Looking at adventuring into the Sport of Kayaking...Need Expertise Please?

Question

Im looking at Touring Sea Kayaks...Im 6'1" 190lbs athletic...I want to find a great Kayak that would fit me and my intended uses...I live in Michigan and will be using kayak for river and for Lake Michigan, which for those that don't know it is like an ocean as far as water sports go...I have been kayaking many times so im not a begginer nor do I want a kayak that I will need to sell in a year because of skill level... I want to pay around 500 to 1K used...any tips or ideas? I have a friend that wants to sell me his P&H Capella...Anybody have any info on this kayak...It is an older one...Thanks for your time and courtesy...

Answer 1

The biggest concern for you will be fitting your height, i.e. your leg length, so sitting in a lot of boats will help you get a feel for that.

Look for a dealer near you, so you can check out a variety of different boats.  http://www.paddling.net/dealers/

Look at the construction, learn about the hull shapes, and test paddle as many of the boats as you can.  Then, you'll know what you're looking for in a hull, so that when you see one used, you'll know if it's right for you or not.  

See what's available in your area on Ebay and Craigslist, then look up the specs online, www.Paddling.net has many many resources for you - check both the Buyer's Guide link and the Product Reviews link.  

The Capella your friend has might work for you, but there are a few models in the Capella lineup.  You can find out which one he has, and check some reviews on it here:

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showKaya...

Pay close attention to the reviewers - many of them "JUST" go the boat and of course, they love it.  Some will mention their height & weight - which can be useful in determining if a particular boat might be right for you.  

Of course, you can always go to the manufacturer's websites for general specs on capacity, etc.    Good luck, and have fun!!!  

Remember, get the boat / hull that is best suited to the kind of paddling you'll do MOST of the time.  (Usually that'll be the water that is closest to home!).

Answer 2

I also live in Michigan, unfortunetly Im a little different from you(I canoe, I dont Kayak :( ) but the best place to get any water recreation eqipment in Stearns, they have great Kayaks, so you can try that. Good luck, and I hope you have fun. Dont forget your Life Vest!