Whats the best kayak for a begginer with acces to lakes, river and sea?

Question

hi everyone,

as a begginer what do you all think the best kayaks are? i.e. easily manageble, prefferably fairly small (i only have a small car) who has access to rivers and lakes mostly but the sea too?

im also a student on a bit of a budget and as im only gonna use it as a hobby..

what do people think of a sit on kayak?

thanks for any input!

Answer 1

A Wilderness Systems Pungo is good for anything but whitewater.  The 14 foot is the best for most uses.  Old Town makes some of the nicest canoes in the world but I don't like any of their kayaks.  I wouldn't get a sit on top as my only kayak.  With a sit in kayak you can get a spray skirt to keep you dry.  That accessory will extend your paddling season in the spring and fall.  With a sit on top boat you will get wet and cold so they are only good in the summer after the water warms up.

Answer 2

a old town otter is good for flat water and the pelican burst is a good short very,exttremly, mind numbing light sit on top kayak that can not be sunk with out the use of power tools for about $200

Answer 3

If you want a shorter kayak, a whitewater kayak that is for freestyle kayaking is best. Jakcosn Kayak's fun series is nice and short and a river runner freestyle it is an easy boat to roll and a pretty stable boat

Answer 4

Yeh, the sit on top is ok, but my fav is the Otter for beginners and budgets. Flat and stable, but pointed for fast crusing. Great for touring lakes and big slow water. Tracks well when sight-seeing. We have 3. One is basic, and two are deluxe with cushie seats and splash skirts. My wife has the Sunrise. Look for the ones with adjustable foot rests. The kids take em fishing from age 5 on up. (with supervision and floatation) We have been down a few class 2 rivers and one class 3. We love them in every way. If you decide to go big later you can buy the rodeo types and roll over and over and spend a grand and another 400 for carbon fiber paddle. But for now get the Otter and just know, in the very rare case that you go over, you swim out and start over.

I got my first one and had an Outback. I tossed it up there with one hand and tied it down. I had a paddle that popped apart for the back seat. Later I got the fancy Yule rack but it sold with the car. Now we put all 3 in the Dakota and have room for coolers and tents.

I dont like the free style and rodeo kayaks at all. They spin and turn and go around too easy. They handle too well. Not good for touring or fishing. Not good for comfort. My feet were cramped and my rear got sore quick. I could'nt wait to get out of the two I tried. Probably ok for catching air and doing tricks. Til you see the price!! One was Dagger. The other ????