New to kayaks

[jdub884]

Would like some suggestions for a new kayak. Went camping at gatewood a couple times last summer and rented a kayak there eacj time and loved it. I usually wade the new river but would like to try a lil somethin new. So i would like suggestions on a good boat to use in the james and new river that would also be good for gatewood

[jdub884]

Also if anyone has a yak they want to sale i may be inerested

[irons]

For what you described, I would suggest a jackson coosa. It is designed for river fishing, and has a very comfortable seat. You can probably pick one up for around $600-700 used. Also a consideration would be the native slayer 12. It is fairly new so may be hard to find used but it has a seat like the coosa and is a short yak so it handles rivers really well and also stable. Both are great. Also there is the ride 115, it is an excellent yak for the rivers although the seat does not compare to the coosa or the slayer.

[philipgoldwing]

I would suggest waiting for a demo day to come up when the weather warms up. The ones suggested above are really nice yaks but when you go for the extra with for stability you will give up some ease to paddle. If you are gonna get out by yourself quite a bit you will be paddling upstream somewhat and that is where the difference will show up. I fish by myself quite a bit and also with others. I paddle through some small rapids and others cannot make it through. That is just me but I am wanting a second yak and have thought quite a bit over it and will be going with a Tarpon 140. Also talk to different outfitters as much as possible. Back Country in Roanoke is very Knowledgable. Nick there has been very helpful when I have talked to him. Also the yaks mentioned catch a lot of wind I've heard.

[wvfisherman]

Welcome to the site and addiction. Phil gave you some great advise, demo if you can and see what you like. If you ask 10 people you are going to get 10 different answers. Good luck your going to love fishing out of kayaks.

[jdub884]

Thanks for the advice guys. I fished out of kayaks a couple times last summer but they were rentals and not the greatest things ever. I still loved it though. Gonna go to a demo day
This spring and try some boats out and see what happens.

[bronzbackhunter]

Now is a good time to buy,you can get some good deal's on left over model's.Also the kayak's listed above are grate Kayak's,personly i would look at the Wilderness system Tarpon 120 grate all around kayak. Check out Appomattox River Co,on the web.

[hokiefisherman]

I would wait until Appomattox River Company has their demo day (June I believe) and test as many as you can. If you can't wait that long, I would suggest getting a reputable brand such as native, wilderness system, jackson, etc. Buying the wal-mart kayaks is likely to lead to problems because their plastic is thinner, seats not as comfortable, and tracking isn't great.

Based on your needs I would suggest 3 kayaks: wilderness system ride 115, jackson coosa, and a perception pescador.

Ride 115:
Stable boat 11.5ft long that has a super comfortable seat. The boat tracks great for being 11.5ft, but still can maneuver through chutes easily. It lacks some storage room, but unless you are taking it on week long expeditions you should be alright. The slide trax offer an easy platform for attaching rod holders, and keeps you from having to drill holes. Lastly they now come with a high seat that makes the transition from sitting to standing easier. The boat also has a replaceable keel so after lots of drags that damage your keel you can replace a cheap plastic piece instead of needing to plastic weld the keel

Jackson Coosa:
I have demoed this boat, and haven't used it on an actual trip. However, from the seat time I had I loved the maneuverability and the seat that can be high or low. Standing was easy, but not as stable as the ride 115 IMO. The seat does have room for storage underneath the seat for a couple boxes, and the tankwell has quite a bit of room for your gear. My only complaint was that in the high position I seemed to be a sail when the wind picked up.

Perception Pescador:
This is actually a 2008 Tarpon 120 that has been rebadged. Tarpon 120's are great river boats at 12ft. They provide maneuverability in the rivers while tracking great on lakes and reservoirs. At ~500 new the price can't be beat. The seat lacks much to be desired IMO, but with the money saved on the yak you can upgrade the seat.

I know a kayak is what you asked about, but don't skimp on a paddle and PFD. A PFD will save your life in the event you capsize and a heavy paddle will leave you sore after a long day of paddling. I would talk to Tom at Appomattox River Company in Farmville and see what he can do for you. They usually have boats that have been demoed or blemished that are discounted, and if you buy a paddle and PFD with your yak they will give you a good deal. Hope this helps, and if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. It's best to ask now and be happy later than be stuck in a boat you aren't comfortable in!

[philipgoldwing]

By the way Jdub...where you from and out of curiosity what section of the New have you waded in?

[uncross]

I agree with the demo idea, I have a coosa, and it is kinda a love hate relationship. I think it sucks in the wind, but the thing I like with it and some of the other adjustable seats, is that you can lower them in the wind and do this on the water or at the bank. I have never used one of the ride 115's but it worries me that if you get the high seat version, its always up high. Keep an eye on Craigs list, and blog.paddleva.com/category/used-kayaks-and-canoes/ appomattox river company's used list

[jdub884]

Im in dublin. Wade a lot in radford just below the interstate bridge and out in delton

[jdub884]

Got to try out a cuda 12 and a slayer while it was warm. Liked both but leaning more towards the cuda.

[jdub884]

As far as the pfd goes i have my wakeboard vest. Its the most comfortable and not bulky. Not cg approved though.

[Kayaksticks]

For the life jackey your non coast guard approved wakeboard best will not do. By lay you have to have 1 CG approved life jacket per person even on canoes and kayks. Scroll down to the bottom of the page on this link for all the rules that apply to canoes and kayaks
www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/wog/equipment-regulations.asp

As for the suggestions of kayaks. the 3 mentioned above are all great. Like said if you can wait to a demo day try some out. I personally have the Ride 115 and am not a small guy by any means. Rated to 500 pounds the seat is comfortable but not as comfortable as the other 2. I like the shorter length for running down river. But the shorter length does have its drawbacks. If you are going to paddle flat open water forget it. I took my Ride 115 a couple of miles beyond the breakers and let me just say it was a VERY long and painful paddle back to shore. Same with on lakes and calm rivers that you find farther east. And if the sind is blowing yep going to be another long paddle. One of the reasons why I am looking at a longer boat to fish the flat waters.

One thing I did not see mention is take note of the weight of the kayak you are looking to buy and how you are going to transport it. For instance the Ride 115 I think weights in around 70 pounds if I am not mistaken. Most of the times I load mine on yakama racks ontop of the cab of my full size 4x4 pickup truck. I have to lift it above my head and then step on a step ladder, all while holding it above my head, and the roll it up onto the cradels. Not the easiest method I know but best for my situation as my yaks go with me when we tow our camper.

[jdub884]

Got into the addiction today and picked up a 2014 cuda 12 yellowjacket. Cant wait to get it out on the water. Any reccomendations on a good paddle?