My wife and I picked up a couple of sit on tops a couple of years ago. Not too knowledgeable on the sport other than what we have done with ours. The drought has really affected the rivers close to us (Brazos / Paluxy), so we have mostly paddled in the small lake at Cleburne State Park which is also quite low now. Need to get them out more now! Will check out these links...Thx beechnut.
The Coastal Paddling trails are quite nice down here (Port Lavaca, Magnolia, Freeport, etc...). Pretty much the whole bay area is great for a yak. Be sure of your skills though, an ocean yak will fair good down here, though I use a sit in (very rough with the waves/wind). If you're into fishing, it doesn't get better than on a yak.
Yeah I have a pelican sit inside but like a poster mentioned earlier the drought has been brutal on my local river (lampasas). I used to be able to do a 15 mile route but now if I wanted to go out my choices are a lake (boring IMO) or rivers that are farther away. Part of me wishes it would rain more so I could kayak more then part of me realizes that would mean less mountain biking, hah.
Yep...paddled a lot. Quick advice...get a touring kayak 15.5' long or longer of a volume to match your weight/size, with either a rudder or drop down skeg.
Accessorize with: the lightest paddle that you are willing to spend the money on (kinda like light wheels) as you lift the paddle 100's of times every mile, bilge pump, paddle float, learn how to self rescue when you tip over, a well fitting pfd, water shoes that don't have straps to catch on the footbraces (think upside down under water, foot caught...), a way to transport your kayak...roof rack or trailer.
That'll get you started.
Local shops often have demo days where you can try out different boats.
My wife and I picked up a couple of sit on tops a couple of years ago. Not too knowledgeable on the sport other than what we have done with ours. The drought has really affected the rivers close to us (Brazos / Paluxy), so we have mostly paddled in the small lake at Cleburne State Park which is also quite low now. Need to get them out more now! Will check out these links...Thx beechnut.
The ~20mi paddle from the Possum Kingdom tailrace to the Hwy 4 take out (Rochelle's) is still doable even with our dismal water conditions. I've done this trip a few times as an overnighter, and also as a 2 nighter. In my experience, it's best enjoyed as liesurely as possible.
I have a Ocean Kayak Trident 15 and love it great in the bays south of Houston , nice long and stable ,,, I would suggest if you get a long yak take the hit and get the rudder makes paddling distance so much nicer.............
Cool pics beechnut. That Brazos trip looked like a big event... Where in Texas was that? I wonder if the Brazos is still as bountiful there now, as it was in 2008. Very shallow up here in North Texas.
I've also been out to Moab and Arches National Park, as well as Fruita / Grand Junction and it's all killer country..... But never been to Wyoming! Wow that's beautiful. That buffalo #1 pic, are you sure that's not a Sasquatch?
I have a Ocean Kayak Trident 15 and love it great in the bays south of Houston , nice long and stable ,,, I would suggest if you get a long yak take the hit and get the rudder makes paddling distance so much nicer.............
agreed I love that thing; I leave my buddy behind on the long paddles just not the greatest when we get into the narrow marshes its a 18 wheeler turning and tight but I can live with that
LinkBack URL
About LinkBacks
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by keithrad
