Handling An Inflatable Kayak

March 10th, 2009 |

Using Inflatable Kayaks

Kayaking is one of the most enjoyed hobbies in the world. People travel for many miles to get a chance to join in on this type of adventure. It is exciting and changeling. It challenges a person both physically and mentally. It is one of the most enjoyed hobbies around. Before you go ocean kayaking you will have to choose a kayak to use. There are several styles on the market each with their own specific advantages. The inflatable kayak is one of the choices that you will have available to you. These are a great choice and a very safe kayak to use. In fact, inflatable kayaks safety is proven to meet or exceed any other style of kayak.

Play Tandem Inflatable Kayak - $ 1599.00
Don’t have a rack? No problem, the Airis Tandem is the ultimate portable kayak for one or two people. At just 39 lb. the Airis Tandem Kayak is ultra portable, super stable and simple to set-up. Oversized rear skeg keeps the kayak tracking straight ahead. Hi-Pressure AirWeb hull & floor. Six molded rubber handles make portaging a breeze. 6 D-rings for attaching accessories. High pressure air pump with a gauge for easy accurate setup. Two air chambers. Two drain valves.

One thing that makes inflatable kayaks so safe is because they have so much buoyancy. They will sit up higher in the water and allow you to place more weight in them. Having all this buoyancy also helps them to float better as well. Inflatable kayaks are more stable than other types of kayaks. This is because they have a flat bottom design with a lower center of gravity. They are safer because they do not tip over as easily. These factors combined make the inflatable kayak one of the safest ones around.

You will not have to worry about these kayaks flipping when you are in waters that turn rough or if someone traveling with you decides to stand up. They are made to be tough. They will not puncture easily. Inflatable kayaks can also cost you a lot less than other styles. When it comes to transporting them it’s a breeze. They fold up nice and need and can be carried easily in a duffel bag or the back seat of your car. When you think about it there are a lot of advantages to choosing an inflatable kayak over other styles.

Sport 10 Inflatable Kayak - $ 1199.00
At just 20 lb. the Airis Sport Inflatable Kayak is ultra portable, super stable and simple to set-up. Perfect for protected water the Sport can be accessorized to fit your needs. The long hull design combined with the rear skeg and bow keel, allow Sport to track straight making paddling easy. The bungee tie downs and integrated dry storage compartment are great for transporting gear. Rubber handles and lightweight hull make it the ideal kayak for portages. AirPack deluxe backpack makes transporting the kayak a breeze. Adjustable back rest. Hi-Pressure AirWeb hull & floor. Travels size is just 27 x 18 x 13 in. Hi-Pressure air pump with gauge.

For an investment that will be money well spent you should consider inflatable kayaks. They have a lot to offer the serious kayaker. When you plan your trip you also need to ensure your safety by following all safety guidelines. You should do a full inspection to make sure that you have all of your safety equipment ready and that it is in good working condition. Have a repair kit with you at all times. Inflatable kayaks are durability but sometimes strange event can occur and it’s best to be prepared. Being safe means having the opportunity to return and go for another adventure at a later date.

By: James Kronefield

Benefits Of Using Inflatable Kayaks

Choosing between a hard shell and inflatable kayak is a tough one- especially for beginners who are new to the exciting sport of kayaking. But as the benefits are paired with the shortcomings, many will be surprised.

Using Inflatable Kayaks

Before you go ocean kayaking you will have to choose a kayak to use. There are several styles on the market each with their own specific advantages. The inflatable kayak is one of the choices that you will have available to you.

My Inflatable Kayaks

One of the tricks of inflatable kayaking is to use the strap that you use to keep the boat together as a "flip strap". You attach the strap to the back of the boat so that you have something to grab onto when you are trying to get back into the kayak.

Benefits Of Using Inflatable Kayaks On Trips

But as the benefits are paired with the shortcomings, many will be surprised to learn that inflatable kayaks have many benefits that a hard shell kayak just can’t live up to.

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The Right Choice For A Kayak Paddle

March 3rd, 2009 |

Making The Right Choice For A Kayak Paddle

Now, let’s start with asking the right questions. Three things need to be considered when determining the paddle for you;

One, what kind of paddling are you looking for whitewater, recreational, sea, etc.? Two, what is the width (beam) of your boat, the wider the boat, the longer the paddle. Three, what is your torso size?

One,

Your style of paddling is also important. There are two groups, those with low-angle style and those with high-angle style. Low-angle style means that the paddle is held at a shallow angle more parallel to the surface of the water. It is very energy-efficient, and is the style most favored by paddlers in North America. If you don’t know what your style is, it’s probably low-angle.

The high-angle style sees the paddle shaft more perpendicular to the water. It is used by whitewater boaters, racers, and surfers, as well as touring paddlers who prefer a faster cadence. It is the style favored in Great Britain, and most British-made equipment is designed with this style in mind. Although it can be a bit more tiring, the faster stroke rate provides a bit more stability in really rough conditions and is slightly more efficient.

Two,

In choosing length, remember that to do you any good, the paddle must reach the water. Since it must do so over your boat, the beam of your kayak is relevant. Kayaks of 22" or less in beam will call for shorter paddles, 22.5"-24.5" will call for medium lengths, and 25" and greater will normally call for something longer. Inflatables and folding kayaks require a longer paddle.

Three,

Since kayak paddles are not sized as precisely as canoe paddles, we don’t need to be as picky about exact measurements. Your height will work fine here. Roughly speaking, if you are less than 5′5" tall, we’re going to find you a shorter paddle. If you’re 5′6" to about 6′2" you will take a medium length, and taller that means you need something longer.

Basic types

There are four basic types of kayak paddles, choose the type which best fits your needs;

Recreational Paddles

will generally have a metal shaft and some type of plastic blade. Price point will determine if the paddle is one or two piece, if drip rings are included and if the blades are cupped. Recreational kayak paddles are shorter, heavier and of course less expensive than other flat-water paddles.

Sea / Touring Paddles

are longer than other kayak paddles and are designed for steady, rhythmic strokes over longer periods of time. Quality sea / touring paddles can be made from a variety of materials, anything from laminated hardwoods with epoxy tips to a combination of fiberglass, Kevlar and carbon, basically the stronger and lighter the paddle, the more expensive. Considering you will swing the paddle thousands of times during a paddling day, weight is extremely important. Quality blades have a cupped power face and asymmetrical leading edge for greater efficiency.

Racing Paddles

these paddles look like Sea / Touring paddles except for dramatically cupped blades, ultra lightweights and ultra high prices.
Whitewater Paddles
have big wide blades to pull lots of water. Blade tips are reinforced to withstand bashing on rocks. Single shafts and shorter lengths are more common with whitewater paddles. Materials vary radically from hardwood laminates with epoxy tips, to plastic, aluminum, Kevlar, carbon or a combination of the above.

How Do I Size a Kayak Paddle?

Kayak paddles size in centimeters (common sizes are: 220, 230 and 240-cm) Paddle length varies with the beam of your kayak, your height, your arm length, the depth of your kayak and the type of paddling you chose to do. We suggest you select a few different models, "Then Paddle with them.’

One Piece, Two or Four

Two piece paddles enable the paddler to set the paddle blades at different angles - Called "feathering the blades". Off setting or feathering the blades when paddling up wind enables the top blade to carve through the wind more efficiently. When paddling down wind the paddle blades can be set parallel to take advantage of the wind, just like a sail. One piece paddles although less versatile have a more solid feel, as they have fewer moving parts. Typically, two piece paddles adjust from 0, 60, to 90. A four piece paddle is great for storage and carrying. Sometimes, it is a little heavier, so making the determinate, keep this in mind.

What About Price?

Prices vary drastically from less than $100 to over $600.00 each. Which paddle is best for you? It depends on your skills and the type of paddling you want to do.

Is there a perfect kayak paddle?

Of course not, every paddle purchase is a compromise of three factors: Weight, durability, and price! Frontenac-outfitters are a great source for information and choice in paddles. Also, Paddling.net is where a lot of this information came from. Learn from the experts, Ken Whiting, Tom Watson, and more.

If you’re thinking of buying a kayak, you already know that you’ll need a double-bladed paddle. In fact, the double paddle has now become the badge of the kayaker. Still, there’s no reason why canoeists can’t use them, too. Selecting a canoe paddle will be covered in another article.

You’ve plenty of choices. The catalogs are full of paddles. Don’t let this overwhelm you. You only need one. Borrow or rent, then buy. Choosing a paddle isn’t rocket science, but it’s a very important decision. After your PFD, your paddle is the most important tool in your kit. It has to fit, and it has to suit both your boat and the kind of kayaking you want to do. I would highly recommend buying a less expensive paddle in the beginning, as there is a good chance that you’ll learn about elements that you like and don’t like. When the time comes, you can shop for a new paddle, armed with the knowledge to make the best decision. Paddlers in big folding doubles or inflatables will want something close to 250 cm (8 ft). Whitewater boaters, on the other hand, will go shorter, starting at 205 cm (6 ft) and moving down from there. Remember, it will depend on the beam size.

How important is choosing the right Kayak Paddle?

The paddle is the engine that actually controls the speed and guides you. Purchasing the best paddle(s) you can afford is a wise investment for both water efficiency and performance. If you are confused by the sizes, shapes, materials and jargon? "Don’t be", remember choosing the right paddle(s) is easy. We offer bundles or packages that include paddles. The paddle is affordable and will get you started, but the longer you paddle, you will eventually find the perfect paddle. I guarantee you will own several paddles and change them out for the particular style of paddling at the time. I paddle where I can, whitewater, recreational, or flat! We hope this article helps.

By: Steve Fulwider

Important Accessories For Your New Kayak Paddles

Paddles make the kayak move more smoothly. The kayak would lose its allure instantly without paddles! As you shop for paddle accessories, you will immediately see that these accessories are a requirement.

Choosing a Canoe Kayak Paddle

The process of choosing a canoe kayak paddle is one that may take you a bit of time. After all there is such a multitude of options out there to choose from, so especially to the newcomer to the sport of kayaking, decide wisely.

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The Cobra Tandem Kayak

March 2nd, 2009 |

The Cobra Tandem Kayak - A Review

The Cobra tandem kayak offers unmatched flexibility. It allows you to use it with another person for whatever your adventure is.

Tandem has built various kayak models but none of them can compete with the Cobra Tandem kayak. This kayak is one of the best currently on the market, certainly one of the most stable! Whatever the reason is that you are buying a kayak, the Cobra Tandem will be perfect for you. It is suitable for all your recreational adventures.

 The Cobra Tandem is among the lightest kayaks available. It is lighter that any other in the tandem collection, weighing a mere 57 pounds. Weight is an important factor in selecting a kayak. Heavier kayaks are often harder to maneuver than lighter ones. Also, a lightweight kayak is easier to transport and load onto the roof of your vehicle. Easier travel makes it more likely that you will want to go places with your kayak.

The Cobra is made with a front and a rear seat, with room in the middle for another seat. You might find it useful to invest proper seating rather than the seating supplied as it is a bit basic. It is designed to let you socialize while you paddle. This aspect makes your kayak experience so much more enjoyable and comfortable.

With plenty of underdeck storage room for cargo and accessories, your kayak can give you an enjoyable day trip! The Cobra tandem is among the few kayaks that can go on flat water, on the ocean and can be used for surf kayaking. You can have a large amount of fun time in the Cobra tandem. It is perfect for anybody!

If you have been looking for the best kayak, look no more. The Cobra tandem is absolutely perfect regardless of what your plans for it are. The Cobra is not expensive. Even though it seats three people, it is lightweight! You won’t find a better kayak. With a name like tandem on to it, it must be good! You will risk nothing with this kayak; you will fall in love with it at first sight!

By: Niall Barco

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Ocean Kayaks

March 2nd, 2009 |

Ocean Kayaks - A Buying Guide

Ocean kayaks are tremendous fun and as long as you are near to the sea you will have no problem learning how to do it. Ocean kayaks are different to river kayaks in so much as they are longer than the river kayak and are designed so that you can paddle over long distances. They also need to have far more room in them in order to carry gear an equipment.

When choosing ocean kayaks it is advisable to have tried the sport in advance, most people who take up ocean kayaking have experienced it whilst on vacation or college, however there are usually clubs or hire centers which will rent you a kayak by the hour.

Buying Ocean Kayaks

So you have looked on the internet and thumbed through catalogs, what is the next step? It is always preferable to physically see the kayak as this gives you a much better feeling of size and weight, so if there is a kayak store near to you go along there an talk to the sales person, write a list of questions or even make a mental note of what you need to know and generally quiz him about ocean kayaking.

A good  open water kayak 

Tempest 165 Kayak - $ 1550.00
A blast on big open water, the well-mannered hull design behaves itself in conditions calm or agitated. The Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 is sized specifically for women and smaller paddlers. Shallow V hull converts a power stroke to swift acceleration and lasting glide. High density Gen2 polyethylene hull perfectly balances durability vs. weight. Sculptured high-density Phase3foam seat and back rest encourages air circulation to keep you cooler. Phase3 seat offers precise-position settings to relieve thigh and back fatigue and create a custom fit for your body type. SlideLock Footbrace System features an uncomplicated lever mechanism that puts control right at your fingertips. Set and reset your foot braces while sitting in your boat. Footpads have an ergo-contour, allowing your feet to find their natural resting positions, alleviating fatigue. Three waterproof compartments (one fore and two aft) with rubber hatch covers provide flotation capability and storage options.

The other benefit of being able to visit a store is that you can sit in the kayak and get a feel of volume and what ocean kayaking could feel like. Things to look out for are strength and robustness, look for a strong plastic kayak as there will be times when you will have to haul it over rocks and sharp pebbles. You need to feel comfortable in it as there may be times when you ill be sitting in it for long periods so make sure there is room to stow gear for your trip.

Solo Or Tandem Ocean Kayaks

Depending on your preferences you have a choice whether to go for a one man kayak or a tandem kayak. There are many families who just strap their tandem ocean kayak to the roof of the van and head for the beach. It can be great fun to share the paddling with a partner, so be sure to check out the range of tandems before making your final decision.

Where To Buy Ocean kayaks

Once you have made up your mind which kayak to buy there are many places to purchase them’ you could start with the shop which gave you valuable advice, however if you are on a budget you need to compare as many buying options as possible. Some of the more specialized boats can be expensive - so look for interest free credit.

If you have the cash and it is burning a hole in your pocket the best bargains are usually online, simply enter you requirements i.e. "ocean kayak" into he search engine and refine the results as you go. The chances are that you may even be able to pick up a cheap used ocean kayak on auction sites or classified’s like US free ads.

Which ever route you take for purchasing one of the many ocean kayaks on the market, once you own it you will have it for years to come and should you tire of it they sell well on the second hand market.

By: Arnold Hexden

How to Choose a Kayak

A sea kayak, often called an ocean kayak, has many design features that will enable a paddler to go on long trips in rough water. Find out more about the features and benefits of sea kayaks with tips from an experienced kayaker.

Ocean Kayaks

Then wait until you try ocean kayaking. The thrill, adventure and the surfing experience keeps you always going back for more. With the changing and unpredictable weather in the ocean, a normal kayak cannot be used.

Ocean kayaks

Most significant adaptation in ocean kayaks is that they are huge; means they have longer length than normal kayaks. These ocean kayaks are about fifteen plus feet longer and about 26 inches wider.

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