Happy Paddlin'
Happy Paddlin'
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River Tips in the Eddyline Sky 10
Eddyline Sky 10 is the perfect 32 lb kayak for this kind of adventure. Enough performance to play in the lazy features but also comfortable enough to sit in all day and even throw your legs in the water.
In this video, we introduce you to some of the River dynamics going on with this lazy river and how you can practice some simple techniques that you can later or bring to more advanced water.
zhlédnutí: 541

Video

Enough Talk about Canoes
zhlédnutí 801Před 14 dny
The sounds of the River have haunted me some days. The power within to give life And take it. With the company of my people, I surface to feel the warmth again. Tuning into the healing vibrations within the river’s chorus… Pushing and pulling. As in life.
Are Walmart’s Kayaks Worth It?
zhlédnutí 2,2KPřed 14 dny
Paddlesports Industry Expert reviews Walmart’s Kayaks for this season. Walmart has a tighter assortment of kayaks this year and there are some key differences. Lifetime and Pelican Kayaks were the main models in the Bend Oregon store. The Tamarack, Tahoma, Yukon, Charger, Guster and more from Lifetime are reviewed. Tamarack Anger on-water review: czcams.com/video/jA_HMNzKAW8/video.htmlsi=iXvNvs...
Brilliant day on the water with Northstar and Wenonah Canoe Reps at Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe
zhlédnutí 942Před 21 dnem
Alder Creek Kayak and Canoe out of Portland Oregon hosted this wonderful social outing at their location on the water. We unloaded a fleet of Northstar and Wenonah canoes and just let people play and mingle. The emphasis was on just having a good time and sharing the delight of paddling together but all of us came away with some fresh inspiration, knowledge, and skills!
Detailed Overview of Northstar Canoe’s Magic BlackLite with E6 Carbon Trim
zhlédnutí 706Před měsícem
New Solo Canoe Day thanks to Northstar Canoes! The Magic has been one of my all time favorite solo canoes and I’m very excited to paddle this one this season. Weighing in around 28 lbs, this stealth canoe is the perfect blend of tech and beauty. 16’ and ~ 28 lbs 23” width at gunnel 25” width at 3” waterline 29” max width .75” stern rocker 1.5” bow rocker Learn more at www.happypaddlin.com
Pack Canoe On-Water Paddle and Review: Northstar Canoe ADK and Trillium
zhlédnutí 827Před měsícem
I get what all the excitement about Pack Canoes is now! Ultra-Light and as easy to use as a kayak! We had a cool breezy day and immediately the stability and low windage that you get from a Pack Canoe was noticed by all. Northstar Canoes offers their Pack Canoe set up in most all of their solo models. In my previous video, I showed how we set up an improvised Trillium Pack Canoe for the day an...
Prepping for a Pack Canoe Outing with a Northstar Trillium, ADK and Northwind Solo
zhlédnutí 748Před měsícem
Join me around the Canoe Shop for an overview of a few canoes from Northstar Canoes and an improvised Pack Canoe set up in my Trillium. I go through the details of my Trillium in StarLite and hang out and talk canoes as I prepare for tomorrow’s canoe demo.
The story behind Kayak Roundabout “Yakaya” Sculpture in Bend Oregon
zhlédnutí 180Před měsícem
This kayak sculpture using Eddyline Merlin LTs was built in May of 2010. I detail some of this history of it and the kayaks used in this video. For more information check out this post: happypaddlin.com/2024/05/16/kayak-roundabout-sculpture-yakaya-bend-oregon/
Blown Away!? First Look at the Spinera Molveno 410 Inflatable Canoe
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed měsícem
Can this inflatable canoe perform? This canoe caught my attention and I had to try it! My rep colleague, Mike M, has been in the industry forever and at this rainy event in Bend OR, he introduced me to his new line of inflatable kayaks, canoes and SUPs. He was one of the main players behind Aquaglide’s development and now he leads the distribution and sales of Sonera in the US. I was psyched to...
Northstar Canoes: Opal and Boreas First Look
zhlédnutí 1KPřed 3 měsíci
New ’24 Northstar Canoes Northstar Canoes adds two tandem canoes to their line-up this spring and introduced them at the consumer show in Madison WI. I’m really excite for both of these. The newly released spec sheet can be seen mid way down the page here: happypaddlin.com/northstar-canoes/ The Opal will be a quick-to-the-water shorter tandem that will double as a great solo option for those lo...
Why do I have all of these canoe paddles?
zhlédnutí 1,8KPřed 3 měsíci
In today’s video, I go through my personal Quiver of Canoe Paddles and talk about why I use them and what I find valuable about each one. All too often we get obsessed over the canoe itself, but the paddle is the paintbrush and hopefully this will inspire you to pursue your own quiver of fun paddles! Happy to answer any questions in the comments! I’m 6’0 tall for reference.
Northstar vs Wenonah Canoes
zhlédnutí 6KPřed 4 měsíci
Northstar vs Wenonah Canoes
Northstar Firebird IXP vs Trillium StarLite
zhlédnutí 1,6KPřed 5 měsíci
Northstar Firebird IXP vs Trillium StarLite
Northstar NW Solo IXP vs BlackLite
zhlédnutí 3KPřed 6 měsíci
Northstar NW Solo IXP vs BlackLite
Holiday Happy Paddlin’!
zhlédnutí 342Před 6 měsíci
Holiday Happy Paddlin’!
Last Fall paddle in Northstar ADK Pack Canoe
zhlédnutí 429Před 7 měsíci
Last Fall paddle in Northstar ADK Pack Canoe
The Melker Rödlöga got me back on the water
zhlédnutí 2KPřed 8 měsíci
The Melker Rödlöga got me back on the water
17 lb Ultralight Pack Canoe vs Lightweight Rec Kayak
zhlédnutí 5KPřed 10 měsíci
17 lb Ultralight Pack Canoe vs Lightweight Rec Kayak
First Take on the Northstar Pearl Canoe
zhlédnutí 2,2KPřed 11 měsíci
First Take on the Northstar Pearl Canoe
Eddyline Sitka ST in the Seattle Sound
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 11 měsíci
Eddyline Sitka ST in the Seattle Sound
Northstar Canoes Northwind 17 Stealth at 33lbs!
zhlédnutí 1,3KPřed 11 měsíci
Northstar Canoes Northwind 17 Stealth at 33lbs!
Industry Insider Shops Online for Used Kayaks, Canoes and SUPs
zhlédnutí 1,2KPřed rokem
Industry Insider Shops Online for Used Kayaks, Canoes and SUPs
New Solo Paddler tries Northstar Magic vs NW Solo Canoe
zhlédnutí 3,8KPřed rokem
New Solo Paddler tries Northstar Magic vs NW Solo Canoe
Canoe Fishing in Bell Angler Model
zhlédnutí 266Před rokem
Canoe Fishing in Bell Angler Model
Northstar Solo Canoe River Demo Session
zhlédnutí 4,5KPřed rokem
Northstar Solo Canoe River Demo Session
How I set up my new Northstar Phoenix Solo Canoe
zhlédnutí 2KPřed rokem
How I set up my new Northstar Phoenix Solo Canoe
Eddyline Caribbean 12FS Walkthrough
zhlédnutí 1,7KPřed rokem
Eddyline Caribbean 12FS Walkthrough
Eddyline Whisper Tandem Overview
zhlédnutí 966Před rokem
Eddyline Whisper Tandem Overview
Why Eddyline Kayaks?
zhlédnutí 6KPřed rokem
Why Eddyline Kayaks?
Eddyline Caribbean 10 Overview and Test Paddle
zhlédnutí 2,5KPřed rokem
Eddyline Caribbean 10 Overview and Test Paddle

Komentáře

  • @barry4fish19
    @barry4fish19 Před dnem

    Thanks Ethan for showing us these lessons, of course you could do all that with many of the other Eddyline models. But it’s amazing to see how good the Sky 10 is for this maneuvering. Maybe I could order one in Teal, I don’t have a kayak in that color yet. Considering how well behaved the Eddylines are in flat water, it’s not surprising to see their capabilities in moving water as well.

  • @Aaronautics95
    @Aaronautics95 Před 2 dny

    What kind of water shoe is that?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před dnem

      Warmers Boot that you won’t find anymore as they are long gone as a brand. Check out the level six creek boot for a similar low profile boot.

  • @sandsock
    @sandsock Před 2 dny

    so i have a 80 pound lab, i'm guesing the wenona would make the dog happier. i have a 16 foot penobscot and she really tries to hang off to the side and is always unsettled.

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 2 dny

      Ya gotta have a very comfy pad for your doggie that they know was their place! I like to solo with them fist keeping than right next to me. Then I can teach them the ways to chill out and reward them for this behavior.

  • @scottiebaldwin
    @scottiebaldwin Před 3 dny

    Great video! The reason your videos are so good is because you explain everything so well whether someone is a beginner or a seasoned paddler. Even though we all know you prefer Northstar, your presentation is very diplomatic and complementary to both companies. I’ve owned a Wenonah Solo Plus (in Royalex), and now 1999 Bell Magic and a Northstar Northwind 17. Tons of solid information and I can’t recommend this video enough to friends who ask me the difference between the two. Thanks again very much for this video! See you on the water…

  • @ellenkroon8444
    @ellenkroon8444 Před 3 dny

    I have a sky 10 just like that and love it! I mainly do smaller lakes, but may try one of the rivers too. Thanks for the pointers!

  • @user-hx5qv4kd6
    @user-hx5qv4kd6 Před 4 dny

    Went over everything but the price. Very helpful

  • @steveparsons6324
    @steveparsons6324 Před 4 dny

    Love that G O Ottertail, I have two of them.

  • @mikeebersold3909
    @mikeebersold3909 Před 4 dny

    Another bunch of good suggestions I hope to try on the upper Mississippi if the flood waters ever go down

  • @marcelarodriguez4697

    Hi, how do you compare the inlet with the lake model?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 4 dny

      Both are very basic kayaks for shoreline and small lake river use. Seat is the biggest drawback of these. Not that comfy but like a portable guitar, these area substitute for having no boat so they can be great for those that can’t have a big boat. Both under 10’, both going nowhere fast so as long as you are just staying within their safe range they can be fun. I’m not a parts and pieces guy so these arent for me.

  • @cynvision
    @cynvision Před 4 dny

    Sometimes I wish I'd picked up used Eddyline four years ago. Seems a very simple kayak.

  • @jimfromoregonusa9899

    Love it!

  • @bobbarker2515
    @bobbarker2515 Před 5 dny

    I just got a nw solo thanks to you! Now I need a paddle and want to support bending branches. I will probably do a mix of slow rivers and small lakes. No real canoe experience here. The beavertail and explorer plus keep popping up on my radar, would you suggest either one of these over the other? Thanks for all your knowledge

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 5 dny

      Explorer is a great choice as your first! If you can spend more then check out the Sunburst.

  • @-_.._._--_.-.-_-_-_-...-.-

    Get a used Necky or Ocean Kayak for a better kayak for half the price. Most Walmart yaks are made to accommodate plump individuals and are made so wide and flat (for stability and logistics) especially on the bottom that they have terrible tracking ( meaning they have a lot of side to side movement when paddling which means lots of wasted energy)

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 5 dny

      Buying used is a great option and lots of options out there these days. I have paddled the Tamarack Angler a bunch though and for a 10’ boat (not many Necky or Oceans in that range) it was a great time on the right type of waters. Vid on channel of that.

  • @msimpso99
    @msimpso99 Před 8 dny

    Thank you! Very helpful connections to using previously learned strokes

  • @anthonybazis1023
    @anthonybazis1023 Před 9 dny

    Hey Ethan, as professional or highly experienced kayaker. How high do you rank adjustable footrests on a kayak?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 9 dny

      You absolutely have to have footbraces for power and back support. Adjustability for my touring boats is key for different footwear and conditions (tighter for rough, looser for cruising). These rec boats in the vid all have something which is better than nothing but most are trying to do it for as cheap as possible.

  • @robs_gear_outdoor_reviews

    Thanks a lot for the presentation. Is it possible to use the 410 as a single 1 person kayak with the seat.? Is it possible to install the seat in the middle.? Thanks

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 9 dny

      I think the answer is yes to both. I ended up getting one so will review more.

    • @robs_gear_outdoor_reviews
      @robs_gear_outdoor_reviews Před 9 dny

      @@HappyPaddlin thanks a lot for the quick answer

    • @robs_gear_outdoor_reviews
      @robs_gear_outdoor_reviews Před 9 dny

      Did you ever compare it to the aqua marina tomahawk kayak line ?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 9 dny

      @robs_gear_outdoor_reviews I haven’t done many inflatable reviews at all! Maybe more down the road!

  • @wegottafishdude
    @wegottafishdude Před 10 dny

    Don’t waste your money on garbage go get a real kayak

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 10 dny

      Seen a lot of smiles in these boats over the years by folks on little lakes, ponds, etc. Just best if used properly in appropriate waters.

  • @CampfireKodiak
    @CampfireKodiak Před 10 dny

    A couple questions. What trim would be the quietest when you set your fishing rod down on the gunnel? I don't want to spook the fish. Can you permanently mount a portaging yoke in these solo boats and still sit or kneel or do you need removable? Seems like that could get old if you had a lot of short portages between lakes

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 10 dny

      Wood Trim is quietest. Regarding yokes, you have to use removable. It takes about 15 seconds to put in place. Solo clamp on yoke w CVCA pads is what I prefer!

    • @CampfireKodiak
      @CampfireKodiak Před 10 dny

      @@HappyPaddlin I'm a wood guy anyway thank you! Oh that's not bad then.

  • @doug2766
    @doug2766 Před 11 dny

    Really enjoyed that. Nicely done!

  • @jimfromoregonusa9899
    @jimfromoregonusa9899 Před 12 dny

    An unbelievable day and thank you Ethan for letting us be a part of this great capture!

  • @chrismccall7866
    @chrismccall7866 Před 13 dny

    Picked up a Pelican Motion 100 for 150 from Walmart a couple of days ago. It's missing a few of the perks other ones have, but i figured I could probably get my money back at that price. I can't wait to take it out!

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 13 dny

      Have fun out there! Welcome to the adventure!

  • @ronmoredock2795
    @ronmoredock2795 Před 13 dny

    Great video Ethan, I really enjoyed your paddle. Almost like I was there. Question for you, what is the PFD you are wearing in this video? In the market.

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 13 dny

      Thanks, got tired of hearing myself so just thought this would be a nice change. It’s a Stohlquist Rocker ‘24 model and I have some further vid of it in a next vid I’m working on. Tried to wear others, from other brands as well. The Rocker is the one and only for me! Descent is the rescue version though a QR belt can be added to the rocker nicely which is more than enough for most. I have a red one on in most other vids. Had to match the boat ;) in this one.

    • @ronmoredock2795
      @ronmoredock2795 Před 13 dny

      @@HappyPaddlin Thanks Ethan. I will try one out. I like the way it seems small and open for the arms and shoulders. I live here in Florida, and with the hot weather, looking for a PFD that doesn't cover too much of the body.

  • @beckynankivell8639
    @beckynankivell8639 Před 13 dny

    For the sit-on-tops, isn't a hatch that "gives access to the entire boat" a swamping hazard, to say nothing of gear being able to slide to an inaccessible spot? Does it really work that way?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 13 dny

      Even high end sit on tops feature this but likely have better hatches that are more trustworthy. At the end of the vid I recommend all these as “shoreline kayaks”. However, one can add floatation bladders to help. Hardcore sea kayakers will carry extra floatation bladders in the event of rock damage to a compartment. @headwaterskayak had a scenario where those bags helped him get back to the beach after a bad rock garden crash. Open cold water is a place that going “over the top” isn’t ever going to be a bad thing!

  • @anthonybazis1023
    @anthonybazis1023 Před 14 dny

    I feel like Lifetime hit a home run with that hull design, and price point. I feel like they use the same or similar hull design for the 10’ sit in as well.

  • @robertlee6949
    @robertlee6949 Před 14 dny

    Perfecto...

  • @email16v
    @email16v Před 14 dny

    Watching from Texas. I want a canoe for my neaby lakes. Thanks for sharing

  • @jimbeaver4638
    @jimbeaver4638 Před 14 dny

    I'm 5'9", 160. Intermediate experience. Big flat water rivers and lakes. Mostly been paddling a borrowed Old Town 13' Castine and am leaning toward a Sitka. Kinda don't want a boat longer than 14' but wondering if an ST would be too tight for me?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 14 dny

      Should fit you. I’m about 6 165 pounds and there’s a video of me paddling that boat in the Sound on the channel. Won’t be a big gear hauler for you though..

    • @jimbeaver4638
      @jimbeaver4638 Před 12 dny

      @@HappyPaddlin Thanks for your reply. I'm. kinda leaning toward the LT for gear hauling but, man, there's an ST on sale at REI for about $700 less than the LT. And they'd deliver it to my nearest store at no charge. Tempting. I'm near Omaha, Nebraska and the nearest LT I can find is in Rockford, IL I'll check out your video again. Thanks again!

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 12 dny

      An ST would be a boat that if you packed like a thru hiker you could camp. Super light. czcams.com/video/NgQEhYYSdM8/video.htmlsi=zXbk4cBLgrKM4QCo Is one vid

    • @jimbeaver4638
      @jimbeaver4638 Před 11 dny

      @@HappyPaddlin I do some backpacking and have reduced the weight of my pack significantly over the years. Not quite thru-hiker light but getting close. My biggest concern with the ST, again, is my size.5-9, 160, slight paunch but skinny everywhere else. Short legs. I do want to "wear" my next boat, though. Just not too tight. If you think I'd fit well in the ST, I might just pull the trigger on it. Thanks again for all your help. Love your videos.

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 11 dny

      @jimbeaver4638 if ya have slender hips and thighs then you’ll fit! REI has a killer price for only a day or so more! You have a year to return too (I think that’s their policy, might be wrong as things have changed there often).

  • @anthonybazis1023
    @anthonybazis1023 Před 14 dny

    I have the Boost, and wife has a Lifetime Spitfire which is the same boat as the Tahoma. The spitfire paddles easier, and Boost is more stable. But tahoma, tamarack, and spitfire are a better boat.

  • @mikeebersold3909
    @mikeebersold3909 Před 14 dny

    Enjoyed here in MN

  • @brianadventures9622
    @brianadventures9622 Před 15 dny

    Those Northstar's are so gorgeous! You should do another deep dive on the Polaris!

  • @soihavetoplay
    @soihavetoplay Před 15 dny

    This video is very helpful! Thanks!

  • @augustwest5207
    @augustwest5207 Před 15 dny

    💕Canoeing is good for the soul! 💕

  • @mflacke
    @mflacke Před 15 dny

    This was so great! Make more of these. Those shots you setup attaining and playing on the eddy lines were cool. More Canoe please.

  • @BradBurden
    @BradBurden Před 15 dny

    Loved what you wrote as well my friend....

  • @BradBurden
    @BradBurden Před 15 dny

    So awesome! Looked like a great day on the river with our friend JM. It's not possible to have "enough talk about canoes!" Thanks for posting Ethan!

  • @rickpopham5400
    @rickpopham5400 Před 15 dny

    AAAaaaahhhhh.... needed that. Thanks, Ethan

  • @addikotter4351
    @addikotter4351 Před 16 dny

    dear fishing kayakers, do you enjoy being barely bigger than the fish you're trying to catch? or is the waterskiing part of the fun?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 16 dny

      Haven’t tried it huh? Pretty fun and easy to get out there in spots that boats can’t get! I had 20 miles of non motorized river access yesterday to myself!

  • @thrlllckr6244
    @thrlllckr6244 Před 16 dny

    Dose the hull warp in heat ?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 16 dny

      Older poly will and areas on these racks where a boat has weight on it can too. Newer boats pop back but over time this can happen. Sit on tops more supported by shape, sit insides more chance of denting.

  • @John-ci8xs
    @John-ci8xs Před 16 dny

    That was extremely helpful! Thank you. I just purchased a Sitka St and was trying to determine if it was too small for an average sized adult. This video has clarified that.

  • @fa-q-2
    @fa-q-2 Před 17 dny

    ...These boats are in the summer time fun category...they do not require a high level of skill to use, and it's easy to justify the price with only a few times out on the water... ...Also, spend a few extra dollars on a good PFD (aka. life jacket) that is comfortable enough to wear all day...

  • @T3PinR
    @T3PinR Před 17 dny

    Nice, Ethan - that's what I'm striving for

  • @JosephStealin
    @JosephStealin Před 17 dny

    I’d love to have a lightweight boat like these, if I had the money 😂

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 17 dny

      Deliver DoorDash one hour a day for 100-150 days and you can have any of them! Bootstraps!

  • @barnaclebill1615
    @barnaclebill1615 Před 18 dny

    I absolutely love my BB Black Pearl II paddles and sunburst! Thinkin bout a custom 48” beaver tail. 👍👍😁🇺🇸

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 17 dny

      That seems very short for a beaver tail so curious on how you intend to use that!

  • @joshunruh5240
    @joshunruh5240 Před 19 dny

    That’s a great video. I had both of the Ozark Trail boats, when they were made under the Sundolphin name. The sit on top was so unstable that it never got used but the sit inside wasn’t bad at all. It got me into kayak fishing.

  • @Jrc4120
    @Jrc4120 Před 20 dny

    Am I pushing the limit of this boat weighing 210? I know the capacity is 275, bit minus the weight of the boat and having some gear with me seems like I'm getting close to being too heavy. What's your opinion? Thanks!

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 20 dny

      What’s your height? After 6’2” you might find it tight on the footbraces. Also, depending on the type of waters you will mostly paddle. For bigger waters I’d go with the 14. Lakes and little rivers, the 12’ could work well. See Headwaters Kayak vids. He’s about your weight and reviews the C12.

    • @Jrc4120
      @Jrc4120 Před 20 dny

      @@HappyPaddlin thanks for the reply! I'm only about 5'10, so the height shouldn't be an issue. Just worried that at 210 with some gear I may be pushing the limits. Unfortunately I can't store the 14 footer...

  • @rebuildingnoseas
    @rebuildingnoseas Před 21 dnem

    See, that's the setup that I want! Nice!! I'm currently setting up my bike, where did you get your trailer?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 21 dnem

      Had for a long time so can’t remember where I got it but there are many designs out there, each with their +/- ‘s. This one is light but not that burly. Works for me but maybe not heavier loads.

    • @rebuildingnoseas
      @rebuildingnoseas Před 21 dnem

      @HappyPaddlin I want to ride and paddle the Erie Trail and Erie Canal. It's 385 miles long from my home to Lake Erie on the bike trail. I would like to take about a month and just bikepack, camp and do some paddling so taking a kayak along on a trailer behind the bike would be awesome. I see them on a few different websites.

  • @rebuildingnoseas
    @rebuildingnoseas Před 21 dnem

    I just went and looked at them a few days ago at my local Walmart. The models there are different from the ones in tbe video...2 are the same. I'm not a fisherman and won't want or need and angler kayak, because I'll never use all those fishing accessories, plus the weight is incredible at approximately 60lbs dry. Pelican has a 38lb. 10 footer RamX that I looked at. But really wanted a 120X 12' for tracking. I've paddled a bunch and have done some pretty long coastal treks in Florida and a bunch of inland waterway travels. My go-to is a 12'-13' boat. I weight about 190 and 5'10" so with camping gear and supplies the boat sits nicely on its lines...I mean the ones that I have personally owned. The thing is that I started looking around in my area for higher-line used kayaks and found that I could pick up a used but in really good shape touring kayak for roughly the same price as one of the Walmart kayaks...I found a bunch of Aquaterras 14' for $200-$500 with loads of extras, paddles, seats, bags, etc. And they're real touring designs. I'm a former sailboat builder and a cruiser. My current boat is a 1976 Balboa 26'SK (profile pic). So I'm sensitive to "ugly" designs and all these heavy, big box, blow moulded fishing yaks are UAF. I don't think that I would waste the money. There's actually hundreds of free or cheap kayak plans out there. I'm thinking I'm going to build myself a hybrid kayak/canoe like the TOTO on Duckworks, with actual watertight compartments and bulkheads...nothing over 40 lbs is my motto, making it easy to port and put up on the racks of my SUV. I know these entry level, budget boats have a place...I get it and everyone needs a starting point. But man, a little due diligence and research is worth 2 or 3 cheap purchases. Most people won't make it past the first couple of seasons if they're paddling their asses off and doing donuts on the water cause they can't get the boat to track, or if it weighs a ton and they avoid taking it to the water altogether. Just my thoughts.

  • @scottmcdonald1819
    @scottmcdonald1819 Před 23 dny

    Any insight on how the northwind compares to a swift keewaydin?

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 23 dny

      I haven’t paddled that model from Swift but for me, I am not thrilled with Epoxy boats like Swift and others. Two reasons...Don’t think it is a safe building situation over the long haul for workers and I don’t want to use or be exposed to epoxy to do my own repairs once damage happens. You can’t repair epoxy boats with vinyl ester resins. Swift boats do look like fun!

  • @amicusmedicus
    @amicusmedicus Před 23 dny

    Note....I didn't realize there was outdoor vs. regular weldwood. What seemed like it worked fine,......I'm in Arkansas and it's hot here....came unglued and will be redoing with G-flex. I'm not sure if the outdoor wildwood would hold up to the high temps any better, but when riding on the roof of my truck and 95+ degrees....just didn't keep the "stick".

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 23 dny

      G flex is the bomber way to go. I’ve now switched from Weldwood to H66 per the recommendation of Northstar. Also, I now do two applications to both boat and patch (letting them cook off each time) and that really helps. I’ll have to do another version of this video on my next job coming soon.

  • @stevenjohnson9714
    @stevenjohnson9714 Před 26 dny

    I’m primarily a whitewater kayaker, but recently paddled my first whitewater canoe and had a blast with that. I would really love to see some ocoee content. I’m searching for an open boat now while I try to get more seat time in boats and save some cash.

    • @HappyPaddlin
      @HappyPaddlin Před 26 dny

      There’s another Ocoee vid at happypaddlin.com More to follow soon! 😃🛶