[Daryl]

Bought a kayak (Hobie Outback with a mirage drive thanks Jerry)

What style/make PFD's and paddle gear does everybody suggest.

For the summer time I assume I'll be mostly sticking with the UV protective shirt and shorts. And any pair of shoes I feel like getting wet. And of course a lot of safety equip.

I also have two 3/2 wetsuit's a full and short.

Will these get any use? or should I be looking at dry suits or some breathable waterproof sailing gear. I hope to be using my new kayak as much as possible so any suggestion for gear would be great.

Thanks

 

[rpsurf5]

Daryl wrote:
Bought a kayak (Hobie Outback with a mirage drive thanks Jerry)

What style/make PFD's and paddle gear does everybody suggest.

For the summer time I assume I'll be mostly sticking with the UV protective shirt and shorts. And any pair of shoes I feel like getting wet. And of course a lot of safety equip.

I also have two 3/2 wetsuit's a full and short.

Will these get any use? or should I be looking at dry suits or some breathable waterproof sailing gear. I hope to be using my new kayak as much as possible so any suggestion for gear would be great.

Thanks






There are a bunch of threads on dry suit / wet suit debate , do a search on this forum. My preference is a dry suit. When water gets colder, protection from cold is a must. If you take an unexpected fall into water in cold water, if you are not protected properly the results can be fatal. Also , keep in mind in spring , especially April and May the air can be warm but the water can still be dangerously cold.

Make sure you buy a PFD that is made specifically for the yak. The place that sold you the yak probably has PFDS also.

Get some foot wear that is made for kayaking or water, regular footwear wont cut it as there is water in your yak where you pedal and also when you get in an out of yak you will most likely be stepping in the water.

Also , practice self-rescue before you start taking trips. With the water temps like they are , this is the perfect time to practice.

Make sure you are fully prepared before you hit the water, every year there are fatalities on the water. Kayak fishing is safe when done right , but make sure you are ready for it.

You might also consider joining the Kayak Fishing Association of New York. You will learn alot quickly and make some new fishing friends. We have monthly fishing trips from May to October and monthly meetings the rest of the year where we have seminars, demos , etc. In fact this past winter we did a seminar on cold water yakking where we talked about protective gear.

This post edited by rpsurf5 08:13 AM 08/17/2008

 

[Hooper]

RP gave you some great advice.

Regarding the PFD, Stolquist for one, makes a high back PFD that will work well with your hobie seat. You can get them with a few pockets too. Jerry should have them. Lots of vests have flotation fairly low on the back and they will tend to be uncomfortable with a high back seat.

You should get some good use from your wetsuits, even the full suit if it is not too tight to work your mirage drive. Probably won't be a problem. You might want to get a light colored splash top to wear ofer the wetsuit to keep it from getting too hot in the sun. Also it will keep water off the suit which will be important in cooler and windy conditions. Wetsuits work great in the water but when wet and exposed to wind they can be a bit chilly.

For the cold water nothing beats the drysuit but you're pretty well off with what you already have.

Hooper

 

[Daryl]

Thanks Hooper for the response.

I have a long list of items to buy and a PFD is on the top. So price is a bit of factor.

I have few in mind.

Extrasport Osprey Fishing & Striper Fishing
NRS Chinook Life Jacket
Stohlquist fisherman

There all close in price. The Stohl is on the high end. Anybody want to share your opinions if you own one.

 

[126andy]

I have this Stohlquist that my daughter got me when I first picked up my kayak--very comfortable you can wear it all day with no problems. Get something that is comfortable that you will want to wear instead of getting something to throw on the yak (it does no good if you're not wearing it)

 

[KayakerStan]

I have tried many different PFD's and I really like the Stohlquist.

 

[Daryl]

Picked up a BARE drysuit on ebay yesterday. It's designed for wake boarding. Hopefully it will paddle/pedal worthy, and a EconoLipper. Anybody looking for a Boga style lipper should look into the EconoLipper.

Still haven't got a PFD yet still shopping

 

[PaddleOn]

PFD needs to be at the very top of the priority list

Forget everything else and focus on buying one.

 

[denw72]

PFD

I use this one its great... Extrasport Osprey Fishing PFD