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Different Bill than original
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Date Posted: 16:33:27 02/08/03 Sat
In reply to:
Bill
's message, "I think I am a Big Boy - ???" on 16:03:04 08/13/02 Tue
Oops, should have read your original message better - for some unknown reason I thought you were looking for a recreational. I see you are in the market for a touring - sorry, can't give you any help there. But if you know someone looking for a recreational, please recommend the Blackwater. >I am 5'8" at 280 lbs and paddle a Dagger Blackwater 11.5
I have done a fair amount of paddling in canoes and tandem rental kayaks, but the Blackwater was my first own kayak purchase. I bought it early last summer and have logged about 50 hrs in it. I really have no complaints. I run everything from ponds to large lakes (with motorboats) and running rivers. It is very versitile and has a drop skeg for better tracking, it seems to handle mild whitewater (class I and II) with no problems (very forgiving for a beginner). The cockpit has a large opening and high deck (works well with spray skirt or not. I really don't have any significant comfort complaints with it and I would buy another one. Sells for about $600 - check out www.dagger.com
Good Luck and have fun!
Bill
I am assuming that I am a big boy but I wonder what
>are the parameters of a 'Big Boy' as it relates to a
>Kayak.
>
>I just went on my first Kayak Trip. It was out of the
>Catskills in New York on the Hudson river. I supplied
>the height and weight (5'8" @ 225lbs) and when I met
>up with the tour, they supplied the kayak, a 17'
>Northwest Cadence. My first 5 minutes I thought I
>would surely roll over, but I gained alot of
>confidence quickly. I had significant trouble for the
>first 2 hours with my left leg hurting and going to
>sleep, but after some peg adjustments at a rest stop,
>things improved. Otherwise there was plenty of peg
>adjustments left either way, shorter or longer, and
>there was alot of waist room. It almost felt big as in
>too high for my legs to keep contact with the deck. By
>the way, I did my first bow dip (or is it bow tip) and
>had my first completely horizontal experience
>(intentionally) and was able to easily right myself.
>Of course hanging from the tip of another kayak made
>that easier.
>
>Anyway, I am not sure I am a big boy or not for a
>Kayak. I have a 38"-40" waist (depends on before or
>after lunch) and short legs at only 5'8". Pant leg is
>a 30-31 length. I could and should be around 200lbs
>max for my height (I am too stocky for less weight)and
>I may see that weight this year at the rate I am
>going.
>
>I am not sure what type of Kayak to consider but have
>been eyeing the NDK Poseidon, Current Designs Caribou
>(S), and someone suggested I look at the Skerry XL. I
>would love to try these out but am not sure what makes
>sense for my body design.
>
>I intend to kayak in the various conditions, primarily
>deep water rivers (Lower Hudson River) and hopefully
>ocean conditions (Long Island Sound, Atlantic
>Highlands) after some more experience. I prefer the
>idea of skeg over rudder but have no experience with
>either yet, it just seems like a skeg would suit my
>personality. I am 45, still have plenty of upper body
>strength and stamina, and I generally get bored
>without some sense of risk or adventure, so eventually
>I see myself doing open water ocean type trips.
>
>Sorry to ramble on. I guess I am a bit excited about
>having finally making it out on the water in a kayak
>after 24 years of thinking about it.
>
>Any suggestions for this rookie who always tends to
>get ahead of himself would be appreciated.
>
>Bill
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