10 Cheap Hacks For Kayakers
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- čas přidán 7. 07. 2020
- Ethan from Happy Paddlin and I kick off our Pacific North West Road Trip with a stop in at the Walmart in Bend Oregon to check on current inventory, and to discuss some simple hacks that will make your time on the water easier and more enjoyable.
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Bought my kayak after your "5 kayaks under $500" video. None of which you carry in your store. Upgraded my paddle with an affordable paddle that you suggested that I don't believe you carry in your store. Did not skimp on the PFD, love that Chinook, it is so comfortable. Point is...you seem to care more about the sport than just making money. THANK YOU! Although I own a cheap Tamarack, it gets me on the water. Someday I will own a Top Water PDL 120. Anyway, the problem is, now that I have fished from a kayak, I REALLY dislike fishing from a bank. Seems I am always looking around and thinking, man, if I had brought the kayak....I could get to that spot, or that spot. A long winded way of saying thanks again Dan for getting me on the water.
🙏 that’s what it’s all about. Thanks for taking the time to share your story.
I bought my Tamarak Angler after that video as well! Went with the Bending Branches Angler paddle and am loving having it. I had an inflatable previously, but that was terrible in wind and sagged low when I was in it. Very happy with the new setup and thanks Headwaters Kayak for sharing the info!
I'm desperately searching for a kayak after your video kayaks under $300. Can't find anything right now! Bought the car rack though
@@MeliaJanae
if you have a Tractor Supply store near you, u can order a Tamarac and have them ship it to the store. They have another $300 fishing kayak on the site as well.
@@dharvey7124 I looked in to this. cost $156 dollars to ship to store. is there a way to get free shipping? thanks
We bought our kayaks after your video. We are in our 70’s, and really needed to find something to do that was out in nature, and get good exercise. We get a lot out of the kayaking tutorials that you have given. Since we are retired, we have left our kayaks on our truck, and take off whenever we want. We live in NC, so there are a lot of beautiful lakes to explore.Thanks for all the safety information and the cool hacks! We are having an amazing time 🚣🏼♀️!
I'm in Eastern North Carolina, and a beginner in Kayaking
I'm excited and terrified at the same time.
Where a safe , calm place to put in?
Western NC here, we live in such a beautiful state, enjoy your next trip!
@@michellef.554 Main thing when kayaking is always wear your life vest, they make special vests designed for kayaking that makes it super low profile and comfortable , doesn’t get hot out in the sun. Also watch out for traffic , boats can easily see you, so you shouldn’t have to worry but never trust and always assume you’re not seen. Find a calm lake and just paddle around near the shore for a few hours to really get the feel and test the limits of your craft, if you flip or something you’ll be close to shore and you’ll have the extra knowledge and skills if this were to happen in deep water. Worst case is you lose some gear. ALWAYS WERE A LIFE VEST. Your kayak will also float so stay with it, so other boaters can see you and not run you over.
Hmm. Just leave the kayak on the truck. Brilliant.
Hey I thought up a good one as well, I used to go kayaking when I was younger, always ended up losing a big chunk of skin at the base of my thumb from the paddle, so I used to wear gloves, but then you get to have a big wet soppy mess on your hand all day. I went again for the first time in a decade, yesterday. I bought a pack of those athletic adhesive strips for $5 and just wrapped it around my thumb area loosely. It worked great, no blisters and it stayed on all day without cutting off circulation. If your not sure what I mean, it's the little colored patches pro athletes have on their arms and shoulders and whatnot. I got the idea from watching the Olympics.
The reflective tape for your paddle is a great idea!
Just wanted to say thanks for all the awesome advice for those of us just getting started! Just picked up our first 2 kayaks for my wife and I and we have been thoroughly enjoying your videos. Im 41 and can't believe I've lived this long without being out on the water!! Im hooked!!!
Wow, thank you! I'm a single mom, just bought my first kayak and I don't know anyone who does it so this was such a great video for me since I have basically zero guidance other than watching CZcams videos. Such great tips, I can tell before even going on my first run.
I’m a single mom and recently got my first kayak! I’m learning, just like you!
I’m a non-single dad, and I’m super glad you two have found my favorite hobby. Not only is it a great outlet for you, but at some point you’ll be able to introduce your kids to the sport. My 10 year old daughter is kayaddict, now! 😜 enjoy!
I love love love the rachet pulleys tie down. Using them for years.
A Walmart hack is don't put your bare feet on the merchandise and put it back on the rack. 😂 Good suggestions though. I might be getting my first kayak soon.
But it's such a Walmart thing to do. Do you even Walmart bro?
Perfect move at Walmart
Dan, thank you so much for your videos. I watched the 500 and under kayaks and got me motivated to get into it. I searched and search and there are no kayaks anywhere!!! Well, until today when I finally found one at a Walmart. I'm hoping to get into the water soon. I'm having health issues on top of depression and this will really help me. Thank you!
"They got this fiberglass one here" whole rack falls :) Great video, boys (dads)!
Thanks for the hacks. Many I was doing, but the reflective tape on the paddles is golden.
Took our new kayaks out for the first time today but stopped by Walmart first and picked up some mats. My feet were so happy. Thanks for the tip!
Thanks for this video and all the tips! I see a lot of comments here about retail places being out of new kayaks, but I haven't seen anyone mention buying a used one. I'm on the west coast of Florida and there are lots of kayaks listed on various on-line marketplaces (e.g., Offer-Up, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, etc.) in all price points. Experienced kayakers upgrade to better models and sell their used equipment. And lots of people buy kayaks, quickly realize they are never going to use them, and need to free up space in their garages. I just sold my tandem and bought a smaller, more manageable kayak that had only been used twice (the stickers were still on). And the seller threw in a wheeled dolly. As soon as this pandemic is over, I'm sure there will be a LOT of barely used kayaks for sale.
Great!!! Especially tying down cords, sponge, and even laundry basket. I use my old swim equipment bag, but laundry basket seems ideal. I will learn that truck knot.
I opted for a Sit In kayak. The seat where your buns sit is actually below the waterline. So as long as you keep your arms & legs inside the boat, it’s next to impossible to tip the yak over. Also, if it can fit in a Dry Bag, I highly suggest you keep it in one. Doesn’t matter what it is, if it fits, use them. Plus, if you Do tip over, a dry bag is a good floatation device and you can use them along with your paddle to re-enter your kayak. And as far as the umbrella is concerned, also bring a small one to act as a sail if a storm rolls in, the wind is traveling in the direction you need to go and you need to get there Fast. I brought along one just in case it rained, but ended up saving my bacon when a thunderstorm moved in and my vehicle was a half mile away. The wind hit and the sky got black, which is a direct indication of rough weather ahead. So I took the cue from Mother Nature and popped open the umbrella and made it back to shore at my car, loaded the yak on the trailer and pulled the car under the park’s recreational building and not even ten seconds later the shear winds and large hail hit. That one small umbrella saved both me and my car from damage and probably death itself. Because there was No Way I could have paddles hard enough to get back in time.
#marypoppins 🤣
Thanks for thinking of the new guys (like me) who are just getting into the sport.
I think my most expensive item so far has been my PFD, I invested in a fishing style vest that has tons of pockets and storage. I keep my pliers, knife, scale, phone in a waterproof case, whistle and flashlight in it. I also purchased one of those foam block car roof racks for transporting, the straps included work well in keeping it secure.
I always carry an umbrella, great shout. The sponge is a good idea too. I also have a small dry bag with a knife, lighter & torch permanently wrapped & clipped to the inside of the hull for emergency. Also a first aid kit is pretty smart.
I've been using the hook with the rope for years before I got my 1st kayak and they work great securing my new one in the back of my truck.
Great tips and I second a lot of this. Several years ago I got a small umbrella to use on an Intex Excursion 4 as shade and it done a great job. I also used a spong inside my yak just as you all mention.
Here in Florida the sound device “ whistle “ is mandatory along with floatation device “ life preserver “
That adjustable paddle is great! I bought one and a feature that I really like a lot is you can unlock it to make it longer but also you can twist orientate the opposite paddle blade to a very comfortable feel , I didn’t even know I needed this till I was out with my new paddle and found myself having to over rotate my wrist so I unlocked paddle and twisted one blade a few degrees and Boom 💥 much easier paddling for me 😁✌️🇺🇸
Those adjustable Ozark Trail paddles were pretty impressive. Kudos to the Walmart buyer who made that happen.
Ratchet straps have always worked fine for me, I dare say failures are caused by non experienced individuals failing to check and then re-check there strap job. Love your videos by the way, keep em coming.
They are sketchy on some racks and often overtightened. I always cringe when someone shows up with an SUV and ratchet straps.
I just bought a kayak. Thanx for this, very helpful🙏🏾
Great tips! I have that same reflective tape on the front of my kayak and all of my bags to find them better at night. 🤠🤙
The bare foot basket shelf toss is so Walmart. I love it.
The whistle is also a law in some places. Where I live, all small unpowered crafts must have a whistle along with their life jacket. I've never had to use mine, but glad I have it!
Agreed. Every life jacket should have a whistle in it. The primary boater should be carrying a compass in case the winding lake shoreline disorients you.
Every boat should have 50' of coiled throwing rope to aid a troubled boater.
Big lake, bay and past surf-sandbar ocean,/gulf kayakers should have flares too. River kayakers thst is probably not needed unless state law requires it.
The sponge and basket are things I never thought of but are super smart! Thanks for the video.
I've always been a huge fan of the truckers hitch over most other knots and certainly over ratchet straps
Get a $0.97 long tubular squirt gun where you pull the handle and it sucks up water. I keep this on my yak and it's much better than a pricey bilge pump
I did the sa.e thing, but I'm going to buy a bilge pump.
Great idea but those things really don't suck much water
I’m a single momma of 2 wonderful sons. We LOVE to kayak and fish. The sponge idea is pretty great. My eldest son and I went last Sunday. And it was SO cold. The first set of rapids was crazy lol. So that sponge idea is killer. Thanks for sharing. And totally gonna learn the trucker knot. My eldest son had strapped ours so tight he dented his so this will be handy
That is the EXACT PFD I got last year. Thank you for your advice.
Thanks for the hack tips. Just bought a second hand tandem kayak from a rental place here in San Diego. They are going to replace their old one with new. Got it half the price of a new tandem. Now i'm making my own caddy for better transport to and from the water. God bless
Awesome tip on using a laundry basket. The other tips were highly practical also.
Thank you!!! Would love to see even more of these!! Thank you!
Absolutely great video! Usually kayak hacking videos are the "I spent the least amount of money possible!" type. As an experienced kayaker, there were a few hacks here that my partner and I had never even thought of and will be investing in!! Great ideas!!!
Perfect! That’s what we were going for. 40 years paddling experience between these two hacks.
I have a SIT, and I typically wear slides during the warm season. The slides makes good heel cushions in your yak.
Also, I've installed removable, adjustable rod holders behind the cockpit. I can adjust one of the rod holders to hold a deployed golf umbrella to give me shade, when the sun is directly above.
Great video I like the suggestions! New kayaker here and it was exactly what I was looking for!
Smooth move with that paddle rack. I've never seen an actual paddlers life jacket at Wal-Mart, just ski style vests.
I have that exact life jacket! I got mine at my local wally world.... My only complaint is that I'm 5'1" and I have a short torso, so when I'm out, the zipper likes to work itself up up to my chin area. Doesn't matter how tight the straps are.. that's where it goes. I'm looking at other live vests now.
I have 3 kayaks I was thinking this would make a good buddy vest.
@@williamjohnson4311 for the price you can't beat it! I love the zipper, the pockets (I zip my cell phone waterproof case in there) and the D ring (I use it to hold my whistle & a pocket knife) and it's roomy enough for someone who might be chesty (male or female) so as long as they're taller than I am it'll be awesome
Thanks for the advice and video! My husband got a kayak for Christmas so this really helps! Thanks!
I was surprised by all the ideas that are simple but very helpful, really You really are amazing sharing these ideas and also economic, greetings from California and thank you very much
Thanks again Dan. I got my dry box ($10), Carabiners ($5), eyelets ($3), marine silicone sealant ($8), 3lb Anchor ($14) and Stearns paddler's PFD ($59) with water-proof zippers and lots of pockets which as super important for Keys, wallet and phone which you never want to get away if you tip or need to bail, Cellphone waterproof pouch, Docking rope ($2) at WALMART. Oh yeah, Tamarack Pro 103 ($375). None of the other Super Stores carried (except Headwaters Kayak, of course :)).
Great advice... I was familiar with some but learned a thing or two as well. Thanks!
2:45 until we build our rack for 2 kayaks, we have been using 1 ratchet strap to tie them together then 2 to to strap it to the car with foam on the roof, then I go through the handles of both on the front and back separately and tie a bowline quick release then a truckers hitch to the car. Works great, even was able to drive 3 hours with alot of highway 70+ mph and held great. But like you said its easy to overtighten, thats why we can't wait to build a rack to avoid permanent damage
Good tips! I'll add one for you to try. I bought an extra large blue microfiber towel from Walmart in the car cleaning supplies aisle for $6-7 dollars. I use it instead of a hand pump to remove excess water from waves or boat wake. It is much faster and you can get more water out with it. A battery powered boat bilge pump is faster but, you don't have the extra weight of the battery using the microfiber towel.
Hi, I just bought my first kayak last week. I wanted one last year, BUT so did everyone else! 😏
I'm still goofing around with the PFD but I'm close to deciding.
This video made me go to Walmart after work and man, I cleaned up! A few tidbits...a headlamp that was $17.76 now $7.76 (I bought 3!), 20 L dry bag $5.96 (!) and more! It was Clearance City tonight! 👍 I bought one of those $1 headlights and it's powerful for the price! I'm keeping it in my car emergency kit.
Thank you so much! 😁 🐳🚢
Nice, that hamper hack is the best idea. Especially in a sandy or muddy area. Going to grab a hamper next time I think about it.
I use a fruit and veggie produce basket here in NZ. Works a treat for whatever adventure I have been out on 😊
thanks for all your videos as im just statring my venture into kayaking.Only problem no one has kayaks.every store near durango colorado is out of stock.The walmarts are trashed like the one in your video.looks like it will be winter by the time things are restocked.thanks again for you great videos
Why on earth does your walmart keep $1 items in a glass case?
Thare easy to grab and hide
Sticky fingers
The lights are kept on the same shelf as other lights that cost a heck of alot more.
True dat!..🤣😅😂😆...✌🏼🇨🇦
Ppl steal the batteries
This was a most useful and enjoyable video; thank you!
I have a friend who got a memory foam pillow from the pharmacy section for like $10 and it's got the donut cut out in the middle for broken tail bones, but it is super comfortable to sit on.
Thanks for the tip-off! Been looking for something to alleviate my back pain.
Yo that’s perfect I’ve been looking for how to improve my comfort
the sponge and seat pad for your feet are brilliant i deal with those 2 everytime i go kayaking
Thank you - from a new recreational lake paddler.
Inexpensive unit purchase that i really like. Please, more videos on how to paddle straight!
Thanks again.
Umbrella for kids/sailing is such a great idea. Also going to add a sponge and simple green to my stash as well. Thanks bros
Glad Pop's taught me the ole' truckers knot way back when :D Great Video for a 'Yak first timer! Thanks!
I like the simple green idea, I'll get some of that for my kayak.
Went on a thru paddle this weekend. Watched this video Friday morning. Went to Walmart after work…..OMG!! The sponge!!! The sponge was such a genius idea!! It kept our kayaks dry! It was a game changer!! Thanks for the advice! I will never go kayaking without my sponge now!! You the real MVP with that tip!!!
Haha 👍
If I wasn't watching, I could swear I was listening to Tom Hanks
My wife just said from across the room, is that Tom Hanks?
OMG I was thinking the same thing!!!
oh wow he really does sound like Tom hanks!
Sounds more like Toms older cousin Tim banks
Omg! He does sound like Tom Hanks 😃
I love those little 1 dollar ballcap brim lights. Always have one clipped on, or in the car. Trying to get the wife into paddling, watched this vid earlier, then stopped at Walmart and picked up the whistle. And, all of a sudden, my Walmart is carrying paddles, lifejackets and stuff, when they never did.
The pad for your feet is a very good tip. Thanks!
I have a neoprene style lifejacket and love it but it's very comfortable. I'll grant I plan to get the other style for my next one though.
the sponge thing is a great idea
Love the sponge tip! Great idea.
$34 for a paddle? Ain't nobody got an excuse not to always carry and extra paddle.
The pad. I use 1/2" cheap yoga pads off Amazon for padding my kayak seats, usually two layers. A small doubled 'tube' makes a more comfortable back rest. I use 1/4" yoga pads on my foot brace and on the hull against the cold. I bought a 1" thick yoga pad that I haven't used yet. It's like memory foam but not as mushy. You probably wouldn't want to sleep on a 1" yoga mat, but you'd also not want to stand on a memory foam pad. My set ups keep changing until I don't have any aches or pains.
Footbraces: I've used and broken the standard Yakimas for years. I think if you are fully connected to your kayak and paddling correctly you will break off a foot peg about once a year. In the meantime your feet are numb. Ever stand on a step ladder for twenty minutes or more? If you think I'm wrong, stand on a broom handle for ten minutes. Feet need a full footbrace. I make these out of plywood*, about a 25 degree off vertical angle, padded with 1/4" foam yoga mat. The one I've been using for the past three years is attached to my Yakima pegs with a drywall type screw, one on each side. (I've been doing this for about 8 years on different 'yaks.) I attach blocks to the rudder pedals so my toes on the brace can operate them. My feet don't get numb and I've never broken off another peg.
* 1/8" luan plywood with a layer of carbon fiber and epoxy on both sides. Stiffens and strengthens it. Just being a busy body. I should just be coming home from a paddle, not annoying people on the internet.
Thanks for these videos! I am a baby kayaker and appreciate the info
This was very helpful. Thanks for the tips!
I am BRAND NEW to yakkin' and I appreciate these cheap hacks.
That’s awesome. Thanks guys
I like the umbrella for wind, that’s funny.
Short entertaining and educational
Hey love your videos I just bought a kayak and was wondering if u have an tips on how to keep it secure on top of a sedan without a roof rack/if its safe to do so. Thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for the helpful hacks!
I run my straps through the drain holes in sit on top kayak. Never have an issue with them moving.
Love the Vids Dan. keep em coming. You talked me into getting my first Kayak. Haven't had it out yet. Hope I can self rescue. I'm 70 but I'm going for it....
Try to hook up with other paddlers in your area. It’s always best to practice with a group if possible.
Practicing is the best thing you can do. I suggest it because if you flip while paddling you won’t panic not knowing what to do. Also recommend inflatable float bags if you have a sit in kayak it helps with buoyancy and will help you flip your kayak back over before to much water gets inside. Good luck have fun paddling
@@juliehensley3913 Thanks Juie. I plan on practicing (and confirming my ability to) recover a capsize. I got a sit on top fishing kayak. Came without a paddle so I'm looking for one of those. I live in the Pacific Northwest where the water temp is f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g (47) even in the summer, so I got a dry suit to even do the tests. I'll check it all out when I get a chance.
@@HeadwatersKayak Thanks, I live on the Olympic Peninsula and don't know anyone who kayaks. May have to start a group. Name: North Olympic Paddle Enthusiats (NOPE). Hahaha! Like to try some fishing.
I flipped for the first time a couple days ago. I knew I would one day, its inevitable and as a non swimmer something I feared happening. Thanks to my vest It was not near as bad as I always thought it would be. Actually it was kind of fun.
Super useful! Thank you!
Awesome ideas thanks much 🙌🏼
The paddle incident was HILARIOUS 😂
The sponge. Definitely a helpful tip. Got the rest of the emergency things covered
Sponge is a life saver!
LOL...I did the same thing in my WalMart in Florida with the paddles
Great tips. Just bought our kayaks today!
Really appreciate this video, lot of great tips in here. Thank you guys.
Thanks for letting me know I'm doing it better with my spider web of rope and trucker knots, than I would with ratchet straps! It takes me a little longer but my kayak ain't going anywhere!
Great tips, thanks from a newbie.
Great video guys, I learned a lot about kayak hacks. Keep up the good work and you and your family continue to stay safe.
Great advice, I’m just starting out. Thank you!
Awesome
You can get a set of 12ft cam buckle straps for a good price at Tractor Supply Company that are preferable to Wally World ratchet straps.
I use the cam buckle straps also.. Perfect!
Great info! Appreciate the rope and ratchet tie down tip!
Yup it’s a game changer.
I'm new to kayak fishing and really appreciate the hacks. I've subscribed
Saw a guy with a rucksack, set up a kayacat right out that rucksack, set the sail up, put fishing rod holders on it..... Got on, sailed out to the middle of a lake, dropped anchor and fished!! All out of a rucksack!!! Brilliant!!
THE SPONGE IDEA IS AMAZING!!
Thanks. Works great!
I bought that exact same green paddle and really like it, I also bought that exact same vest you said to buy and I also have the whistle. I bought that foam seat to set on myself in my kayak. I have a Old Town Vapor 10, I got it used from a co-worker. I am a beginner kayaker, only been out 3 times so far on a lake. Video is on my channel of the three trips. I like all those recommendations and will be looking into getting some of them. Our Walmart is about like yours, no kayaks in the store, no bikes and very few kayak accessories. Been that way now for a month!! Again great video!! Juddie - J & J TOA
I use a truckers hitch for baggage on my camels. The quick release allows me to protect them should the load move and saves injuring the stock. Camping, kayaking meharee...good to go!
Make sure the whistle is a pealess whistle. No ball inside. The reflective tape and sponge is a good idea.
Great video. Thanks for sharing!👍❤️
Amazing tips guys. Thank you!
WOW, another great video. Thanks guys.
great video! learned a few things that I will use...
The kayaking craze has really taken off here in South Dakota.
I'm too old for paddling now, but I love kayaks... I am searching for a removable trolling motor mount...
We just bought 2 kayaks two weeks ago, we searched for a month and not a single store had any. Cabela’s, Sheels, Dicks, Walmart you name it None. Finally a I found 2 in Elk River Walmart. She said that they received 30 and sold all but two in 4 days.