Newbie Advice

[dpark]

Hello all, I moved here a few years back for college and ended up staying in BR. I've noticed a few guys kayak fishing while I'm out on the water and its peaked my interest. I'm a big guy 6'5, 250 lbs, I've fished from canoes but never kayaks. Any suggestion on a good starter yak under 2K for someone my size?

[swampninja]

best recommendations are to go and demo some, I'm partial to the hobies, it depends on if you want to peddle, or paddle. there are so many different kayak styles that fit different needs. check out Backpacker, or pack and paddle, and hit one of their demo days.

[Speckled_Tiger]

with a 2k budget, there is really only one option that is "off limits" to you. A few models to look for Hobie Outback, Malibu Stealth or X-Factor, and the Ocean Kayak Big Game. The Backpacker does not carry Malibu but several members in the club have them and I'm sure would be willing to let you test on out.

[ReelThrill]

With 2k to spend you should have no problem findining a yak you are comfortable with. Paddle/peddle as many as you can and pick what suits your needs best.

[ReelThrill]

with a 2k budget, there is really only one option that is "off limits" to you. A few models to look for Hobie Outback, Malibu Stealth or X-Factor, and the Ocean Kayak Big Game. The Backpacker does not carry Malibu but several members in the club have them and I'm sure would be willing to let you test on out.


What option is would be off limit? 2k is a lot to spend. Can probably find a PA or Adventure for that.

[Grape ape]

Hey dpark as a fellow big guy and newbie , I can appreciate your concerns . I intially started with a Wilderness system commander 140 and found it to be stable, paddle and track well but be sort of confining due to the fact of it being a canoe /kayak hybrid of sorts. So I sold it and went with the Malibu X factor and I am very pleased . It paddles reasonablly well , is very stable, it a sit on top so it is self bailing so swamping is no concern and it has tons of storage. If you want to try it out you are welcome anytime. Just pm me and we will set something up.

[Speckled_Tiger]

What option is would be off limit? 2k is a lot to spend. Can probably find a PA or Adventure for that.

The PA runs 2500 new and I haven't seen used ones for sale too often. Now, IFA is about to start up soon so Choup should have 1 or 5 for sale in the near future.

[FatGuyPedaling]

Both Massey's (in NOLA) and Backpacker (in BR) will be doing frequent demo's this spring/summer. Try as many different boats as possible.

I'm a big guy, 6'2 275, and I have a Hobie Outback that I couldn't be any more pleased with.

[Cobia 1]

Hey dpark as a fellow big guy and newbie , I can appreciate your concerns . I intially started with a Wilderness system commander 140 and found it to be stable, paddle and track well but be sort of confining due to the fact of it being a canoe /kayak hybrid of sorts. So I sold it and went with the Malibu X factor and I am very pleased . It paddles reasonablly well , is very stable, it a sit on top so it is self bailing so swamping is no concern and it has tons of storage. If you want to try it out you are welcome anytime. Just pm me and we will set something up.

GA, add a rudder to the x and you will love it. It ain't like sippen the koolaid, but is a great yak!

[jpoucher]

They have several demo days coming up in your area. I would go to one of those and try them out. You might have some problems finding some room since you are quite tall. The hobie Pro Angler sounds like it might be the best for you. The Outback is great but you might not have enough leg room for it. If I get in my wifes Outback I have to push the pedals all the way back for me to get a comfortable peddle stroke and I am only 6'-1". You may also want to look at the Diablo's. I have heard many good things about those also. Good luck!! The fun is just begining!

[Mung]

For the non-kool-aid drinkers, the 15' ocean Kayak Prowler is a good boat for big guys. The Native Magic 14.5'(now discontinued) is also good for big guys. Basically I'd stick to something 14' or larger.

[Grape ape]

A rudder was my next addition to the yak along with some other upgrades.

[FatGuyPedaling]

Good point jpoucher, while my Outback handles my mass quite well, if I were any taller it would be quite cramped.

[dpark]

Thanks everyone I'll go check out some of the demos and find what fits me best, hopefully I'll be on the water hooked up with a red soon

[papawd]

check out Pack n Paddle in Laffayette they will demo almost all they have for sale ... Check your notifications

[pistol]

dude listen to what grape ape says, he went to seal sports in mandeville. talk to him about the deal he got