Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more

General => Gear Questions, Information, Reviews and Competitions => Topic started by: Savage Parrot on September 01, 2012

Title: Kayak advice
Post by: Savage Parrot on September 01, 2012

Folks

At the end of the month I am going to complete my BCU Star 2 Award, after this I am looking to buy a Kayak so I can get some experience, I intend to initially specialize in inland water and surf with a view to getting my Level 1 coaching and progressing onto my Star 3.  Really I am looking for some advice on what sort of Kayak I should be looking to buy, bearing in mind I'm just over six foot and lets just say I like my grub!!  So I need one that floats well!

Any advice on a make/style of boat I should be looking at and also if anyone has any thoughts on where I could go or who I could join to gain some experience I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

SP

Title: Re: Kayak advice
Post by: FlapJack on September 01, 2012

Hi Savage, i am a member of The Foyle Paddlers, the contact details and forms for membership can be found on.  http://www.foylepaddlersisfun.net/

we are based in the North West so it depends on where you live, am sure there are other members here with a suggestion on a club in your area.

Joining a club will give you experience, tuition, gear, gear advice, loads of people are willing to help and of the same mind set.  I was going to buy my own kayak until i joined the club, but now i will wait.  You can really take this time to test out each discipline before committing to your own purchases.

Title: Re: Kayak advice
Post by: Kayakgirl on September 01, 2012

I'm a member of http://www.lisburncitypaddlers.co.uk/, they will give you sound advice on what type of boat to purchase and will even let you try out one of their boats.

Title: Re: Kayak advice
Post by: Damp Colin on September 01, 2012

H Savage the best thing you could do is join a club near you. I'm also a member of Lisburn City Paddlers we mostly do whitewater and surf which your looking for. Through the club i've achieved my level one coaching and 3 star award hopefully doing my 4 star before the end of the year.
As i said earlier join your local club, get advice and try out club members boats to see which one would suit your needs. If you have any other questions give me a shout and i'll try to guide you to whats right for your future goals

Colin  ;D