New to kayaking

[Deuce]

Second what Cowper and Mr. Jim said. I can also attest that in an immersion followed by quick recovery/drying out and changing type scenario inexpensive polypropylene and fleece will keep you warm enough until you can change into dry layers, or at least that was the case that time when I fell into the............ Well, never mind how I know.

[Crane]

To quote our old friend Max Wellhouse, "The best exercise for paddling is paddling." And, he was absolutely correct! Paddle whenever and wherever you are able... even on a farm pond or lake or slough... It all counts!!

[miket77]

Thanks to everyone again. I'm sure I'll have more questions as time goes on. I have been stretching and working on getting the exercises down. Looking into some better equipment. An try to be on the water as much as time and weather allow.

This is by far the nicest forum I've ever been on. Most of the time you get flamed on for asking newbie questions or there is a lot of bickering between forum members. I have not seen any of that here. I know when on the water we have to look out for each other and it reflects back on here as well. To bad more people in the world don't do this. Thank you all again.

Mike

[Deuce]

Mike, be sure and plan to come to Rendezvous next year. You'll meet a bunch of these folks in person and have a great time. Bring the whole fam. It will most likely be the third weekend in September, but we'll know for sure in plenty of time for you to arrange to be off.

[jdryden78]

One thing I have noticed about the ACC...EVERYONE is welcome. Nice change from most of society these days.

[bmartin]

As far as boats and white water this might help your thinking:

Did you like doing wheelies or hit the jumps on a mountain bike course when riding a bike? Y - think about a small river runner or playboat.

Didn't like wheelies or getting air but liked to go fast every once in a while? Y -think about larger river runner or creek boat.

You liked cruising along and enjoy the scenery? Y - your boat will be fine.

For persons trying to sort things out, I think buying used boats/gear is the way to go which you can get started in different types of crafts for around $200-$500 instead of modding one boat to make it fit a bunch of different purposes. If you do not like it you can almost always flip it for 75 to 100 cents on the dollar provided you do not wrap it around a strainer or have it fall off your car on the interstate.

[miket77]

With that being said, what are the differences in these boats? I'm guessing play boats are the extremely small boats that have the (without a better definition) pointy front end? But what makes the difference in a creek boat and a runner?

And I am definitely more of a speed person than tricks. So probably a larger runner or creek boat. What falls in these catagories? I will probably need something on the bigger side. I'm not tall (5'9) but I'm on the heavy side (240). So I know this will be a factor in what boats can be used.

[bmartin]

I found this to be the best guide to learn the lingo of the different types of kayaks.

http://www.nrs.com/kayaks/kayak_terminology.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

To answer part two of your question on boat sizes and fitting the paddler, most of the boats will make the same model with different sizes to accomodate different paddler sizes. Some will use the same model name and have 2-4 sizes with varying volume/lengths and others will have different model names (Jackson Fun, Super Fun) for the same model with different sizes. The website of manufactures will have suggested paddler weight ranges for each size. If you are on the upper end of suggested weight ranges that is considered more aggressive - easier to initiate tricks but also stickier in a hole.

[miket77]

I had actually came across this information after I had asked the question. I still don't know which would be a better fit for me. Again not really interested in doing tricks. I like going fast. I like the idea of running bigger water. I think I'm leaning more for a creek boat but not sure...