Posts: 15
Threads: 2
Joined: Oct 2007
Hi everyone!
My wife (Lynn T) and I are considering buying a kayak/kayaks and were wondering if we could get some advice. We've kayaked a couple of times over in Kealakekua Bay with the double kayak...the kind that you pretty much sit on top of a kayak shaped air bubble (if that makes any sense-I'm not sure exactly what they're called. The ones like Carey has). But I was thinking it might be better to have individual kayaks...one per person.
So, I guess what I'm asking is, what are the different types of kayaks? Are there benefits to one over the other for kayaking on the Big Island? Do they all float, even when swamped? Pros and cons of single vs. double? Etc?
We'll mostly be using them to explore the bays by Keaukaha on this side and other bays on Kona side.
"It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you"
"It's not who you are underneath, but what you do that defines you"
Posts: 1,595
Threads: 111
Joined: May 2007
Outrigger one and two person canoes are worth looking into. They come with or without a social network. (racing, partying). The local organization: HIPA (hawaii Island Paddlesports Assc) is holding weekend regattas now. Check their website for more info.http://www.hawaiipaddling.com/
They are more culturally relevent than molded kayaks, but also more expensive ($2500-$3000).
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
There are a number of different types of kayaks & materials that they are made of.
There are whitewater, flatwater, ocean & surf(deck) kayaks, and these can all be single or double & deck kayaks can also be triple (we now have one double & one triple surf kayaks, but I used to do whitewater kayaking & slolum course work on eastern rivers)
Whitewater kayaks roll easily, and have turn on a dime ability, have float bags inside, and normally have adjustable foot pegs.
flatwater kayaks are keeled, have higher sides, less likely to roll, turn much slower and can have float bags
Ocean kayaks are much like flatwater, normally have foot operated rudders, normally have gear ports and have float bags.
All of the above, the kayaker sits inside the boat
Surf kayaks, the kayaker sits on the deck, they are much broader than the others, with a little keel, and are a sealed platforms, so no float bags.
Most kayaks today are made of roto-molded plastic or fiberglass composite, but some of the ocean and flatwater kayaks are made of more traditional materials, inc. wood, skin, cloth and/or metal.
If you want to try out surf kayaks (we chose them for there ease of operation & the fact we like playing in the surf & you can flop out & snorkel & flop in very easily), give us a holler. We have seen a number of different kayaks and canoes throughout the island, of many different materials.
Posts: 229
Threads: 19
Joined: Dec 2004
Carey, in SoCal they also fish from kyaks. I've seen where they have fish finders and all hooked up. I guess it's just a matter of how much you want to spend.
Posts: 142
Threads: 1
Joined: Dec 2005
I recommend looking at this web site. kelly is located in Waimea.
www.plentypupule.com
Bill
Posts: 6,214
Threads: 354
Joined: Feb 2006
Sooooo cool, but I'm sure I'd scratch the bottom, just looking at ours tells how brutal we are....
now if you had a nice dock.....
Posts: 447
Threads: 27
Joined: Sep 2006
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
