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jnerges · 07-10-2008, 05:14 PM

Wow, great thread. The Mrs. and I live in Federal Way Washington. Living here and not kayaking would be like living in Chicago and not listening to the Blues.

We got hooked up with an organization called the Moutaineers and took this basic kayak class. Basic is not accurate thought. We really got into it. I own an NC 19.5 sea kayak and Alison has a 17 foot. I have gone over night camping, once and our friend reached in her hatch and pulled out a dutch oven. Can you imagine tent camping and one of the crowd pulls out that hot chocolate cherry cake, from an oven????

The hardest part was find a way to carry kayaks and tow the AS. We finally settled on a PU with a cap and it works great.

Our last big outing was in the San Juans. We even had snow. Last week I was paddling with some friends and a seal hopped up on the back of one of our boats. Sat their for a minute, said hi and hopped off.

The other thing we like to do it find the negative tides, and at this latitude, the tidal changes are great. so to a shallow area that is usually in feets of water and coast along in a foot deep or so and check out the marine life. You will see stuff you cant beleie. Colors and designs that you can only see when the Puget Sound recedes. We are hooked I tell ya

doorgunner · 07-22-2008, 10:41 PM

Here's a few pics. It's always amazing to be paddling Tahoe and be able to see your shadow on the bottom of the lake 15 feet below you!

Wayne&Sam · 07-23-2008, 05:30 AM

I got a kayak a couple of weeks ago and am having tons 'o fun with it. I'm off for several days today- a music festival with some biking and yaking on the side.

doorgunner · 09-26-2008, 03:03 PM

The left coast tour by Chesapeake Light Craft was in Sacramento recently.They had 17 boats that they transported from Maryland. Here's a pic.Look at all that beautiful wood!

Wayne&Sam · 09-26-2008, 03:38 PM

Those are some nice looking boats.

Ike T · 09-26-2008, 04:27 PM

Here is a photo of our kayaks with trailer. Anne already posted a shot of them in the water.

TinShack · 09-28-2008, 05:25 PM

Went ocean fishing in the kayaks at San Simeon this weekend. Caught a bunch of rockcod. I also caught a 25" Lingcod that I released. Here's a photo of our catch.

doorgunner · 01-26-2009, 09:33 AM

FWIW;

If you have been thinking of upgrading your paddle you may want to check out REI web site. Some pretty good markdowns on Werner Paddles.

danalee · 01-27-2009, 11:16 AM

I am the proud and excited new owner of a Liquid Logic Remix XP10. I have taken a few classes to see what kind of kayak would best suit my needs. This new hybrid is just what I was looking for. Its a little heavier but the trade off is greater comfort and stability. It is 10'3" , weighs 49# and is 28" wide. I wanted to be able to fling my legs outside when I felt like drifting or relaxing. They are built locally in Greensboro which is another plus. It handles whitewater and smooth lakes great due to a drop down skegg. It has a large dry storage compartment so that long day trips or over night camping is definietly feasible. I am just chomping at the bit to get it in the water and start building up my strength and endurance. I plan on transporting it in the back of our Silverado 250. I can lift it by myself but due to the fact tht I am short I need help hoisting it in the truck (thats what my husband is for LOL) I am on a strength training program at the Y and I intend to be holding my own by the time the good weather gets here. I live near Belews Lake and the Dan River and have some other, should I say "mature" women friends who kayakl ocally that I will be taining with during the next few months when weather permits. I will post pics as soon as I can but you can go to shopgetoutdoors.com to read a great review and see pics.

wppii · 02-26-2009, 07:03 PM

Glad you started this, Doorgunner.
We have a trio of Hobies. They're like the recumbent bike of the kayak world. I especially like the sail on the Adventure Island because there is always an afternoon wind on the mountain lakes.
However, taking them along when you visit the Alvord Dry Lake in Oregon made for some interesting observations from old timers there.
Yak on.

osolow · 02-26-2009, 07:31 PM

Man I've been trying to talk my wife into letting me get a kayak
for over a year.
all your pictures make me think i need to push her a little more.

hopefully i will get one this summer.??

You guys have any advice for a novice? on a good first kayak?

cosmotini · 02-26-2009, 07:47 PM

My wife gave me an inflatable kayak made by Coleman for Christmas. I'm anxious to try it.

wppii · 02-26-2009, 07:56 PM

I have minor other kayak experience, but I love my Hobies. Not cheap but they do hold their value, like an AS.
They are sit-on-top, stable and tough. You can get models with a pedal operated propulsion system which I swear by and never at. See the post above yours for a couple of pics.
Easy to find the info, Hobie Kayaks
Good Luck

reday · 02-26-2009, 08:34 PM

I bought a Hobie a few years ago - can't be beat for fishing. At first my wife had a fit about me buying it until she tried it herself. Now she has her own... going out in them is the second best thing we do together.

osolow · 02-26-2009, 08:59 PM

what hobie did you buy???

reday · 02-26-2009, 09:09 PM

I have a Mirage Outback, she has a Mirage Sport. I've been thinking about another sport since they added rod holders making it more suitable for fishing without a lot of modification. I bought the Outback for Bay fishing in FL, but have since sold the house down there. The Outback is a little heavy if I have to load it on the Jeep by myself. Still great for paddling around the cove here at home...

wppii · 02-26-2009, 09:19 PM

Like reday, I started with the outback, my wife added her own sport. then i found the adventure island with outriggers and a sail and i got to kayak on the mirror still mountain lakes in the morning, then around noon, when the upslope winds kick in, i get to go sailing.
again, the second best thing my wife and i do together

elfirebob · 02-26-2009, 09:30 PM

Great boats. Just look at the smiles!
Wide range of kayaks and canoes out there. We've got Cobra singles and a Necky tandem. I am however looking at the Wilderness Tarpon 14 as a possible replacement for us. Bought my fishing license today and looking forward to some time on the water.
We took three boats on our last run up to Teton/Yellowstone. the lower pic is Nanc birding Near Yuma, AZ.
Just get on the water...

safari62 · 02-26-2009, 09:41 PM

So hard to leave to summer house!

danalee · 02-27-2009, 06:39 AM

I just started kayaking this winter-in the Y pool! I learned some basic safety things-like how to get out if you flip. I spent a day with an instructor looking at different styles and settled on a new hybrid by Liquid Logic made right here in NC. It has a drop down skagg which is great for the lakes and smooth water. It is very versatile and if I get real adventurous it performs well in white water. Its 10.4 feet long with a closed storage unit which makes it also very good for over night camping. The seat is adjustable which is very important to me since I have had a back injury. I don't know how to post pictures here but you can look up Liquid Logic at Get Outdoors. One of my instructors did a review and there is pictures of it. It is on the high end of cost but I wanted something that I could take just about everywhere. I have been out several times and really love it. I realy recommend taking a class before you buy. YOu are made aware of a lot of things you might not think about. There are second hand kayaks that can be found in reasonably good condition. Like bying an airstream, take your time and do a little research. Good Luck and have fun!