Advise for starting off. Thanks in advance.
Well. How are you keeping?
I'm looking at taking up kayaking as a hobby / sport. Done it a few times in a rental format and loved it. Always been more at home on / in the water then on land. Lol. Anyway I have been searching the internet for all the information I can but nothing beats first hand knowledge so all advise and help is greatly appreciated.
I'm living on the Limerick / Clare border. Most of my use will be rivers and lakes. However with the coast only a short drive away. I would like a good all rounding kayak. I have been looking at the Easky 13 and 15 and also some of the Pyranha kayaks, think it was the Master TG. I am 13.5 stone and 6' 1". I have seen some kayaks are various weights and lengths so not sure what I'll suitable for.
Seen a Pyranha InaZone 232 going for 400. Worth looking at? Also in comparison for the Venture Easky 13, 15 is the a big difference handling and use wise. I like the storage compartment on the Easkys. I don't see them on the Pyranhas. I do some photography so would probably spend some hours just taking it easy out on the water. Also want a boat that will handle in rivers though. Guess my question is how low a kayak is too long. Easkys seem alot longer than Pyranhas.
Want a kayak that a good all rounder and that I won't grow out of (Im 23 so I mean in use capabilty rather than size) too quickly. I know I'll need paddles, a PFD, helmet and the waterproof cover for the kayak entrance (not sure of the name for that. Lol. Anything else recommended?
Any and all advise welcomed along with tips and ideas.
I heard UL here in Limerick do lessons so I will get in contact with them. Also seen a few courses run over two days for beginners.
Thanks.
Jason.
Ps.. Sorry about the long post just want to make an informed decision ;-)
Kayaking will become your life, and then ruin it. Also, if you could see some of the people who hang out on this message board, you'd join a running club.
If you're determined, however, I'd second the advice to do a course. If UL is local, then go with that. Also do a search on this board for 'keoghser' for courses.
I wouldn't buy any gear at all just yet. Wait until you do a course - you could end up with really inappropriate stuff because you won't know what you're looking at. That said, if you fit in the InaZone, that would be a good start, but I think you might be too tall and heavy for it though.
Jim.
As jim said get your self onto a course before you do a whole lot, If you are in the south west direction you can try Nathen Kingerly or ir you look on the ICU website there is a list of culbs in your area.
On a side note if you click this link there is a very good article on choosing a boat.
Adrian
For training there's kilfinane outdoor centre, and the UL centre at two mile gate in kilaloe.
In limerick the clubs are UL kayak club and limerick canoe club. As mentioned above, contact details can be found from the ICU.
Thanks for the info. I'll get onto them sites now and will try start a course soon. After that I'll be better suited to buy something.
Thanks again.
J.
Hey Jason
Your best bet is to go and do an introductory course. There should be plenty of places around limerick that will be running these over the summer. Its best to get the training in and also to try out the different boats that they provide before decidiing to go out and buy a boat yourself.