beginner needs information

[rowings]

I'm woefully inexperienced at canoeing/kayaking beyond a few college trips down the Buffalo in spring and looking to get two tandem kayaks, or canoes, for my wife and two boys who are 4 and 6. For the most part we'll just be tooling around lakes, ponds and slow moving creeks in the Russellville area until the boys are older and we're a little more comfortable with moving to something 'more exciting'. I would, however, like the option to take the kayak on something a little more challenging by myself so I'm kinda hoping to fulfill both desires with one boat (fingers crossed). I've been looking at a Wilderness Systems Pamilco 135T or 145T for my wife who is tiny and inexperienced and a Native Watercraft Marvel 14.5 Tandem for myself. I'm not trying to get someone to say one brands better than another, but I am looking for a little help in deciding if these brand names and models are going to meet my most important criteria of stability (their literature says yes) without costing me twice as much as a brand just as suitable.
Also, any pointers on what gear beyond paddles and PFDs that I will or won't need would also be nice.
Thanks up front for the info.

[AR-Nimrod]

Own 2 Native Watercraft, Manta Ray 11 and 12. 11 is so stable my 13 year-old daughter can stand up in it. I've seen her do it on the Remmel to Rockport float and between Tyler Bend and Gilbert when there was plenty of water. Not that familiar with the boats you mention. But Natives claims were very accurate about our boats.

[rowings]

Thanks for the positive notes on on Native. I feel a little better when someone gives good feedback on a brand other than the salesman in a mall. Not that he was pushing or anything, just a little leery after 3 decades.

[mike g]

My wife has an older wilderness systems pamilico145t. She has used it for five years and it was used when purchased. She loves this boat, we use this boat in conditions it was really never designed for. It has spent most of its life on the Mulberry,Frog Bayou, and even Hurricane creek below Shores lake. The only negative is that it will take on alot of water in big waves. This boat tracks well and is very fast on flat water. Most of the time she paddels it solo,but occasionly she hauls grand kids. Hope this helps.

[luv2fly]

I'm also a beginner, and was feeling pretty confused about which boat to buy. The greatest thing I did was drive to Hot Springs and visit Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters. They broke it down for me, and cleared up my confusion in about 30 seconds. (I had been doing research online for months, and was totally looking at the wrong boat)

Anyway, I've been really happy with my purchase, and have bought 2 kayaks since then... one for my fiance, and one for his 9 year old girl.

We also toodle on the lake, but also can go up to Class II. We are kayaking Cadron Creek for the first time today, so I'll let you know how that goes!

Good luck!

[AR-Nimrod]

Cadron is just over 3' today so it will be rockin' Have fun and stay safe. Wish I could go with you but, today is parent/teacher conference day. I know the Kiddo wishes she could go too!

[Clif]

CAREFUL!! Cadron spikes often well after rains.. could still go up.

[luv2fly]

Most of the Cadron was wonderful, but we did have a couple of spots that were beyond our level and equipment. But we survived and had a great time. Many lessons learned that we will benefit from next time!!!

[Jim Krueger]

Ellen,


I'm glad you and John had a good time on the Cadron today! If you picked all the right lines, and avoided turning over at a couple of the rapids, like 'Daddy's Knees' ,then you did very well. Marlo and I would have liked to come along today but felt like staying closer to home today. We did paddle the five-mile section of the North Fork of the Saline near us, then came home in time for Marlo and my Mom to watch the Razorback game... Caught several Bass&Bream, and Marlo even landed a Walleye Hope to float with you two again!


Best Regards
Jim

[luv2fly]

I don't know where "Daddy's Knees" is, but we definitely took the wrong navigational choice at a spot in the river that divides around a little island. We went to the right. :shock: We couldn't make the turn back left quick enough, and we ended up pinned against a tree. That was all she wrote. We got around the tree, but not without filling the kayaks up, and sinking! Not funny at the time, but made for some hearty laughs a little later.

Like I said, good lessons learned! Would love to kayak with y'all next time too! I'm sure it would be entertaining for you!

Ellen

[rowings]

Thanks for the tip on Ouachita Outdoor Outfitters. You're the second person that's recommended them and I can't wait to visit. I've been working nights for the past month and I'm just getting back to normal on days this week.

Just out of curiosity, what model did you pick up?

[luv2fly]

I'm 120 lbs and mine is a Perception Tribute and my fiancé is 175 and he bought a Blackwater (I think it is a Perception too but I can't remember for sure.) They go up to Class ll which suits us well right now!

Head over there! It will be worth the drive! Good luck and let me know how you like them!