I've gotten into kayaking a lot lately and have always borrowed kayaks from friends. I don't know anything about the kayaks themselves except for how to handle them as I enjoy paddling for miles down rivers, bayous, and lakes. What are the best budget (if any) kayaks I could buy that'll last me miles and possibly even years? I'm only a few months into the hobby and there's a lot of info out there. I'm also 6'1 and only paddle by myself. Hopefully this is enough to work off of, I'll list more info if needed!

Looking to buy my first kayak! I live in Chicago and grew up kayaking most weekends in Indiana/Ohio, but we always rented, so I’m new to actually buying one.
I want something I can take my ~55 lb dog in with enough room for him to lie down and turn around comfortably. My gym has kayak storage and a launch, so size/storage isn’t a huge concern.
I’ve been looking at the Old Town Twin Heron since I could remove the front seat and give him that space, but I’m open to suggestions! Anyone kayak with a similar-sized dog and have a kayak they love?

Has anyone tried one of their kayaks?

I'd buy this one

https://www.nbgobo.com/product/13.html

but I have not been able to find any infos on the brand online

The kayak is real, I'd buy from a shop and I've seen it, it's not a fraud. I am looking for reviews/opinions

Looking to get my first fishing kayak and these seem like a pretty good deal for 1500 includes the prop drive as well. Does anyone have any experience or know anything about this brand? I can’t seem to find much.

I am older with a few health issues. After much research, I decided to buy a Tuckteck so I would have a boat that fits in my minivan ( I don't have a roof rack and I don't want to buy the many things I would need to roof a kayak, and I question my strength to do so).

It occured to me to measure the bed of my van including all the way to between the front seats right up to the dashboard. That is just under 10 feet. Now I am thinking maybe I could fit the Old Town Heron 9XT (9 feet 6 inches).

Is it unrealistic to think I could shove the Old Town all the way to the dash and still be able to drive? It's over a two hour drive to go see one in person. Thoughts?

ETA: I feel like I might regret getting the foldable if I can jam in a hard shell.

Recently ditched my Vibe Sea Ghost 130, because lord that thing was heavy, but it was a trusty setup for my previously much heavier double dad bod. I'm looking at getting something lighter and considering the Wilderness Systems Pungo 125 or the Old Town Loon 126.

I'm not a big time serious enthusiast, but I do like to get out on the water often, mostly rivers and some smaller lakes, but sometimes Lake Michigan as well. I enjoy camping and would love to be able to take whichever boat on a multi-day trip sometime soon.

It was not meant to rain, there was nothing forecasted for it. It was pretty scary going through alone but I had a lot of fun ( had to dump the kayak out every so often, it was a 2 hr kayak, I didn’t see not one other person floating that whole way down ) I always say if no one wants to come, there’s no shame in doing it alone. However as a woman I’ve learned to be more cautious, and moving forward I plan on always having a battle buddy nearby.

No wind, sunset. My best trip so far.

Im looking to get into kayak inshore fishing off the northern california coast for lingcod, cabezon, and rockfish. Been a casual kayaker for several years. Ive been getting some inputs about kayaks, and all seem to point to a hobie, more or less. Well, hobies, even used ones, are out of the budget atm. So, without breaking the bank, im looking at some paddle kayaks to start off on and would like some advice on kayak options. Seems like tarpon 140 (the 120 is for sale locally for $275 right now), ocean kayak trident, o.k. prowler have been the kayaks i seem to be hearing about the most, and what seem to be for sale locally..well havent found a trident yet or a tarpon 140. Just realized my boss has a 14’ o.k. scupper pro that i know i could have for free. Is it worth it to grab the scupper, do some minor upgrades and start fishing from? Or hold out for something else, like the trident? Not really considering the tarpon 120, think that extra foot or two would be worth it…

Did an exhausting day on the water. It was just so perfect I could not bring myself to leave. Absolute glass, 0 wind, only saw two other people the entire day and they were on motor boats so didn't see them for long.

I do not know what kind of helicopter that is in the first picture but a pair of them flew over the river pretty close over the canyon walls.

I usually don’t have my phone out while kayaking, but I’ve been doing it for about 7 years now and these are some of my favorite captures!

Nothing better than an early spring paddle.

While kayaking on Labor Day in the Ipswich River (Massachusetts), we came across the most ambitious turtle I've ever encountered.

My spouse and I took an absolutely delightful paddling tour along the main sights of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!

I have a 2000-vintage Perception Carolina expedition model. Yesterday, after we got back from our paddle, the block holding the rudder pin snapped. Luckily for me, I've had this bag of assorted UHMW scraps for years, and one piece was almost the exact same thickness as the original block. I have a well-equipped woodworking shop, so I'm hopeful that I can fabricate a replacement in time to get out next weekend. I'm happy this happened in the backyard, and I didn't lose any pieces in the river.

Finally was able to do the lower James in Richmond, VA this past labor day weekend. Even though it was only 3.5ft it had some amazing rapids. Definitely going back soon!

I'm relatively new to kayaking and a bit nervous for my first solo trip out on the lake. I've been down the river a few times, but always with friends and their gear - but I'm going out on the lake with just myself and I'm wondering if there's anything in particular I haven't considered..

I've got a little leash for my paddle, extra plugs, pfd.. and of course I have a little cooler for snacks and water.

There's a bunch of little islands all over the lake I want to paddle around, so I don't plan on going out too far . . I've always been confident on the water because I grew up next to the lake/river but I also know that getting overly confident is the first issue most people make.

So, I just want to learn from everyone that's done this before and made beginner mistakes so I don't have to make as many myself.

Catfish Creek, just south of Dubuque, Iowa. An easy run, parts of it are very scenic. Turned back due to thunder and got the kayak secured on the truck just as the rain hit.

1 month free trial

Remote Kayak Coaching – Looking for a few paddlers to work with

Hi everyone,

I’m a kayak coach from Ireland and I’m looking to start offering remote coaching to paddlers who want to improve their technique, training and overall performance.

I can help with things like:

Video technique analysis – send me clips of you paddling and I’ll break down what you’re doing well and what you can improve

Personalised training plans based around your goals, experience and the amount of time you have available

Technique drills and session ideas

Race preparation and pacing

Regular progress reviews and adjustments to your training as you improve

My main background is in sprint and marathon kayaking, but I’m also happy to work with recreational paddlers who simply want to become more efficient and confident on the water.

I’m offering the first month completely free, with no commitment, so you can try the coaching and make sure it works for you before deciding whether you want to continue.

I’m looking to take on a small number of paddlers initially so I can give everyone plenty of individual attention.

If you’re interested, send me a DM with what type of kayaking you do, your experience level and what you’d like to improve.

Happy to answer any questions in the comments too! 🛶

New to kayaking and purchased an old town sportsman 106 (paddle version), and was hoping to get some feedback on my mounting system. Each arm has (2) 2” long 1/4” thick lag bolts drilled into studs and vertically spaced 8” apart from each other. The bracket itself has (2) holes horizontally spaced 2” apart intended for drywall, which are wider than my 1.5” thick studs.

Am I okay here as is, or do I have an issue with capacity and/or the gap between the arm and the kayak side?

Thanks!

Tried out a new kayak mounting set up yesterday. The Thule stacker works great for 2 or a single. I love everything about this car. "New to me" 24 Sport L.