I need kayak information please!?

Question

I'm looking to purchase my first kayak. Willing to spend around $600. I'm looking for one to use in local lakes and rivers. It doesn't need to be fantastic, but I don't want something cumbersome either. Any advice would be appreciated as far as brands/ extras/ etc. on what I should be looking for. Also, I'm a 5'6 smaller (120 lb) lady if that makes any difference.

Answer 1

Been shopping for a kayack for a long time & even though I decided against it for now , I found out a few things along the way,

Aside from cost , you have to try them on....a lot of them.

The $5 to  $600  gets up around $1000 when you add a decent paddle,

roof rack , recommended accessories like a pump , waterproof bag ,

flotation jacket, etc.

Lots of info available at some stores.

Did find day rental places that offered lessons & the opportunity to try out different kayacks & had discounts on boats from affiliated stores.

If I get into the mood again , I will go that route , try before I buy & avoid a costly mistake.

Best regards

Answer 2

Information on inflatable kayaks (length, width, how much weight it can support, and kayak weight) is available at the source link below.  One of the advantages of inflatables is they are easy to transport.

Answer 3

Well it took me almost a year of research and finding the right kind of kayak.  I was looking for a recreational kayak (like yourself) but I wanted a little more features so I can do touring as well.  Mine has 2 hatches, high density comfort seat, and rudder.  I bought all the accessories needed (by law, pump, whistle, lifejacket, paddle) and kayak is nearly 15' long/45lbs.  It was manageable for me to take off the kayak off of the car, and launch it by myself (I am 5'2", 120lbs) all this for just under $1500. I bought an Old Towne Cayuga - and was worth every cent.   They do come shorter and lighter.  Costco sells entry level kayaks, Canadian Tire, Sears, Sportschek...usually run about $400-$800.  They are fine if you just want to kayak in lakes for day trips.  It really depends what you want.  Look in the classified ads - now is a good time because Summer  is almost over and often people leave them lying in the back yard and have no time to use it .  

Renting kayaks is a good way to get the feel of what you want in a kayak...most rentals shops buy higher end kayaks but will sell them at the end of the season to purchase new ones.

Good luck :)

Answer 4

TRY CRAIGSLIST,

WHEN YOU BUY A GOOD USED ONE THEY WILL SELL YOU EVERYTHING THAT THEY HAD TO BUY LIKE A PFD,PADDLE,SEAT A DOLLY TO TRANSPORT ETC. WHEN YOU SEE A GOOD DEAL ALWAYS GO TO THE MANUFACTURES WEB SITE TO SEE WHAT THEY SELL FOR NEW. I BOUGHT A DEMO , SAVED ABOUT $400. BUCKS.YOU WOULD LIKE A TARPON 100, BY WILDERNESS SYSTEMS ITS A STURDY LIGHT WEIGHT OUTFIT.