Reccomendations for novice kayakers

[b_shurley]

Hello group,

My girlfriend and I are looking to purchase 2 used kayaks or one tandem kayak to use on Lake Conway, Buffalo River, etc. We were looking to spend around 500 total, but are unsure where exactly to start our search. Any reccomndations on boats or stores/outfitters that have used boats for sale??

Thanks,

B

[Cowper]

Finding two boats worth having for $500 is going to take some patience and careful watching. Also, you’ll need to add PFD’s, two paddles, MAYBE a sprayskirt (depending on what kayak models you end up with), and think about helmets. Make the helmet a “for sure” unless the Buffalo is the hardest thing you will be running.

Rule of thumb to remember about kayaking – you will be happier with a cheap boat, and good paddle, than with a good boat and cheap paddle. It may not make much sense at first, but trust me on this, the paddle is the one you will lift several thousand times a day, the boat you just sit on.

Some of the Buffalo River outfitters sell off gear seasonally, but have few kayaks, and they are mostly sit-on-tops that are OK for the Buffalo in summer, but would not be that fun on places like Lake Conway.

See Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters in Hot Springs just to look at the range of boats, and talk to some nice people. They will be OK with the fact that you’re buying used for now; they are willing to work for future business when you need gear, or get the bug and want a new and different boat. Plus they just like sharing what they know with others.

Here are a couple of used boats close to your price range:
http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =2&t=20047" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; At $250, this would be a good touring boat for the girlfriend (I’m making assumptions of “average” or smaller size, google the boat name and you’ll find detailed reviews and recommended weight ranges)
http://forums.arkansascanoeclub.com/vie ... =2&t=19979" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; The Embudo mentioned here was also $250, but the post said “sale pending” so that may or may not be available. Both boats mentioned here are “creek” kayaks; designed for turning easily. This is less than ideal for Lake Conway or the Buffalo; the girlfriend in the Carolina would leave you far behind in any long race. I saw some other boats further down on the “for sale” page, but the prices were higher; $400 and up.

In looking at any boat you see for sale, Google it to find reviews and pictures. The best reviews are often on paddling.net because they are not written by folks who work for the company that wants to sell you the boat, they are written mostly by users.

Look for terms like “touring” or “recreational” in the description. “Touring” is best for lake use; “recreational” includes a wide range of boats; some are almost “touring” boats, others are very short and not very good for a longer river trip or lengthy lake paddle. Avoid boats that say “creek”, “play”, or even “river runner”. These terms are used to describe various types of whitewater-oriented designs, and while great if you want a whitewater boat, are not ideal for lake or very easy river paddling.

I hope some of this helps…

[okieboater]

Having fun costs more money than most people think.

[hfunkhouser]

Like the man says: patience. I've bought most of my gear used here, but getting 2 boats that will do what you want for that price will take some time. When my wife and I first caught the bug we got an old canoe and gear on a similar budget Tracks good for long distances and you get to be together for the trip. Of course for some couples that will cure the paddle bug permanently and real quick.
Look for a set of old town otters in addition to the perceptions mentioned earlier if you have your hearts set on kayaks.

[Karla]

Check out craiglist.com. I see some cheaper kayks on there sometimes.

Welcome to the club. Watch the board for paddle trips.

Karla