Long a hot topic for me, this is one I wanted to address early and just get it out there. I recently received my new issue of Canoe & Kayak magazine's gear guide and as usual, the myriad of kayaks out there for model year 2012 are enough to send most shoppers into sensory overload. The cover clearly boasts "408 BOATS(!)," yet as I scan the pages, I pick out the same 5 or 6 sea kayaks I'd even consider owning. Alas, I have an advantage and I know what suits me with regards to boat designs, but most aren't as fortunate when buying boats ... even those that have purchased before. My intent with this post is to (hopefully) sharpen the learning curve for those considering a first, or even second, flatwater kayak purchase.
Please allow me to first clarify my demographics and then we'll get down to bid'ness. My target audience here are those that are about to make their first purchase, or perhaps even those that are about to make their second ill-informed purchase and will actually appreciate some advice from someone who's been putting folks in boats for almost two decades. In a few days, I'll make another entry about the specifics of the ideal sea kayak; and I'll leave this more to the genre of your first sea kayak and misconceptions that surround novice paddlers.
There's no doubt that the slate is chock full of designs and the entry level paddler can quickly become lost. There are long boats and short boats, wide boats and skinny boats, boats with rudders and those without, and boats from specialty retailers and boats from 'big-box' discounters. So where do we start?
Let me save you a lot of grief right now and tell you to avoid the 'big box' retailers like the plague. Why? 'Cause the same salesperson willing to mis-inform you on a kayak purchase is also the same salesperson who will attempt to do the exact same to the next 5 people who come in the door ... the first looking for new golf shoes, the second looking for a new baseball glove for their nephew, the third looking for a new tennis skirt, the fourth looking for a weight bench, and the fifth looking for the right ammo to bag 'em a big 'ol buck. See where I'm going with this? Specialty paddlesports retailers are just that - specialty. I work very closely with The Paddling Store in Guntersville, AL, with our fine local retailer, Rock/Creek Outfitters here in Chattanooga, and with several sea kayak outfitters I've dealt personally with out on the east coast. The reason is because these folks deal strictly with kayaks and kayakers. It's their sole (soul?) focus. Another reason to steer clear of the 'big box' retailers - and perhaps the most obvious - is because they don't even sell sea kayaks. "Wait a minute," you say, "I've seen longer flatwater boats with hatches and decklines in those huge mega stores!" Ummm ... no you haven't. The reason you haven't (since you're now wondering), is because no real sea kayak manufacturer would ever sell kayaks to them in the first place. You see, they want real paddling professionals selling their gear, not someone who will also be selling tennis skirts and buck slayin' ammo. Get it? Specialty kayak retailers can offer demos, set you up with a paddling club, and have a wealth of knowledge to set you on the correct path.
The next notion we need need to clear off the table right now is this whole "beginner" thing. I hate that term. Exactly what qualifies someone to be a "beginner?" Is it any paddler that's still learning? If it is, then I'm a card-carrying "beginner" because I still strive to learn something everytime I head out! Okay, you might be a beginner if you don't even know how to swim, but that might be the ONLY thing that would warrant that classification. Too often when asking someone why they bought the boat they bought, I hear, "Well, this is a good beginner boat." Really? And just how long do you intend to be a beginner? My point is this, all too often, kayaks are bought based more on what people plan to grow out of, rather than what they plan to grow in to. Do me a favor and go back and read that last sentence again. When I used to sell whitewater boats, folks would come to me and ask, "What would be a good boat for a beginner?" My reply never wavered and was the same canned response every single time: "Whichever boat that will kick your ass." It was always followed by a quizical look, so then I'd follow with something like this:
"Look, you aren't going to be a beginner forever. Wouldn't you rather have a boat you can grow into, rather out of? Why too, would you drop a grand on a boat that you intend to just learn in; only to drop another grand in a month or two when you've finally got things figured out a little? Why not buy the boat now, that you'll end up wanting to buy in a few months anyway?"
Pretty novel, isn't it? Get this "beginner" crap out of your head now and plan to buy yourself a big-boy boat. Sea kayaks don't get worn out and broken like whitewater boats, so just go on make ONE purchase and make it the right one. It's entirely possible that you might struggle a little at first, but these are the very struggles that will greatly excellerate your learning.
This leads me to my next point of clarification: recreational kayaks are NOT sea kayaks. Uh, oh ... I stepped on toes. Well, so be it. This is a sea kayak blog, afterall. I don't care for rec boats that much and the primary reason is because they're all too often marketed as "beginner" (here we go again) sea kayaks. This couldn't be further from the truth because they're slow, they can only be edged by Chuck Norris, they're poorly constructed, and they barely carry any gear. Rec kayaks do have a place, but it's typically in the backyard of Nana and Grampa's lakehouse for the grandkids to explore the cove in. Rec kayaks won't teach you anything about paddling because their LONE design concept is to keep the user upright. Sea kayakers rely on skill and technique to remain upright, not their equipment.
If your kayaking goal is to explore the cove at your grandparent's place on the lake, then a rec kayak will be perfect. If, however, your goal is to cover miles and miles, get a great workout, conquer less than perfect conditions, go on multi-day trips, or tackle a coastal environment, then you're looking for a bonafide sea kayak and nothing less.
So, you've made the right choice to buy from a reputable kayak dealer, you've shed the rediculous title of "beginner," and you've been warned as to the evils of rec kayaks. What are we looking for in a sea kayak? Again, I'll address specifics here in a few days on the same bat channel, but as a general rule, true sea kayaks range between 15 and 18 feet long, and have a beam width between 20 and 24 inches. Additionally, they'll have multiple sealed bulkheads and dry hatches, cockpits sized to accept a sprayskirt, excellent outfitting to facilitate rolling and bracing, and perimeter decklines to assist with rescues. These are all attributes that better sea kayaks have in common.
I'll add a disclaimer that being landlocked does have many disadvantages when choosing sea kayaks because we just don't have the market here for retailers to carry vast arrays of boats to get touchy/feely with. Research and paddling clubs are a huge help to further broaden horizons, but you sometimes still have to locate boats in order to try them. It's not uncommon for inland sea kayakers like us to have to head out to the coast for a few days to try even more designs, so keep that as an option to help you make a solid decision. Then there's me. If you want advice, just say so. After a brief discussion and some basic measurements, I can pretty easily whittle your boat choices down to several models of sea kayaks and save you a ton of leg-work.
Good luck with your purchase and I'll see you on the water in your sleek new sea kayak.
-rob
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Chill Out - Tips For Winter Paddling
Winter has descended on us here in the Tennessee Valley and I've finally arrived at my favorite time of the year to paddle. The water is still from diminished power boat traffic and I can paddle for hours without getting out of my boat feeling like I've just endured several hours in an Apache Sweat Lodge.
Granted, it's also the time of year that many of my dual-bladed brothers and sisters have long since hung their gear waiting on more 'ideal' climes. Big mistake. In an earlier post I discussed that paddling is a personal journey for each of us and we should all paddle for our own reasons. To those that just can't endure the cold and have made a conscious decision to stay off the water, stay warm, and avoid the chance of disaster, then you have my blessings on your decision. For those that wish to extend their season(s) and see what they might be missing at this time of year, then I'd like to offer some insights from years of paddling in frigid weather.
First and foremost, and this will serve as your disclaimer for the day, don't go out there if you just don't 'do' cold, if you don't have the equipment to be out there, or you don't have the self-rescue skills to keep you safe. This is NOT the time to play games with your personal well-being! Paddling in cold weather has inherent dangers and should never be taken mildly.
I'm fortunate in that I'm inherently warm most of the time; a blessing at this time of year - a curse when the mercury climbs. Even if you fall into this category, it's a moot point if you can't survive a surprise submersion. One thing is a given at this time of year ... the water is insanely cold. Even on the mildest winter days here in Chattanooga when the air temps climb into the 50's, the water can still be a numbing temperature. How do you cope? Whether the air is warm or cool, you need to be prepared.
I'd first suggest that you be VERY confident in your abilities. If the temp drops, the wind picks up, or a large boat wake should break over the bow of your kayak, are you prepared and comfortable with these situations? If wind-waves make you nervous in July, then forget altogether about going out there in February. Self assesment is absolutely crucial here and you should be dead-level honest with yourself before venturing out. I don't worry about myself, because mentally and physically I'm prepared. I have a solid roll, solid boat handling skills, self-rescue techniques that I can rely on, I'm in great shape, the very best gear money can buy, and absolute confidence in all of the above.
It pisses me off that so many sea kayakers won't take the time to learn to roll. Opportunities exist around every corner to attend free roll classes, yet most chalk it up to being a whitewater-only skill. Warm or cold, a roll can save the day ... and your life. Ditto too, for learning rescue techniques. Can you assist a fellow paddler or yourself if you should exit your boat? If the above doesn't apply, again, please stay home.
Gear plays a crucial role and should never be taken lightly. I'm amazed at what I see paddlers wear. Sweatshirts, jeans, and windbreakers have no place on the water. Ever. Do you see these items hanging in your local paddling shop? No you don't ... for a reason. Dress in synthetic layers of poly, fleece, nylon, etc; then add or subtract as necessary. My personal wardrobe for paddling is extensive to cover any conditions that I might encounter, but the basics center around the time-tested ThinSkins, ThickSkins, and Zephyr jackets and bottoms from Immersion Research. Cover your hands with gloves or pogies (pogies are my personal choice - but we'll save that for a future blog entry), a warm skull covering of wool, fleece, or neoprene for your head, and warm, solid footwear for your feet, and you've got the basics. I could go on for pages and pages - and someday I may - about clothing that is specific for paddling, but this is your high level overview for today's message. Lastly, never leave shore without your first-aid kit and some warm clothes sealed in a drybag just in case. It's pretty simple actually; you grab a synthetic tee, a fleece jacket, fleece pants, warm hat and gloves, and toss all of that into a drybag that NEVER leaves your boat during the cold months. While you're at it, go ahead and toss in a tarp and lighter as well. That should just about cover it. Your personal selections will solely be based on what your body can take in terms of cold, but only you can answer that.
Sprayskirts are gear and could be lumped in above, but I'm giving them a special nod based on what I've witnessed with my own eyes at this time of year. I don't paddle without one no matter the season, but in winter, they're crucial. They seal your boat against cold spray, trap warmth inside your boat, and give you a snowball's chance in Bermuda when an eskimo roll is needed. I'll also add too, that winter isn't the time for that flimsy nylon deck you use sometimes in the summer to keep your thighs from getting sunburned. No, winter requires a full neoprene deck for maximum waterproofness in your kayak and the reliable seal needed for a roll. Don't skimp here, got it?
The last thought I'll offer up is a relatively novel concept, but if you'll try it, I'll guarantee results. If you get chilly, paddle harder! Winter paddles aren't the time to float. Stretch your paddling muscles, breathe deep, and put it in gear. A vigorous winter paddle is surprisingly toasty!
Let's review quickly to make sure y'all are paying attention, shall we? Know what you're doing, be prepared for emergencies, learn rescue techniques for yourself and others, and don't dress like a hobo. Cool? Let's paddle.
If you spent your hard-earned money on a sleek sea kayak and all of the goodies, don't pass opportunities to enjoy this pursuit year 'round. Take the necessary precautions, but don't let cold weather keep your boat hanging like a museum display for 4 or 5 months out of the year because if you do, you're missing out. Paddling in the winter holds special opportunities for those that get out there and you'll experience things you can't get when it's warm. I'll share an example: years ago I did a sunrise paddle on Chickamauga right when a snowstorm hit. The morning was so still that I could actually hear the snowflakes hitting the water! This was going on while y'all were still in bed or just enjoying your first cup of java for the day. See what you missed? Sure it was cold when I launched, but once underway, I was as warm - or warmer - than I am sitting right here in my den with my feet propped up and this warm netbook across my legs. Be honest with yourself and your abilities, choose your gear carefully, grab a like-minded (and like-abilitied) buddy, and go chill!
-rob
Granted, it's also the time of year that many of my dual-bladed brothers and sisters have long since hung their gear waiting on more 'ideal' climes. Big mistake. In an earlier post I discussed that paddling is a personal journey for each of us and we should all paddle for our own reasons. To those that just can't endure the cold and have made a conscious decision to stay off the water, stay warm, and avoid the chance of disaster, then you have my blessings on your decision. For those that wish to extend their season(s) and see what they might be missing at this time of year, then I'd like to offer some insights from years of paddling in frigid weather.
First and foremost, and this will serve as your disclaimer for the day, don't go out there if you just don't 'do' cold, if you don't have the equipment to be out there, or you don't have the self-rescue skills to keep you safe. This is NOT the time to play games with your personal well-being! Paddling in cold weather has inherent dangers and should never be taken mildly.
I'm fortunate in that I'm inherently warm most of the time; a blessing at this time of year - a curse when the mercury climbs. Even if you fall into this category, it's a moot point if you can't survive a surprise submersion. One thing is a given at this time of year ... the water is insanely cold. Even on the mildest winter days here in Chattanooga when the air temps climb into the 50's, the water can still be a numbing temperature. How do you cope? Whether the air is warm or cool, you need to be prepared.
I'd first suggest that you be VERY confident in your abilities. If the temp drops, the wind picks up, or a large boat wake should break over the bow of your kayak, are you prepared and comfortable with these situations? If wind-waves make you nervous in July, then forget altogether about going out there in February. Self assesment is absolutely crucial here and you should be dead-level honest with yourself before venturing out. I don't worry about myself, because mentally and physically I'm prepared. I have a solid roll, solid boat handling skills, self-rescue techniques that I can rely on, I'm in great shape, the very best gear money can buy, and absolute confidence in all of the above.
It pisses me off that so many sea kayakers won't take the time to learn to roll. Opportunities exist around every corner to attend free roll classes, yet most chalk it up to being a whitewater-only skill. Warm or cold, a roll can save the day ... and your life. Ditto too, for learning rescue techniques. Can you assist a fellow paddler or yourself if you should exit your boat? If the above doesn't apply, again, please stay home.
Gear plays a crucial role and should never be taken lightly. I'm amazed at what I see paddlers wear. Sweatshirts, jeans, and windbreakers have no place on the water. Ever. Do you see these items hanging in your local paddling shop? No you don't ... for a reason. Dress in synthetic layers of poly, fleece, nylon, etc; then add or subtract as necessary. My personal wardrobe for paddling is extensive to cover any conditions that I might encounter, but the basics center around the time-tested ThinSkins, ThickSkins, and Zephyr jackets and bottoms from Immersion Research. Cover your hands with gloves or pogies (pogies are my personal choice - but we'll save that for a future blog entry), a warm skull covering of wool, fleece, or neoprene for your head, and warm, solid footwear for your feet, and you've got the basics. I could go on for pages and pages - and someday I may - about clothing that is specific for paddling, but this is your high level overview for today's message. Lastly, never leave shore without your first-aid kit and some warm clothes sealed in a drybag just in case. It's pretty simple actually; you grab a synthetic tee, a fleece jacket, fleece pants, warm hat and gloves, and toss all of that into a drybag that NEVER leaves your boat during the cold months. While you're at it, go ahead and toss in a tarp and lighter as well. That should just about cover it. Your personal selections will solely be based on what your body can take in terms of cold, but only you can answer that.
Sprayskirts are gear and could be lumped in above, but I'm giving them a special nod based on what I've witnessed with my own eyes at this time of year. I don't paddle without one no matter the season, but in winter, they're crucial. They seal your boat against cold spray, trap warmth inside your boat, and give you a snowball's chance in Bermuda when an eskimo roll is needed. I'll also add too, that winter isn't the time for that flimsy nylon deck you use sometimes in the summer to keep your thighs from getting sunburned. No, winter requires a full neoprene deck for maximum waterproofness in your kayak and the reliable seal needed for a roll. Don't skimp here, got it?
The last thought I'll offer up is a relatively novel concept, but if you'll try it, I'll guarantee results. If you get chilly, paddle harder! Winter paddles aren't the time to float. Stretch your paddling muscles, breathe deep, and put it in gear. A vigorous winter paddle is surprisingly toasty!
Let's review quickly to make sure y'all are paying attention, shall we? Know what you're doing, be prepared for emergencies, learn rescue techniques for yourself and others, and don't dress like a hobo. Cool? Let's paddle.
If you spent your hard-earned money on a sleek sea kayak and all of the goodies, don't pass opportunities to enjoy this pursuit year 'round. Take the necessary precautions, but don't let cold weather keep your boat hanging like a museum display for 4 or 5 months out of the year because if you do, you're missing out. Paddling in the winter holds special opportunities for those that get out there and you'll experience things you can't get when it's warm. I'll share an example: years ago I did a sunrise paddle on Chickamauga right when a snowstorm hit. The morning was so still that I could actually hear the snowflakes hitting the water! This was going on while y'all were still in bed or just enjoying your first cup of java for the day. See what you missed? Sure it was cold when I launched, but once underway, I was as warm - or warmer - than I am sitting right here in my den with my feet propped up and this warm netbook across my legs. Be honest with yourself and your abilities, choose your gear carefully, grab a like-minded (and like-abilitied) buddy, and go chill!
-rob
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