Discussion
You've all been very helpful with regards to tips on starting to sail (we're doing an experience day soon 
) and so I was hoping you might be able to offer advice on kayaking 
We're planning a trip to the Isle of Wight over the spring / summer for some beginner courses but were wondering about the advantages / disadvantages of the different types (e.g open-top types and the ones where you tuck your legs inside the kayak / canoe)
Also, we think it's something we'll get into quite a lot so any ideas on best kayaks to buy for day tours ? Obviously we will not get one yet, but it's good to plan ahead to get ideas on prices etc
Merci!
) and so I was hoping you might be able to offer advice on kayaking We're planning a trip to the Isle of Wight over the spring / summer for some beginner courses but were wondering about the advantages / disadvantages of the different types (e.g open-top types and the ones where you tuck your legs inside the kayak / canoe)
Also, we think it's something we'll get into quite a lot so any ideas on best kayaks to buy for day tours ? Obviously we will not get one yet, but it's good to plan ahead to get ideas on prices etc
Merci!
If you're thinking about taking up kayaking long term your best bet would be to get yourself down to your local club and try as many different boats and disciplines as possible so you can make an informed choice about what sort of paddling you want to do, you'll also benefit from some coaching and pick up some good habits rather than bad ones.
There are different boats designed to do different jobs, a playboat is a world away from a sea kayak they all paddle and handle differently, you really have to decide what you want to do, get the appropriate training then pick the right tool for the job.
Sit-on-top kayaks are fine for getting people on the water but they limit you if you want to progress.
There are different boats designed to do different jobs, a playboat is a world away from a sea kayak they all paddle and handle differently, you really have to decide what you want to do, get the appropriate training then pick the right tool for the job.
Sit-on-top kayaks are fine for getting people on the water but they limit you if you want to progress.
Edited by DJFish on Friday 5th March 01:25
Cheers for the responses
Well we're heading down to the Isle of Wight soon for initial lessons on kayaking (I guess been close to the coast we'd primarily do sea kayaking) so we'll go from there.
Is there any major difference between a sea kayak and a "river" kayak ? Or can a sea kayak do the job on rivers too ?
Again I think we'd probably look at "sightseeing" paddling rather than the whitewater stuff (although that might change a few years down the line!) as we're not really into the extreme sports scene and would probably do camping/kayak trips over in France down their canal systems / rivers such as the Dordogne and Ardeche as I heard this is a possibility with some kayaks (putting the camping kit in with you).
Well we're heading down to the Isle of Wight soon for initial lessons on kayaking (I guess been close to the coast we'd primarily do sea kayaking) so we'll go from there.
Is there any major difference between a sea kayak and a "river" kayak ? Or can a sea kayak do the job on rivers too ?
Again I think we'd probably look at "sightseeing" paddling rather than the whitewater stuff (although that might change a few years down the line!) as we're not really into the extreme sports scene and would probably do camping/kayak trips over in France down their canal systems / rivers such as the Dordogne and Ardeche as I heard this is a possibility with some kayaks (putting the camping kit in with you).
Sea kayaks tend to be very long and pointy and generally have hatches for you to store stuff in. They can look quite similar to touring river kayaks but have different hull/ends to make them go through waves better. If you don't plan on going off far from a boat then a full on sea kayak might not be the best thing for you. As I'm sure you'll know/find out from sailing watch out for the wind/tides etc when canoeing...paddling can wear you out quickly especially with added waves.
Sit on tops can be fun close inshore and are easy to get back onto it you fall off as you don't have to get into it. That said river and play boats can be a lot of fun in the surf. There are some good coaches down in the South/south west along with clubs- the easy way to find them is the bcu website(england page) or Rivers guide book
Sit on tops can be fun close inshore and are easy to get back onto it you fall off as you don't have to get into it. That said river and play boats can be a lot of fun in the surf. There are some good coaches down in the South/south west along with clubs- the easy way to find them is the bcu website(england page) or Rivers guide book
Sea angling from these sea kayaks is taking off big style too.
http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/forumdisplay...
http://www.worldseafishing.com/forums/forumdisplay...
Edited by Mojocvh on Friday 5th March 13:50
Of you want to try a sit on top then I can recommend 'Jurassic Kayak Tours' down near Lulworth/Durdle Door. My girlfriend and I had our first taste of kayaking with them a while ago. They started on March the 1st so you can pop down anytime. Boats and equipment provided, along with an instructor.
Sit on Tops are as described above: lower performance but the upside is that if you capsize you just fall out.
Sit on Tops are as described above: lower performance but the upside is that if you capsize you just fall out.
RobM77 said:
Of you want to try a sit on top then I can recommend 'Jurassic Kayak Tours' down near Lulworth/Durdle Door. My girlfriend and I had our first taste of kayaking with them a while ago. They started on March the 1st so you can pop down anytime. Boats and equipment provided, along with an instructor.
Sit on Tops are as described above: lower performance but the upside is that if you capsize you just fall out.
UK's too cold really for self bailers - IMO. For cold water a closed hull (spray deck etc) is a better choice, although are obviously harder to get out of if you fall in.Sit on Tops are as described above: lower performance but the upside is that if you capsize you just fall out.
As has already been said, get yourself to a club and get some advice from the lads and lasses paddling in the area you're planning to use.
Monki said:
Is there any major difference between a sea kayak and a "river" kayak ? Or can a sea kayak do the job on rivers too ?
Sea kayaks have good directional stability in waves, and you can use them on any flat water too although they tend to be a little less manouevrable due to length. But that's not necessarily a problem if you're touring on a gentle river current, I would think. They often have a lot of storage, as has been mentioned.'Fresh water' kayaks (even touring ones) are usually rubbish in waves because they get knocked off course all the time. So they're fine for playing around off the beach (but you might as well get a sit-on-top for that), but no good if you want to try and go anywhere at sea.
I'm no expert though - just personal experience based on the one of each type we've got gathering dust in the garage. Best to try a few out, as suggested.
rhinochopig said:
RobM77 said:
Of you want to try a sit on top then I can recommend 'Jurassic Kayak Tours' down near Lulworth/Durdle Door. My girlfriend and I had our first taste of kayaking with them a while ago. They started on March the 1st so you can pop down anytime. Boats and equipment provided, along with an instructor.
Sit on Tops are as described above: lower performance but the upside is that if you capsize you just fall out.
UK's too cold really for self bailers - IMO. For cold water a closed hull (spray deck etc) is a better choice, although are obviously harder to get out of if you fall in.Sit on Tops are as described above: lower performance but the upside is that if you capsize you just fall out.
Having said that, obviously you will be dryer and warmer in a sit-in, plus I'm told that they perform better in all circumstances; it just depends how much capsizing worries you I guess. Personally I can't block my nose off, so sit-in kayaking's never been an option for me. People do certainly use sit-on-tops for all seasons use and touring etc though.
Edited by RobM77 on Monday 8th March 17:39
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