Re: [Paddlewise] Need kayak-try-and-buy advice

From: Melissa Reese <melissa_at_bonnyweeboaty.net>
Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2002 12:02:57 -0700
On Tuesday, August 20, 2002, at 4:54:12 PM PST, JHYoung000_at_aol.com
wrote:

> I'm a novice paddler, trying to compile a list of kayaks to try out
> for  possible purchase...

I'll second Kirk's suggestion of looking into a used boat. I also
agree with him about the Chinook...I think you'll be able to find
boats you like more than that one. You can often get a better used
boat for the price of a lesser new one. In any event, a used boat in
good condition can save you lots of money over the same boat purchased
new.

When I bought my first boat (Current Designs Caribou), I wanted
something that I could feel comfortable with right away, and also grow
into as my skills developed. I've been very happy with that purchase.
I paddled as many boats as I could find in the three months prior to
the purchase of the Caribou.

Another thing to consider along the lines of growing into a boat...

As your skills quickly develop, the types of waters and conditions
you'll want to experience will likely expand as well...so you might
want a boat that can take you further than you might imagine just now.

If there are any rental places near you, I would recommend visiting
all of them and trying as many different boats as possible (even if
they're not in your price/experience range...just to get an idea of
what's possible).

Once you find some boats you're really interested in, here's another
source for finding used boats online:

http://www.paddling.net/

On that site, you can search boats for sale by region.

Enjoy your paddling!  :-)

Melissa
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Received on Wed Aug 21 2002 - 12:21:20 PDT

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