Anyone in to Kayaking???
 

My wife and I are looking at buying a pair of touring/rec. kayaks to enjoy in the spring.

Thing is... I know very little and was just wondering if anyone had any tips/advice as far as chosing the right boat for each of us and stuff.

Anything to steer clear of?

So far I really like the "Perception" line...

Re: Anyone in to Kayaking???
 

Why wait 'til spring?


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1069033119.jpg

(check out THIS link. )

Purists may laugh, but we have a couple of Ocean Kayak sit on tops that we use in the lakes of the North Woods for fun. They're plastic and cheap but fun for a family. Can't advise you on the more serious kayaks.....

Leland,

I've sea kayaked for years. What do you want to do with the boat? ie: run rivers or paddle lakes? There are sit on top types or the more traditional sit inside types. There are plastic (roto-molded) boats, fiberglass, or even carbon fiber. All have good and bad points. Also, what are you looking to spend per boat?

Necky is a good local brand that my Dad does a lot of business with:

http://www.necky.com

My kids have a couple of Perception Swiftys just for playing around on the lake. It's more of a toy than a kayak.

Are you going to be kayaking/camping? Portaging much? Kayaks seem to pretty heavy compared to canoes unless you get into the real expensive boats. And they don't hold much gear.

Perception builds great craft. Their line has become more varied as the years have gone by, and does include a few toys. They were firstist with the bestest for whitewater here in the Smokeys. But if you'd rather kneel than sit, get an ole C2 with a skirt.

Thanks for the response so far guys.

Right now I'm trying to figure out what size I need for my wife and myself.
I'm 5'11" and can't figure out if I will fit in a 13' 5" boat or if I need to go larger.

I think I'm going to go with a 13' 5" Perception carolina for the wife and a 16' Perception Avatar for myself.

Does this sound about right?
I'm looking to get a pair for christmas so this is kind of "hush hush". :)

Hell no! You are in Montana, Lee! Get a pedal kayak so both your hands are free for fly fishing!

I can't imaging spending time on that beautiful water without a flyrod in my hand. Heaven.