I will be purchasing a kayak in the next few months and don't know where to start. It will primarily be used in the open bay and backwaters so there will be some swells. Obviously I want something that can accommodate my photography but possibly fishing as well. It will be docked 90% of the time, so weight isn't much of an issue for me. Thanks in advance.
Hi Luke, I've got a Hobie Mirage that I think would be perfect for the Great South Bay. Because you pedal it, you can really cover a lot of ground without much effort. I've got a tandem model. It's not too heavy. There is some dry storage that will fit your camera, and can be accessed easily. (I still put my camera in a dry bag). Here on the west coast this model is pretty popular as a fishing kayak for ocean use. http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/index.html I suggest that you rent one and try it out first. Here's one fisherman using one:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7KaswgXb1I
I have a friend who has a kayak that has been rigged for photography. Think it is up for sale. He lives in CT. I don't know any more info than that, but if you email me I'll check out the details or give you his email. He is a former member of NPN.
I'd recommend one of the Native Watercraft Ultimate http://www.nativewatercraft.com/overview_all.cfm. A cross between a canoe and a kayak, they are very stable. If you are confident enough you can even stand in them to cast (or take photos). I haven't tried standing because my knees make it difficult to get to a standing position from the low seat but I know it can be done. You sit low and use a double paddle as you would in a closed deck kayak. I have two of them, a solo model and a convertible tandem model. They're great for photography.
I have a Native 14.5 solo and would recommend it! Mine also has the electric motor and I sometimes use that as a stable base for the camera. I've tried to tip it and it is reeeally difficult...extremely stable. Got a good deal on it too, from the Jersey Paddler in Lakewood...not too far for you. I fish from it too, and I DO keep my camera in a dry bag most of the time. Sharon
I do a lot of shooting out of a kayak and have been using a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 14. I keep the camera in a dry bag between my legs and that has worked well. It allows me to cover a good amount of distance on the open water here in Miami. I have been looking into a Native Ultimate as a additional boat and think it would work well for shooting.
In my experience, for backwater areas a canoe is much more maneuverable than a kayak and easier to use as a shooting platform. But if you will also be shooting in open water, the kayak will be much easier to paddle, especially against wind and waves. A wider kayak will be more stable (feel less tippy) than the narrower sea kayaks but will not be as fast. This translates as more effort to paddle the beamier kayak, but it may not be important if you won't be paddling great distances.
We used to live on Long Island, and if the Peconic Paddler is still in existence, they can provide good advice on choosing a kayak and will let you try before you buy. If not, as Sharon mentioned, the Jersey Paddler is an excellent resource with a wide selection of kayaks and canoes which they will also let you try before you buy. My husband and I have bought several canoes from them and found them to be courteous and helpful.
The Peconic Paddler is still around (they've been rumored to close 100 times over the years) and was thinking of heading in there for some advice. I also used to work with someone (Cpt. Kayak) who runs an outfit out of a restaurant/marina so that should be a good starting place as well.
I would love to get a kayak with a peddle/rudder system but that's out of the price range unfortunately. Thanks to all for the suggestions - keep them coming!
- Luke
Posted by Kent Staubus on June 12, 2010 at 12:12 PM
I think they are all basically the same. I would get one about 16 ft. long, with a skeg. I would also spend some money on a paddle. I would also get a Pelican case or similar for the photo gear.
Hi Luke - I use a Old Town Castine (~12'-13') on the tidal rivers in Maine. Dry bags are a definite must as is a skirt. A good light paddle is also great to have. BTW - I have taken my 20D and 40D out many times but have not had the courage to take my 5D MarkII out yet.
For paddles, I would definitely recommend Onno, I got my second on order. Hand made by one guy for same price as big name mass produced carbon fiber. http://www.onnopaddles.com/
Discussion
10 replies- Luke
In my experience, for backwater areas a canoe is much more maneuverable than a kayak and easier to use as a shooting platform. But if you will also be shooting in open water, the kayak will be much easier to paddle, especially against wind and waves. A wider kayak will be more stable (feel less tippy) than the narrower sea kayaks but will not be as fast. This translates as more effort to paddle the beamier kayak, but it may not be important if you won't be paddling great distances.
We used to live on Long Island, and if the Peconic Paddler is still in existence, they can provide good advice on choosing a kayak and will let you try before you buy. If not, as Sharon mentioned, the Jersey Paddler is an excellent resource with a wide selection of kayaks and canoes which they will also let you try before you buy. My husband and I have bought several canoes from them and found them to be courteous and helpful.
The Peconic Paddler is still around (they've been rumored to close 100 times over the years) and was thinking of heading in there for some advice. I also used to work with someone (Cpt. Kayak) who runs an outfit out of a restaurant/marina so that should be a good starting place as well.
I would love to get a kayak with a peddle/rudder system but that's out of the price range unfortunately. Thanks to all for the suggestions - keep them coming!
- Luke
Kent in SD