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Kayaking locally - Inflatable or hard shell?

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Started 9 months ago by marcjon
Latest reply from alexs

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marcjon
Hilliard
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So I’m thinking about getting a kayak since Cbus has rivers and lakes nearby, and I really am bummed about having no ocean. Came across this article and have to admit I am somewhat curious about whether or not inflatable is the way to go... I have always used sit in kayaks and my wife likes the sit on style. Can any of you fellow readers enlighten me on whether or not this is a good investment?

http://www.itsmybuzz.com/kayaking-hard-shell-vs-inflatable/

Posted 9 months ago #
ricospaz

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I have a couple hard shell kayaks. While they take up space in the garage (I hang mine though) I would think that inflatable kayaks wouldn't be so great. They'll break down quicker too. Check out the local kayaker group here..might get a better answer.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/columbusareakayakassociation/

yes, CAKA!

Posted 9 months ago #
tdziemia
GV/Schumacher
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I am not a kayaker but my wife is into it. She has used both, and will always go with a hard shell. If you'd like to try out an inflatable, shoot me a message (though I think our registration may have lapsed on it).

Posted 9 months ago #
Corrin Radd

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I liked my inflatable because it was so easily portable, but when it comes to comfort, stability, steering and just about anything that matters in the actual act of kayaking, hard shells are infinitely better.

Posted 9 months ago #
marcjon
Hilliard
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@ ricospaz thanks for the link will def look into it.

Radd and tdziemia thanks for the imput, how much is registration? And can you ask your wife if the hardshells at walmart are worth looking into?

Posted 9 months ago #
alexs
Limestone bluffs of the Scioto
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In vs. on: The local streams have a lot of long pools separated by stony riffles, so you frequently need to get out and carry.

You might want to lurk on ohiogamefishing.com

Posted 9 months ago #
Phil Grow
Columbus
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I would say hard shell as well. It does not have to be Kevlar, Poly 2 or 3 is ok. I say look for a good outfitter and get to know them. Take a class as well. I am taking one at the end of this month through Backwoods Odysseys. Real friendly folks. I have also looked at Clintonville Outfitters and Outdoor source, which I think Backwoods recommends.

I have also been fighting the sit on top vs inside. I plan to do a bit of camping and fishing, and there are some sit on tops that have some spacious options and can keep up with most sit ins.

I have been looking at Ocean Kayak's Trident 13 and 15. I am unsure if I need the 2 extra feet, it really depends how big of water I will spend most of my time on, IE: Lake Erie or Lake Rupert haha.

http://www.oceankayak.com/kayaks/angler_kayaks/trident_15_angler/

Posted 9 months ago #
alexs
Limestone bluffs of the Scioto
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Maybe go to a local livery and try out some rentals, sort of a test drive. Plus, you can explore the streams.

If you're willing to travel a bit, the Mohican and Kokosing rivers are sweet, with liveries. You can have a laugh watching people who have absolutely no clue how to paddle. I wonder if the streamside stores still have signs reading DRY CIGS.

Posted 9 months ago #