What do I need for kayak?

[usmcveteran]

I am seriously considering getting a kayak for fishing, camping , and just to paddle around in the canal.

These are the things I think I need. Please share any recommendations or things I might be missing.

First I need a roof rack, thinking of getting this one for my car.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/121149490047?_...25.m3641.l6368

Since I might be getting 2 kayaks might as well save money and get the two pack.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/251324163704?_...25.m3641.l6368

Then to store in garage I found this.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Kayak-Canoe-La...866?nav=SEARCH

What other expenses am I missing? Please post links to items to if you have any recommendations.

Thanks!

[alistair]

You'll need a kayak (or two) - for fishing, camping , and just to paddle around in the canal a plastic a basic recreation kayak 10' in length should suit you. But you may need bigger depending on your size/weight. - If you want to run rivers a white water boat or if you want to try big lake or ocean you will need a 17' sea kayak.
You'll need a pfd/life jacket - please do not go on the water without wearing it..... don't just carry it-wear it.
and of course a Paddle.

I have some resources for finding used gear..Where are you located?

http://www.paddleswap.com

[usmcveteran]

After reading more I'm thinking like you said 10 ft recreational kayak preferable closed because it's not super warm here all the time.

I am in Rochester area.

[WARFAB]

There are some cool places to explore with a kayak in the Rochester area. Have you rented one at the Bay Creek Paddling center yet? If you had the time and were motivated I'm pretty sure you could paddle all the way to the Genesee Conservation League from the Bay Creek rental shop.

[usmcveteran]

No I haven't . Not sure if I have even ever been in a kayak lol been canoeing a bunch. Where is bay creek anyways?

[big flash]

i like those thule cam type straps too

i put 5 boats (4 kayaks & a canoe) on the truck for a lake george island bachelor party this past weekend:

[thughes]

There are some cool places to explore with a kayak in the Rochester area. Have you rented one at the Bay Creek Paddling center yet? If you had the time and were motivated I'm pretty sure you could paddle all the way to the Genesee Conservation League from the Bay Creek rental shop.

Bay Creek will rent you a kayak and then haul you up to Ellison park and drop you in the creek there so you can enjoy the float back down to the bay. (That's my kind of kayaking, to hell with that whole "going against the current" thing.)

[WARFAB]

Where is bay creek anyways?

http://www.baycreek.com/

1099 Empire Boulevard Rochester, New York 14609

https://www.google.com/maps/place/10...!4d-77.5261864

Bay Creek will rent you a kayak and then haul you up to Ellison park and drop you in the creek there so you can enjoy the float back down to the bay.

That sounds a lot more enjoyable than what I tried to do the last time I rented there. It was a workout and I ran out of time before I made it very far.

[thughes]

Gotta watch out for the beavers too, make sure you're carrying when you go.

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/...yaker-hospital

[big flash]

I usually recommend a 10 footer for general canal, flatwater creek fun. But you throw camping in that list and I recommend longer. i can (and have) do a weekend camp out of my 12' kayak if i go backpacking style with all my equipment and food choices. (the yellow one in the photo above). I would be hard pressed to do that with a 10 foot boat. of course i do weigh more than you though, and part of that is the weight capacity advantage of a longer boat. also the longer the boat, the easier it generally tracks in the water too (all else being equal). I'd love an even longer boat sometimes but find the 12 footers a great all purpose size. The 10 footers we have are great though too, but i feel i'd really have to either rough it or paddle with stuff on my lap for a camping trip. others may disagree though.

this past weekend, i also pulled a tow boat as we didn't rough it at all and I only had to kayak a couple miles. i towed a 10' boat with large tent, cornhole, stocked cooler, large tarp, chair, extra sleeping bags, etc. i fit all my personal stuff on my boat with me with no problem.

[usmcveteran]

I went go Dicks to check out what they had to see them in person and now I'm considering a canoe just for camping aspect, like you said space is a premium in a kayak plus my dogs would probably fit better in a canoe.

[big flash]

definitely more room and capacity in a canoe.
the one thing i do like about a kayak is it is lower for my dog to jump out and swim and then climb back in with me without capsizing.
that's really why i have a kayak with such a wide opening, for a child or a large dog to sit in between my legs while i paddle.

[usmcveteran]

Do you have dog life jacket?

[LibertyOrDeath]

Looks like you're on the right track. That rack is a good one. Here in Buffalo my friend had 3 of the type that hook onto the window sill stolen of his cars.
Depending what type of paddling you are doing depends on the yak. I recommend staying away from the little 10ft wiggle boats.(10 ft boats wiggle back and forth in the water) I started out in a 10ft wiggle boat years ago and quickly moved on to a real kayak. I prefer 14ft yaks for the most part. I have an 18ft composite yak I'm looking to sell but that's not for beginners.
If you plan on camping out of your kayak I would recommend at least a 12 ft yak. You'll want front and back hatches so you can fit all your gear.
I just finished a 4 day trip to Algonquin and I use every inch of space. That was in my 14' 6" Necky Manatou

[big flash]

Do you have dog life jacket?

yeah, with a handle! worked great even with a 65+ lb dog
she love going out on the kayak

i haven't taken her in a while now that she's older and fatter though.