BUYER'S GUIDE
sit-on-top kayak with a high seat,” Stern continues, “while a long narrow blade produces less speed and power but provides a smooth, steady stroke for long distance trips.”
19.
FISHING KAYAK BUYING TIPS
14 15.
NuCanoe pro, Joe Mahler is a world-renowned fly angler who has spent years refining his rig- ging for fly-fishing. “The cockpit of a fly-fishing kayak should be clean,” he stresses, “with no console, footpegs or rodholders that could grab the fly line.” An open cockpit also provides more room for standup fishing, which makes casting and working a fly easier. Mahler also recommends horizontal rod holders that clear airspace for casting.
16.
Carrying capacity varies widely from one kayak model to the next. A 10-foot kayak from one manufacturer may be listed at 300 pounds while another com- pany may boast a capacity of 500 pounds on a similar model. Most kayaks will easily handle any size angler and his gear. It is best to test-drive a kayak to measure its performance under a typical load.
The first rule of kayak design is long, skinny kayaks are best for open water and dis- tance paddling while short, wide kayaks are best for sheltered waters and standup
fishing. That’s because a long keel and V-shaped hull improve straight-line tracking while a shorter waterline and flat bottom make it easy to turn the boat and stand in the cockpit.
17.
A bow hatch should be large enough to store an extra paddle or fit a one-piece fishing rod. If camping is on the agenda, look for stern hatches or deck hatch- es. Add aftermarket hatches to increase storage space. Many companies offer removable consoles that carry gear and even mount electronics.
18.
Choosing the right paddle is as important as choosing the right kayak. Andrew Stern, marketing manager for Aqua-Bound pad- dles, explains the science, “Basic physics says that the less weight you have to move around, the less strain on your body and the more energy you save to paddle harder.” Carbon fiber and fiber- glass are the stiffest and lightest materials while a paddle made of aluminum or plastic will be more heavy duty. “A wide blade and 240-centimeter or longer shaft is optimal for high-power, high-angle paddling on a wide,
PADDLING BUYER’S GUIDE |
www.rapidmedia.com 83
A Personal Flotation Device (PFD) should be comfortable and ergonomic. Jackson Kayak pro Jeff Herman explains, “To- day’s foam life vests distribute the flotation for maximum com- fort and effect, while inflatable vests are compact and reliable.” He suggests testing a PFD in your kayak before buying. “Make sure the back flotation fits over the seat so the PFD doesn’t ride up.” Herman warns against loading the PFD with so much gear that it inhibits paddling or fishing. “And store hooks so they don’t snag the angler,” he adds.
20.
The biggest factor affecting comfort in the kayak is a high- quality seat. Low seats are best for long paddles and open wa- ter. Look for gel padding and stainless steel or brass fixtures. Many kayaks feature a lawn- chair style seat with webbed
material that is breathable and cushy. Most models can be ad- justed forward, back, high and low or removed from the kayak for an impromptu camp chair.
21.
Don’t like the color of your kayak? Paint the deck of a brightly colored kayak with dark- colored Krylon Fusion paint to reduce glare and heat.
22.
Before buying, “make sure the back flotation fits over the seat so the PFD doesn’t ride up.” Her- man warns against loading the PFD with so much gear that it inhibits paddling or fishing. “And store hooks so they don’t snag the angler,” he adds.
23.
Flush mounted rod holders are the most solid and stable for stor- ing rods and trolling. Rod tubes are adjustable and keep the reel out of the water. Horizontal rod holders store the rods flat to the kayak so they don't inter- fere with casting or get caught in tree limbs. For best results, use a backing plate behind the rod- mount holder.
PHOTO: CHRIS FUNK PHOTO: TOM KIRKENDALL
PHOTO: COURTESY VIKING FISHING KAYAKS
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