So I bought a kayak yesterday and went out in it today...

I sadly do not own a kayak. But I do enjoy going down a river every once in a while. Last I did was a part of the Jacques Cartier. Truly beautiful, 20km. Sadly too short.

Here's 3 pics of the river but they are not mine:







The pics don't do it justice. I plan onto going hiking there soon. Beautiful national park with lots to do.

It's not too far either, about 30-40min from my location.

 

Man, I am so jealous. Pretty much the only thing I had to give up when I had kids was the long kayak half-day journeys I used to go on. But my four year old is showing some interest so maybe I will pick up a big old canoe so she can come along. Great pics!

 

I loved my kayak when I had it! Some of the best fishing I ever did was out of that thing. Get places you never would have thought with that thing. Best I can tell you is practice proper paddling form!!!!!!!!!!! If not you will learn the pain that resides at the 6th ring of hell called tennis elbow!

 

yes, good paddling form is a must especially on longer outings. Havent been out yet this year but hoping to get out on Lake Superior in August.

 

Intriguing. Can you experienced 'yakkers(yakkists? )talk specific gear? I could see doing this

 

I can't really. I just rent whatever the place has. I'm a casual (very) but I've been at it since I'm about 10 or so. It's fun.

But seeing you're on the coast, would you be kayaking on lake/rivers, on the ocean, both? Touring or Recreational?

It is my understanding that the answers to those questions would tell if you want a recreational kayak or a sea kayak (also called touring).

For recreational I'd avoid sit on top and inflatables at all cost.

 

I had a scary dunking before I could swim- fell in at the beach, over my head... Mom plucked me out quick, and I learned to swim- but after that Ive never totally comfy in water, so I'd certainly go ALL safety-guy. Gotta be soothing, though.

 

I can't see doing the ocean at first- were talking absolute noob here. My wife and kids paddled around a little park lake(pond, maybe)last year and dug it. I stayed on dry land but would certainly do it to get us all out together.

 

There are many rental outfitters, I'd start there and get use to being in a kayak, if you think its something you would enjoy then go shopping, I'd recomend something used.

I would love to paddle Tahoe sometime

 

Sadly, I don't have any personal pictures. I used to really enjoy tooling around the high mountain lakes in central Oregon in a two man inflatable though. Here's a web photo of Hosmer Lake, which is supernaturally clear and well stocked with Atlantic Salmon. That's Mt Bachelor in the background, where I used to work.



Whitewater kayaking is epic where I live now, but I can't swing learning yet another adrenaline sport at the moment.

 

Crazy me and my dad recently bought matching kayaks, well he bought two and I bought a go pro. There a great combination. However in louisiana a windless hot humid summers I got a great view with tons of swear and the worse sunburn I have ever had on a part of my legs that never had seen sun. Talking scabs

 

Careful w/dat sunburn, it can mess you up. Raises risk of skin cancer I think

 

Good on ya mate! For the topic. I bought a too small sit on top used it a few summers ago. Knew pretty much it was too small right off the bat. But still got my sea legs back. I had paddled a bit as a teenager. My SO wanted to paddle too so I found a Tandem sit on top for cheap and we upgraded the seats PFDs and paddles. We have had a few great summers of paddling. My apologies to the member that says never buy a sit on top, I humbly disagree. I am 61 I paddle in very light conditions. I am trying to get up the nerve to fish saltwater on calm days. And this is coming from a guy who has flown hang lifers for 40 yrs. I am alive because I am now WAY more cautious about how much risk I am willing to assume. Oh yeah I have fished successfully for lake trout from it and was very happy, communing with nature is spiritual for me.

 

Just got an IPad why is the interface so different than my PC. ....ps...this my first Apple device.....my android phone is dying a slow death and my girl is twisting my arm to get a iPhone as she's been a convert for 5yrs. Oops yeah OT