Ike Axioms
1. WHAT WORKS: Forget what you've
heard. Ignore the marketing hype,
disregard the reviews on the manufactuer's
website, and leave the kayak myths on the dock.
Instead pay careful attention to how the boat
feels and responds while you're on a test
paddle. Don't buy a boat without paddling
it first.
2. WHAT FEELS GOOD: It seems obvious,
but if you plan to be out paddling, you need to
be comfortable. Boats come in all shapes
and sizes to match your body type, whatever that
might be.
3. WHAT FITS: You sit in a canoe, but
you wear a kayak. A paddler must feel
connected to the boat, and be able to
confidently maneuver without feeling cramped.
The cockpit should feel tailored, not to tight
or too roomy.
4. WHAT YOU NEED: If you're a gear
hound, you'll need room for stuff. If
you're a fisherman, look for a boat that offers
a wide platform. If you have whitewater in
your backyard, don't buy and 18 foot missile.
Different boats work for different activities.
If you've hear about crossover boats from a
salesman somewhere, please read rule 1 again.
5. WHAT YOU CAN BALANCE: Let's start
by saying that kayaks aren't stable, people are.
You, the paddler, control how the boat rides and
responds - not the other way around.
Balance should not be a concern if you
understand rules 2 and 3. Yet another
great reason to paddle before you buy. And
for the myth about "initial stability",
please see rule 1.
6. WHAT YOU CARRY: Much more important
than balance. Transport needs to be
considered when selecting a boat. If you
can't carry it, chances are you won't be
paddling it. Plastic boats, while
economical are heavier then their composite
coousins.
At the Lake George Kayak Co. we have
carefully tested and selected the kayaks we
offer. For information and pricing sorted by
type and manufacturer, click on the links to the
left.
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