Choose And Buy The Right Old Town Kayak.

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

Technorati Tags: cobra accessories, cobra kayaks, cobra tandem, cobra tandem kayak, kayak cobra, sea cobra

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.

Technorati Tags: ocean frenzy kayak, ocean kayak accessories, ocean kayak for sale, ocean kayak tandem, tempest kayak

Kayak Racing Tips - Take The Lead

Kayak racing has become an increasingly more popular sport. If you are interested in venturing in the sport of kayak racing use the tips to pull ahead.

Kayak Racing Tips Practice makes perfect. Practice the course before the race. Marker buoys are often set weeks in advance. Use your practice sessions to figure out the lines that you will be taking during the race.

Try to get a run in a day or two before the race, this will give you an indication of what the current will be like on race day.

When racing avoid the shallows. When you’re moving with the current, deep water is your friend. When the water level is less than 2.5 feet deep, there’s increased hull resistance and your boat will slow down considerably. Shallower water can be useful if you’re paddling against a current. When going against the current, find transitional areas where the bottom isn’t too shallow to slow your hull down.

Check the weather to determine the prevailing winds. Afternoon gusty winds are always a possibility, and can make going against the current even more challenging. When paddling against wind, minimize the amount of time your paddle blades are in the air, slightly hunch forward to make your body as small as possible, and draft directly behind boats as much as possible.

Set up your turns around the buoys so you’re always paddling, this will help you from losing momentum. If there is no traffic on the race course, take a sharp line around the buoy. Try to make the buoy turns as close as possibly without hitting the buoy. If there is a lot of race traffic, stay to the outside to avoid colliding with other kayaks and paddles. Collisions can be time consuming and colliding paddles can cause an interruption to rhythm, both of which can cost a kayaker the race.

Wake riding and wash hanging both refer to drafting off another boat. Studies have shown that drafting 1 to 2 meters directly behind a boat can produce energy savings of up to 30 to 32%. Kayaks positioned 1 to 2 meters off the sides of a leading boat can achieve 16 to 18% energy savings. Try to draft whenever you have the opportunity, leapfrogging from one boat to another. This can be a key strategy to kayak racing.

Practice drafting before the race, it’s both an art and a science. When drafting, don’t get sucked into staying behind a considerably slower boat. If a boat is traveling at a slower speed than you are comfortable with pass it. If competitor is drafting your kayak, dump him or her out of your wake by maneuvering your boat suddenly, the kayak drafting you will end up in undisturbed water or in the shallows. While this might seem mean, since there are no rules against drafting it’s a valid race tactic that serious competitors might consider during tight races. This technique takes practice and you have to know what you’re doing, so practice with friends.

Many recreational paddlers in the race do not have good boat handling skills so if you end up in traffic, prepare to paddle defensively.

At the finish of the kayak race your legs are going to feel rubbery when you get out of your boat. If you are competing in a multi-sport race and required to sprint after the kayaking leg, you will need to practice the transition. Practice running immediately after a paddling workout. Also practice paddling with the shoes that you will be wearing for the run. Try circuit workouts to help get your legs used to the transition of paddling to running, this will also help improve boat entry and exit skills.

Before the race set a goal and have a plan but be willing to adapt if necessary. During the race, stick to your plan, but be adaptable should the need arise. Most of all enjoy the sport of kayaking and have fun!

By: Rob Daniels

Kayaking - A Sport With Lots Of History

There are special racing kayaks, designed for speed. Sea kayaks are long, stable boats with steering mechanisms that can keep a straight path through the water. They are larger and more dependable than other kayaks.

The Different Types of Kayaks Available in the Market Today

Flat racing kayaks are designed with the paddlers legs in mind. Kayaks that are inflatable are basically kayaks that fill with air.

Getting to know Your arcing Kayak 

The genuine deal, the real racing kayaks, are so streamlined, it literally looks like a fat person won’t be able to squeeze into it. They look like really large needles.

Technorati Tags: inflatable racing, Jackson racing, k1 racing, race kayaks, racing kayaks, racing paddles

Kayaking Tips And Basics - Gain Some Knowledge On River Kayaking

To go out kayaking for the whole day on a river is an extensive way for a team of kayakers to learn the skills needed to survive on long rivers. There are a lot of beginners who will want such opportunities in which extensive paddling exercises will be practiced. To look for and get such a venue in which a range of practices can be done is not an easy thing.

One thing about the manufacture of kayaks is that they are done with a lot of intensions in mind. They can either be produced to be used on seas or on rivers. You should take note about this because these are completely two distinct avenues. If you think of getting a kayak for personal keeping, go in for kayaks with small cockpits that have convenient sitting positions. But remember that you will have to be taught on how to use these kayaks. Also take note about the type of equipment you have. Remember that having equipments in the best of shapes will determine they way you become skilled at or enjoy kayaking.

Getting Knowledge on the Proper Kayaking Methods

If you intend to paddle on a river, you must know that this will be quite different from paddling on bigger avenues such as seas and lakes. For this reason, you should think of methods different from what you already know. This will involve some learning on paddling on rivers and tips to be able to come to the aid of others while kayaking. You will also have to learn how to paddle when the river is overflowing and how to ensure your own safety.

You should also choose the best kayak that you can find. This is in order that you should have the chance to experience all sorts of movements. Sometimes, a small kayak will offer you a memorable experience. Remember that with this, you will be able to go to places and experience what will be impossible with bigger kayaks. You will also be able to learn by coming into contact with every type of water movements. Always make sure that you have an expert kayaker to lead you through. Keep in mind that you are out there to enjoy as well as to remain safe.

What Tools Do You Need And When Lessons Should You Engage In?

If you want to enjoy every kayaking lesson and ultimately every kayaking experience, you should be able to know and accept what you can do from what you are unable to do. This will be in relation to knowing the starting point of your experiences. For example, you should be able to read river signs created by the ‘International Scale of River Difficulty’. You will have to learn how to interpret these signs and how to recognize them where you are kayaking. Some of these signs are best known by river tour guides.

At this stage, you should not think much on the type of tools you have. Remember that this will only come in when your skills are perfect. But make sure you carry out a lot of investigation ahead of paying for any equipment. You can get recommendations from experts or you can try out some of these tools ahead of paying for them. Trying out these equipments will of course lead you to used equipments. Most of such equipments are even preferable to be bought because you must have tested them and you can further sell them again to others.

How Should You Begin Kayaking?

Start by looking for a guide to take you through. Make sure that whatever you plan for includes good equipments, some provisions as well as some guidelines for usage. Make sure you take every lesson of safety procedure serious. Focus on these basics. You can go in for anything stylish when you become an expert.

Before you pay for any kayaking equipment, make sure you have genuinely considered your choice. Remember that if you are passionate about this sport, spending anything on it will be a great investment to you. However, whatever you pay for should be based of safety and ease of use.

By: Ken Fink

How to Kayak and Canoe in Early Spring

After a long, cold winter, paddling enthusiasts are eager to be in their boats With the right preparation, kayakers can safely enjoy time of the river in early spring.  

Kayak Fitness: Exercising Out of the Water to Improve Performance

All kayakers, from recreational paddlers to professional paddlers, will find Kayak Fitness to be an invaluable tool to increase their paddling strength and performance.   

Kayak Fishing Basics

Going kayak fishing for the first time can be a little confusing, as in anything else you want to experience for the first time.

Technorati Tags: kayak instruction, kayak lesson, kayak paddles, Kayaking, kayaking equipment, kayaking for beginners, kayaking paddle, kayaking paddling, paddling, training kayaking

Kayaking Lesson - All What You Need To Know To Begin Kayaking

One of the greatest aspects enjoyed about kayaking is when you are kayaking with a dolphin or a whale. It is always an overwhelming incident to get to see whales and dolphins glide along you are you paddle along. Other elegant creatures are Mantas. Kayaking while experiencing these creatures will always give you an unforgettable experience.

If you feel affection for the natural world, you should never miss out on any occasion to kayak in the seas. But you will only enjoy an unforgettable experience if you have been schooled enough on the guidelines and you have all what it takes to enjoy sea kayaking. Also remember that what you have as kayaking equipment should be determined by your objectives for kayaking and the satisfaction you will derive from kayaking will be decided by the type of equipment you have. And of course, you must also know that the type of kayak that you will make use of in quiet waters will not be the same for those to be used in rugged waters.

Begin With the Most Appropriate Safety and Paddling Techniques

Begin by getting yourself inscribed in some course that teaches on safety through the use of some basic kayaking tools. Remember that purchasing a kayak means making almost a lifetime investment. Therefore, you have to create time and develop some interest in learning what will be of extreme importance to you. If you intend to start your kayaking lessons in the waters, opt for calm and slow-moving waters. You should also begin with a kayak having a convenient cockpit for sitting.

What you should know about such kayaks with convenient cockpits is that they are mostly made to be used on quiet waters, although they are also very good to be used to start a paddling lesson, they are equally good for touring and mostly in the night. This is because they are extremely steady when in quiet waters and they will constantly move at reasonable speed.

Guidelines for Using Touring Kayaks

A soon as you feel comfortable that you are done with all the necessary guidelines on kayaking, plus all the essential precautionary measures, it is time you think of getting on a tour. You will greatly enjoy your tour if it can take the whole of your day and if you include some company. You should also think of pulling some accessories as you get along. Remember that safety should be your utmost concern. But before you get into the waters, make sure that you have gotten some training on self-saving methods. This is especially if you are going to use a kayak with a smaller cockpit.

One good way of learning and enjoying all that a tour kayaking may offer is to employ the company of an expert or a tour guide. Remember to take along all your necessary equipments and accessories. Keep in mind that you may find the chance to learn with each and every of your equipment. There are so many important features that you will learn from your tour guide. If you are getting out with a company, make sure that you are at least three in number.

By: Ken Fink

Exploring Beyond the Classroom 

Recreational kayaking allows you to float on a peaceful river or paddle around a pond or lake as you enjoy nature’s beauty. You will learn basic paddling strokes, safety techniques, self-rescue and more.

Kayaking And The Necessary Tools

The first step in kayaking is to actually learn the basics and get comfortable with techniques and procedures that are involved when one decides to learn kayaking. These skills include the basic checking of equipment and kayak.

White Water Kayaking Advice For Beginners

The whitewater options can be fairly dangerous and therefore all experts maintain that one should definitely learn kayaking prior to undertaking a journey or exercise of this nature.

Technorati Tags: kayak accessories, kayak equipment, kayak gear, kayak school, kayaking accessories, learn to kayak