[651243]

All,

any help would be much appreciated...after searching craigs list I happened to come across a cheap sit on top tandem kayak. would anyone be able to direct me to water(lake, river or salt) that is suitable for beginners...no fishing for right now, just want to be able to take my little kids out for rides and keep them involved in the outdoors...i have been reading on the web and am thinking either nissequogue in smithtown, carmans river or yaphank lake??? would anyone recomend one over another for just ease of paddling with a 5 or six year old or recomend some other spot. i noticed the previous post of setauket harbor and am willing to drive out there if you dont need any special permits( i will call town of brookhaven tomorrow and check) i come from new hyde park...thanks you all and have a great day,

richie

 

[rpsurf5]

Richie,

Take it slow and make sure you are properly equipped and outfitted for any trip. PFD's are mandatory and this time of the year the water is still deadly cold. Even on a nice warm day in April , the water temps are dangerous. An unexpected tumble into the water could be deadly. My advice is to wait until May when water warms up before making any trips. Without any cold water gear such as a dry suit , you should not be on the water when water temps are cold.

I think you are on the right track with wanting to be careful to start.

Be safe out there, every month or so we read about people on the water who die or need to be rescued because they are not prepared properly or are not equipped properly.

Kayaking can be a fun, safe sport, just need to make sure it is done with safety in mind.

Good luck.

John

 

[651243]

thanks

John, thanks for the words of advice, I will heed to them carefully. I dont plan on going out before mid may till the water warms. as far as PFD's go, we are all outfitted, me , wife , son and daughter! even went and bought waterproof whistles and paddle leashes at EMS this past weekend...I am an experienced powerboater and know you can never be too careful; out on the water. unfortunately, sold the boat a couple of years back with the arrival of the little ones and work responsibilities...figured kayaking would be a relatively inexpensive way to get back out on the water, plus we have a camping trip in connecticut and new hampshire this coming summer...Thanks again and be safe!

richie

 

[rpsurf5]

Great , sounds like you are doing the right things ! Good luck , you will really enjoy it.

When you start to fish , consider joining our kayak fishing club , good group of people , you can learn alot quickly about kayak fishing.

John

 

[PaddleOn]

Welcome Ritchie

I would head to Lake Ronkonkoma for a first paddle

There is a boat launch area that has an easy sloping gradient and stays shallow.Warms up quickly in the Spring and I think its a great place to start out in akayak.
The perfect place to "mess around" and have fun.

Jay

 

[Hacker]

I took my Kayak there (Lake Ronk.)for the first couple of times. very easy launch so you can get used to it water temps are about 55. lake is about 5 miles around and 1 mile across lots of room to play.

just keep an eye out for the little indian girl under the lake and you know hows it bottomless

 

[651243]

thanks again

lake ronkonkoma sounds like a good starting point, thanks. gonna wait a few weeks for the weather to warma bit more and will then head out...appreciate the info...as far as the little indian girl goes, do we have an aproximate age? it is a tandem and I could always leave my son at home!

 

[tiderunner70]

one of my first days on my yak if not the first day was in the ocean. pretty rough day to boot. was awesome but got my ars kicked trying to get passed the breakers. but once i was out there i cant believe how stable the yak is!!!!

 

[KayakerStan]

Hi Richie, if you?re not going to have or use any dry clothes ( drysuit or stockingfoot wader/dry top combo) along with a PFD I would highly suggest you start in June. May is still a very dangerous month to be out on the water on a kayak without knowing how to do self rescue or being properly dressed. Even though water temperature?s start to go up in May it?s still not warm enough to go out safely without wearing proper dry clothes. So please start thinking about June as the month you start to go out and make sure you practice self rescue. I put up this video on Youtube (

) part of it shows you how to do self rescue.

As for waters that are suitable for beginners, I agree Lake Ronkonkoma would be a very good choice. Other places closer to New Hyde Park would be the back of Little Neck Bay (free), Hempstead Harbor Bar Beach (resident permit) and Oyster Bay Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park ($ fee). Since you?re a resident of New Hyde Park you can buy a resident parks permit, it will allow you to park and launch from Bar Beach.

Have a safe and great time out on the water!!!

 

[126andy]

KayakerStan wrote:
Hi Richie, if you?re not going to have or use any dry clothes ( drysuit or stockingfoot wader/dry top combo) along with a PFD I would highly suggest you start in June. May is still a very dangerous month to be out on the water on a kayak without knowing how to do self rescue or being properly dressed. Even though water temperature?s start to go up in May it?s still not warm enough to go out safely without wearing proper dry clothes. So please start thinking about June as the month you start to go out and make sure you practice self rescue. I put up this video on Youtube (

) part of it shows you how to do self rescue.

As for waters that are suitable for beginners, I agree Lake Ronkonkoma would be a very good choice. Other places closer to New Hyde Park would be the back of Little Neck Bay (free), Hempstead Harbor Bar Beach (resident permit) and Oyster Bay Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Park ($ fee). Since you?re a resident of New Hyde Park you can buy a resident parks permit, it will allow you to park and launch from Bar Beach.

Have a safe and great time out on the water!!!

Stan,
Could you check your link out. I can't get to it.I would like to check out your video on self rescue. Thanks
Sorry Stan it must be something going on with youtube this morning I can't get to anything there. I'll check back later.

This post edited by 126andy 08:02 AM 05/03/2008

 

[KayakerStan]

OK, here's the link:

Maybe later this year when the water temperatures are safe I might try to plan a free self rescue get together then we can all fish the area afterward.

 

[657018]

newbe yaker

you may be interested in putting outriggers on your kayak. makes it a very stable platform, you can even stand up and fish,and can attach many other options, including a sail kit.see sailboatstogo.com or spring creek.com

 

[651243]

thanks to all

Stan, great video, I will be sure to practice! Thanks to all for your input, much appreciated!!!

Richie