Ocean and River Kayak?

Question

Is there such a thing that can go into both types of water? Thing is I'll soon be living in Sidney, BC like a block away from the ocean, so I'll mostly take it there. But sometimes I'll want to go to the lake maybe. Like I'll go back to my home town every once in a while (once a month at the least), and I'd definitely want to go to the lake with my kayak. Just for the fun of it.

I'm very new to kayaking. I've only done it once in the ocean years and years ago. I've been dreaming about it ever since.

I don't know what my budget is yet. I'm just setting goals right now. But I don't want to spend too much on a kayak 'cause I'm pretty much a beginner.

Which other things should I consider? Kayak and accessory wise.

Answer 1

A sea (aka touring) kayak will do very well in even a small lake.  They will do well in rivers and creeks as long as the corners are wide enough to allow the length of the kayak through and there are no major rapids.

Sea kayaks are longer and designed to go relatively straight.

White water kayaks are short and designed to turn without needing to move forward.

The big design difference is in the hull shape.  The white water kayak will have a curve from front to back that lets it pivot on the center.  The sea kayak will have a longer flat sillowhette from the side.  

Some sea kayaks have rudders or have them as options.  They can help you turn the kayak but you should be able to turn without it and paddle straight without it.

Typicaly a white water kayak will have flotation bags in the nose and tail to help it float when you roll over.

Sea kayaks typicaly have bulkheads that make sealed compartments with a deck hatch.  The sealed compartment helps the kayak float but can also be used to carry gear if you are paddling to a camp site.

Obviously, you will want a life vest designed for kayaking.  It will allow your arms to move freely and not get between you and the back of the seat.

For ocean use, you will deffinately want a spray skirt to keep water out of the kayak when waves break over it and when you roll.

You will want deck rigging (ropes along the edges of the kayak and bungies just ahead and behind the cockpit).  

The ones along the edges allow you to grab the kayak after you have bailed out do to a capsize that you didn't roll up from.

The bungies allow you to carry your safety supplies, water bottle, GPS, etc within reach.

You will want a safety kit (you can buy it as a set) that contains things like a bilge pump (get rid of a lot of water from inside the kayak, bilge sponge (the last little bit of water), whistle (for signaling to others), paddle float (for use with your paddle and the bungies for stabilizing the kayak so you can get in it from the water), paddle tether (to keep the paddle within reach if you drop it), and other items.

You will want (particularly for the ocean) a wet suit so that you stay warm when you end up in the water.

If you have an REI (Recreation Equipment Inc) store near you, they frequently have "paddle days" where they bring out a couple dozen kayaks of different costs and styles.  You can spend a day trying them all out to see what features you like.  They also have a no question, you like it or can return it, policy that can help you out if you make a mistake about which one works best for you.  

Local kayak shops and clubs may also have similar paddle days.  A local club can help a lot with your skills and choices.

Answer 2

I dont know but that's a good question, i've been wondering about that myself, i'm an ocean lover that typically surfs, but live on the Bay far from the beach, would like to kayak in both places too, never done it before though. Good Luck. Merry Christmas from Northern California!!!

Answer 3

David has some good advice.  

My experience is with plastic kayaks.  I currently paddle a 17' Current Designs "Storm".  I bought it for $1000 at an outlet store which sells non-current models and "seconds".  Plastic is quite a bit cheaper than fiberglass or Kevlar (on the order of $1000 cheaper) and can take more abuse.  On the downside plastic's heavier and doesn't last quite as long as the fiberglass or Kevlar.  I'm working my way down the Mississippi River with this boat and have paddled quite a bit on Lake Superior (closest thing to an Ocean around here).  It handles big water well, but you will definitely need a good (probably neoprene) spray skirt as waves will come over the bow and swamp you without one!

Basically, the longer the boat, the faster it is.

Longer boats track better (go in a straight line), which is good in most cases unless you need to maneuver quickly (whitewater).

As far as the budget goes, if you think this is something you'd like to do for years to come, I would suggest getting the longest boat you can afford (that is also practical- I don't think you want to lug around a 20+ footer).  I belong to a kayak club in Minnesota and the biggest mistake I've seen beginners make is to start out with a boat that is too short.  It may be cheaper (costing $300 to $500?) and "more stable", but it will be slower, harder to paddle, and as for the stability- you will quickly get used to balancing a longer, narrower boat.  I can't say exactly what size you need, but you should definitely talk to some kayakers who paddle out there and see what they're using.

Good luck and happy paddling!

Answer 4

Any kayak can be used anywhere. The problem arises as you want to optimize your experience in  different environments. Sea kayaks, surf kayaks, touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks and play boats or play kayaks are just some of your purchase options. Each category also offers many style or design choices.

Join a kayaki/canoe club. Attend a kayak/canoe school.

Don't buy any boat until you have some actual experience in your 'home water' category. Popular boating sites have rental equipment available. Check the magazine racks for kayak and canoe magazines. Use 'search' to locate manufacturers.

Answer 5

If you are doing flat water kayaking, that is lake and ocean (past the surf zone), you will want a long kayak probably with a rudder system.  Often referred to as an ocean kayak, but equally good on lakes.  Shorter, stubbier kayaks are used for surfing waves and for white water river boating.  

Best thing to do is to take beginner/intermediate lessons from a kayak shop or sporting-goods store with a good water sports department.  They will teach you things like how to safely re-enter your boat if you end up out of it for some reason.  They'll also let you test different models of boat to see which one fits you.  You'll need a dry-suit, probably, for BC...water's pretty cold up there.  paddle of course, and  spray skirt.  (find one thats right for you!)  flotation vest.  pump.  possibly signal flares and emergency light.

There are clubs and associations for kayaking as well.  Sierra Club here in the States often has 'water sports' sections.  You'll want to go with others anyway, its lots safer that way!  They can give you tips and information related specifically for your local conditions.