What is a good beginner level kayak?

Question

I'm looking to buy a kayak but I don't want to spend a ton of money because it's something I'm just getting into. I would like a two seater and it seems that the only ones in my price range are inflatable. I'll mostly be taking it out on a smallish lake that doesn't have huge waves. Do you think an inflatable kayak would be worth the money?

Answer 1

I've never used an inflatable kayak, so I can't tell you if it's worthwhile or not.  The only 2 person kayaks I've seen are designed for open water.  That's fine if this is what you want to do, but keep in mind that it won't turn as sharply as a smaller boat.  If you ever want to try white water, or even a river with a few twists and turns, you'll have problems with it.  I wouldn't even try an inflatable kayak on a river if there's any chances of trees down in the water, snags, etc.  I'd be afraid that it would puncture too easily.

I have an Old Town Rush kayak.  It's a basic boat, nothing fancy.  But it's light enough to hoist it to the top of the car, tough enough to paddle over rocks, gravel, and sand, and short enough to turn it quickly if I need to.  My wife got it for me for my birthday a few years ago, and I've had a ball with it.  It's probably a bit big to try any serious whitewater, but I don't plan to do that any way.  It tracks fairly straight on flat water, and I've done a couple of 5 mile treks with it on Lake Huron without any problems.  She got it at Gander Mountain, and with a little luck, got a great deal.  They offered something like 10-20% off if you got it using a Gander Mountain credit card, and it was on sale at the time.  She applied for the card, bought the boat, paid it off, cancelled the card, and saved some money overall.

Answer 2

Welcome to a great sport!  I would highly recommend a Wilderness Pungo 120 for a beginner or an experienced kayaker.  They are very stable, weighs in at 50 lbs and is 12 feet long.  If you can afford to spend a bit more, and you are planning on being out for more than a couple of hours, make sure you get Phase 3 seating.  Personally, I would not purchase an inflatable.  Not sure where you are from, but check local kayak dealers.  My local dealer allows you to "trade in" so you can "trade up".  I would also recommend getting two singles rather than a tandem.  We have the Wilderness Pamlico 160 tandem with rudder and phase 3 seating.  Love it - but learning to tandem paddle has been the cause of divorce for many couples! (We finally are getting it right!..I think)  Plus a tandem is quite a bit heavier than a single.  Ours weighs about 83 lbs.  Another really affordable kayak we have is the 8 foot sit-on-top Ripper.  Great fun, cheap and can go in small lakes, large lakes and oceans - but not recommended for rivers as they don't track or turn  well.  The great thing about this one is you can't get swamped.  If you tip it over just hop back on - which is why fishermen like them.  We also have the Epic GPX Performance but that is a very expensive kayak and is quite "slippery" on the water.  But do keep it in mind after you have a little experience under your belt.  Don't be forced into an inflatable due to cost.  Remember, your local dealer will be selling "demo" and "used" kayaks.  They really are the best choices for a first purchase.  Also, test drive a few.  My local dealer has kayaks on a local lake where people just go to try them out for free.   Each person "fits" a kayak - it's your job to find out which one fits you.  Your height, weight, torso length all play a part.  Don't forget to purchase a good life vest and never go out without your whistle for emergencies.  One last piece of advise.  Paddles can be cheap or expensive.  You can also purchase "used" or "going out of stock" ones much cheaper.  We have paid $95 for some and up to $300 for another.  The price is pretty much dependent on the weight and matierals of the paddle.  The lighter the more expensive.  Purchase an inexpensive "dry bag" for the camera, wallet and car keys.  Also get two "paddle leashes" (about $8 each).  Use one for your paddle and use the other to secure your dry bag .... just in case.  I purchased ours from Ebay.  When you finally realize that you are "hooked", and it is now no longer a sport but a way of life, think about getting a "hullevator" to transport your kayaks with.  Makes life so much easier than having to lift them up over your head to secure.  The link below is to the dealer I have purchased 3 kayaks from.  They have great info on their web site which will allow you to compare essential information and prices.  Good luck and enjoy.