Buying the Perfect Kayak

So you want to buy the perfect kayak, ey?

Just like you want the perfect relationship?

Well, it ain't gonna happen!  Unless you buy 3 or 4 boats!  I get the question occasionally from my friends and acquaintances wanting help choosing a 'perfect' kayak.  I love to talk nitty-gritty kayak talk so it is about time I shared some things on my blog.

Here is my advice.  

If you live in the Midwest, target an 11-13 foot boat

If you live on the East coast target a 14-17 foot boat

If you live in West Virginia or western NC target an 8-10 foot boat.

'Nuff said...right?  Well, but not so simple as you have to figure out what type of water you are MOST likely to paddle wherever you live.  Everyone seems to say..."I want to paddle rivers and open water."  WELL what else is there left??  Oh, I guess the ocean but hey I'm in Ohio...the ocean to me is Lake Erie and I'd put my 11.5 foot Dagger Blackwater kayak up against any boat.  Ok...so my point really is, you may have to compromise on some water to maximize potential on another type of water.  But don't be discouraged...read on!

The Midwest has some amazing flat, open bodies of water to paddle that would be perfect for the larger length boats.  And the Midwest also has some fun rivers and creeks with some rapids (in the fall/spring) that would be fun with a shorter boat.  

But guess what?  You CAN paddle the rivers and creeks with a longer boat and you CAN paddle the open water with a shorter boat!  Nothing is stopping you!!  But if you primarily plan to paddle open water, why not buy the longer boat...unless funds and weight of the boat are an issue. And if you primarily plan to paddle creeks and rivers, why not buy a mid-size boat.  And forget getting anything smaller than 10 foot unless you are FOR SURE looking to paddle whitewater and even then you should take lessons!  If you live in central Ohio you are looking at going 3-5 hours away to get decent or up to pretty darn good rapids!

So bottom line is there is really no perfect boat.  You make due.  You enjoy your own boat.  You relish in the fact that you have your own boat.  You post pretty pictures of your shiny new boat (and life jacket) on Facebook for all to see!  So what if it paddles like a bath tub in open water the few times you take it out on a lake to relax or fish.  You will LOVE it on the creek and river.  So what if a longer boat seems overwhelming on a creek or river.  You'll glide along on open water and reservoirs like you own it!

...and length of boat is NOT all there is to it!  Perhaps I'll discuss that topic in my next blog.

Tips:
*Longer, touring boats 14+ ft = longer, skinnier, tippier, squeezing your hips & booty in sideways.
*Shorter, rec boats 10-13 foot = more initial stability (you are less likely to flip thus embarrassing oneself, beverage holder which is key, and a more open cockpit to stash a medium size dog or cooler or fishing pole!
*Extremely short boats <10 foot = Good luck on the rapids!!  Take lessons and wear your helmet!

~The Ohio Kayaker (seems like an oxymoron)

Top 10 camping lessons learned on my first solo camper towing:

Top 10 camping lessons learned

10.  Pay attention when the rental guy tells you that the awning is the hardest thing with the camper operations.

9.  Fill up the water tank at home even if it means carrying an extra 80 pounds.  When you’re already over the limit by 1000 pounds, what’s 80 more pounds!

8.  Bring a generator even if you don’t think you’ll need it.  Even better when a friend has one to loan you and offers it up!

7.  Hide the firewood underneath the camper even if you don’t think it will rain.  Tip: See #3.

6.  Don’t be shy…ask a camping neighbor to help you put the awning up so that it doesn’t scare you or your dog trying to do so. 

5.  Before departing, find out from Dad if you need to have the Jeep in 4-wheel drive or not.  Saves panicking as you’re half way through the trip wondering if you’re suppose to or not.

4.  Have a backup plan for important items whether it is no electric for the coffee maker, inoperable stove, inoperable water system.  Hints:  instant coffee, backpacking Jetboil stove, bring extra water to ‘flush’ the toilet.   As in #10, pay attention to the rental guy’s instructions so as not to be wishing you had done #9!

3. Don’t leave your camper windows open when leaving the site unless you know the weather report for the day.   

2.  When towing something, remember that it’s back there! 

1.  Choose a good co-pilot!  An 11-month old Boxer pup riding shotgun is pretty cute….not so helpful navigating or setting up the camper though!