03-03-2008, 03:38 PM
Lopi T? It all depend on your purpose. If you wanna race/race/race -- twiglike-torpedo-shaped fiberglass (and associated warp-speed technocomposites) are the way to go -- fastttt.
If you're basically into the recreation-angle: getting some exercise, seeing stuff from a different perspective, fishing, snorkelling, camping, day-tripping, being ever so slightly rough on your boats (ie. lava and such) -- polyethylene's the way to go.
And if you're both reasonably athletic and comfortable in the water, single boats are the way to go.
No question about it.
My opinion only of course.
But no question about it.
(...and I'm a wimpy woman)
Those Malibu Twos serve a definite purpose of course. They'll get you out on the water, and the either-one-OR-two-can-paddle-angle was certainly a boon for the business; but sheer unadulterated pleasure-wise? -- singles.
The longer, the sleeker -- the faster of course.
(A strictly physics phenomenon)
The shorter, the squattier -- the better in surf.
In the old days, there was only one kind of polyethylene kayak.
And it came in yellow.
Made things easy.
Ha!
Over time though obviously, since the late 80's I guess, about 14 zillion different types evolved. And yes. Kelly (at the link Bill provided above, P&P Kayaks in the phone book) should be able to steer you in the right direction.
As far as buying "used" though?
Eeeek! Be wary.
Buying from a private individual who's hidden their boat under the house for most of its life is fine. Buying a demo or ever-so-slightly used one from Kelly or an eco-tour outfitter or rental outfit that stores 'em in the shade is fine.
However! It's the ultra faded brittle ones being sold by the hotels/commercial-outfits (who haven't been conscientious in regards to storage and/or turning over their fleets regularly) that you really have to watch out for.
Ultraviolet does a number on the plastic.
Last thing you need out there is a brittle crackable boat in christalmighty conditions.
Treat 'em kindly.
Carry a lifejacket.
Detach your paddle leash before landing.
Don't get between your (heavier than you think) boat and the shore when landing in waves.
And have funnnn!
---malolo
If you're basically into the recreation-angle: getting some exercise, seeing stuff from a different perspective, fishing, snorkelling, camping, day-tripping, being ever so slightly rough on your boats (ie. lava and such) -- polyethylene's the way to go.
And if you're both reasonably athletic and comfortable in the water, single boats are the way to go.
No question about it.
My opinion only of course.
But no question about it.
(...and I'm a wimpy woman)
Those Malibu Twos serve a definite purpose of course. They'll get you out on the water, and the either-one-OR-two-can-paddle-angle was certainly a boon for the business; but sheer unadulterated pleasure-wise? -- singles.
The longer, the sleeker -- the faster of course.
(A strictly physics phenomenon)
The shorter, the squattier -- the better in surf.
In the old days, there was only one kind of polyethylene kayak.
And it came in yellow.
Made things easy.
Ha!
Over time though obviously, since the late 80's I guess, about 14 zillion different types evolved. And yes. Kelly (at the link Bill provided above, P&P Kayaks in the phone book) should be able to steer you in the right direction.
As far as buying "used" though?
Eeeek! Be wary.
Buying from a private individual who's hidden their boat under the house for most of its life is fine. Buying a demo or ever-so-slightly used one from Kelly or an eco-tour outfitter or rental outfit that stores 'em in the shade is fine.
However! It's the ultra faded brittle ones being sold by the hotels/commercial-outfits (who haven't been conscientious in regards to storage and/or turning over their fleets regularly) that you really have to watch out for.
Ultraviolet does a number on the plastic.
Last thing you need out there is a brittle crackable boat in christalmighty conditions.
Treat 'em kindly.
Carry a lifejacket.
Detach your paddle leash before landing.
Don't get between your (heavier than you think) boat and the shore when landing in waves.
And have funnnn!
---malolo