Re: [Paddlewise] New Member

At 08:19 AM 9/19/02 -0700, Shawn Baker wrote:
>"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.

Not so much that a little padding won't fix it.


>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.

I've paddled a Seayak a lot and spent a day in a Night Hawk.  I'm just a 
bit bigger than Roger and, if anything, felt that the Night Hawk is roomier 
in the cockpit than a Seayak.  The Night Hawk *is* a very nice boat 
though.  I thought it was just a tad tippier than a Seayak but also had 
excellent secondary.

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.

What Shawn said.


>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.

Again, I agree.  If you get a PFD that isn't comfortable you're likely 
going to want to take it off.  If you're not wearing it than it will not 
serve it's purpose


>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.

All good advice...especially the part about taking some classes.

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