Question
 

Hello
I am brand new to your site and to kayaking. I do not own a kayak yet simply because I have no idea where to start. I wasn't sure if anyone had any advice for me. I am a fit, 34 year old woman. I am tall (5'10"), I don't know if that makes a difference. I also think it would be nice to be able to have a 2 person kayak but if I were to participate in any of the trips you all put together I would probably be flying solo. So, any suggestions?? Thanks, your site is wonderful - very user friendly!
Jenna

Jenna

Buy what YOU will USE. Doubles are heavier, harder to load and some paddle difficult with just one person. Unless you are taking a dog, child or another person who will paddle, get a single. Much easier & better for your enjoyment (and cheaper,lol !!). Longer boats are faster and easier to maintain a straight line. Tough to beat a single around 12'. Pay attention to how wide ( beam) the kayak is. Wider is slower and narrow is fast, but can be tippy. Anything from 26-29" should be O.K. Try the kayak out if you can. Looks are deceiving, test runs are smart.

Have fun.

Alan

Hi Jenna. Thanks for checking out our site. Mostly ditto to what Alan said. You can go to our "links" page and check the dealers there to get a better idea of what is out there. I know Wiegle has a large selection right now.Outdoor Recreation and Wind and Water Boatwork are good places to start also. Try going to oldtowncanoe.com to see their models also. Read my post on Ladies Night, you might want to try it. Ed

Jenna, last year I bought a kayak from ore equipment in youngstown, one of the website links. The person who waited on me was very helpful because he was an avid kayaker. They have demo days, Friday I think, you pick out akayak or two and they meet you at Lake Berlin and let you try it. Also, Mill Creek Metroparks in youngstown has escorted kayak trips every weekend on Lake Newprot. Yhe lake is shallow and flat water. For 12.00 dollars you get a kayak, PFD, paddle and basic instructions along with a 2 hour paddle on the Lake. Usually around 6 to 10 kayaks. Thats how I got started kayaking last year. The two previous posts are rightabout kayak size. I paddle a 9 foot dagger Zydeco, very manuverable and not to bad to keep on track. With a little extra efffort I was able to keep up with the group both times I paddled with them. I too am a new member.

Most canoe liveries rent kayaks now. You may want to try some different ones out and get some practice. They're usually fairly inexpensive to rent and you don't have to load or unload anything.