New to the Kayaking World "NEWBIE"

Everyone -

I cannot express my gratitude enough on the information and warm welcome you have given me...  I know I keep saying this but it is greatly appreciated.

If and when we all get together the beers - cokes - liquor is on me.  "One round only please" I need the money to buy more gear... LOL   I may do two rounds...

I am going to take some pictures of the gear I purchased and post it tomorrow.  Maybe it can shed some light on what is good and what needs to be put back on the shelf.

Great ideas - I am heading to Wally World to get a sponge "I love it" - It just makes since - I would have never thought of that...

Guys, Thank you!!!!!

Roger

Not sure if I should go with the straight handle or the curvatures handle???  any ideas on that???

I do not have the boat as of yet because I am having a few thing installed.  Its paid for though 

Yesterday I purchased:

Kraken - GI Jackson
Life Jacket
Tow Rope
Rain Gear - Not the $1000 (Good Lord!!!!!!!)
Wheels
Rudder

Things to buy: (Any Ideas)

Fish Finder
Battery
Anything else you think I will need???

Thanks for all the help..

Roger

I would look at the Werner Camano paddle in a 240 cm length. As long as you don't step on it or slam it in the tailgate, it should be the last paddle you buy. The fiberglass blades make it lightweight and you won't lose energy to paddle flutter. I'd also recommend sticking with a straight shaft paddle rather than a bent shaft.

There are a ton of options out there for fish finders. It is really going to come down to what you need and are willing to spend on it. If you are going out on the ocean GPS is a very nice feature to have as it will help you get back to your launch if the fog rolls in. Just make sure that whatever unit you go with you have a battery that has the capacity to last all day. I recently picked up a Lowrance Elite-5 HDI. That thing sucks down juice pretty quickly. I was using a 12V 7AH, as I recall, GSLA battery and it only lasted about 4 hours.

So if I get the LE-HDI which battery do you recommend?

Thanks for the good info.

  I have the same fishfinder--- a Lowrance Elite 5 HDI and run a Cabelas' 12 volt sealed 8 amp battery and get about 16 hours from a full charge. I reckon the right battery makes a big difference.
  There are a lot of possible options available...............choose wisely.

safety gear first after purchase of yak and paddle.

Roger, I'm going to second this "Survival/Safety gear first" comment.  Get the best outerwear you can afford at this time, and skip the high end paddle and a depth finder if you must budget.  Those toys aren't worth diddly if you suddenly find yourself in the water.

Even leaking "a small amount of water" can be a Really Bad Thing when you're sitting in a cold breeze, and a "small leak" can, in reality, be a life-threatening leak if you find yourself treading water and both the shore and your vehicle are way over there - - - - - - - - - - - - - ->

Take care of yourself first, worry about flash and bling later.

Fella's,

I moved over to the product description page and started a new thread.  I have also, posted pictures there like I mention.

I did not want the Moderator to tell me I should be discussing products there and not on the Intro Site. 

I hope to continue the discussion and help.

Roger

Well, I thought I posted but, I do not know where it went?


Roger

There's nothing worse when you spend a lot of time typing and posting pictures and your post disappears. I will try to repost again later more like tomorrow.

Mods maybe, you can help???

Roger