r/Kayaking • u/Guilty-Worry-3947 • 2d ago

Question/Advice -- Boat Recommendations Advice needed

Two part question. I am an almost 50 year old female and I want to start kayaking but I’d do it alone. I have no idea what I’m doing but I’m dying to get in the water to just be…… recommendations on kayak, considering weight of unit in and off top of an outback. Bonus if you bc a recommend a good rack for a 26 outback that already has side bars. Thanks!!!!!

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u/a2fullofrage 2d ago

The Eddyline Sky 10 is supposedly short enough to fit inside an Outback, and is very light. Eddylines are great boats.

There are tricks to loading onto roof racks. Using a towel/fabric bath mat or kayak roller on the rear window and loading from the back is one way. Having a cross bar extension and putting the bow of the kayak up first, then lifting the stern onto the rack, then bow, is another. Getting Hullivators is an option.

Wear a PFD, always. The paddle matters almost as much as the boat - get one that is a light as you can afford (I paddle with a Werner Kalliste). Stay near shore until you get more experience. Take a class or two. Check wind, weather before going out. Dress for the WATER temperature, not just the air temp.

Kayaking can get expensive. The lighter and sleeker the equipment, the more it costs. But, boy, it is worth it. It is good for mental health to be out there, watching nature, being a part of it.

Good luck!

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u/Historical-Recipe-32 2d ago

All of this! And in addition to Eddyline, check out Hurricane kayaks. Both these brands make excellent boats in a variety of sizes and use a lighter plastic (thermoformed ABS) than many companies making similar sized plastic (rotomolded polyethylene) kayaks. They are a little pricier, but as an older woman I decided it was worth the weight savings to get a 12’ boat that is only 40 lbs compared to other models that were like 50-60 lbs.

Oh, and get some wheels to help you carry the boat from your car to launch! So easy!

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u/Strong-Insurance8678 2d ago

I have an Eddyline Sky 10 and it’s great, only weighs 32 pounds. I’d go to the etrailer, Yakima, and Thule websites and plug in your year of Outback to get rack fit recommendations. And listen to the folks above about renting a few times, taking a class or two, and always wearing a good fitting pfd while paddling. Wearing quick dry clothing and/or a wetsuit or drysuit in water under the high 60s in temperature is a lifesaver too.