Kayaks

[Rniamtoo]

I am a member of the NWA hiking group and just introduced to canoeing and Kayaking. Someone said there is a special type of Kayak that is made for women. I am interested in knowing the type, brand, etc. Any information appreciated.
Thanks

[Jim Krueger]

R,

I'm not one of the women in the club , but thought I'd go ahead and jump in and say you have asked a good question, and I know you'll get some good suggestions. Of the many brands and types of kayaks out there, most are equally perfect for either men, women, and sometimes kids, depending on the size of a particular model.
For starters, it would be helpful to know what type of water you'd most like to paddle, just flatwater on lakes, moving water on rivers, or a combination.

Best Regards
Jim

[Rniamtoo]

I have been on the Buffalo River and that's about it. I would feel pretty comfortable with the slow moving waters.

[tomOzarkVideo]

If slower water is what you'll mainly be paddling. I suggest a Sit On Top (SOT) kayak.
AKA tanning bed with a paddle.

Examples:

Wilderness Systems: Tarpon or Ride

Jackson: Coosa

Liquid Logic: Coupe

Perception: Tribe

Feel Free: Moken, Junto

(Edit) I think the "women's" kayak that you're hearing about is the Ocean Kayaks Venus.
It has no real features that make it different. Just the color and marketing.

[Cowper]

I mostly agree about the color and marketing, but the "Venus" kayaks do have one feature that makes them a bit different than most sit on tops - they are about 10 # lighter than comparable models. Doesn't sound like much, but lifting 40# up to car-top height is easier than lifting 50 # or more.

This has got to mean, "thinner plastic". I would guess that it is still tough enough to last many, many years, but maybe a little more likely to oil-can???

[Shep]

Allow one paddling engineer to translate for another paddling engineer. :)

"Oil-canning" is the word we use for when areas of the hull get pressed-in or bowed-out over time. It tends to happen more with flat areas of the hull, but can happen even where there is a curve or corner. When it happens, it slows the boat down, but doesn't make it impossible to paddle. The best way to avoid it is to treat the boat well, store it indoors, not lying on it's bottom hull on a flat surface (either upside down or on straps that provide even support), etc.

An oil-canned hull is mostly a sign of a boat that hasn't been as well taken care of as it could have been, and so people are often looking for this info when they are buying or selling something used.

Thanks,
Shep