First Kayak buying advice

[rar110]

I’m looking to buy a couple of Kayaks to use near the shore and in creeks. I don’t need a flash sea going Hobbie fishing kayak at this stage. The discounted Anaconda single seater kayaks look pretty good value at $149, as a first kayak.

Seaflo Adult Kayak at Anaconda - Best Kayak For Fun-Loving Paddlers (https://www.anacondastores.com/water/kayaks/seaflo-adult-kayak/BP90098727?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI247QhpP84QIVSIiPCh3V9 wpmEAAYAiAAEgI5afD_BwE)

Am I missing something?

[austastar]

Hi,
If you are trying to cover distance you will find it frustrating. Shorter hulls tend to sit up on the bow wave and won't glide very well. But for mucking about they are fun.
Cheers

[cjc_td5]

Interesting. They are cheap but I don't know anything about them. As you would know, hydraulic performance is everything, and there are some cheap shockers out there....

A couple of plastic brands that are designed with paddleability in mind would be Finn or Spirit kayaks?

[Saulman1010]

I’m looking to buy a couple of Kayaks to use near the shore and in creeks. I don’t need a flash sea going Hobbie fishing kayak at this stage. The discounted Anaconda single seater kayaks look pretty good value at $149, as a first kayak.

Seaflo Adult Kayak at Anaconda - Best Kayak For Fun-Loving Paddlers (https://www.anacondastores.com/water/kayaks/seaflo-adult-kayak/BP90098727?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI247QhpP84QIVSIiPCh3V9 wpmEAAYAiAAEgI5afD_BwE)

Am I missing something?Nice simple unit. Plastic, just a hose off at end of day. Poly is good when you hit rockes branches etc, very tough. Easy care. Good starter unit.
Things to add/take with you:
A seat with a back rest is a good add on, can be hard on lower back.
These aren't a distance kayak, more an explore a creek or the rocks at the beach.
Gonna need a good paddle too. I dont like adjustable - a fixed length is ok.
A short bit of rope for tying up.
A proper water proof bag for carkeys and phone. Your gonna get wet the first few times!
Tie the paddle to the kayak - its easy to get separated when u fall in.
Dont forget your PFD (lifejacket) required here in Vic. I prefer the manual inflatable type ( only when u need it) but do not get the automatic inflate when wet ones - when you are learning it can get expensive to have them reset!
Two final words from someone who learns the hard way...sunscreen the tops of your feet, they burn real easy and write you name and phone number on the kayak. Should u really have dramas and swim to shore, you might get it back!
Have fun and post photos of your adventures.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190509/e4a668c707e1f5c4983373a95761bee8.jpg

[rar110]

It’s mainly for paddling through mangroves close to shore and up nearby creeks. I have a plywood canoe which is really quick but too unstable for me.

It’s for occasional use, once a FN probably.

[Saulman1010]

It’s mainly for paddling through mangroves close to shore and up nearby creeks. I have a plywood canoe which is really quick but too unstable for me.

It’s for occasional use, once a FN probably.Then I would add bugspray!
Ive some experience and training on cannoes but they are not maneuverable enough for me. Prefer the kak.

[rar110]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

[Saitch]

If you want to, you're more than welcome to have a go with mine. I'm not far from the upper reaches of the North Pine River. Mine's a 3.9 Mission.
The river is only 1.5-2 metres deep in the test area so no danger when going arse up.

[NavyDiver]

I brought the kids one from Anaconda for xmass. It is a smaller version and not meant for my weight but I can just [biggrin]. The one your looking at is rated to 125kg. Kids was about 60kg rated.

You get what you pay for to some extent. What you sit on is only part of the equation. A good or better paddle is a major part of how much the experience is good or bad I think.
Gumtree and other places often sell some good stuff people buy then never use [thumbsupbig] I saw a real steal in ceduna sports & outdoor centre. Suspect it would have sold but you might like to try. I was too loaded at the time to bring it home unfortunately

[austastar]

Hi,
I saw heaps of paddles at the Hobart tip shop the other day.
I may pay to check your local one.
Cheers

[NavyDiver]

Hi,
I saw heaps of paddles at the Hobart tip shop the other day.
I may pay to check your local one.
Cheers
I wonder if the cold water down there is the reason? [thumbsupbig] I loved visiting Hobart when on HMAS the same name. It always was after a very extended southern/northern hemisphere summer deployment and heck if felt cold[biggrin]