Its cold, so I'm thinking about Kayaks . . .

[Turkeypen]

Sort of cruiser related (it will ride atop a cruiser):

I have been wanting to do some week-long river or sound trips, and have been thinking about buying a touring or sea kayak. (I already have 2 whitewater, 1 tandem, and one sit on top). Looking at a Perception Essence 17 or Carolina 16, prefereably with Skeg and/or rudder. Plan on running the Cape Fear River this spring, camping (guerilla) along the way, taking out at the battleship in Wilmington.

I know Steve has some knowledge of Kayaks from Sunrift. Any advice?

 

[andystrwake]

My wife and I love our sea kayaks! Trying to put them on top my lifted Toyota's is a different story. What do you have questions about?

 

[Turkeypen]

I'm considering Perception products, The Carolina and The Esssence, and want to make sure I am considering the right boats and not missing an obviously better boat.

Ideally, the boat could carry gear/food for 5 days and be able to handle Class I and II whitewater as well as function well in the slackwater behind dams. Boat would need to also handle me, at 6'2" 200#.

I'd also be interested to know of any exceptional dealers or, better yet, stores for used boats.

 

[dohcdelsol93]

sunrift is a good place to purchase kayaks, they rent them so every so often i hear about used sales.


If you can get in with the guys that work at perception that is a great way to get kayaks, almost as good as having a buddy at the yota parts counter.

Their 2nd quality kayaks have killer price tags that can't be beat, serously crack addict prices. Unless the blemish is in the coloring chances are your not going to find the defect unless you build them.
Id check out a rental/retail place and rent both kayaks and compare the two. My buddy worked at perception for years and has about 5 different kayaks. I borrow them from him quite often. I prefer the sit on top kayak (more of a conoe). I especially prefer the sit on top in the ocean. I don't do much cruising/sight seeing with the kayaks unless its to/from the fishing spot. I prefer the sit on top so if i get knocked over by a wave or pulled down by a large catch i can easily flip the kayak back over several times if needed. It has plenty of storage area for all my gear and netting to keep it from going under in case of a turn over. It's heavy and doesn't fly across the water like some sleeker models. Wind is also more of an enemy sitting so high. I'll take the sit on top over all his white water or longer style sea kayaks any day. May not win any races but there is no need for a rush when i've got all day to fish and a cooler of cold beer.

 

[GarnerFJ40]

I've got two 14.5 Wilderness Systems kayaks (one Tsunami and one Cape Lookout) I'm 6'1" and 275, the Tsunami is mine, Lookout is the wife's. I have done the Upper Cape Fear from Jordan Dam to Erwin, NC. Those sections have some fun rapids a few drops, but nothing bad.

I've always wanted to do the entire Cape Fear as I live neat the Jordan Lake at the beginning, and I've got family in Wilmington.

 

[Brock]

I like the Perception and Wilderness Systems sea kayaks in 16-17 foot lengths. I was this close to buying one a couple months ago but am spoiled from a life of canoeing and decided on a 16.6 Bell Northwind instead.

 

[Turkeypen]

Thanks to all, this precisely the info I was looking for.

Brian, that is precisely the run that I am contemplating - - just below Jordan all the way to Wilmington where my Dad lives. (We seriously need to talk! Hoggard? Laney? New Hanover?) Maybe we can coordinate efforts on this as two are safer than one. I last did the Lillington to Erwin section in 1987, and it was a blast! The run is about 200 miles, which might be tough to do in a week, or we could divide it up (1) Fayettevile to Wilmington, 105 miles, and (2) Jordan to Fayetteville, a bit more. (I consider myself to be a strong paddler, but a very poor roller, i.e., "master of the 1/2 roll.")

My tandem is also a Wilderness Systems. Definitely want a long boat so I can maximize efficiency also one that would be competent in the chop of the Pamlico Sound.

Ever since Zippy Boatworks left Asheville, I have been buying my boats in SC. Sunriff is my first choice, but I would love to get a 2nd or Blem to save some cash.

 

[Southeast Overland]

Hey David - I haven't paddled seriously in awhile so my knowledge is dated. I suggest you call Sunrift and ask for Matt, Frost and Josh in that order - tell them you know me (on second hand don't) and they will hook you up. Better yet swing by one day and we'll have a . I live about 1 mile or so from Sunrift.

 

[90FJ62]

David
My wife works for a local Outdoor Company. She has different Kayaks in stock and can get most of the different boats in. Go up and talk to Matt. He does a lot of Kayaking and has been a river guide for a few years. He may be able to point you in a good direction. If you talk to Mel, Tell her your with Upstate and she will get you a good price.

Dave

 

[GarnerFJ40]

Thanks to all, this precisely the info I was looking for.

Brian, that is precisely the run that I am contemplating - - just below Jordan all the way to Wilmington where my Dad lives. (We seriously need to talk! Hoggard? Laney? New Hanover?) Maybe we can coordinate efforts on this as two are safer than one. I last did the Lillington to Erwin section in 1987, and it was a blast! The run is about 200 miles, which might be tough to do in a week, or we could divide it up (1) Fayettevile to Wilmington, 105 miles, and (2) Jordan to Fayetteville, a bit more. (I consider myself to be a strong paddler, but a very poor roller, i.e., "master of the 1/2 roll.")

My tandem is also a Wilderness Systems. Definitely want a long boat so I can maximize efficiency also one that would be competent in the chop of the Pamlico Sound.

Ever since Zippy Boatworks left Asheville, I have been buying my boats in SC. Sunriff is my first choice, but I would love to get a 2nd or Blem to save some cash.

David, I went to Laney, you? You should do the Tame the Tyger event in April around the Spartanburg area. It's a great race with some great rapids. I also did that in my 14.5, it gets a little tight, but I've never actually rolled it. I came close a few times though. I didn't do it last year, but it gives me some incentive to get out on the lake a do some training in the winter.

Another run you may want to take a look at it, and I tried to get people on board, was Black River. It goes through some old growth cypress, and is supposed to be some of the oldest trees in the US outside the Sequoias...

The Scenic Black River

I'm with you on the Cape Fear run...

 

[Turkeypen]

Dave,

Which outdoor company does she work for?

Brian,

I went to Hoggard ('81), except I moved away before graduation. What year were you paroled? (Ha!) The Black River would be great.

All,

There seems to be a correlation between cruisers and kayaks. Perhaps we could combine the two and do some trips?

David

 

[GarnerFJ40]

Dave,

Which outdoor company does she work for?

Brian,

I went to Hoggard ('81), except I moved away before graduation. What year were you paroled? (Ha!) The Black River would be great.

All,

There seems to be a correlation between cruisers and kayaks. Perhaps we could combine the two and do some trips?

David

I was out in 93, then CFCC, and UNCW. I usually try and plan our trips around some water and bring the kayaks for fun, I just never get around to really doing a kayaking specific trip. Most people aren't that into it. There are a few in ONSC that would probably would be up for it.

I like the Cape Fear idea, maybe we could shoot for Sept/Oct so we have the spring/summer to get into that type of shape?

 

[Brock]

I want to do a 2 or 3 day float this Summer/Fall 2011....Upper Edisto or anywhere. I wont be putting flotation in this canoe so would like to keep it Class II or lower...but a leisurely river or swamp paddle sounds great.

 

[90FJ62]

Dave,

Which outdoor company does she work for?

Brian,

I went to Hoggard ('81), except I moved away before graduation. What year were you paroled? (Ha!) The Black River would be great.

All,

There seems to be a correlation between cruisers and kayaks. Perhaps we could combine the two and do some trips?

David

David
She is the manager at Frugal Backpacker in Fletcher.


Dave

 

[seaduck66]

David I have worked in the Outdoor/kayak industry for most of my adult life. I would suggest you look at the WS Tempest kayak. It will perform much better over the Carolina. It is very popular with expedition trips in the program world. It has great storage and a lot more hull speed over the Carolina. You might want to check out some of the hulls from Current Designs also.
On a side note my wife and I also grew up in Wilmington/Wrightsville Beach. I have spent a lot of time on both the Black and Cape Fear Rivers. Both would be great trips and a lot of fun. I'd stay away during the summer months. To much heat, bugs and snakes for camping.....Don't hold it against me but I went to Hangover(84), my wife went to Hoggard. We are heading that way this week for the holiday. Both of our family's are still there.
Lance

 

[Turkeypen]

And the good info keeps coming! I will check out the Tempest for sure!

Saw a great used '97 Valley (British) fiberglass sea kayak at 2nd Gear in A'ville this weekend. All the bells and whistles, gimbled lit compass, spontoons, sail, built in bilge pump, etc.

Seems to be a bunch of folks from Wilmington! Sort of a Swamp Loggers reunion . . . .