I am looking to buy a kayak, Need Help?

Question

I would want a kayak that could both be used for an overnight camping trip down the river, as well as mild white water. What would be a good brand, lenght and style, that I would want to buy.

Answer 1

Sounds like you are looking for a high volume whitewater boat.  One of the newer playboats will not suit you, there is no room for gear storage.  A true touring boat is not a good choice for running rapids either.  A high volume white water kayak has plenty of storage for camping, and has good hull speed for longer trips.  I have a Wavesport Micro X that I use for camping, and it does great in the rapids, it's good for surfing, and has ample room for gear storage.  Any older boat designed in the 90's would be good for what you are looking for, and they are readily available.

There are many types of kayaks and different forms of kayaking to suit various boaters and their specific interests. There is fresh/flat water kayaking, kayak camping, kayak surfing, ocean kayaking, and whitewater boating. To learn more about each sport, and the type of gear involved, I'd recommend joining/consulting a local paddling club.

I started my kayaking hobby by joining a local club. I initially intended to start kayaking in order to do some camping (I love to camp), but I ended up getting into white water boating after I learned more about the people and the sport. Joining a club is a good way to network with other boaters, learn about local bodies of water, get free lessons, and is usually an excellent source for finding affordable boats and gear. Boating clubs typically have a newsletter or a website with good info if you are not up to joining.

Check out this link to find a boat club in your area:

http://www.sit-on-topkayaking.com/Direct...

Check out the club pictures, and see what types of boats they are using, and you'll get an idea of what type of kayak you should be looking for.  Also, hit up your local library, and check out a couple of kayaking books, and you'll have a better idea of what type of kayaks are out there. It'll really help.

I hope that helps. Good luck, and happy boating

Answer 2

Check out Jacksonkayak.com they have some sweet kayaks and they are relatively cheap.

Answer 3

hmmm....sounds like you are looking for 2 different kayaks.

Whitewater - a playboat

Camping trip - Light touring (14 - 16 foot kayak)

If you are very skilled, and the whitewater is VERRY mild, you coudl get away with taking a touring kayak through it... Won't be easy though...