Re: [Paddlewise] New Member

On Thu, Sep 19, 2002 at 09:09:06AM -0700, Dave Kruger wrote:

> Get a couple lessons from a reputable outfitter and try different
> kayaks.  That will make you as educated as possible for an initial
> purchase.  Then, buy used, because most likely that first boat will
> not be the "perfect" boat (own five [blush]).  A couple years down
> the road, if you are still doing this stuff, you'll know what is
> just right.  There are so many different modes of sea kayaking that
> we can't tell what is going to work for you, two years hence.

The hysterical thing in the above advice (and I'm not laughing at
Dave, but at the collective advice we give) is the comment that the
first boat you get will not be the perfect boat, or that the first
boat you get won't be right and you'll wind up dumping it anyway.

>From what I've read here, and from what I hear from others who paddle,
is that they've still got that first boat (if they've not been in the
sport for more than say 8-10 years).  And they've got boat number 2,
and boat number 3, and ... (maybe in Dave's case 4 and 5 too).  There
isn't a perfect boat, and a fair share of us seem to accumulate more
than one kayak as a result.

On a more serious note:  If you're not willing to learn a little up
front (and it can seem like drinking from a fire hose at times), then
the odds increase that your first purchase won't work at as well as it
might.  But if you're willing to learn a little before slapping down
the plastic, and to take some test paddles with that knowledge in
mind, there is a real good chance you'll get a boat you'll be happy
with for some time.  You may still sell it.  But it's apt to be
because you're paddling need have changed, or you've found something
else you just can't do without and you either can't afford multiple
boats or can't find a place to store them.

Then again, take any of my advice for what it's worth.  I keep my
kayaks in the garage (on Talic Sport Hammocks) and my car in the
driveway.

-.- jwd
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