What are some good sea kayaks to complete a solo thru run? - Everglades Exploration Network2024-03-28T16:39:59Zhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/forum/topics/what-are-some-good-sea-kayaks-to-complete-a-solo-thru-run?commentId=2541133%3AComment%3A72038&feed=yes&xn_auth=noThis is good Jason, you're ge…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-10:2541133:Comment:724312016-10-10T16:47:13.401ZFlex Kayakfari.comhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/029
<p>This is good Jason, you're getting some great experience dealing with wind, currents and waves! ;)</p>
<p>The difference between your two kayaks is that in your (comfy) sit on top .. you ride on top. This means that you're effectively an occupant on top of the craft, and the craft is simply responding to the conditions. If it's calm and flat, your sit on top will feel calm and steady. If you're in choppy waves, you'll conversely get tossed about on top because the boat has a flattened design…</p>
<p>This is good Jason, you're getting some great experience dealing with wind, currents and waves! ;)</p>
<p>The difference between your two kayaks is that in your (comfy) sit on top .. you ride on top. This means that you're effectively an occupant on top of the craft, and the craft is simply responding to the conditions. If it's calm and flat, your sit on top will feel calm and steady. If you're in choppy waves, you'll conversely get tossed about on top because the boat has a flattened design and can only respond in a limited way.</p>
<p>In contrast, in your new sea kayak, you will need to actually wear the boat. This means that you and the boat become one unit, and it is now YOU, not the boat that should be directing things. So when you're in choppy conditions or want to ride waves, you can lean into and direct the kayak as needed, resulting in a smoother and more controlled ride. In a sea kayak, you don't just react to conditions after they occur - instead you can proactively direct your boat by reading ahead of the conditions. This way you can always optimize your angles so that you keep moving forward efficiently!</p>
<p>It's a different way of thinking about boats - you're not limited to just being an occupant, you ARE the boat! :)</p>
<p>To do this you'll need to practice and perfect your high brace. Actually you might even consider adding thigh straps to your sit on top and using it to practice with. You're gonna dump out repeatedly, it's a pain to have to pump out or empty your sea kayak all the time. With thigh braces, you can learn to put the boat on it's edge, maybe even go surfing which requires very quick responses, so an excellent way to learn quickly! Once you're comfortable playing on the sit on top you can transfer the skills to the sea kayak. Btw, the high brace with the addition of a "hip flick" is what makes rolling a kayak!</p>
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<p>Not sure what kind of seat setup you have in your Baltic boat, but you can always customize with foam, backrest and a gel seat pad. I would spend some time and properly adjust everything like your footpegs, thigh braces and seat. The aim is to be "actively comfortable"!</p>
<p><br/> <br/> <cite>Jason Jones said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://gladesgodeep.ning.com/forum/topics/what-are-some-good-sea-kayaks-to-complete-a-solo-thru-run?page=3&commentId=2541133%3AComment%3A72133&x=1#2541133Comment72229"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>Yes Flex! Thank you for the practical advice. Considering you are the one who told me about the sandbar I was just camping on, you also know how strong the waves and currents can get around that area. There were definitely a couple times when my heart was racing, but you are correct. It is just a matter of practicing and getting the proper education. I am definitely not yet prepared for a solo thru trip, and I probably should not have gone out to that sandbar by myself. But at least I know my skills will only keep improving as I learn more with each trip I take. <br/><br/>I've been watching lots of videos on high and low bracing as well as edging for turns so I will probably go out and practice that tomorrow. Also I messaged the kayak instructor I have previously used and asked him to set up a lesson specifically around bracing and paddle float re-entry. <br/><br/>There is a big difference between recreational kayaking and sea kayaking. On the plus side I have a lot of stamina from doing 15 miles days in a 32" inch wide kayak... but the sea kayak isn't quite as comfortable as the recreational one. And I do miss that extra room and comfort while I'm in my new kayak. I also feel like I'm going to capsize more in the sea kayak. My recreational kayak feels a lot more stable, but it's not nearly as fast. The 19ft sea kayak also stays in a straight line, especially if I use the skeg, whereas my 12.5ft rec kayak will veer off course very quickly in comparison. </p>
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</blockquote> What about the weight? Too mu…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-09:2541133:Comment:721332016-10-09T17:09:24.945ZJason Joneshttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/JasonJones
<p>What about the weight? Too much or too little? <br/> <br/> <cite>Jeremy Clark said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://gladesgodeep.ning.com/forum/topics/what-are-some-good-sea-kayaks-to-complete-a-solo-thru-run?commentId=2541133%3AComment%3A72129&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2541133Comment71964"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I was going to question your weight for gear. Now, I understand. Congratulations, and good luck with your kayak.</p>
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<p>What about the weight? Too much or too little? <br/> <br/> <cite>Jeremy Clark said:</cite></p>
<blockquote cite="http://gladesgodeep.ning.com/forum/topics/what-are-some-good-sea-kayaks-to-complete-a-solo-thru-run?commentId=2541133%3AComment%3A72129&xg_source=msg_com_forum#2541133Comment71964"><div><div class="xg_user_generated"><p>I was going to question your weight for gear. Now, I understand. Congratulations, and good luck with your kayak.</p>
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</blockquote> Yes Flex! Thank you for the p…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-09:2541133:Comment:722292016-10-09T17:04:35.337ZJason Joneshttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/JasonJones
<p>Yes Flex! Thank you for the practical advice. Considering you are the one who told me about the sandbar I was just camping on, you also know how strong the waves and currents can get around that area. There were definitely a couple times when my heart was racing, but you are correct. It is just a matter of practicing and getting the proper education. I am definitely not yet prepared for a solo thru trip, and I probably should not have gone out to that sandbar by myself. But at least I know…</p>
<p>Yes Flex! Thank you for the practical advice. Considering you are the one who told me about the sandbar I was just camping on, you also know how strong the waves and currents can get around that area. There were definitely a couple times when my heart was racing, but you are correct. It is just a matter of practicing and getting the proper education. I am definitely not yet prepared for a solo thru trip, and I probably should not have gone out to that sandbar by myself. But at least I know my skills will only keep improving as I learn more with each trip I take. <br/><br/>I've been watching lots of videos on high and low bracing as well as edging for turns so I will probably go out and practice that tomorrow. Also I messaged the kayak instructor I have previously used and asked him to set up a lesson specifically around bracing and paddle float re-entry. <br/><br/>There is a big difference between recreational kayaking and sea kayaking. On the plus side I have a lot of stamina from doing 15 miles days in a 32" inch wide kayak... but the sea kayak isn't quite as comfortable as the recreational one. And I do miss that extra room and comfort while I'm in my new kayak. I also feel like I'm going to capsize more in the sea kayak. My recreational kayak feels a lot more stable, but it's not nearly as fast. The 19ft sea kayak also stays in a straight line, especially if I use the skeg, whereas my 12.5ft rec kayak will veer off course very quickly in comparison. </p> Nice looking boat Jason! :)
D…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-07:2541133:Comment:721292016-10-07T15:07:35.726ZFlex Kayakfari.comhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/029
<p>Nice looking boat Jason! :)</p>
<p>Don't forget to practice and perfect your paddle float re-entry and work on your high bracing skills!!</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p>
<p>Nice looking boat Jason! :)</p>
<p>Don't forget to practice and perfect your paddle float re-entry and work on your high bracing skills!!</p>
<p>Enjoy!</p> I was going to question your…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-05:2541133:Comment:719642016-10-05T23:10:32.316ZJeremy Clarkhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/JeremyClark
<p>I was going to question your weight for gear. Now, I understand. Congratulations, and good luck with your kayak.</p>
<p>I was going to question your weight for gear. Now, I understand. Congratulations, and good luck with your kayak.</p> Awesome looking boat and one…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-03:2541133:Comment:718622016-10-03T17:42:27.643ZTyler Thompsonhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/TylerThompson
<p>Awesome looking boat and one you wont see everyday down here. Congrats and best of luck!</p>
<p>Awesome looking boat and one you wont see everyday down here. Congrats and best of luck!</p> Congratulations!
May she ser…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-03:2541133:Comment:717572016-10-03T13:01:05.012Zyakmasterhttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/yakmaster
<p>Congratulations!</p>
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<p>May she serve you well!</p>
<p>Congratulations!</p>
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<p>May she serve you well!</p> Hey Guys, I tried out some bo…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-10-03:2541133:Comment:719622016-10-03T04:30:43.416ZJason Joneshttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/JasonJones
<p>Hey Guys, <br></br><br></br>I tried out some boats, took some classes, and finally found the one that will work best for me. She is a 19'1" sea kayak. Made in Finland in 2003 and used once. Then it sat in a garage until I bought it used a week ago for $2k less than he paid-- YAY for Craigslist. There was a small chip in the gelcoat at the tip of the nose, which I have repaired. I also replaced the deck lines and bungees because they were old and the elastic was aging. I don't know exactly how much…</p>
<p>Hey Guys, <br/><br/>I tried out some boats, took some classes, and finally found the one that will work best for me. She is a 19'1" sea kayak. Made in Finland in 2003 and used once. Then it sat in a garage until I bought it used a week ago for $2k less than he paid-- YAY for Craigslist. There was a small chip in the gelcoat at the tip of the nose, which I have repaired. I also replaced the deck lines and bungees because they were old and the elastic was aging. I don't know exactly how much weight she can hold, but it's a lot. Definitely more storage and accessibility than the Epic 18x I was originally looking at.</p>
<p>I brought it out to Cape Romano (<a href="https://youtu.be/UoWXwSEY7Qc" target="_blank">YouTube Video Here</a>) this last week and spent a night on the sandbar. I have named her "The Baltic Beast" because of her Finnish heritage and large size. I can't believe the amount of crap I fit in this thing! In addition to my 3-person tent, inflatable sleeping pad, two pillow, and two insulated lunch box coolers-- I also had 4 duraflame logs and a full size coleman camping chair. Fully loaded and with the skeg down that thing was like a tank. </p>
<p>Thank you again for all the input! </p>
<p>Here are some photos! </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2960022995?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2960022995?profile=original" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2960023029?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2960023029?profile=original" width="650" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2960023159?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="721" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2960023159?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="721" class="align-full"/></a></p> Jason, entering this discussi…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-09-07:2541133:Comment:718562016-09-07T01:47:19.539ZDave Briggshttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/DaveBriggs
<p>Jason, entering this discussion late but I am in Sarasota. I have a P&H Cetus and a couple of Old Town canoes if you want to try them out some time. Check out Sweetwater Kayaks in St Pete too.</p>
<p>Jason, entering this discussion late but I am in Sarasota. I have a P&H Cetus and a couple of Old Town canoes if you want to try them out some time. Check out Sweetwater Kayaks in St Pete too.</p> I've paddled several craft ov…tag:gladesgodeep.ning.com,2016-08-27:2541133:Comment:719502016-08-27T14:00:02.214ZKim Gasshttp://gladesgodeep.ning.com/profile/KimGass
<p>I've paddled several craft over the years. From a 15 foot Colden Nomad to a Hemlock Peregrine canoe, a RapidFire pack canoe to my current Mad River Monarch, My husband generally likes his kayak except when unloading from a chickee. The canoes are no problem and yes moving around changing positions is a plus. we have gotten better at getting out of our boats and knowing where we can do that without sinking.</p>
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<p>We don't do through trips but loops from either end. Frankly the WW…</p>
<p>I've paddled several craft over the years. From a 15 foot Colden Nomad to a Hemlock Peregrine canoe, a RapidFire pack canoe to my current Mad River Monarch, My husband generally likes his kayak except when unloading from a chickee. The canoes are no problem and yes moving around changing positions is a plus. we have gotten better at getting out of our boats and knowing where we can do that without sinking.</p>
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<p>We don't do through trips but loops from either end. Frankly the WW bores me. We can carry water for ten days. Sometimes the two liter bottles get stuck in the bow of the kayak.</p>
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<p>I too have CCS covers but frankly seldom use them even on the Gulf.. </p>