Breaking in a New Kayak

This past Fall, I bought myself a new type of kayak. I only had a chance to get it out and practice assembling it in my driveway at first, then I had a chance to put it in the water once. Then winter set in. Now I’m waiting for warmer weather in Maine so I can get her out for paddling and fishing fun.

I ordered the largest model of kayak the company offered. This is new to me… I’ve never bought a kayak in a box before.

I admit I was a bit wary at first. I wasn’t too sure about a kayak tha only weighs about 40 odd pounds and is supposed to have a carry capacity of about 500 pounds.

It took a half hour to 45 minutes to set it up the first time. The entire kayak folds up like origami.

I had to admit….. once I got the kayak together, it seemed to be fairly solid.

I took the new kayak to Fox Pond in an area close to home.

The kayak handled fairly well. Actually was better than I expected. I’m looking forward to getting out on the water more this summer coming up. I was surprised at how roomy the kayak seemed to be. I haven’t had her out in rough weather yet, but I feel this will be a pretty great fish getter.

Once trip was over and I got back home, the kayak was easy enough to prop against the side of my car in order to rinse off the dirt from dragging the kayak over the sand getting it out of the water. I’m looking forward to seeing how long this kayak holds up over time.

There’s a lot of ponds and lakes in Maine…. Along with rivers full of great fishing holes. I’m thinking this kayak might be great for hiking into remote areas to fish. Since this kayak has a large freight capacity, I’m thinking of hauling my tent and camping gear out onto small remote islands that are otherwise difficult to access. The seats can be configured for single or double occupancy and the single seat set up will be great for me and my new service dog. Concerned about the dog’s toenails however, so I believe a length of rolled up astroturf spread along the bottom of the kayak where the dog sits would probably be a good idea.

There’s a few extra accessories that I want to add in the near future. Inflatable floatation for both ends of the kayak, a small hand pump, and I’m going to see about adding rod holders to carry my fly rods when I’m trout fishing.

All in all….. I’m liking the portability of the kayak so far.