Kayaking

[TahoeDirtGirl]

I am prepared to take the plunge and buy a kayak. I live on a cove (for now) and I think I want a sit on top kayak and want one for two people. The ones I'm looking at are 34 inches wide (Ocean Kayak and Future Beach Nexus)- but the Ocean is 12 ft long and Future Beach is 13 ft 4 inches long.

So here is my question:

1) can you still paddle these alone? I heard they are easier to paddle for beginners alone because they track straighter.

2) are they stable? I have read that the 34 inch wide sit on top ones are almost impossible to tip.

3) and the paddles- the dual paddle or the single paddle? I think the dual paddle looks more like for white water or surf and would rather have the single paddle. I can go on the other side of my 'island' and ride the surf (not much most of the time) but I'm not that inclined.

[7rider]

Check out http://www.paddling.net/ for buyer's guides, product reviews, places to paddle, articles, etc.

[tulip]

I am prepared to take the plunge and buy a kayak. I live on a cove (for now) and I think I want a sit on top kayak and want one for two people. The ones I'm looking at are 34 inches wide (Ocean Kayak and Future Beach Nexus)- but the Ocean is 12 ft long and Future Beach is 13 ft 4 inches long.

So here is my question:

1) can you still paddle these alone? I heard they are easier to paddle for beginners alone because they track straighter.

2) are they stable? I have read that the 34 inch wide sit on top ones are almost impossible to tip.

3) and the paddles- the dual paddle or the single paddle? I think the dual paddle looks more like for white water or surf and would rather have the single paddle. I can go on the other side of my 'island' and ride the surf (not much most of the time) but I'm not that inclined.

I can't hlep you with #1. I guess a tandem would be paddleable by one person, but it'll be awfully long (and heavy to get down to the water).

most sit-on-tops are extremely stable, but you shouldn't stand up or jump around in them.

kayaking is a dual paddle sport. If you want one paddle, get a canoe. In fact, a canoe might really be more what you are looking for.

Have fun. Still haven't gotten my kayak yet...house first, and that's well on its way.

[TahoeDirtGirl]

thanks tulip! I live right on the water so I'm just going to leave it right on the cove. I don't think I'll be bouncing around in it so it should work. Just like mtn biking, you can get the entry level one at Dicks for $450 or spend a few thousand...I'll probably get the entry level one and then if I really get into it then maybe I'll look for a better one.

It's funny because I've seen people paddle with one sided paddles here. I saw the two sided ones and thought...that looks a little kooky..haha...no, not a canoe, they are too cumbersome...

[tulip]

kayaking (with the double paddle) is quite graceful. I've found that I can go fast and maneuver quite well, better than in canoe (with one paddle). I took a summer-long kayak course last year and got pretty proficient. But without a boat, I can't practice, so I'll probably have to start over again when I get a boat. Got the water, just no boat. I guess the water is the hard part, though.

I'm sure you'll have a great time on your kayak in the cove.