I have been looking for a deal on a decent used kayak. I found that Dick’s has a Perception Swifty 9’6" sit in kayak for $299.98. Looking at the reviews on the net, it appears to be a pretty good beginner yak. My son and I would be using it in calm waters, tidal creeks, etc… He is 14. Does anyone have any first hand knowledge about this yak and what should I look for when buying a paddle?
Thanks
It’s not a bad yak. It is short, so it’s not fast and it doesn’t track very well. I know there’s a big difference between $300 and $450, but the Perception sport Patriot 12 is a lot more yak.
FOr a paddle, size it to him and the yak. At 14 he’s going to keep growing. Jordanonayak has put a whole lot of miles on the $20 SeaSense paddle from WalMart. It’s cheap,has spoon blades and an adjustable feather angle. You can spend a whole lot more, you can buy a whole lot better- lighter- stronger-more efficient, but this is a surprisingly good paddle for $20.
Who’s ready for a sleigh ride?
www.kayakfishsc.com
This post was somewhat contradictory. Go with your gut, buy used, avoid sales tax and it will hold value better. TB is right, a 12 or 14 would be a lot better. Check craigslist in hilton head, columbia, and myrtle.
I would say that he should go with at least a 12’ Kayak. His weight and arm strength also come into play here but if he is up to it then a nice cheap $20 Kmart paddle will certainly get the job done and build some upper body strength. I have used the Sea Sense paddles heavily and found that they last about a year with weekly use/abuse. Two had a paddle blade break and the other succumbed to aluminum metal fatigue. Still cheaper than a $300 carbon fiber work of art that needs TLC.
14’ Pamlico 140 Angler w/ rudder
Kayak, SCUBA, or both.