Hi CB... now that you've confessed to considering a small boat, we shall have to talk you into it, and multiply our tribe.
If you'll be mostly on flat water, have you thought about a canoe? More room, and you could bring one or both of the boys along, though a canoe big enough for 3 might be awkward for you to handle alone (Croc knows more about canoes than I do, and will have advice on that). Not everybody likes kayaks. They are quite different - you sit in a canoe and ride on the water; you wear a kayak and ride in the water.
Best move is to find a paddlesport store fairly close to you, where the people are familiar with the local conditions, and ask the people there. Most of these stores are run by enthusiasts who will do a lot to get you set up with the right gear for what you want to do; a lot will have trial boats for you to test out.
Some basic instruction for any kind of paddling is a good idea, makes the initial stages much easier. If you do end up with the kayak, the roll is not absolutely necessary, especially if you paddle mostly calm water and close to shore. If you paddle alone, though, especially in areas where weather can change fast, it pays to be familiar with the roll and other self-rescue techniques. Bays can be deceptive; choppy water with whitecaps can be harder to manage than big swells, and high winds are always tough. Probably a good idea to stay on the river until you feel pretty confident.
I'd suggest trying out some rental or borrowed gear, then if you really decide you want to do it, go out and buy from the high end. Not that you want some specialized craft for advanced paddlers; you don't. But you do want the best beginner's boat, paddles, PFD, etc. that you can get your hands on. Quality makes a huge difference, as with most things. A cheap boat can be awkward, clumsy, hard to control, and unmanageable in wind. A good one is pure joy.
I'm sure others here will have comments; hope you go ahead with it. Let us know what happens. |
