Hey DwightK, sounds cool, I have a good friend in Meridian, ID. She is really big into kayaking but yeah, she's more of a whitewater type. Idaho is a bit more inland from an ocean than NJ. I have a sister by Sandy Hook so I'm looking at getting my kayak into the bay area and out inside the hook.. Just try to stop myself from going to England.
Have fun with your 'bent, what kind of 'bent is it, shortwheelbase, long, Under or above wheel steering? If I was to get a 'bent it would be a short wheel based model, somethin g that would be fast and nimble. The only times I really see 'bents on the road is usually during bike tours, it's kind of odd. Did you get a fairing? That's what will give you real speed and also some aerodynamics as well as rain protection. Enjoy, post some pics!
Dave, sounds great, it's a great sport. I've hiked so long in Harriman and where I've been kayaking so far and it's a new perspective and a lot of fun. In a touring kayak (aka sea kayak) you really have a great perspective on wildlife and you can go as hard or as easy as you feel like.
It's a good workout on your thighs and abs, if you're paddling right that is. The power is in your legs, not your arms/shoulders. The right kayak is usually based on your weight, size and intent of use. A longer kayak will typically be faster, hold more gear, track better and you need something that will fit you well. Wider is not necessary better or even more stable. My kayak is 14' and has a 21.5" beam but then I am only 5'5" and 130lbs so I wanted a low volume, sea kayak that I will be able to edge easier. Edge would be the ability to lean your kayak for handling in rougher waves and turning faster. I love mine, it's a real gem in a handling department, has a skeg for when it's windy and fits great. 14' is probably the shortest true sea kayak length that will do OK in the seas, most true sea kayaks are 16' and longer but for lakes and slow rivers, the 14'er is good for me. If I intend to take more ocean journeys, I would look into a longer kayak and Lake Michigan would be similar due to the length and you've got some serious weather and waves to deal with with a lake that big.
I also wanted something lightweight so I can cartop it solo, which is why I went with the more expensive fiberglass one which is around 8-13lbs lighter than the cheaper and more durable plastic kayak. However, the performance in the water is probably not that much different for the beginner paddler so if the weight is not an issue, a plastic kayak would be perfectly fine. I also know that I would not sleep well if I got a plastic one cause I would be wanting to upgrade not long, but that's because I know myself. Heck, I've had my Impex for 3 weeks and I already want a composite 16'+ kayak!!!! I love my Impex, I bought it at a kayak show in NJ and met the guy behind Impex, he is AWESOME, he is a great person to talk too, very friendly, he offered to let me borrow a sprayskirt cause the show was out of stock and said that I could return it the next time I see him. Impex is a small company out of Asheville, NC. the 'glass is made in Canada under the "Formula" brand but I cannot say enough about the CS and support I've gotten from him, he has answered my questions on the forum they run and there is a lot of good anecdotes on paddling.net.
They you also have to see if you want to doing any camping, many day touring boats only have one hatch for storage, where as more full touring kayaks will have 2 and possibly a dayhatch if it's 16' or longer.
Check out
paddling.net, that's a great website for kayaking, they have a buyer's guide and also a bunch of articles you can read. They also do Canoes too if that is your cup of tea. I prefer kayaks, I've been in canoes a bunch but I like Kayaking a bit, you're more in the water than on it.
No problem with talking kayaks, that is what this thread is for!
Jay
