Kayaks
 

Are there any quilters that like to kayak? My DH and I are thinking about taking up lake kayaking for our retirement and I'm thinking the wider the kayak, the better for me. Does anyone have a kayak and can share some advice on what to look for in purchasing a kayak? I'm leaning more toward the sit-on-top as I want room for my dog. Thanks!

When shopping for a kayak, ask your question. Do some research on the internet too. My husband has a kayak. Way too much work for me. They tip a lot, etc. perhaps a canoe makes more sense if you want to take the dog. I

prefer houseboats! LOL!

Sandy

I prefer a kayak with a wide bottom; less tippy. The type also depends on size of your doggie. If it's a small lap size,probably wouldn't matter. If retriever size ,I would get one with a big area to sit in. I don't like the sit- on- top ones as I don't like getting splashed on from the paddles. I actually find a kayak very stable. I took my goose( George) paddling with me( on a leash). DH thought I was certifiable! LOL!

I hope you have and REI store near you. This is the place we buy all of our gear. They have the most knowledgeable sales staff. I am just a customer, with no ties to the store.

Could you rent some different types of kayaks to try them out?

We love kayaking and have a Ocean Kayak - Malibu Two. It easily holds DH and me, plus there is room in the middle for a small child or pet. We have had ours for about 10 years and really love it! It is 12 feet long and weighs 58 pounds. It is very stable. It is nice and wide and we have never tipped it. We have paddled it all over in lakes around Ohio, including Lake Erie.

We got ours at a garage sale so I don't know who sells them.

Here is a link to the Malibu Two -
http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/tan...ks/malibu_two/

If you have any questions, please let me know!

I have only done white water kayaking. The type of kayak you get depends on the type of water you'll be paddling on. It is a lot of work, upper body strength is needed. If you want to go out on the water and just paddle a little and have a fun day I'd get a row boat. They don't tip very easily, have lots of room for two plus the dog and a cooler. If you don't like paddling you can alway buy a small motor and attach it to the boat.

DH and I have Wilderness sit-upon kayaks. Mine is the Tarpon 100 (10 feet long):
http://www.rei.com/product/785482/wi...kayak-20112012

His is the Tarpon 120 (12 feet long and narrower)
http://www.rei.com/product/847396/wi...a-001b2166becc

We have used them on lakes, creeks, and rivers (even some small white water rapids). They are great, but I would get the 120 if I were to get another. It is slightly narrower and easier to paddle. We tried a 14 foot one, but it was a bit long for maneuvering in rocky waters (at least for me). Our dog travels with me and even when she jumps out I have never tipped. The sit-insides are more stable for white water (and lighter to carry), and we may be getting those this summer.

Be sure to shop around, we found an outfitter who sold them for about half of retail. Colors were limited, but price was great.

I have a sit on top one and my little dog sits right between my legs (in his life jacket with a handle on top of his back). What is most important when considering the kind of kayak is your center of balance. A friend visiting from out of state (who loves to kayak also) tried mine and HATED it. The only reason I could figure out was that she is alot taller than me and that might have effected her balance.
I hope you and your husband have both tried out lake kayaking before you invest. Also make sure you try out the different types of kayaks. So often people buy without trying them out first and then hate what they purchased.
Let us know what you end up deciding.

Kat

Make sure you have a good life jacket for your dog!

we have the sit on top kind of kayak, we use it in the lake in sd and in the canals in fl and we love them. we got our kayaks for in sd at a fred Meyers in Olympia, wa and our kayaks here in fl at sam's. I know you will love your kayaks, go for it.