Kayak Recommendations

[Trekkin and Birdin]

I bought a Bending Branches paddle that allows me to switch from feathered to straight. They are lightweight and not too pricey. When I discover the optimal for me, I’ll move up. I’m getting myself a Whiskey Jack wooden canoe paddle for Christmas, because I know what I need for that mode of river travel.

Other equipment…some kind of dry bag, a spray skirt probably (I got a half skirt, so I still get wet) and depending on your vehicle, a a rack system. I need to get something for my Fiesta. One consideration for the new car was something small enough that I could hoist the kayak myself onto the rooftop. There are roller systems out there, but I should be able to get it on top of the lime on wheels without one of those.

[Team_Sandman]

@Jstajlr wrote:

How about equipment to add to this discussion. I bought a paddle from Dicks just because I was itching to get out on the water. Does anyone have good recommendation on paddles. Name brand, length, single piece, two piece etc. Some of the paddles I saw were half of what I paid for the kayak.

According to an article I read it recommended a 240 cm paddle for my height (6’3″) but another said because of my height I should have no trouble reaching the water and recommended a 210 cm. I went with the 225.

When looking for a paddle you should stand next to the paddle and reach up and it should be as tall as you are. Like mine I had to get the biggest paddle and i still reach over teh top of it. We also bought are kayaks at Dicks and we ended up buying three one for myself which its a fishing kayak which is almost better than a motor boat, one for the wife and one for the kid so all on all it was over 1k for all check with dicks when we got ours they were having a huge sale on all kayaks

[Lostby7]

@sandman4182 wrote:

When looking for a paddle you should stand next to the paddle and reach up and it should be as tall as you are. Like mine I had to get the biggest paddle and i still reach over teh top of it. We also bought are kayaks at Dicks and we ended up buying three one for myself which its a fishing kayak which is almost better than a motor boat, one for the wife and one for the kid so all on all it was over 1k for all check with dicks when we got ours they were having a huge sale on all kayaks

It’s not quite that simple. The type and width of your kayak as well as your paddle stroke technique also factor in the size. When I bought my first paddle I was recommended a paddle which is much too big for me…I wish I had done my homework before purchasing that first one.

…actually I should be using two different paddles for the two kayaks I normally pilot.

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