How to choose the right kayak and use it wisely

Leo Maloney gives advice on picking a kayak, where to use it and how to get in and out in his weekly column.

When we are kayaking various locations people frequently ask us lots of questions: Are they stable? Are they easy to paddle? Are they as much fun as it looks? Can you fish from them? The answer to all them is yes. Many people who know us sometimes ask for suggestions since they know that we spend countless hours each summer in our kayaks.

There is no standard answer to what type of kayak one should buy. Will Crimmins, manager of the Mountainman Outdoor Sports in Old Forge, emphasizes that it depends on what a person wants to do and what type of water they plan to paddle. This will determine the type, length and material best suited for that person.

There are three basic categories of kayaks: whitewa- ter, touring and recreational. For most people a recreational kayak is the normal choice. These are the type that most of us would use for quiet rivers, small lakes and ponds and the protected shoreline of larger lakes. Within that category there are many designs, variations and models to choose from.

Most recreational kayaks range from 10 to 14 feet in length. Longer length means better tracking and effi- ciency, while shorter ones are more maneuverable. However shorter ones also tend to be wider so they require more effort in paddling and tend to wander from a straight line in paddling.

Within the longer kayaks there can be a difference in width. Narrower kayaks have more speed and ease of paddling but lack the initial stability of slightly wider ones. It takes a bit more concentra-

tion and care to get into the narrower ones without tipping. However the secondary stability is usually good since you have a low center of gravity, i.e. sitting right at water level.

Kayaks are made of several materials. Most common is polyethylene which is rugged, resilient and moderate in price and weight. Composites of Kevlar or fiberglass are lighter but less durable and cost more.

You can get superlight kayaks but the prices are often very high. Thermoplastics represent a midpoint between the polyethylene and composites in price, weight and durability. We recently purchased two Hurricane Santee Sport models and are very pleased with them.

Cockpit sizes vary and larger cockpits make it easier for people, especially larger paddlers to enter and exit. They also make it easier to carry gear such as photo equipment or fishing tackle in front of you. Of course the more cockpit space you have, the more likely you are to get splashed by waves, etc. Spray skirts can help solve that problem.

People often ask about how convenient it is to fish out of a kayak. Keep in mind that the initial users of kayaks, the Eskimos, depended on them for getting their food. Because of the increased popularity of kayaks and fishing, now there are several specialized models designed just for fishing. Fishing kayaks are the fasting growing niche within this popular sport. They deserve a special column for that topic.

Most recreational kayaks can, however, be easily used for fishing. Will Crimmins reminds us that you can trick out any recreational kayak to be a fishing kayak or you can go for some pre-designed models with larger cockpits, rod holders, etc. Some people fasten rod holders or paddle holders to their recreational kayaks while others prefer removable clips such as those make by Yakima to hold rods and paddles.

For general paddling and exploring, consider the factors of weight and width that were discussed earlier. Remember that initial stability, a comfortable seat and a good back rest are important considerations for anyone who plans to spend considerable time in their kayak.

Your best bet is to test paddle several types and models to see how they handle, how comfortable each is, and other factors such as weight. Mountainman Outdoor Sports (315-369-6672; mountainmanoutdoors.com) offers the opportunity to test paddle different models on the quiet waters of the Moose River. They are the largest canoe and kayak dealer in the state with over 1,000 boats to choose from. Take the opportunity to test paddle several and you will proba- bly join the growing ranks of people who spend much of the summer in their kayak.

Someone was kidding me that there is often advice on paddling kayaks, etc. but nobody ever discusses the basics of getting in and out of a kayak. Usually you have to plan on getting your feet wet while entering. Under normal conditions wear wading sandals or Crocs and plan on wading out to ankle depth. Kayaks will float in a few inches of water so make sure that it is floating and does not have one end resting on dry ground. The latter case is a recipe for flipping the vessel!

I prefer to grip either side of the cockpit to steady the kayak and then stepping into the center. While keeping your balance you should use your arms to let yourself down on the seat. Some people like the “straddle and plop down on the seat” method.

When getting out, I pull into shallow water on a sandy bottom, lean forward and grip the sides of the cockpit in front of you front with your weight forward. Maintain control to keep your balance and step out while pulling yourself up. Of course some friends prefer to use the ‘beached whale” method of flopping out on a beach or shore.

While paddling your kayak keep a low profile with your paddle and basically reach out ahead with the paddle and dip it just below the surface to pull yourself through the water. Don’t dig down deeply in the water with your paddle as if you were paddling a canoe. You are not “poling a pirogue down the bayou!”

Be sure to choose a proper Personal Floatation Device (PFD), i.e. life jacket and wear it. Accidents do happen and as a couple friends have found out the hard way, it does not do you any good if it is stuffed up under the front of the boat. Be aware of your own abilities and limitations and do not attempt water that is faster than you can handle or rock strewn and filled with sweepers (overhanging trees).

Kayaks are actually very stable because you have a low center of gravity sitting right at water level. They are easy to paddle, go where other boats cannot go and are easy to transport. Choose wisely and join the growing ranks of people who have discovered just how much fun kayaking is.

SHORT CASTS

Fishing Frustration: High water and nasty conditions have been the bane of anglers most of this season. Even before the massive flooding over the holiday weekend, the streams would be high and roily on an average of once a week. Fishing has been tough for trout most of the spring with the unpredictable conditions. Pond and lake fishing has suffered in some areas due to high water. For example the spawning bass were often looking for shallow water with the right temperatures but those areas where they normally spawn were much deeper and with colder water this year.

Adirondack Outdoors: The summer issue of Adirondack Outdoors is now available on area newsstands. Featured articles include summer fishing techniques, hiking and paddling destinations and the usual popular features such as photography and recipes.

Lake Ontario Report: Bill Hilts Jr. in his Niagara Fishing Report noted some of the problems of the high water on Lake Ontario as well as nasty weather that frequently kept people off the lake. But when people were able to get out on western Lake Ontario they actually did well on salmon and other species. The best results were taken with downriggers set 6575 feet down over 100-150 feet of water. Anglers also successfully used slide divers 120 feet back, 10 colors of lead core line or 300 feet of copper to consistently take fish.