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Love the sea- being in it and on it. So far bodyboarding is my only activity.Ive looked at a few options for kayaking and find the choice confusing. Was going to take some sea-kayaking lessons at Fort William in September but never got there due to horrendous weather.

Eventually would like to have my own boat which I can take with me on the van. There are all sorts and types of kayak. Sit-in, sit-on, wave-ski's.... My only requirement is lightweight and short enough to transport/handle- ie less than 6 ft in length.

Ill likely join a local club to learn the paddling and safety basics.

Anyone here involved in sea-kayaking ?

I know absolutely nothing about it, but I think 6' seems really short for a sea kayak.

Have a look at Sea kayaking uk.

Yep, if you get a short kayak for any type water you will end up going round in circles.

What do you want to do in the sea? If its just to play in the surf a short boat could be ok. Anything else and you will soon get fed up of zig zaging along.

Short kayaks (play boats) are for fast flowing white water type stuff, they are designed to turn very quickly and be very manoverable.

For touring or long journeys you will need a longer boat.

Have a google about, and join a club its quite cheap and you will get some good advice and get to try differant kayaks.

Sorry to butt in but I've been looking at kayaks and RAF35Y that's great advise.  I didn't really know what the fundamental difference was between various kinds of kayaks, playboats etc.  I have been looking at playboats for similar reasons to you Minniesmum ie short, lightweight and easier to transport however I don't really want to go on fast moving water and do tricks!  I think I need to do more research! 

A timely post Minniesmum!

Hi

I am a kayak / canoe coach (only level 1 beginners!) but have ben on many trips and coached a few local children / adults.

Like all sports you will get much more fun out of it by taking a few basic lessons and will also avoid some costly mistakes in buying the wrong kit etc..

Many places offer "taster" sessions and you would be better and safer taking one of those initially.

I hope this helps

Happy Paddling

Andy 

Quote: Originally posted by fedster187 on 04/3/2011

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" I THINK WERE GOING TO NEED A BIGGER BOAT "

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