Kayaks and Airstreams

[doorgunner]

I've helping my friend Dan as he recovers from hernia surgery. Mainly I rope him to a chair when I arrive and let him speak with customers. I do all the lifting and moving of everything else. Here's a few shots of his place in Lodi, we're getting ready for a kayak swap on the 15th of this month. at last count 110 kayaks, sup, and canoes. lots of consignment stuff going cheap.
The American made boats are especially nice. That would be the "Sterlings and the Eddylines".
basically , something for about any skill level.

[Zeppelinium]

A small digression from the "what should I buy discussion."



I'm finally home after six weeks. It was a great trip, mostly scheduled around kayaking, but we finished it off at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque.

Unfortunately, Uwe's trailer (the shinny one at the right) took a glance from a landing balloon, whose pilot wanted "to get a great picture in the reflection." As he skipped over the top of the Airstream he left a long crease in the top. Bummer. He just missed my Sovereign by less than a foot (hidden behind the kayaks).

For those who weren't aware, Ken_J put together an incredible rally of 103 RVs, of which I think 98 were Airstreams (and the 5 SOBs were guests of Streamers). The rally parks on the front row of the RV area, so you don't even have to go out on the field to see the show--the balloons fly right over you, as you can see from the photo--the field is essentially in front of the front row (and despite this year's accident, they rarely land on your Airstream!). It's a great rally. Contact him for next year's rally. He starts taking reservations in the spring.

Happy paddling,
Zep

[doorgunner]

here's a video, kinda fun
reynaldolago's Channel - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/reynaldo.../4/bYE-vUOh10s

[Alumaholic]

Didn't Uwe's Airstream take a ballon strike last year?

[doorgunner]

way back I posted a few pics on a bicycle rack for overhead storage of one kayak at a time.
I've been using a newer system for about 6 months, then I purchased a second unit last summer. It's a Racor Ceiling Storage Lift. Costco has them on sale oct 17- nov13. $100 plus freight and tax if applicable. I have NO ties to Costco. just showing what I believe to be a great kayak storage solution. This rack has a weight limit of 250 lbs. more than enough for a few yaks. The toughest part of the install was locating the sheetrocked over beams.
I leave the forward strap attached all the time, just slide the boat into it and then attach the aft strap. The garage door gets in the way somewhat so I must keep the boats below it. this is not a problem as I use the platform on top of the lift to hold my building supplies. just passing along the info, hope someone benefits.

[FreshAir]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

way back I posted a few pics on a bicycle rack for overhead storage of one kayak at a time.
I've been using a newer system for about 6 months, then I purchased a second unit last summer. It's a Racor Ceiling Storage Lift. Costco has them on sale oct 17- nov13. $100 plus freight and tax if applicable. I have NO ties to Costco. just showing what I believe to be a great kayak storage solution. This rack has a weight limit of 250 lbs. more than enough for a few yaks. The toughest part of the install was locating the sheetrocked over beams.
I leave the forward strap attached all the time, just slide the boat into it and then attach the aft strap. The garage door gets in the way somewhat so I must keep the boats below it. this is not a problem as I use the platform on top of the lift to hold my building supplies. just passing along the info, hope someone benefits.

Begining to look like you hanger.....here 'hanger' is a noun.
Neil

[cms4140]

Would like to add a tandem kayak to the collection of toys to enjoy with my 7 year old son.

I have been reading reviews, etc., and have sorta keyed in on the following three options. If you have any thoughts on these or any other options/brand loyalties, I would appreciate it if you'd share them.

• Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL
• Hobie Kona
• Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus

Thanks
Chris

[doorgunner]

Chris;
I had a OK Malibu 2. easy to swim from as it's a sit on top. It is easy to paddle, has a ton of stability but is slow from point a to b. This seems to be the all around rental kayak. Lots of gently used ones out there.
The Hobie is about the same. I've not paddled it.
The Old Town is a sit inside.It has a unique cockpit arrangement. It will FILL with water if capsized.
Most all these entry level kayaks are similar. I would visit 2 or 3 local shops and see what they have in stock.Now is a good time to buy. Most importantly get good PFD's and wear them.
BTW the 3 choices you posted are all well known companies, it's just what you want. Liquid Logic has some other things as well as wilderness, heck there's so many out there--- let's face it it's just roromolded plastic. I'm sure you will find something to enjoy your time with the family on the water.What I see with tandems is that it's a great way to get family time, then the kids want to venture out on their own, so be prepared to get a single next season. lol
post a pic with the kid's big grin when you get a chance!

[cms4140]

Originally Posted by doorgunner

Chris;
I had a OK Malibu 2. easy to swim from as it's a sit on top. It is easy to paddle, has a ton of stability but is slow from point a to b. This seems to be the all around rental kayak. Lots of gently used ones out there.
The Hobie is about the same. I've not paddled it.
The Old Town is a sit inside.It has a unique cockpit arrangement. It will FILL with water if capsized.
Most all these entry level kayaks are similar. I would visit 2 or 3 local shops and see what they have in stock.Now is a good time to buy. Most importantly get good PFD's and wear them.
BTW the 3 choices you posted are all well known companies, it's just what you want. Liquid Logic has some other things as well as wilderness, heck there's so many out there--- let's face it it's just roromolded plastic. I'm sure you will find something to enjoy your time with the family on the water.What I see with tandems is that it's a great way to get family time, then the kids want to venture out on their own, so be prepared to get a single next season. lol
post a pic with the kid's big grin when you get a chance!

Doorgunner - thanks for the info. This morning I found a gently used Liquid Logic Deuce Coupe with some gear on craigslist that I am going to check out.

-Chris

[Zeppelinium]

You can boondock for free on the south side of highway 89, west of the dam. It's great being near wahweap, and us old persons can kayak for free, too.



You can't camp overnight at the Antelope Marina, but you can park for free for 14 days and camp just across the lake on the nearby island. Presumably you could sleep in a tent on the island and then paddle back to your Airstream to eat and provision for another day of paddling. aS you can see here, you can park in full view from the island and can paddle directly to the shore near your parking spot, without having to go around the point to the marina launch ramp.





The Antelope arm of the lake is interesting, but only has sandy landing spots in the first third of its length. After that you have to go all the way to the end, which is muddy at best.



Over in the Wahweap Bay area, the rocks are not so red and you can dry camp right on the beach. I think I still prefer the dispersed free camping on the other side of the highway--no dogs, no kids, no music.



Anyone interested in a small Airstream/kayak rally at Lake Powell next year? The boondock area in the first photos above has room for 5-6 campsites within 300 yards of each other, and has a reasonable view of the Wahweap arm of the lake. We're parked at point 1, which is about 1/4 mile off the highway.



Zep

[knunut]

Have you stayed @ "Lone Rock Beach " ? We Stayed @ Wahweap /May 2010 and kayaked Labyrinth Face and West Canyons. Beautiful !! Very nice .Very Few People. Had a great time. Would like to go back. What month would you like to do the trip ?

[Zeppelinium]

Thaks for the correction, Wahweap is the stores-hotel-marina place. I really meant Lone Rock. That's where you can boondock on the shore.

I think after school starts in the fall--fewer cigarette boats trying to run you over, lots fewer campers (and most of them are older and have quit listening to heavy metal), and the water is warm enough that you don't have to wear any cold water protection.

Another great thing about planning to be in the area for a few days is that you can always go down to the Paria Contact Station, about 25 miles west, and sign up for the lottery to hike to the Wave.



Zep

Originally Posted by knunut

Have you stayed @ "Lone Rock Beach " ? We Stayed @ Wahweap /May 2010 and kayaked Labyrinth Face and West Canyons. Beautiful !! Very nice .Very Few People. Had a great time. Would like to go back. What month would you like to do the trip ?

[doorgunner]

Zep

we'ld be interested--- will wine be involved??
thanks for the card.!!
I have a RM Avocet next to the moho now....river rats rule.

[Sky]

Originally Posted by Zeppelinium

blah blah blah

Anyone interested in a small Airstream/kayak rally at Lake Powell next year?

blah blah blah

We planned to head west next fall anyway.

Excellent idea Zep!

........

[Zigidachs]

We are interested in a trip to Lake Powell next year. Wahweap appears to be a very nice site. In general we know little of LP, but are there any other areas of LP for kayaking that avoid a lot of speed boat traffic? Any advice is welcomed. ?'s on water temps, water levels during the year, camping preferences.......Thank you...Zigi

[Zeppelinium]

Lots of Lake Powell data can be found here. Look in the upper right corner and click on "detailed map" for a very nice PDF of the whole recreation area.

I think there are more fast boats in the south part of the lake. As you go north it's more houseboats and bass fishermen. My limited experience in the Wahweap area is that the powerboats are pretty respectful, if they see you, which might be a big "if."

I'll post more info on kayak possibilities, later.

Zep

[Antique Pedaler]

We've been to Lake Powell several times and, yes, we would be interested in a kayak/Airstream rally next fall. we spend winters just below Lake Havesu and kayak on the lake as well as on the Colorado River.

[Kosm1o]

Originally Posted by cms4140

Would like to add a tandem kayak to the collection of toys to enjoy with my 7 year old son.

I have been reading reviews, etc., and have sorta keyed in on the following three options. If you have any thoughts on these or any other options/brand loyalties, I would appreciate it if you'd share them.
[*]Ocean Kayak Malibu Two XL[*]Hobie Kona[*]Old Town Dirigo Tandem Plus
Thanks
Chris

We have the tandem sit on top Hobie. Patti and I love it. Stable and tracks very well. Weighs about 65#

[Zeppelinium]

I've started a separate thread for the proposed rally.

Zep

[nickcrowhurst]

My paddling buddy Tony, ripping it up at our local surf break last week. Our boats are both NDK Romanys, ideal for such conditions.
Nick.