first timer

[mx4life199]

Hi
looking at getting into kayaking this spring-summer and need a bit of advice for a boat. i want to get a used one but not 100% sure as to what is good or what i need.
i'm 5,10 and 185ibs

[DamRepublican]

what kind of kayaking are you looking to get into? what rivers? Playspots? Give up some more info

[mx4life199]

sorry about that
i'm in Quebec, i would like to get into the rapids, i'm looking more towards having to paddle not just a play boat something {all around?} i could learn to ride the faster rivers. i'm not looking for a fishing boat or lake kayak i want to get into white water {creek/river running}
not sure if this helps but i hope so

[thredayevt]

Check boatertalk.com, craigslist, ebay, etc to try to find used boats in your area. My advice to new paddlers is to buy a used boat, paddle, and maybe sprayskirt---you can get this for $400-800 total. I tend to recommend a new PFD, and new dry gear, but sometimes you can get this stuff used in good condition.

For boats---you're just learning, so the newest features are not important. Based on the description of the kind of paddling you want to do, look for something marketed as a river runner. I wouldn't get a boat with really hard edges because it is harder to learn to roll in. Semi-displacement or displacement hulls will be easier to roll than a planing hull. You want something forgiving to start out in. Remember, you can always sell this boat and get another later.

Also, get a boat that is comfy. Make sure your feet don't hurt. Pain makes it hard to like something.

And, you live somewhere cold. Personally, I might invest more in a good drysuit or drytop, but you're gonna want to stay comfy here too.

Some boat recommendations:
Dagger RPM, Nomad, GT, Mamba
Pyranha H3, Micro, H2, M3
Pyranha Karnali or Ammo (newer and more $$)
etc...

[DamRepublican]

LL Hoss is another decent boat out there that i have experience with, semi planing hull for hitting waves while running, lots of hand holds for rescues from partners, you will swim alot like everyone else, and it is easy enough to roll, still has edges to learn control with, but enough displacement and forward speed to make it great for big water and creeking. Basically it doesnt do just one thing very well but it is great all around (and comfy!) definately invest in a good pfd and dry wear you will thank yourself. And never ever buy a pro-tec helmet, if cost is an issue or you just want a good helmet go for WRSI, remember kayaking is one of few sports where you will most likely hit your helmet everytime you go out.

PS. I have a snapdragon kayak skirt, used one season, no holes rips or otherwise cockpit sz lg/ tunnel size med, if you are in that size range and are interested ill email some pics.

[skibuminwyo]

Second the don't buy a protec. Blowing my wad on a Sweet was the best decision I have ever made. You WILL hit your head, and protecs are just not that great... I also second looking at like a Little Joe or Hoss. Something more all river, less play. I learned in a pyrahna inazone, and hated life until I got into a cr125.

[mx4life199]

Thanks for the responses, helps a ton. i am looking for used boat and gear to start. i dont see the point in learning on $1500 + stuff.
i'm going to check into these boats mentioned.

[Storm11]

I would recommend a WaveSport EZ or Big EZ. You can usually find one for pretty inexpensive. One of the best selling boats ever, and for a reason. They're one of the most versatile "older" boats I've tried (and is also what I learned on.) They're not the easiest surf in the world, but are definitely more capable than a Hoss or similar. As a river runner, they're great. Not too fast, but still super responsive and carve well. Here's a small pic from when I still had mine. Kinda wish I'd kept it as a long day class IV boat.



Other boats I would throw out there are the WS Diesel, Jackson Fun, Liquid Logic CRs or Remix (newer).

My $.02

[skibuminwyo]

For a little more. I learned in a Pyrahna Inazone. It sucked. Most of my problems were beginner error, and I think that now I wish I would have bought it when the guy I was borrowing it from sold it. From the Inazone, I went to a CR125. Great boat, easy to surf, easy to roll, took it on all but the hardest runs. I am now in a Jackson 4fun, and really enjoy it as well. It is a bit big for me, as far as a playboat goes, but I like a little bit more float. It is my only boat, so combining a bit of play capabilities with cross river performance was key for me. Happy hunting. I borrowed boats for 4 plus years, looking for something that fit me just fine. If you are serious about all this, buy your personal gear, i.e. life jacket, helmet, drytop, skirt, first, then a paddle, then a boat. The personal gear usually stays the same, regardless of what boat you are in. And, it kinda helps spread the sticker shock a bit.

[thredayevt]

If you are serious about all this, buy your personal gear, i.e. life jacket, helmet, drytop, skirt, first, then a paddle, then a boat. The personal gear usually stays the same, regardless of what boat you are in. And, it kinda helps spread the sticker shock a bit.

FYI, one skirt won't fit all boats because cockpit sizes can vary pretty substantially. You'll end up with a couple as you amass your fleet of kayaks. But I do kind of agree---get a pfd, helmet, paddle, throwbag, dry gear, etc first. You can usually demo a boat pretty darn cheap or join a program with a paddle shop that will let you borrow boats for the day. But, check those message boards I posted above. Most of these boats mentioned are from the 2002-2005 era, and can be found for a few hundred bucks.

[crackboy]

FYI, one skirt won't fit all boats because cockpit sizes can vary pretty substantially. You'll end up with a couple as you amass your fleet of kayaks. But I do kind of agree---get a pfd, helmet, paddle, throwbag, dry gear, etc first. You can usually demo a boat pretty darn cheap or join a program with a paddle shop that will let you borrow boats for the day. But, check those message boards I posted above. Most of these boats mentioned are from the 2002-2005 era, and can be found for a few hundred bucks.

that being said. a large standard skirt will fit a vast majority of boats except for big creekers and the offsize boat. if you think about what boats you were contemplating, chec out skirt sizes and see if one size will fit all of them.

[Storm11]

As an addendum to that, I'll say that if you're going with a cheap(er) bungee rand skirt (such as the Snap Dragon Trek) then going a size small isn't necessarily a bad thing. I wear a Large deck of the SnapD EXP Reinforced on my Super Star when they actually call for an XL. Keeps it a lot drier, though I do have to dunk my skirt before putting it on so it will stretch far enough. If you're going with a rubber rand, it may be a different story. Try before you buy.

[P_McPoser]

i always dunk my skirts before getting em on me

[RootSkier]

Seriously?

I rock a killer Board Of Missoula Brand (BOMB, RIP) bungee skirt that is boner dry and yet amazingly easy to get on. And it has never imploded on me. I laugh when I see people getting all aggro with their skirt. Especially when they are the last one off a sketchy seal launch above the gnar.

[thredayevt]

I laugh when I see people getting all aggro with their skirt. Especially when they are the last one off a sketchy seal launch above the gnar.

I laugh when I watch my friend's shock cord skirt implode as he's trying to surf out of a hole. Until, I realize that it's 29 degrees out and we have to get him out of the water---as happened on the Top Yough three weekends ago.

I realize there's advantages to a shock cord skirt, and that they work for some. But I'm not willing to risk it. And really, what dude can't get his skirt on? Do some pushups or something.