Re: [Paddlewise] New Member

"Roger Lumb" <lumb_at_email.wcu.edu> wrote:
>I just joined this group and after reading some of the discussions I'm

not sure this is the right forum for my questions,

Hi howdy, Roger.

This is the right forum for any and all safe paddling-related
questions.

>I have done quite a bit of time in a canoe and have been in 
recreational kayaks but I want to get into sea kayaking along the
Atlantic coast...southeastern barrier islands and eventually Maine.  I
am 5' 7", 135 lb and have looked at alot of sea kayaks.

I think at your size, the Seayak would be a bit too big.

Wes mentioned some excellent boats--for the money/size/design, I think
the Eddyline Night Hawk is a wonderful boat.  It's 16' x 22" or 23", if
I remember correctly.  Carbonlite is a little more expensive than
plastic, but cheaper and almost as stiff as fiberglass.  It's a tough
polycarbonate, but is easy to repair in the unlikely event you need to
repair it.

Since you're just getting into the sport, resist the urge to buy a new,
shiny boat.  Most people outgrow their first boats.  Make the boat you
outgrow a rental boat, or at least a used boat, so you don't lose as
much money in depreciation.  Of course, if you can afford it, you could
always keep that first boat as a loaner for guests or friends you might
wish to introduce to the sport.

If you want to buy gear, buy a good fitting PFD from a reputable
paddlesports PFD manufacturer (Lotus, Stohlquist, Extrasport [their
kayaking/canoeing PFD's], MTI, Kokatat).  You'll need it anyway, and
might as well buy it now.

Buy a decent mid-priced takeapart paddle.  2 reasons for making it a
takeapart: If you don't absolutely love it, it will make a nice spare;
or if you buy a fancier one, it will still make a nice spare.  And, it
gives you the option to try both feathered and unfeathered blades.

Buy a 3mm neoprene wetsuit.  You can augment this basic piece of
immersion protection with various other pieces of clothing to be
comfortable and safe in water temperatures from 45*F to 75*F.

Take some classes, try a lot of boats, and then make a decision.

Welcome!

Shawn

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