Getting Started

[willky1]

I've been looking around here for awhile now, but still haven't had time to actually get my gear. Here in a couple of months I am thinking I'll have the money to buy a kayaking setup. However, I have one question. How much should I expect to spend on the whole setup? What would be a "good" price for a new setup? Used? I know this is one of those instances where you can pretty much spend as much as you want, but I'm just trying to get an idea of what I'll need and how much that will cost. So, what do I need to get started?

Also, I'm not so sure about the types of boats (i.e. creek boat, river runner, play boat, etc.). All I know is that play boats are short and geared toward "playing".


Oh yeah, most (probably all) of my kayaking will be done here in arkansas. Don't know if that matters or not. And I will also be wanting to do some playing/surfing (not sure exactly what that means, but when people are doing the "sweet stuff", they use one of these words ). Guess I want to get as close as I can to having my cake and eating it too!

edit due to questions raised that I hadn't answered about conditions.

[turboturtle]

I'd say that starting on the cheep is the best way to go. As long as you don't plan on hitting the steepies in the cold months all you really need is a boat, paddle, sprayskirt, helmet and a lifejacket.

When I started I purchased all of the mentioned products from one person as a package deal for Two-hundred and Fifty bucks. That was near twenty years ago though.

At today's prices and and good quality used deals to be had, you might could get going for under Five-hundred. Life jackets and brain buckets are the most significant personal items that you might want to shop out new.

If you are around central Arkansas, Come to the UALR pool some Wednesday evening and I'll put you in one of my boats. Just let me know when, and I'll make sure I'm there and you have a paddle and sprayskirt.

Reply here, or pm me if and when. (pm icon on the bottom of page)

Bob

[willky1]

TT,

The problem with the ULAR pool is that I don't get off of work until 7 pm. I work in LR, but it looks like that is about the time y'all are finishing up. However, if the Saturday get togethers are consistant, I can probably make one of those.

[turboturtle]

We have the pool till Eight. I missed it last night due to moving a friend.
This Saturday is on, however I don't know fo shur if I'm working or not as of yet. Two till Five is Saturday's pool time. Enter through the east doors directly into the pool area.

E me at rehoffman@ualr.edu I maintain this building and might could wurk something out as to getting you in a boat,in a pool, sooner. I own several. Five are already up here. but not willing to part with any of them. Well maybe!!!

Bob

[David Mac]

For a beginer boat in Arkansas I would personally go with a "river-runner" boat. A playboat is unstable by design and takes some skill to handle, skill you wouldn't have as a beginer (though you might learn quick) and a creek boat is for use in places a beginer has no business being. On top of that a river-runner is a good general purpose boat and can go anywhere except the wildest of steep creeks.

If you go with all-new equiptment you are looking at a bare minimum of $1500 for boat, skirt, paddle, helmet and PFD. If you go used you can probably squeek in under $600 if you find a good deal on some older equiptment.

After that you'll keep adding gear to the package, especially for colder weather. Water wicking clothes, river boots, river gloves, splash-top, dry-top, dry-suit, fleece, straps, roof-rack....

I'd definately suggest used to start with. About the time you get to the point where you need to replace it you'll have a better feel for what type of boat you want and what you want to do with it.

David

[RomanLA]

I'd get a good helmet. Take a look at the WRSI Current. It's not the most stylish helmet, but it will protect you and the price is right!

[Max Carruth]

If youve never been a boat or have an idea of what you want. Id say just barrow 1 at 1st. Agree with the purchase of a good helmet! Shop around if you decide to go new, and even then, make sure you have used the product in action before you buy. Just my opinion.
Max

[turboturtle]

Although one can't expect to try a helmet on a river before you buy, Romans suggestion to purchase a WRSI brand is right on target. Most everything else can be borrowed. I've got a creek boat, two playboats and two squirt boats at the pool. Depending on your waist size, you should be able to fit in at least two of them. Most have hip pads cut to fit my paddling them. My Fat boat, the Prijon Creeker 225 is most roomy. Cowper and others use it regularly.

Your living in L.R. opens your opportunities at trying on boats and even getting out on some local flat water. My long time local fav has always been Maumelle spillway creek. The put in is the boat ramp associated with the Pinnacle Mtn. Information Center. Just try to remember and not paddle under the trees. I've heard of snakes dropping into canoes out there.
Rockport at Malvern on the Ouachita is the summertime park and play location to be. I cut my playboating teeth here many moons ago. Try typing Rockport on You Tube and you will get a good idea whats there.

Or you could just click here; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ddq0YO7Vks" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Susan Tinker]

Start out by registering for Rec School. You should be able to borrow a boat and see what you like!
Also, sign up for paddle for the Planet. You can borrow a boat and see all the types of boats out there.
I spent a fortune on stuff I didn't need and never used when I started ... and then had to start buying stuff I needed. Buy it as you need it!
You need a helmet, good life vest, paddle and boat ... and water shoes that you can walk on rocks.

susan

[Charlie Ford]

Like you I am new to this sport and my first boat was a playboat and I got thrashed everytime I went but I am a big guy so it may not be as bad for you if you decide to go with a playboat. I have since bought a creeker and it has helped my confidence and roll I haven't been in a playboat since but my playboat is broke so I am currently hunting another one. As far as I can tell a playboat at the start will definately humble you and make you appreciate the other types of boats. However I didn't have the oppurtunity to try out a boat before I bought due to my size if given this chance I would take it.

[willky1]

Thanks you guys so much for the info. I like the idea of trying before you buy.

TT,
I don't live in Little Rock, but I do work in Little Rock. I commute from Conway everyday . However, I have no problem driving in from Conway on a Saturday or something. And I'm about a 32 inch waist and 6' tall.

Guess my next question would be, where can I find out more info about paddling. I know getting out and doing it with someone who knows what they'er doing will be best, but is there a website, book or something else I can read/look at since I might be unable get to water for the next week or two?

[suckhole]

Ther's PLENTY of conway boaters too. just bought a paddle, boat and skirt for 425 in conway. the north cadron is also a fave that would suit a newbie well. I do refer you to the posts about about cadron access though.

[Clif]

hwy, wilk. Did you see my email from home yesterday?

You oughta try the rec school on the Spring river in a few weeks. They will show you skills that will be needed and bet you can even borrow a boat. Might even talk me into using my rpm max.

CLICK HERE

[RomanLA]

Guess my next question would be, where can I find out more info about paddling.

In my opinion, this DVD is the next best thing to having a private instructor. The William Nealy book in the package deal is pretty entertaining too!
http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/Produc ... =AVD_KTOOL

[Crane]

Order "Catch Every Eddy, Surf Every Wave" by Tom Foster. You can get it as low as $7.99 off of Amazon. It's the most understandable intro to basic paddling concepts/strokes/etc. that I've found.