Top 5 Kayak Upgrades | How to Choose the Right Kayak
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2024
- Choosing the right kayak is a crucial decision, as it will dictate how fun, comfortable and safe your paddling experience is. In this video, we look at the top 5 reasons to spend additional money for an upgraded kayak.
KAYAKS
Pakayak Bluefin 142: pakayak.com/?ref=ken
Intex Challenger K1: amzn.to/3u276JY
Sea Eagle 393rl: bit.ly/3mVOXbw
Oru Kayak Inlet: bit.ly/3vpjxhS
Hobie iTrek-9: bit.ly/3o0TMlM
Jackson Kayak Tupelo 12.5: bit.ly/3phR8aS
Wilderness Systems Pungo 120: bit.ly/3E5BoOl
Perception Pescador: bit.ly/3FPuWeK
Gear I have tested and recommend:
Paddles:
Aqua-bound Shred (whitewater) tidd.ly/3HRZCyq
Aqua-bound Manta Ray Carbon 2-piece (rec/touring) tidd.ly/3jND8qB
PFDs:
NRS Chinook PFD (fishing) tidd.ly/3XodlTv
NRS Zen PFD (whitewater) tidd.ly/3Yy7yMk
NRS Odyssey PFD (Touring and Rec) tidd.ly/3xcsXih
Dry Gear / Layers:
NRS Flux Drytop tidd.ly/3KfoYcH
NRS Riptide Splash Jacket tidd.ly/40Kf0pi
NRS Axiom Dry Suit tidd.ly/3YGUSmg
Jackets:
Cotopaxi Fuego Down Hooded Jacket www.cotopaxi.com/products/fue...
Shirts:
NRS Silkweight Long-Sleeve Shirt - Mens tidd.ly/3DVrNva
NRS Guide Short Sleeve Shirt tidd.ly/3YIa6XV
Pants:
NRS Benny Board Shorts tidd.ly/3lrG78z
Footwear:
NRS Boundary Boot tidd.ly/3DXamKT
Astral PFD Sandal tidd.ly/3xjPtWI
Sunglasses
Wiley X Outdoor Sunglasses bit.ly/3NtJQKR
Other Paddling Gear
NRS WRSI Current Helmet tidd.ly/40EUkiB
NRS Drylander Shock Cord Sprayskirt tidd.ly/3YHTaBD
Surf Ears Ear Plugs bit.ly/3AbMl1y
GoPro Hero 11 Black amzn.to/3ZWVXHN
Rapid Pure Purifier amzn.to/3iuIo1C
Zoleo Satellite Communicator amzn.to/3kv0hOt
NOTE: These are affiliate links in which I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you, but it is a great way to show your support. Thanks!
Special thanks to my Global Partners for supporting my mission of helping get people on the water and creating life-long outdoor participants.
Outdoorplay: outdoorplay.com
NRS: nrs.com
Wiley X: wileyx.com
Check out our full Paddling Gear Guide here: in4adventure.com/paddling-buy...
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#RecreationalKayak #InflatableKayak #FoldingKayak #KayakTouring #SeaKayak #SitontopKayak - กีฬา
Ken, your channel is amazing for newbies like myself. Getting an idea of what I will be sacrificing for the portability that I require is very good to know as well as what I can look for when upgrading whatever portable kayak I decide to buy. There will be hard limitations on portable kayak upgrades, but I'll keep in mind what I may want in the future so those upgrades can even be an option in the first place. Many thanks!
Really leaning towards the Pakayak over the Oru right now. That extra weight and tracking ability would be especially nice.
Really enjoy the channel, Ken. One video I'd love to see you do is older boats that you still enjoy paddling. You have access to a ton of new boats, but there has to be an older boat or two you still have in the garage and enjoy getting out every now and then. As an example, I took out a 1990's era Dagger Crossfire yesterday and it was so much fun. Thanks for the great paddling videos.
Just got a beautiful 1998 wilderness systems Pamlico lite. Taking her out for the first paddle in the morning
@@ethan073 how did the paddle go?
Keb, thank you for your content. Your channel is one of my favs!
Enjoying the channel!
You asked us what subject we would like to see in future videos. How about shedding some light on the supply chain issues. Keep that great content coming!
Great video! I made a little upgrade on my sea kayak that turned out to be very cheap and more useful than I had anticipated: a bottle holder. I installed a standard bicycle bottle holder inside the cockpit at a place where I can easily reach at a convenient and comfortable place.
That's an awesome idea. I HATE have water bottles rattle around in the kayak! I'll have to try that...
Good points in this video, it also depends where and what type of water your on, and what you want to do.
Well thought out and informative video. The tie out thingies are called pad eyes.
Great info as always! I’m hoping to buy my first kayak later this year.
Awesome to hear! Welcome to the obsession. :)
Another great video. I'd really love to see you make a video for paddlers with handicap issues for ease of use, hauling and launching and landing at places other than a boat ramp. The benefits of paddling for me have been many, the biggest was me not needing my cane anymore. I went from a Pelican Catch 100 to a Vibe Shearwater 125 and I love my SW. Thanks again for all the videos you make and for including everyone that paddles.
That's a great idea... you got me thinking... :). Thanks!
Great video!
As usual very perceptive and nuanced. Some frame seats can chafe badly if you rest on any part of the metal. An alternative is an inflatable seat such as from SeaEagle. Their version may have trouble fitting in most rigid kayaks due to it's rear extension for back support, but can be a godsend for inflatable kayaks.
First of all another great video. I have been paddling whitewater and now flatwater for decades. My flatwater boats went from rotomolded to composite and now thermoformed. I would have mentioned that thermoformed is usually less than half the cost of composites, stronger in most ways, and offering very, very close to the same performance as a general rule. Be careful how you spend your kayak upgrade dollars.
Hi Ken, thanks for this video. Perfect timing as I’m looking to see what kind/ type of kayak is best for me after being introduced to the sport last fall. I was thinking of the Old Town Vapor because of the large cockpit but now after watching this I will likely take a look at theEX 123 you mentioned in this video. Thanks again for sharing. Steve
So many to choose from! I tried a Vapor about 8 years ago, and remember thinking it was a good boat. I don't remember too much more than that! :) The EX123 has some nice extra features for sure. One thing to note though, is that the EX123 is 67lbs vs 47lbs for the Vapor 10. One of the 'costs' of the extra features is additional weight. I forgot to mention that in the video. Cheers.
We got ours used last year. Mine is an Old Town Loon 111. It's heavy because of the construction. But I do like how stable it is and the fact if the water is a little cool you don't feel it. Took my hubby's Pungo out and that is when I noticed you could feel the water under it a lot more. But I did get more speed out of his. Mine is slow in comparison. Just want to add thank you for all your videos. They helped a lot when it came to getting out on the water and at least having a good idea of what to do. Can't wait for summer to go out again!
Those are two kayaks that are hard to go wrong with! Happy I could help! Have a great 2022 paddling season... I can't wait...
Another great and informative video, and it answers a question I had asked in a comment on a previous one! Thank you! This further confirms it was a good move to upgrade my Lifetime to a Bonafide EX123. Five times the price but worth every penny. I still use the Lifetime when I am in the surf and saltwater conditions (Florida Keys, etc.). When paddling upstream or just trying move fast, the Bonafide is ten times better and much more comfortable. Thanks again!
You are so welcome!
Ken always enjoy your stuff. The only topic i wish you had hit harder is what type of extra care is required for a high end composite kayak. Maybe in another video. Keep knockin out these great videos. Thanks
Thanks! I will keep that in mind for future vids.
Thank you for all the good info you provided.
I’ll take a guess you know this but as far as leg
Support goes I discovered that a sponge
Under each thigh provides good support and is
Convenient for removing water.
Home Depot has sponges with terry cloth tops that
Add to comfort.
good job man
Thanks Ken.
I like the part about dragging your kayak, no one wants to admit it or do it on a regular basis. Last time I dragged mine was checking out how hard of a carry it might be in a newly upgraded non motorized launch area. I thought they were going to make it where you could drop off your kayak, go park and then launch, nope, it was improved but still a carry or kayak dolly it down and up the concrete path. Of course the carry down wasn't too bad but the carry back up showed me I was not as strong as I thought I was or once was. I ended up dragging it in the sand next to the concrete. The kayak carts or dollies are used every time now and the concrete path works well with them. Note to anyone that doesn't already have a cart, the solid wheels are a much better choice than air filled in my opinion and experience. Solid beats usually flat and won't hold air any day.
Thanks for sharing your experience Gary! I'm actually looking forward to testing a few different kayak carts this coming season!
Great info, I always enjoy your videos.
You showed us examples of all the kayaks except the portable ones.
Can you give examples of those ?
Good point... the upgrades for portables are largely the same idea. For example, some of the better portables have actually foot braces (Sea Eagle 393 and STAR Raven Pro), and better seats. Definitely something I can talk more about it future videos... Thanks!
I'm moving from my Old town vapour 21 angler as I want the sit on top for fishing and hunting. The good thing about buying a a name brand kayak is they keep their value. My wife on the other hand has a pelican from Costco. She loves it for her 2 or 3 times a summer she goes out.
Sit on is the way to go. I have an Ascend 12t and love it.
@@gregredding4566 That or the 128X or 133x are the ones I am looking at.
@@pepepepert you should look into the Crescent Crew.
@@Crussman499 The issue here is we are very limited in what can get. I'll have a look though.
Sad to see how many of the high quality kayak companies have gone out of business. People are paddling cheap " Beach Toys ". Understandable when a quality composite approaches $4000 and a Cosco kayak can be found for a couple of hundred. You get what you pay for, and many who buy the cheap kayaks drop out of the sport.
Great video!
Thank you for sharing!
Most of the links in the description are broken.
Suoer helpful!
I’d add a rudder upgrade for anyone who paddles in wind and current. This has made a huge difference in South Dakota where windy days are the norm.
Yup. I agree that it's a great upgrade for people paddling distances in exposed water. I decided to leave rudders/skegs out, because for the majority of paddlers (who don't go into those conditions), they're not a great upgrade. But, I should have mentioned that they ARE a great upgrade for people that do! Cheers.
Love the Stratus Wish Dagger still made the Cortez
Your upgrades gave me DIY ideas. No need to buy a new kayak. For example, thigh support could be done with a high density foam cylinder. I built a bulkhead foot support from PVC plank.
Very true! There are definitely DIY opportunities for handy people!
Other upgrades that I find important: a skeg (prefer drop, but at least integrated into the hull design); bulkheads (for dry storage and buoyancy/safety); one-handed hatches within reach of the cockpit; deck cordage for gear; cockpit drainage. You mentioned the foot peg as an upgrade. I would modify that to “easily adjustable foot pegs.” Something I think all kayak manufacturers should do is make removable seats designed to connect to permanent seat mounts.
Hi Ken, another great video. The one upgrade that I get the most questions about is a rudder or skeg. Many paddlers buy their boat without one and soon find that they are going in circles or can’t keep up with the group on open water. It is a very expensive add-on, but much cheaper when purchased with the boat. I seem to recall a video about them but thought that many viewers will be thinking about that upgrade after this video.
I would strongly recommend lessons for boat control. If the group is letting people fall behind like that they are not paddling as a group.
@@JonPaddles I never would leave paddlers behind on one of my group paddles. lessons for boat control will not make some boats track straight in current or wind without a rudder or skeg. The point is that many paddlers grow into open water paddling and realize the need for this upgrade which is much more affordable if you buy the boat with it already installed.
@@PappaMike-vc1qv never felt a need for rudder in open water
It's a great point. I did think about including rudder/skeg, but I decided against it, because I didn't want to position them as an upgrade that all paddlers should consider. While it is a good upgrade for paddlers who are going to spend significant amount of time in open water, and covering real distance, I don't think they're good upgrades for paddlers who aren't going to be paddling in those conditions. In hindsight, I probably should have touched on them, explaining my feelings about them. Thanks for the thought!
Which kayak do you recommend sit on top that rides straight when you paddle. I need an 8ft sit on top. Some say it needs a keel but i thought that is for regular boats?
I typically enjoy your videos but here lately it's all on entry level stuff. I'm looking at purchasing another seat kayak which is going to run me about $3,5 00 US dollars. I'd like to see some reviews on that stuff. Hope to see some good reviews on some really great equipment.
Thanks for the feedback Bryan. Yes, I have been doing a fair bit of entry level content. Although I will continue to do so, because I think it's really important that newcomers to the sport choose the right kayak/gear and have the knowledge to use it safely, I will also be doing reviews and tips for experienced paddlers as much as I can. One of my biggest problems right now, is getting my hands on performance gear to use! Most sea kayak companies have turned down or ignored my request for test gear. They don't seem to see the value in what I do... I'll keep trying though, and I'll keep creating more advanced content where I can! Cheers!
You get what you pay for. My first kayak was a 12 foot Necky sit on top. Today I have a NDK Explorer. Lost $ every time I traded up. Doubt if I would still be kayaking if I still used the sit on top. BTW last year at 77 years old I placed 2nd in a 6 mile race. Easy to beat the 20 year Olds in cheap plastics.
Great video!
Awesome to hear you're kicking the 20 year old butts! :). Nice boat you have too! Can't wait to test an NDK...
I’ve had it for 6 years now, going on 7. Thing is a workhorse. Caught a ton of fish, travelled literally hundreds of miles. It has wear. But the bungees still have elasticity, and there’s no sign of the boat stopping. 5/5.
Ken, I’m looking for a shorter touring kayak coming down from my current designs 17 footer. Looking at the 12.5 and 14.5 dagger stratos. Mostly use in rivers, not really WW more flat current with some shoals etc, and surf. I’m 6ft even and 180lbs. Wondering if I should go with the 14.5 but the goal was to go shorter so the 12.5 looks appealing but of course wondering if I would get much less tracking and if I’d likely miss that.
You know what... If you know you want something shorter and more maneuverable for rivers, I wouldn't hesitate to go for the Stratos 12.5. With the drop skeg, it will still track fine (obviously not as well), but more importantly, it will be more fun to move in and out of eddies, to surf small waves, etc. It will also be easier to transport and carry, which is a nice little bonus. Cheers!
Ken, the retro fitting of hip and thigh braces to an existing cockpit, have we ever covered this? Cheers from Downunder.
Not yet... good idea!
Found a LiquidLogic Coupe XP for $500 locally here in Asheville , I live just down the road from the French Broad river. Is this a good deal? I think they run $950 retail
The owner used it twice.
It comes with a paddle but no seat.
Hi Ken, Good video. Just Retired 63 years old and I'm 5' 9 293 lbs. I've been looking at a lot of videos on the subject of kayaking because I'm thinking of take up the sport. With fishing in mind. Plan on taking a beginner class to learn more. So far from what I learn from the videos two kayak have peak my interest they are both from the Brooklynkayakcompany, the BKC RA 220 11.5" Angler Sit on top single fishing kayak and the BKC FK13 13 Foot Sit on top single fishing kayak. I wondering if you do a video on them. PRO and CON them.
I’m not Ken, but I have an idea…assuming you are going to fall in love with kayaking (and that’s a safe assumption!) start with an inexpensive Pelican or Field&Stream angling raft (my term for dit-on-tops!😜) - don’t spend too much with a plan to upgrade in a year. Now your grandkids or visiting friends can join you since you’ll have two! Plus you can sort out what’s important to you with a frame of reference. Like longer or wider or seats are paramount or better gear rails or whatever. But you’ll have a better feel for your next selection! Also, angling paddles have a weird notch in them for retrieving lines and pulling in orcas, or whatever you fish for….I’m not a fisherman but that’s a good excuse to get on the water! Good luck with it!
Have you done a review on the viking kayaks?
Not yet!
Hi Ken! Nice video! 👍🏻🍻 Perhaps may you consider of making another about gimnastics for paddlers, or dealing with injuries, aching body during long lasting paddling?
Ken, I know that is too much, but if you
greet one of us PaddleTv subscribers in every movie you make that would be awesome 🤗
Thank you Ken and PaddleTv crew.
Thanks for the good idea! Speaking of which... do you go by Tominnen or Tom?
@@PaddleTV Tomasz Soltys is my real name (pronounce like Tomash). My wife, kids and friends would be very surprised 😀 👍🏻 Thanks Ken!
@@PaddleTV and I forgot, I mean TH-cam subscribers of PaddleTv not only me 😉 a little bit chaotic is my writing, doesn't it?
Dear PaddleTV, could you do a video on vests? I am very small at 5'2 and have a large chest, most vests with 50N just slide up on me and it's uncomfortable. Any suggestion for women?
Have you tried any of the women specific PFD's? They are specifically contoured for the shape of women. Of course... I can't vouch for how well they work! :). Here are some options: NRS Nora PFD, Kokatat Naiad, Astral Design Layla.
A question about the extra power you can put into your strokes with foot pegs: how much of that advantage do you lose with a rudder? Because if you push with one foot, you need to counter that with the other to keep the rudder from turning.
Great question! This is a drawback of rudders, and one of the reasons that I only like to have a rudder when I think I'll really NEED one. That being said, some companies have addressed this issue by having solid pedals with a secondary 'toe pedal' that you use to control the rudder. Do a search for 'Toe Pilot Rudder'. I've never actually used them before, and so I can't vouch for them... but it addresses the issue you bring up.
Adding on to this, a toe control or "gas pedal" style rudder control is way better than one with a slider. Lets you put power through while still being able to use the rudder if you need it. I upgraded my old Necky with a set of Sealect design pedals. Night and day.
If you use the opposite leg of the arm paddling you continue to go straight. Kayak Headwaters taught me that and everything else I know. I use a sit in kayak
You failed to mention portable hardshell kayaks like the Pakayak Bluefin.
Please say few words on inflatable kayak Trolleys. What do you Get for a Different prices
Are you referring to kayak carts/trolleys to roll your kayak to the water, or something different?
What do you think about the Origami Paddler?
Got my fishing kayak on a trailer so it's easier for someone like myself who has a bad back to move around..the downside is I'm currently working on getting a new hitch put on the new car I got a few months ago. I'm going with building something myself this time instead of paying 5-6 hundred dollars to install one. Got about 135$ in material in what I plan to do so far. Next week I'll start welding it together and then bolt it to the car.
Yeah, a trailer is such a good idea for fishing kayaks. They're often super heavy, and getting them onto a roof rack is no fun.
D-rings and carabiners. Carabiners and D-rings. Everything in kayak has to be secured. No matter how easy your planned route is. Or you'll learn it hard way.
What kind of life vest were you wearing?
Not sure what shot you're referring to, but I typically wear the NRS Odyssey PFD: bit.ly/3ibIk2n or the NRS Chinook PFD: bit.ly/2TaEAG9
@@PaddleTV I'm not a swimmer but I'm always on the water. I need to find one that is buoyant which is why I asked about the one you were wearing.
Hi, if you can't swim then I strongly recommend you wear a life jacket / life preserver, rather than the usual 50N buoyancy aid / PFD. The difference is, a life jacket has higher buoyancy and will ensure you float face upwards. A buoyancy aid is there to help you to swim but if you stop swimming then you will sink. A buoyancy aid is only suitable for proficient swimmers. Obviously a life jacket is much bulkier than a regular buoyancy aid. The best solution of course is to learn to swim, ideally as soon as possible if you want to canoe as a hobby.
@@richardnewns15 Thanks for the info! Any recommendations on a company I should check out?
Im a beginner, healthy guy i run 15km every day i dont drink alcohol and i have never take any drugs just to let you know.
So im 17 years old and im really focus on kayaks and i love this sport and i dont know what type os kayak to buy im going to kayak on a river for 3 months and after that i would like to go to the beach kayak...You said i need different types os kayaks for rivers and in the sea however im looking for a kayak comfortable so i can kayak for 8hours per day and a kayak that is safe in different environments especifically close to the beach and calm rivers with dams so they are totally close with no dangers.
You definitely don't need different kayaks for the river and ocean. The most versatile kayak is probably a sit-inside touring kayak in the 12' - 14' range, which has thigh hooks and can be used with a kayak skirt. Good examples of this type of kayak are the P&H Virgo, Dagger Stratos 12.5, Wilderness Systems Tsunami, etc... there are lots to choose from! These kayaks are shorter and slightly wider than full on 'sea kayaks'. This makes them more stable and versatile. They're great for all types of flatwater paddling, plus, with experience (and even some training) you can run rivers with mild whitewater (class 1-3), paddle in rough ocean conditions, go kayak camping, and learn to roll them. They are 'do-everything' kayaks. Hope that helps!
That integrated wheel wouldnt last long where I paddle! Im pretty sure it isnt designed for salt water.
The evolution of the kayak market has been something to see since the first fiberglass kayaks displaced the skin on frames and folder. Rotomoulding really set the course. In terms of dollars spent, fishing kayaks dominate the market. In terms of numbers sold, the sub $500 rec boat rules. The touring composite boats that made most of the magazine covers several decades ago now just make up a narrow niche of enthusiasts. It's sad, as those are some of the best kayaks.
I wouldn't be surprised if we started seeing more composite boats in the coming years, as more paddlers get hooked on boating. Even though they cost a small fortune, they really are beautiful things to paddle!
@@PaddleTV I don't see that many transitioning from a fishing kayak to composite. Most fishing kayak buyers are looking for a motor more than a skinny composite boat.
I wonder what the canoe market has been in terms of numbers. Kayaks displaced most canoes in the US. Outside of park rental boats, they're rarely seen now. Canada has a much larger cultural bond with the canoe, but that's in danger to. Where do you store your canoe if you can't get a house?
You forgot to mention skid plates and wheels only come on s.o.t.'s!
Kayak carts are cheap, never need replacing, and they don't change your form factor in the water. Best way to go, IMO.
I'll be testing a few different kayak carts this spring. Look forward to it, as I agree that they make a lot of sense!
"And don't pretend you don't drag around your kayak"
I'm not pretending :P
"... moving around a 50 pound that is 14-15 feet long"
Me carrying a 66+ lbs 17' 7" kayak on my shoulder: It sure is, this is murder!
An easy way to upgrade your seat is to buy a Crazy Creek style camp chair to go on top of your kayak seat. Catch one on sale and it might run you about $30 and will fit most Rec boats. The side straps can tighten for more back support.
top 5 paddles
!
I don't think you understand what an upgrade is... Sweet cheeks are an upgrade, straps over your bulkheads are an upgrade, float bags are an upgrade. This was just a list of all the rec/touring keyak types and their options.