My partner and I are looking for a good all-round kayak.?

Question

One-man, quite small, and not too expensive. Any ideas?

Answer 1

I've got a dagger RPM which I love it goes in a nice straight line without to much effort and you can get more advanced in it if you want to, meant to be one of the easiest boats to roll!  But suggest if you are complete beginers you have some lessons first and when you go to buy a kayak try and go to a shop that allows you to test drive boats first.

Answer 2

I want one, well two (one for me, one for my daughter) to potter about in the harbour in, never having done it before I have no idea what is required, I've looked in the shops but have been given different advice, if you don't mind I'll check back see what answers you get?

Answer 3

From your update, it sounds like you'll be paddling quiet water, so I wouldn't go for the whitewater boats suggested from Pyranha..  Those are designed for moving water, and for avoiding obstacles and turning.  On calm water, they're extremely frustrating to paddle - you'll spend all your time and energy doing corrective strokes trying to go straight, and you won't get where you want to go...

That being said, do some reading.  Getting the right boat for your size is absolutely good advice.  See what's available to you locally - find a paddling shop if you can.  

http://www.paddling.net/dealers/

Big box sporting goods stores won't have the selection or knowledge to give you a real grip on what's available in the market. They typically have 1 brand, and the quality is not good.  So, if no paddling shop, do your research online:

http://www.paddling.net/buyersguide/Kaya...

Look at specs, read reviews:

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

And shop for a couple of used boats... But, ALWAYS test paddle before you commit, if at all possible.  Craigslist and Ebay are great sources for boats.

Answer 4

I've been kayaking for a few years and love my Wilderness Systems boats.  I have a 12' Pamlico and a Ripper, which is a SOT (Sit on Top).  Both great boats for general rec. purposes: rivers, small rapids, lakes, channels, etc..  My father-in-law has two 14' Tsunamis, also by Wilderness Systems.  They're great for longer trips, touring.

My only definite advice would be DON'T get a tandem kayak.  The guys at the water sports shop I visit call them "divorce boats," and for good reason.  I've owned one, pain in the rear to coordinate w/ the other person.  Just get two cheaper boats.

Answer 5

It depends on your size and weight - if you're tall and / big a Pyranha G3 or H3.  They're quite stable too so good  for beginners.

It's really hard to say when you haven't given many details.  I would recommend going to a few dealers and asking their advice.  Don't buy in the first shop - normally kayakers will give honest advice and try and get boats in for you if they don't have what suits but never forget - a shop is a shop and they want to sell.  : )  

Get plenty of advice - try a local kayaking forum.  Good luck!

http://www.pyranha.com/Homepage

Answer 6

it needs to be pointy at each end. If it's all round then it's not a kayak, it's a coracle.