How safe are kayaks?

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
1

Hey I am 16 and i really wanna be able to move in the water so i can get to different spots that you cant get to on piers but i cant get a boat so i was just wondering how safe they are and if you need much training to be able to ride one safetly… also the car i would use to transport it would be a volvo station wagon … could i just strap it to the top of that?.. thanks

2

also what would be a good kayak <500$

3

Kayaks are as safe as the people in them and as unsafe as the powerboaters that try to run over them. :frowning_face:

Seriously though, there are some inherent but manageable risks associated with kayaking.

  1. drowning. wear a PFD
  2. heart attack. you’re 16, so don’t sweat that one
  3. hypothermia in winter. not a problem now, but dress appropriately in cold weather.
  4. heatstroke / heat exhaustion. drink plenty of liquids, do what you can to stay cool with clothing, hat, takin a swim:wink:
  5. sunburn. wear sunscreen
  6. being run over by a powerboat. I’m serious on this one. It happens sometimes. Reflective tape on your yak and your pfd, proper light if kayaking after dark, a brigt orange bicycle flag isn’t a bad idea. Sitting in my yak, the top of my head is about 3 feet above the water.
  7. sinking. Sit on tops usually don’t sink. MOST sit ins don’t sink. Or let me rephrase that. I won’t by a sit in that doesn’t have flotation. Either a sealed compartment, flotation foam, or foat bags. If you have to, put a bunch of pool noodles in the yak to keep it from sinking if it swamps.
  8. Flipping or turning turtle. Kayaker’s motto: Rig to flip, Dress to swim. it may not happen often, but it happens…usually at the worst possible time.

I can carry 2 yaks on a Miata, so a Volvo wagon is a piece of cake. foam pads, a couple of straps, and some rope… you’re good to go.

Which yaks for <500?
If you get lucky you can pick up a mainstream kingfish, tarpon 120, 140, or 160, a Perception Search, Ocean Kayak , Wilderness Ride in the sit on tops.
For sit ins I’m a huge fan of Liquid Logic Stingray, QKW (made in Canada…not too common, but awesome to paddle if you find one), almost any Wilderness Systems or Perception in the 12-14 foot range

Yaks I don’t like for fishing:
Pelican. Heavy, slow, hard to steer. not the best hull designs
Dagger Callisto: very fast TOURING YAK. not sufficient space for a good fishing platform though
Perception Dancer. GREAT CREEK BOAT!!! bad f

4

There’s a WS Ride 135 on graigslist in Summerville for $800…great price for a rigged yak.</font id=“blue”>

5

If you do end up buying a kayak, ask someone here on the forums if they will join you for your first trip. Not only will they increase your chance of catching fish, but they will also pull you out of the water if needed. The buddy system works well for kayaking.
Also, don’t head straight for the harbor your first time out.

14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Switching to lead-free tackle.

6

Listen to what TooBusy says. Lots of truth there. Keep an eye on craiglist. I bought my fishing yak (and two others since) off there. In addition to the Ride 135, someone is selling 2 Emotion Mojo Anglers right now which may work for you.

As for other boats and safety, I rely on a motto that keeps me safe while driving…“plan on the other people to be idiots”.

Check out sckayakfishing.com as well for lots of fellow yak fishers.

John

1996 Sunbird Spirit 170 - 112 Johnson
15’ Ocean Kayak Scupper Pro

7
quote:
Originally posted by Too Busy

Kayaks are as safe as the people in them and as unsafe as the powerboaters that try to run over them. :frowning_face:

I told you I was sorry about that!! Why can’t you just let it go already!!!

Be there or be on the Short Bus!!

2005 236 Sailfish
225 Yamaha 4-stroke

8
quote:
Originally posted by 23Sailfish
quote:
Originally posted by Too Busy

Kayaks are as safe as the people in them and as unsafe as the powerboaters that try to run over them. :frowning_face:

I told you I was sorry about that!! Why can’t you just let it go already!!!

Be there or be on the Short Bus!!

2005 236 Sailfish
225 Yamaha 4-stroke

No sweat, just take me fishing and all is forgiven.

Seriously though, I get anxious in the ICW wen some ofthe big sporty’s come blasting through.

So much water, So little time