Kayaking For Seniors - Picking the Best Kayak - Episode 1
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- čas přidán 14. 01. 2023
- Kayaking for seniors is popular. The first question a senior citizen asks is, "what is the best kayak for a senior beginner?" It does not matter if you are a senior woman or man... in my opinion, the answer is the same when picking the best kayak for seniors, whether for exercise or fishing. It has to be lightweight, stable, and suitable for older guys and gals. It all comes down to the pros and cons of a sit on top vs a sit inside kayak.
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I love the idea of a series about seniors and kayaks.
I am 71 and have an Old Town Loon 126 sit in rigged for fishing. The Loon series has large cockpits making it a little easier to get in and out of. Much larger than the perception in his video. The Loon is very easy to paddle compared to any sit on top. Also it has an adjustable seat that is very comfortable. The kayak is made of a 3 layer shell and is more durable than any roto-molded kayak. There is a price to pay for this construction as it adds some weight. Also a sit in kayak is cooler in the summer and warmer in the fall or winter since your legs are out of the sun.
Thank you for those points.
I'm 70 years old. I have two sit in kayaks and a couple canoes. I get in and out of my kayaks (both) a easy as pie. You just need to learn the proper methods. I'm not taking shots at you. I like most of your videos, but I don't agree with this one. It doesn't matter how old you are. If you're out of shape, you're out of shape. 😊 Also remember sit in puts you closer to the water= stable. Also drier with a sit in which means a longer season.
LOL! Shape is everything
I'm 74, in good shape and only have experience with sit in kayaks. I love the responsiveness of being connected to the boat with my butt, knees and feet. It gives me a lower center of gravity that gives me a sense of security. I guess if you enjoy the paddling part of the activity, a sit in enhances the experience more, if fishing is the intended use, the sit on top allows for more variation of movement and a stable platform for standing if necessary. I agree that the exit movement is the toughest to master, but there are helpful videos on that as well. The weight is a critical consideration if car topping. I put rollers on the rear of my cartop rack so I only have to lift half the weight at a time and roll the hull forward.
You make some good points! It all comes down to preference and intended use
Thank you, Steve. I have been looking forward to this series of videos. Excellent information for us seniors.
More to come!
Very good information, thanks.
Well done. The street end on the Big Davis Canal where my wife and I live attracts a lot of kayakers putting in and taking out or just passing by while fishing or sight seeing. Watching them underlines the truth of your observations and suggestions. Keep up the good work. It should be very helpful to those of any age interested in getting a good kayak for their use.
lol! It must be humorous to try and watch folks get out of the sit inside kayaks!
Great info !! Nice video
Excellent! Ty!
great info! I'm about to buy a kayak- just need a buddy to kayak with here in the Atlanta metro area
Another Awesome video!
I NEVER considered a sit-inside kayak (I was in my 60s when I bought my first kayak -- wish they'd had all these choices when I was younger!); even when young I wasn't comfortable sitting with my legs straight out.
That first kayak was a Perception Striker with a 2-height molded seat. My back was killing me! I used the lower one, bought a seat (cost 20+% of the kayak, but it worked), and built a seat extension using large pool noodles cut in half and duct-taped together. I paddled BUT was never real good at that.
My second kayak was a Hobie Outback. Great kayak! But I upgraded to the Pro Angler 12 360. The WEIGHT is certainly a huge detail to consider. I have the Boonedox wheels and often there are younger guys (I'm 70 now) who will haul it out of the water. I also have the Dynamic Dolly which REALLY makes it more manageable. But I had to "borrow" my old Outback while the PA was in for repair, and I'm wondering if I should either get an Outback next time OR get me a trailer!
I did get a Hobie inflatable kayak. It was light, but I felt it wasn't anywhere near as stable as the Outback or PA. Not sure how the others "stack up."
Even though I'm a confirmed Hobie pedal kayak user, I'm REALLY looking forward to your future videos in this series! Plus I'm sure you'll include links or repeats of some of the safety products: you inspired me to buy my SPOT for emergencies. I've never had to use it, but I feel much safer having it at all times.
Thank you for those insights. I know people read the comments and I hope they look at this one. Good point on the safety. I have 8 episodes done and forgot about that topic! Episode #9 coming up!
@@KayakhacksFishing Thanks! I mean, WHO needs safety reminders more than us elders? 😆
Hi, Steve. I’ve moved from a hobie revolution to a hobie lynx and I think the lynx, though expensive is absolutely the best kayak out there for seniors. At 47 lbs it super easy to care top, its really stable, its pedal driven, and the seat is really comfortable. Again it’s expensive, but I now fish out of more than I did the big heavy hobie revolution and at the end of the day, I guess that’s what it’s all about.
Thanks for sharing.
I agree Hobie Lynx, I'm 75 and it is so easy to use I also fish with it. Love it.
I appreciate that endorsement! Hopefully, folks look at it as an option
Hey Dad, this was a great video. Looking forward to the series. Mom will not like those kayaks sitting in backyard for long.
You got that right!
Steve very good information. I would like to add one thing. When you start the day everything might be feeling great. Later on your arm or shoulder could stiffen up. You can always peddle a paddle kayak but you can’t peddle a paddle. It’s a good idea to have two modes of propelling.
Correction:
You can always paddle a peddle but you cannot peddle a paddle
This is a great idea for an episode. I am part of the grey-haired club. I have been paddling canoes for the last 40 years and just recently bought a sit on top kayak to try out. One of the differences I so far between the canoe and kayak is loading and unloading from the top of the car. The sit on top kayak is bulkier and hard to grab. My Old Town Pack canoe weighs just 33 lbs and I can lift it and carry it straight to the water. I do like the scupper holes in the sit on top kayak to keep the water out and the fact that I can stand up on a sit on top kayak to stretch my legs on those long days out fishing. I cannot wait to view the next episode.
Here is a good tip on loading the kayak on an SUV. I have an episode on kayak carts coming up as well. czcams.com/video/1GrLiLInZEM/video.html
I really enjoyed that video. Great summary of the basic types - and I also enjoyed the background bird chirping 😋. I'm not quite an old geezer yet, more of an OGIT (Old Geezer In Training), but the principles still apply. Looking forward to the others.
The 1st tandem my wife and I tried was a Hobie Tandem paddle of some type (it looked a lot like your green one). I absolutely hated it because the seat nearly destroyed my back. At the end of day one, we were paddling against an outgoing tide, the seat wouldn't hold its position, and my back was knotting up pretty badly. If I were in that situation now (row back in intense pain or get sucked out into the Gulf) and had to choose what to do, I'd have to think about the options 🤔. We went with sit-on-top pedal and never looked back (well, we look back when a fish hits one of the trolling lines, but that's different 😂🤣😂). It is heavy and we need a trailer and boat ramp to launch it, but it is worth it for us.
Yep. The tandem has bad seats. When I use it as a single, I have an aftermarket seat I use.
Brilliant video mate,i,m retiring next year aged 55 & i live by the sea in the north east of england & am looking at getting a sit on top next year,really looking forward to it.
Have fun
I have a Old Town Loon that is 12 feet long. I love it, is fast and great ride, but getting out little difficult at times especially if I have spent some time in it. I discovered a machine at the gym that is for dip up exercising and it really strengthens the muscles used to lift my butt out of the seat .
As long as it works for you, no need to change!
Super important video.
Thanks for watching
I have both and I’m in my mid sixties. It depends on where we are going and what we are doing. For just paddling a sit in will do,for fishing ,sit on top. We try to go places with a kayak launch or at least a dock. What helps me to get out is a four foot stick. I use it as a support to get out of the sit in. I also use it as a anchor in shallow water. Just put it through the ring on the anchor trolley to hold you in place.
Great tip! Thanks
Great info. I absolutely love my Lifetime Tamarack kayak. I tried to customize it with a folding stadium seat but being 6'2" , it raised my center of gravity and I felt like I was going to tip. When you get to the transporting segment I have a hack for keeping the kayak cart from sliding off.
I would love to hear it! Hacks are great!
@Kayak Hacks Fishing one of the issues I have with using the cart is no matter how tight I make the straps, since the Tamarack narrows, the straps will slide and I've had the kayak slide off the cart. Especially when going over some rough terrain or bumps. What I did was get some mirror mounting hardware and pointed them towards the front of the kayak. Now the straps stay in place, the hardware is low profile and it gives a reference as to where to put the wheels.
@@glennrobbins2372 Great solution!
@@KayakhacksFishing It was a flash of brilliance that scared the heck out of me.
At 82 yo, and a bad back, weight is important. Would love to get a petal drive but don't see how I could get it on top of my Forester. And I don't want to deal with a trailer because my home street has a lot of traffic and backing the trailer into my driveway would take a lot of practice. Maybe I can run down to the coast and see about a day rental. But dog gone it, I really wanted a petal drive.
I hear you. The pedal drives are all heavy. I am not familiar with all the models. I recommend you look around and see if somebody makes a light one. Would this way to load it work for you? czcams.com/video/1GrLiLInZEM/video.html
Check out the hobie lynx at 47 lbs. about as like as they come before inflatables.
Good review, Steve. I liked how you pointed-out that everyone has their own preferences. I'm 69, and still have good mobility in the joints, although the knees tend to suffer occasionally, depending on what activity I've done (kayaking, ebike riding, walking the dog at the park, etc, etc). I prefer my sit-on style kayak (Feel Free 11.5 Lure), and there's no way I'd use a sit-in type. Hell, there have been days I've spent 4 hrs straight on the lake paddling, and when I returned to the dock basically rolled onto the dock because I had been sitting for 4 hrs. Other days, getting onto the dock was easier. Every outting is different. Looking firward to the subsequent "senior" videos.
lol! You and me both! I've got a year on you and am not getting younger. But, as you know, you have to MOVE to stay in shape and young!
@@KayakhacksFishing Absolutely, have to keep moving. 👍
I'm 57 soon to be 58. I have a 2015 Future Beach Mariner 10.4 sit-in. it's 123.5" long, 31.75" wide, 13" tall, cockpit is 38.4" x 21.5". I can get in and out some what easy. Super stable and tracks pretty good.
Sounds great!
William Barron
0 seconds ago
Steve,
I just found your channel and I am very impressed with your experience and depth of knowledge. We are lucky to have you sharing. You and I are both older (72 for me) but I think that is where the similarity ends. My wife and I (both shorter individuals) have no kayaking experience and are very interested to begin tandem paddling on quiet ponds and lakes in the Sacramento area (we are both quite fit for our age). I am a novice fisherman and very interested to begin solo kayak fishing, again on quiet waters.
Your comments about lighter weight, longer, sit-on, all make perfect sense. I was, however, a bit surprised to hear your comments about the safety of inflatables. I have been looking hard at the Aquaglide Blackfoot 160 that can double as a a recreational tandem for my wife and myself. The lighter weight, portability (in and out of storage and to and from water) and storability of this craft are huge positives. It is my understanding that this kayak is extremely stable ( I will not fish in wind over 15mph), has a very firm, drop stitch floor on which one can stand (I doubt that I would), great seats, scupper drains, numerous universal mounts, a fin box for attaching a small battery powered motor, and is constructed of Duratex pvc tough enough to handle the vast majority of encounters with hooks, docks, etc. Will will never be on water with rocks and fast moving water. Admittedly this is a higher end inflatable, but I would be very interested on your thoughts about safety of this particular craft that can double as tandem recreational and fishing vessel. Thanks for putting up with this long-winded query.
I am just nervous about using an inflatable where I fish. There are sharp oyster beds all over the place that might puncture it. Where you are, that is probably not an issue
@@KayakhacksFishing Steve, I really do not wish to be argumentative. I expect many people kayak in areas where there are no hazards such as oyster shells. I t seems to me that we seniors are missing an opportunity be at least not considering a well made inflatable. This type of vessel is much easier to transport from storage to vehicle and from vehicle to the water. Storage is also an advantage. Thanks for considering.
@@user-ne5gr7pp1p Point well taken!
Top notch information. I don’t think there’s 1% of us old people that would be happy with a set in. Simple not an option. I have a bonafide ss127. Stable. Very comfortable.. I think the only downside is the weight. I think 9 4 lbs. I bought a kayak trailer,which I highly recommend, and that ended the loading it on the truck feasco…. Thanks
The weight is the big negative on the really stable kayaks - they have to be wide... and that adds weight.
"...some of them even have good information."😂😂😂
Great that you suggested Aliex. This series will be the most viewed ever. One other note. If your shoulders or arms are getting tired you’re not paddling correctly. It should be your core stomach muscles and twisting your core that does the paddling, right?
Yes, if you do low angle paddling as I do. I never understood why some adopt the high angle technique that relies on arm strength. That will wear you out!
Interesting video BUT not all "sit inside" Kayaks have the limitations you pointed out. Most actually have a LOT of storage.
Good point - there are many models
Have you reviewed the Oru folding kayak line?
No, I will have to look at it
Also helpful for those of us in our 50s but with bad arthritis. Thanks for this series!
You bet!
Or those of us in our late 20s that worked our knees and back off early 😅
Tried the sit in and getting out was hard with bad knees. So then I tried the sit on top much easier to get off. . First kayak was a lifetime weber . That got stolen from so the upgraded to a vibe sea ghost 130 rudder in back controlled by foot. But any not too bad for a 66 young ancient fisherman.
lol! We have to stay active!
For old folks id recommend to get a sit on top instead of a sit inside , Unless you are a light person and flexible. Sit inside kayaks are also tippy because most are for performance. Sit on top are more stable and you can sit inside much easier.
Exactly!
If weight is an issue maybe a canoe would be the way to go. Some of them are under 20 lbs.
I agree - it all depends on where you use the boat.
Some good points here, but I do not feel you should dismiss inflatables and other portable solutions so quickly. Yes, cheap inflatables may not be much more than pool toys, but that is not the case with more expensive ones. Many inflatables are extremely durable, have multiple air chambers, lightweight, easy to store, easy to transport, and are extremely stable! Think of all the whitewater rafts, portable dinghy’s, etc to name but a few examples. A good inflatable could be an excellent choice for many seniors!
Thank you for that insight!
Are older folk ALL really that stiff and awkward ??? Have you all given up? I’m going to be 77 in two months…just bought a sit in kayak…yes it takes a little getting used to ..but I LOVE IT . Light , paddles easily ( as opposed to the “rafts” you are promoting…feels like a sports car as opposed to a big old truck !
lol! Look around. Not many of us in our age bracket could be called fit.
Very biased info! Sit in are good for year round use and much more stable. Sit on top you have no protection from sun, wind, and, splash. 10 ft are lighter, easier to car top and store, and fit inside SUVs.
It all comes down to preference.
Oh dear, oh dear! While I really like your channel and the information it provides, I have to say, you did sit-in kayaks a serious disservice…and the Perception brand in particular! I’m in my middle 60s, am definitely in the overweight category and stand about 5’6”. I own a Perception sit-in…but it’s their FISHING kayak model which has a flat, wide hull made for, you guessed it, fishing specifically!
I’ve fished in some very nasty weather on big lakes in British Columbia, where I had breakers coming over the bow and yet felt as snug as a bug in a rug in my Perception Sound (9.5’) kayak. This thing floats like a cork and is easy to get in/out because the cockpit is wide and the HULL IS FLAT. And just for a bit more help in that department, I use a knotted nylon line attached to the bow handle to pull myself up if needed (imagine the gym rope test in high school). Works like a charm! I would never exit my kayak the way you did…who taught you to do it like that?!?
Best of all, because of the low profile a sit-in kayak has, my legs and body stay warm and dry. Gotta feel for the sit-on folks if the wind and waves pick up - They always look soooo coooold! With a sit-on, there’s also more surface area (your body) for the wind to hit, so you’re paddling even harder that necessary! And on summer days, my legs don’t get crispy, either.
Lastly, I truly enjoy watching those sit-on folks struggling to put their kayak on their vehicles. I put mine on a VAN roof just fine (and nobody would call me athletic by any measure!).
In summary, I agree, the cheapo sit-in kayaks from the big box stores (V HULLED) are, indeed, tippy and not, in my opinion, a good choice for fishing. But you compared a day paddling kayak (V hulled) to a sit-on fishing kayak. That’s not an honest comparison. Please, if you’re going to compare kayaks for seniors, you might want to get a sit-in kayak owner to represent the other side of things. You clearly don’t like them yourself!
Thank you for those good points!
Disappointed in your lack of knowledge about inflatables.
yes, they make me nervous