gillyakers

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Comment by Steve Crowder on May 5, 2012 at 7:44am

When the weather really gets cold, I wear a Framer John neoprene wet suit from NRS (NorthWest River Supply). It wears great and being neoprene I don't have to worry about getting sunk if I should  happen to tumble into the water.

Comment by Allen Morgan on May 4, 2012 at 4:03pm

I've always read that Sit-ins are better during colder weather, as the lower half of your body is down inside the hull, protected from the wind.  Get a skirt for the opening, and you're set.  Of course, if you turtle, you're in for it unless you are wearing a dry suit.  They say, dress to get wet.  Expect to go under.  Cotton kills.

Comment by Steve Crowder on May 4, 2012 at 8:13am

It's just like learning to ride a bicycle Lee, A littile woobly a first, but soon you learn how to handle the bicycle and before you know it, you're jumping curbs. If there is any way possible in your area, renting different kayaks/canoes is a good way to learn which craft is best for you before buying. I agree with David, you will be much happier in a 12' boat. It will give you better performance and room.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on May 4, 2012 at 5:54am

12 foot is pretty much the "standard." 10 footers will turn fast, but they dont track well, i.e., go in a straight line. Each stroke of the paddle upsets, or deflects, them easier them from a straight line. You also have to paddle with more strokes to go the same distance as a longer boat. In other, words longer 'yaks go straighter and faster than short ones. This is counter intuitive, I know.

Also the longer boat will have greater displacement, meaning it can safely handle more weight. So for you , I would suggest a 12 footer. It isn't much longer, but the few extra feet make a difference on the water.

ANother factor here is that the 12 foot boat will also take open water somewhat better that the smaller. Again, you swill eventually find a nice pond or lake with access and want to try it. This is where the better tracking and persistence of the longer kayak will be advantageous.

Your greatest challenge in ANY kayak will be to learn back turning on a flowing stretch of water. Turning out on the open lake is easy. But in a creek or stream, you must be able to back up, swing the bow and go the other way... with a current working for or against you. Smaller boats pivot a little better here, but in all other ways the longer boat will serve you better.

Comment by Lee Nagel on May 4, 2012 at 5:33am

Your NOT helping!!!!!

I do have a question: What difference would a 10' over a 12' make?

Would my size be a factor? I'm 6'4" and about 270#. Some of these creeks are kinda tight in places.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on May 4, 2012 at 5:29am

AS you choose - its all good and all fun.
But you say you're only interested in streams now. Wait til you get one of your own... That'll change.

Oh yeah, that'll change.

Comment by Lee Nagel on May 4, 2012 at 5:15am

Well, down here in the Ozarks, for me it's just the clear creeks and streams that I'm interested in. If I dump, it's mostly "stand up" to save yourself. lol But I tried a sit-on-top and maybe it's just my inexperience, but I felt more comfortable in the sit-in D12.

Thanks y'all.

Comment by David, aka, "McScruff" on May 4, 2012 at 5:09am

Its alright, Lee.... its not weak will; it's called learning. I would reiterate what Steve Crowder said about Sit On Top kayaks. Most anglers use them because they are stable and easier to get back into should you get upset.

The Ascend is a sit in and so harder to get back into. But if you like it well..... it would do fine for fair weather fishing.

When the weather turns nasty and the temperature plummets, things change, of course. You must wear appropriate attire and be "hard core" then.

Comment by Allen Morgan on May 4, 2012 at 4:50am

Lee, welcome to the addiction!

Comment by Lee Nagel on May 4, 2012 at 3:38am

Well, well, well. Warm up that nasty crow pie and serve me up a big slice!!!! I was educated on 'yaks the other evening. Friend of mine has a couple and I got to try them out and I must confess my opinion was totally off. So I'm looking into a 'yak. He had a sweet Ascend 12' that I really really like. It's not a sit on top or the factory fishing one, but he did the mods himself and built it the way he wanted and has almost talked me into one just like it.

Damn, I have a weak will. :(

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