New to kayaking...looking for first kayak

[jcg9779]

I am new to kayaking and am looking for a good first kayak to buy. My question is similar to one that someone has already asked on this thread, but I am looking for a little more information. The kayak will primarily be used in the sound/intracoastal waterway of southern North Carolina (near Wilmington) with possibly some occasional trips into the ocean around the barrier islands.

I have used a cousin's Hurricane Phoenix 130 before (a sit on top kayak) and that seemed pretty good. I think a sit on top kayak would be best for my recreational use, but I would like a some advice. What are the advantages of the different types of kayaks, and what is a good brand of each? I am a big guy - 6'3" and 225 lbs...my dad is 6'0" and about 250 and he would like to use the kayak also (or purchase one for himself). Are there certain kayaks or styles that are better for bigger guys? Also, what is a good paddle length?

Thanks for your help, and let me know if there are any other questions or if I need to clarify anything!

[Niord]

Beautiful area, or at least it used to be. I spent four years in NC running between Goldsboro, Cherry Point & Camp LeJeune.
If your staying in salt water I'd imagine a raft would be fine. Otherwise I'd get a kayak you can crawl inside of. ALL of my salt water kayaking was done in ME, so I can't offer any real advice.

Most kayak manufacturers list their carrying capacity, I'd shave 10% off just for a safety margin but thats just me. (Maybe they already have). I've never loaded one until it sinks just to see what would happen.
Paddles are like hats, "one size fits most". Unless your really gonna spend a lot of time on the water I'd buy the longest, straight shaft, unfeathered paddle I could find. That will suit most every generic situation. It is the original native pattern after all.
Hope it was some help.

[Mats Bengtsson]

I am new to kayaking and am looking for a good first kayak to buy. My question is similar to one that someone has already asked on this thread, but I am looking for a little more information. The kayak will primarily be used in the sound/intracoastal waterway of southern North Carolina (near Wilmington) with possibly some occasional trips into the ocean around the barrier islands.

I have used a cousin's Hurricane Phoenix 130 before (a sit on top kayak) and that seemed pretty good. I think a sit on top kayak would be best for my recreational use, but I would like a some advice. What are the advantages of the different types of kayaks, and what is a good brand of each? I am a big guy - 6'3" and 225 lbs...my dad is 6'0" and about 250 and he would like to use the kayak also (or purchase one for himself). Are there certain kayaks or styles that are better for bigger guys? Also, what is a good paddle length?

Thanks for your help, and let me know if there are any other questions or if I need to clarify anything!

I am myself 6'2 and 215 lbs. I have had a problem finding a kayak that is suitable for my size. Sit on tops are easier to find for those sizes. However, if you want a more traditional sea kayak (one you sit inside with a spray skirt), which normally are better for longer paddle distances and more open sea kayaking, then they do exist as well. But you will most likely have to look at the kayaks made specifically for large people. That is, some companies produce kayaks which are altered (higher front deck for larger feets, wider cockpit area, and a back deck that can carry more weight). The ones I have found that are for people of my size and sit inside has been from Point (sea cruiser and sea rover), SKUK (formerly NDK) their adjusted kayaks include Romany Surf, Romany HV and explorer HV. Tiderace (Xplore XL).

I finally selected Romany surf and it has been very perfect for me. can easily be paddled in Surf, takes high waves (a little above a meter) without any problems. I have written more on the story about the search and choices I had and made on Choose kayak to buy for large people (http://www.mibnet.se/Kayak/ChoosingAKayak.html choosing a kayak if you are large).

Regarding paddle length, that is an area that has a lot to do with paddle style and muscle mass. I started out with a larger paddle (Werner Camano, 94 inch shaft). However, after half a year I "geared down" to a Werner Athena with 90 inch shaft. For me, the smaller paddle is better for padlding longer distances and paddling in heavy wind. The shorter shaft makes some paddling manouvers easier. I have now altogether quit using the larger paddle. Also that is described on one of the other web pages on the site mentioned above.

--- Mats ---

[thecampingman]

I've been researching paddle length too. I've read that standing beside the paddle, you should be able to curl your fingers over the top. Found out that at 6'0" that comes out to an 89" paddle. I have a 33" sleeve length so my arm are a little bit long for my body. ( I wear a "long" suit jacket.)
I'd bought a paddle too long for me. When I got the right size I could notice the improvement, and I'm a beginner paddler. And even I could notice the improvement.