Current Designs

[a2cpc]

My wife and I were introduced to Kayaking a few weeks ago in the Florida Keys. We have since decided to buy couple of kayaks. Our local outfitter store is pushing the Current Designs Kestrel 120. We will be doing most of our kayaking on a slow, fairly rapid free river, smaller lakes or protected bays. Does this sound like a good kayak for us? Does anyone have other suggestions?

[kayakmag]

First, let me welcome you to the Kayaking Community. I am very glad to hear that you are doing this together. It is great fun.

The Kestrel 120 (2010 model) is considered a light touring Kayak, which would be a good for the water areas that you mentioned in your post. It can be a little slow to paddle, so I would find one that you can try out.

Where do you live, we may be able to point you to someone that can accommodate you with this.

Rather than just giving you a couple of models, here are a few considerations I share with Kayak Buyers:

What are you going to use it for today and in the future?

Recreation, Light touring or Touring


Recreation kayaks are usually a small kayak, more stable, easy to pack and get away for the day, easier to turn in a smaller radius and good for quiet waters.

They can be extremely stable platform for fishing or photography

Light touring kayaks are used for farther paddling, longer distances than the recreational kayak, maybe a day or overnight, may have at least 2 hatches, heavier than the recreational kayak and probably needs 2 people to load the kayak on top of the car.

Also a stable platform, however check the manufacture for a list of accessories or upgrades. Some limit features to control costs, but some of the features may not be required, such as a rudder.

Touring kayaks are used to paddling the farthest, have at least 2 hatches, is longer than the light touring, has extra safety features (tow lines, etc.) and is designed for a wider range of water conditions.

Hatches or no hatches?


Hatches can be a very important feature of a kayak. The hatches can keep the kayak floating when not upright and can also limit the amount of water that can fill into the cockpit. They also serve to protect gear from becoming wet, sometimes water does get in, so consider using a gear bag as well.

If the kayak is an open kayak (no hatches), then water proof bags are a must have.

How heavy is too heavy?

How heavy and how high can you and another person be comfortable to lift?


Can you lift the kayak by yourself? Do you always need two people to load the kayak on the vehicle or into the storage area?


Where is the kayak going to be stored?

This is one that people forget. Where are you going to store your kayak? Inside, outside, upstairs?

What is the largest size kayak that will fit into the storage area? Is there a size restriction in your storage area? Do you need to consider another place to store your kayak?


Last but not least.


This list is to get you started and designed to make you ask questions, which of course will bring up more "lists"
A Kayak that you try out before you buy will make for a better fit, until you gain experience and learn what you want.
Start with the most stable Kayak as your first Kayak
Don't be sold on "Features", think How will I use this!


I hope this helps to start your discussion and mind moving.

[a2cpc]

Michael,

Thanks for the info. We live in Indianapolis and are working with the folks at Rusted Moon Outfitters. They have a Kayak sale event the weekend over Mother's Day. At the event , they put all their Kayaks into the White River, at Broad Ripple/Indianapolis, and let anyone try any of them out. This is also the river that my wife and I will be spending most of our time until we feel more comfortable in the Kayaks. There is a put in point 6 blks from our house. We are both over 50 and looking for something a little different to do for exercise. The 12 foot length might be the longest we can store in our garage, although I might be able to squeeze in a couple of 14s.

[kayakmag]

Your very welcome and it sounds like you are well are your way!

Please keep us updated on what you decide and would love to hear about your Kayaking adventures, photos would be good to!

If you have questions about specific Kayaks or gear, please let us know and we will be more than happy to help!

Regards,

[a2cpc]

Again...Thanks for the info. If anyone else has had experience with the Current Design boats, I would appreciate your input.

[tomtom]

Hello All,

Sorry I have not been around as I have been travelling.

My wife and I own two Kestrel 120's, one is the HV model. There are many great reviews of this Kayak and rightly so.

When we first bought them, I felt the boat to be unbalanced and like it was trying to tip me out. I had only Kayaked a few times before buying the 120, however it was a good deal and couldn't pass them up. With practice I am more balanced and really enjoy paddling this boat now.

I've had no paddling lessons, but with each stroke I'm amazed at the speed I can reach and very quickly.

We use them on rivers primarly, where I do alot of photography. Which again, now that I have more experiance, the balance and room in the boat are great.

What's crazy is my wife is 57 and she beats me all the time when we race, so it is great for her as well.

We really love our kayaks! I hope this helps A2CPC.

Tom

[a2cpc]

Tom,

This exactly the stuff I am looking for. I am 57 and my wife is...well...younger. I have been looking at the HV one or the OC for myself. Do you think the OC would be worth the extra money($50) for its ease of getting in and out. The only real experience we have is in an open double. I have a trouble with flexiblety in my knees from time to time and worry that it might be a problem.

[keith]

The HV is intended for larger paddlers, whereas the OC just has a larger "open cockpit." So you should probably only consider the HV if you need the extra room, but the OC may be just the ticket since you have some knee flexibility issues. From a safety perspective, you just need to be sure that you can get out of the boat easily if you capsize. Even though you plan to paddle relatively calm waters, you still need to be certain that you can perform a wet exit quickly (and the OC should certainly help in that regard). I hope that helps. Welcome to the wonderful world of kayaking, and best wishes for happy and safe paddling!