www.americancanoe.org/ , and try to rent some different types of boats, so you get a better idea of what you want to do, and which one to buy!

Good luck~

Answer 2

Depends on the price of the Kayak. I have seen them on sale for about $300 with a paddle. Then a wetsuit or whatever you want can be as much as $100, but, I have seen them much cheaper on sale. I would say a rough estimate of $500 Total (Just a basic have fun deal and nothing super fancy). If, you find some used stuff and on sale bargains you may get away with $300 at a minimum, but, that take some searching and waiting for a bargain.

I just checked my local Newspaper's on-line classifieds and there was one used kayak for sale and they ask $600. It not say if there was anything included, I figure he at least throw in a paddle. But, I know the Gander Mountain here had some cheap ones and the girl say they would go on sale for $300 or $350 I not remember. But, they did not look that great to me.

Answer 3

Well for a nice one it's at least a 1000. Didn't say if you need one for open water or river but ehy are not cheap. You can buy basic cheap ones not covered meaning your lap for 400 dollars at a sporting goods store. I think it's boring and have done mine twice on a lake. Good workout maybe I should try some rivers.

Answer 4

You don't need any special clothe,s unless you are paddling in cold water then you want a six mm. wet suit or a dry suit. All you really need to kayak is a good pair of river shoe,s they can cost from $20 to around $80 depending on what you want. A Good P F D a good one cost about $60 and a boat $350 to 3or 4 thousand$ depending on what you want. Paddle,s will cost $50 and up. A good pair of gloves $20. A head cover so you don't get heat stroke. That,s about it you can get started with a play boat for about $500. If you are thinking about white water then it get,s spendy. If you go to http://www.canoekayak you will find link,s to supplier,s and outfitter,s.

Answer 5

Consider a kayak school or class. Consult the American Canoe Association for local sources. Visit a kayak shop. I estimate: kayak - $750, paddle - $100, PFD - $100, helmet - $50, air bags - $75, skirt - $50, wet suit - $150, special clothing -   ?, and a car rack - $100.   You can buy used for much less.  Advertise.   Visit library or a magazine rack, look for kayak magazines.

Answer 6

maybe 1500 for kayak paddle lifejacket and bathing suit