Sooooooo.. OT it is....

I have the fox river in my backyard (literally) and want to get a kayak for some summer excercise. I have kayak'd once before and had a blast, but have no idea on where to begin.


I will be checking out local sporting stores, but if anyone has some input they can offer I would appreciate it. I find myself getting irritated by the retail upsell when half the time people don't know what they're talking about.

Budget is Preferably around $500 but up to $1000.

Thanks guys/gals!

 

I bought my buddy two kayaks from REI last summer as a wedding gift. We use them often at his lake house, but only when there's not much boat activity in the water. These kayaks are short and not very stable under choppy conditions. I think the total with oars came out to a little over $800.

http://www.rei.com/product/801042

I think you need to specify what type of kayaking you'd like to do first before I'm able to provide further assistance. In general, the longer the boat, the faster and more stable it is in terms of tracking straight, but they are more prone to flipping in choppy waters. The shorter, stubbier kayaks are more for technical waters where you need agility to maneuver around obstacles, but they don't track well and they're slow. You'll also need to decide on tandem or solo, and sit-on-top kayaks vs. cockpit type and if you're a beginner, try a sit on top first since the risk of injury is significantly less if you flip over.

Check over the REI website. I believe there is a buyers guide in there somewhere IIRC. Lastly,if you're doing it for exercise...look into joining a local rowing or skulling team and don't forget to factor in the cost of oars and lift jackets.

 

Thanks Chris!

My intention is to go in the fox river mainly. So I will need something that can make it up the river against the current. Boats are not abundant in my area as I am between two dams.

I'd like to stick with a single inside style.

I don't mind going slow as it will be for workout purposes, but something managable. Thoughts?

Thanks again

 

Just FYI, I'm going to move this over to the Windy City just since it's not s2k related.

 

A very timely subject as I also am in the market for a couple kayaks. I am mainly looking at use on lakes and gentle rivers. No rapids.

I have received one recommendation for NC Kayaks from a couple of friends. These though do not fall into the price range you have suggested.

http://www.nckayaks.com/models.php#qst-panel

You will not find these in any stores around here however, they are strictly a made to order with a little inventory on hand type of company.

I am waiting for MoutainMan to chime in as I noticed somewhere that he was Kayaker but he may be more of the whitewater type I am thinking.

 

http://chicago.craigslist.org/wcl/boa/2226443032.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/boa/2225746846.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/sox/boa/2220963724.html

http://chicago.craigslist.org/nwc/boa/2224730750.html

 

Ya...... Can't spend $2,600 on my first kayak. I herniated my back last year and I honestly don't even know if what I want to do is feasible. So taking a $2600 plunge would not be so smart at this time. However, if I'm good and like to pursue I like the idea of a nice kayak I can get a lifetime out of.

Thanks all for the info.

Urmil I've been searching cl all winter And it hasn't turned up anything.... Sad

 

NC Kayaks had one of thier 15 footers on the clearnace rack last week of 1099.99 plus $200 shipping. It was the STD version, a little heavier that the LT by 8 lbs.

I was going to snap that one up but it is gone now It was in my favorite color yellow

This weeks Kayak of the week is a 15 foot "NC15 Excursion" in Sea Foam Green for $1250 in the LT version

http://www.nckayaks.com/stock.php

I am going to keep my eye on thier web site

 

Since you hurt your back, I take back my comment about rowing and skulling. I think a kayak up to 14ft will be suitable for you. The short kayaks are okay for recreational use but it sounds like you're looking for something a little more serious, and I imagine you'll want to enjoy the ride instead of constantly fighting to keep the boat straight. As decent 14er typically start around $1k. Check Outside magazine for reviews and try to find closeout models from last year. Check all the usual vendors (Erewon, REI, backcounty.com, moosejaw, altrec.com, yada yada) and ask the sales rep when possible - some are pretty knowledgeable. Also pay special attention to the backrest on the models you're looking at. I've never felt too uncomfortable in kayaks, but then again my back is pretty healthy.

One other thing. Rent one first to see if you can even do this sport. There's a rental shop right near my place on the Chicago River. Google kayak rental & 600 W. Chicago (sorry searching is too much of a PITA on my phone at the moment). Not sure when they'll new open, but I'm guessing sometime in April?

Now if someone would help me pick out my road bike....

 

Where along the Fox River do you live? I hope its not in the waukesha area. I live there and the river around there is not ideal for it haha