[brdmadgrl82]

Does anyone have a sea kayak?

I figured I would ask this here since my topic doesn't fit anywhere and I figured someone might have some good info!
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My husband and I are thinking about buying one but cannot decide between two single or one double...anyone with experience?

I should also mention I am in the midwest so plan to use it on lakes (biggest probably lake michigan but I know the water can be unpredictable with waves and such).

[Mogura]

I have experience in both single and tandem kayaks.

Do you have any specific questions?

[tooboku]

Yes. I have a Malibu Two. It is amongst my favorite posessions.

It's perfect for lakes. I often take mone out to the middle of the lake at our cottage and sleep there. I wouldn't take it out to rapids but it is a lot more stable than a canoe... especially if you're on a lake where people like to water ski.

[brdmadgrl82]

	Originally Posted by Mogura To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I have experience in both single and tandem kayaks. Do you have any specific questions?

Yes, why would you say one is better over the other? My husband and I cannot decide if we want two single or one double...We are also concerned that the double might not handle as well (like I said we are by lake michigan and waves can get pretty tall- guy at rei said to treat the lake like ocean because of it). What do you personally like better and why?
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Do you bring a dog or child in the tandum?

[reb]

i had one of these:


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fished on several midwest rivers with it. never had it on a big lake...not made for that if there was any weather.

i would not buy any kind of double rig again, after having had a canoe that was a small double, big single. when i was younger and stronger, i could run the canoe by myself. now i could not. the kayak gave me the ability to go lightly by myself when there was no one wanting to go. the canoe was more difficult to get on a roof rack by myself, had to be poled upstream (obviously, without two vehicles, no put in/take out rides). paddling upstream is still difficult, but is not the same 'skill' like standing up poling against current.

look carefully at how you will use your boat(s). maybe try a few rentals...there's lots of them around up there, i think. advice worth only what you paid for it.

[brdmadgrl82]

Thanks for the advice! We are leaning toward two singles as of now (dog might have to stay home)...we are both very active and I think it might be fun to race and challenge ourselves physically on harder waters. I always wanted to try white water but that looks a bit difficult for me (or maybe I'm just scared of cracking my head on a rock when it tips over! I think reb makes a good point about being able to take it out alone in case one of us can't...if its more light weight I'll probably be able to take it (a double 85lbs or so might be hard for me). Thanks again...some more thinking but we shall see
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[Storm]

Personally, I like river kayaks more. They are more comfortable, and I like sitting lower in the water. Sea kayaks are often made of hard plastic which is uncomfortable. You should go try renting some before making a purchase. I like the single kayaks because if you want to check out a different part of the lake than your partner, you can do so. I'd only get the double if you really crave being physically close to your husband during these outings.

EDIT: Apparently I was thinking of the difference between a river kayak and an ocean kayak. Who knew sea was different from ocean? Not sure what the difference between a sea and river kayak is.

[Mogura]

Originally Posted by brdmadgrl82 To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Yes, why would you say one is better over the other? My husband and I cannot decide if we want two single or one double...We are also concerned that the double might not handle as well (like I said we are by lake michigan and waves can get pretty tall- guy at rei said to treat the lake like ocean because of it). What do you personally like better and why? To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Do you bring a dog or child in the tandum?

Well, how strong is your relationship with your husband?
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Compared with singles, tandems are heavier and have more surface area, so drag becomes more of an issue. If you have 2 people paddling, then no problem--you'll need to coordinate your strokes to get maximum efficiency. But if you're 1 person paddling a tandem, it can be a drag...

Personally, I like single kayaks because they are faster, more responsive, and I'm not "stuck" with someone, dealing with their whiny-assed problems. Personality-wise, I am an independent, do-it-myself type of person, so single kayaks suit me perfectly.

Whichever you decide to go with, be sure to hire an experienced instructor to train you in self rescue techniques...

---------- Post added 06-07-2010 at 09:10 AM ----------

	Originally Posted by Storm To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	EDIT: Apparently I was thinking of the difference between a river kayak and an ocean kayak. Who knew sea was different from ocean? Not sure what the difference between a sea and river kayak is.

Sea kayaks are long and narrow. They're built for speed/distance. Because of their shape, they are not as responsive in comparison with a river kayak.

River kayaks are short and stout. They're slower than sea kayaks, but they are very responsive, and can turn on a dime.

With sea kayaks, you provide the power to propel forward, so efficiency (shape of the craft) is everything. With river kayaks, the river provides the power to propel you forward, so responsiveness (not being slammed up against rocks) is everything.

For Lake Michigan, I would definitely go with a sea kayak...

[brdmadgrl82]

Originally Posted by Mogura To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Well, how strong is your relationship with your husband? To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Compared with singles, tandems are heavier and have more surface area, so drag becomes more of an issue. If you have 2 people paddling, then no problem--you'll need to coordinate your strokes to get maximum efficiency. But if you're 1 person paddling a tandem, it can be a drag... Personally, I like single kayaks because they are faster, more responsive, and I'm not "stuck" with someone, dealing with their whiny-assed problems. Personality-wise, I am an independent, do-it-myself type of person, so single kayaks suit me perfectly. Whichever you decide to go with, be sure to hire an experienced instructor to train you in self rescue techniques... ---------- Post added 06-07-2010 at 09:10 AM ---------- Sea kayaks are long and narrow. They're built for speed/distance. Because of their shape, they are not as responsive in comparison with a river kayak. River kayaks are short and stout. They're slower than sea kayaks, but they are very responsive, and can turn on a dime. With sea kayaks, you provide the power to propel forward, so efficiency (shape of the craft) is everything. With river kayaks, the river provides the power to propel you forward, so responsiveness (not being slammed up against rocks) is everything. For Lake Michigan, I would definitely go with a sea kayak...

Thank you for the detailed response! We decided to wait for now (we are going to kayak in california in august so we will see what to go with when we come back)
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[Mogura]

	Originally Posted by brdmadgrl82 To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Thank you for the detailed response! We decided to wait for now (we are going to kayak in california in august so we will see what to go with when we come back) To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Where in California? Are you going on an organized tour, or hooking up with friends?

[tooboku]

Originally Posted by brdmadgrl82 To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Yes, why would you say one is better over the other? My husband and I cannot decide if we want two single or one double...We are also concerned that the double might not handle as well (like I said we are by lake michigan and waves can get pretty tall- guy at rei said to treat the lake like ocean because of it). What do you personally like better and why? To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Do you bring a dog or child in the tandum?

Seriously, tandem sea kayak on the great lakes. It gives you some much needed weight at the front. It'll keep you straighter through the waves and if the wind is blowing hard. You also have a higher power to weight ration making you faster and letting you cover more distance. It still turns pretty quickly too. When I'm in mine by myself, I can do a 180 in two strokes - one back, one forward. Having an 8-year-old or a couple dachshunds in the front of the boat doesn't bother me much either.

[Krazy P]

I think double's have the potential for more teamwork. I think doubles are also more stable in the water.

Of course, two singles can be rafted together - very stable.

It depends on how heavy the seas or surf you'll be going in.

I would try both out and see how you like it.

I kind of like the doubles, myself.

[tooboku]

	Originally Posted by Krazy P To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I would try both out and see how you like it.

Yes. Try before you buy is a great option if you can rent first to feel it out.

[rahdam]

My dad commissioned a custom sea kayak and I've gotten to turbo around the ocean in it before.
It's a lot of fun, but I'd make sure you get a good seat; his seat was not a good fit for me, and, long story short, I managed to compress my sciatic nerve for an extended period of time and lose most motor innervation to my legs. Now, I'm a strong swimmer, but let me tell you, when you are out on the ocean paddling and you realize that you can no longer move your legs even if you had to, sea kayaking becomes very extreme very quickly.

[brdmadgrl82]

	Originally Posted by Mogura To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	Where in California? Are you going on an organized tour, or hooking up with friends?

No friends out in cali
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I'm going to be in the San Fran area so probably a private guided thing a little north of the bay...They have a cool night kayaking trip to see the glowing algea at night...might do a couple others too. For most of the trip backpacking and climbing in the sierra nevadas! I think all of you make a good point about trying it first...I'd love to the single and do some more intense/challenging stuff...but then again a double might be good for the kayak and camp type trips (2-3 days)...anyone do the long trips in kayaks? 1+ days?

[Mogura]

I did a month-long expedition in the Prince William Sound. I have been reflecting on the experience a lot lately, given all that is going on in the Gulf of Mexico. Even 20+ years on, you could still find remnants of the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

I had to wet exit from a tandem kayak in a glacial tidepool when my partner and I failed to roll it. Froze. My. Nuts. Off.

[reb]

Mogura tickled my brain cells....i forget did you mention lake michoacan, brdmad??? if you are going to spend any time on one of the great lakes or the ocean when water temps are 'coolish', you might want to look into 'what clothing to wear to prevent hypothermia'....and cost, as well.

almost surely, you will dump. the eskimos pretty much accepted 'you dump, you die', i think. we seem to have an alternative if we plan appropriately.

[brdmadgrl82]

	Originally Posted by Mogura To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
	I did a month-long expedition in the Prince William Sound. I have been reflecting on the experience a lot lately, given all that is going on in the Gulf of Mexico. Even 20+ years on, you could still find remnants of the Exxon Valdez oil spill. I had to wet exit from a tandem kayak in a glacial tidepool when my partner and I failed to roll it. Froze. My. Nuts. Off.

That sounds like a VERY fun trip! So you were able to pack enough supplies for a whole month?! I was concerned that the Kayak's don't seem to have enough storage for long trips.

That's scary to think about the long term effects of the spill
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it breaks my heart.

---------- Post added 06-08-2010 at 08:26 PM ----------

Originally Posted by reb To view links or images in this forum your post count must be 2 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Mogura tickled my brain cells....i forget did you mention lake michoacan, brdmad??? if you are going to spend any time on one of the great lakes or the ocean when water temps are 'coolish', you might want to look into 'what clothing to wear to prevent hypothermia'....and cost, as well. almost surely, you will dump. the eskimos pretty much accepted 'you dump, you die', i think. we seem to have an alternative if we plan appropriately.

Reb, I was thinking just day trips along the shore of Lake Michigan (I don't think I could handle a few days out there, especially if waves get 4+ft lol). I would do the longer trips on vacation (somewhere out west) rivers and such. As far as the cold I do have a wet suit that keeps me kind of insulated.