Discussion: Kayak suggestions?

I'm in the market for my first kayak. Not looking for anything crazy but hoping to get something I can improve on and isn't too heavy (or tippy). I've found most kayak's to be too small for my 6'5 frame so am curious what other tall guys/gals would recommend?

Ask Wokitoki- he's your size and has just tried some new boats.

i'd recommend an Epic surfski - no need to cram your legs into a cockpit. I did have a V8, now have the V10 sport. V8's a pretty easy transition from a touring kayak.

If you're considering paddling anytime between late Oct-early April (assuming theres open water) a surfski isn't a great option unless you buy a drysuit too.

Or buy a surfski *and* a kayak. (Just kidding, Lex!) (Although that's what we did!)

It really is easy to justify both...

You can't just *ignore* October through April.

You're welcome to try our V8 if you want. Like Wokitoki says, it paddles pretty much like a quick touring kayak and the foot pedals are very easily adjusted. If you want a tippier rocket it's not for you.

A delayed thanks for the tips above everyone. Bent - I may take you up on your offer to try out the V8 one day if that's okay. Definitely not looking for a tippy rocket. What did you use at LRS last year?

He also used it for STORM this spring. The catch is that it's slippery when wet and a little too wide to wrap your arms around, so it's hard to pick up and not as comfortable to portage as a kayak. We're planning to get Michael Fekete to put a handle on it whenever we have a chance to leave it in Toronto for a day. Apparently, that's something he has done for other people.

Okay cool Bash, that's what I figured. I don't think I've ever portaged a kayak before so how does it compare to hauling a canoe?

It depends on the kayak but some of them are a lot harder than hauling a canoe.

The first year I did LRS solo, back when the course had 5 somewhat tricky portages, 'Bent was injured and bored so he built me an awesome, hinged, flip-over kayak portage system that was the envy of the solo field!



My new kayak is lighter, and I'm able to carry it upside down with the seat on my head. I do stick some padding inside my hat if I'll be doing longer portages though! The new LRS course has more portaging so it will be a bigger part of the strategy this year.

Yep, I used the V8, but didn't have a particularly good paddling leg, partially due to portage issues in the pouring rain. Your longer arms will probably wrap around it nicely. I've built a flip-over yoke system for it now.