My wife (T8-9, incomplete) and I are looking to try kayaking. We live near the coast and would mostly be in tidal creeks/rivers/sounds. Any recommendations on kayaks, gear we might need, websites with good info, etc.?

Thanks,

Same here i'd love to get all the info i can about kayaking

Im a T-4 complete with exceptional balance, I have no problems in a stable sea kayak. A couple years ago I tried my hand at whitewater... It did not go well. Any time a kayak is in moving water it relies on its edges to steer. Without hip control the kayaker is asking for trouble.

If you are not comfortable in a regular sea kayak, and find it is too tippy, aftermarket outriggers are out there, which make the boat nearly impossible to flip. Downside: they slow you down a bit.

good luck,
don't drown.

I'll be sure to take that off my list of things to do.

Whatever Kev... just start with a casual kayak... and maybe hit some slow moving water with friend before you barrel down niagra. I dunno if your still in Tennessee or back in the Miss but either way I have one that works good for me if you wanna try it. Same goes for anyone.

Im not saying you cant whitewater , just that it take a lot more knowledge, practice , and dedication... there is another thread on here that has a lot more detail. here...http://www.apparelyzed.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6783&hl=water

I havent learned to barrel (knowledge, practice) roll so i just like to wear a vest and bail out if necessary.Click to view attachment (which as you can see in the pic I always do....but really... i would recommend always to)

Im back down one the MS Gulf Coast. Im a T-4/T-5 so i'll have to have something with a nice seat an back to support me...... right???

I'd recommend an inflatable kayak, actually. For everyone, not just 'people with disabilities.'

I've kayaked for years- it's a wonderful sense of freedom and great way to get out and explore. I do mostly flatwater, as I simply prefer it over shooting big rapids. For me, kayaking is a water-related form off hiking. It's relaxing and invigorating all at once. I have a Stearns inflatable kayak that has a spray deck and sides so it can be rolled if I'm so inclined! It is 9.5 feet long; and the short length is like a short wheelbase on a car, it allows it to be super-maneuverable as well as making the overall boat small enough for me to handle on my own. It has hard plastic fins on the bottom of the hull for tracking. I do a lot of my boating on Lake Powell, where there are TONS of small canyons to explore and the maneuverability pays off in spades, and also big, wide bays with big waves from the weather and other boats, and my kayak is stable enough to handle it all. The spray deck comes in a handy here too- it keeps the water and sun off my legs.

Some new technology has enabled inflatable kayaks to be awesome and certainly "real boats". They move just as well or better in the water than the hardshell kayaks, and are a whole lot more comfortable. This is like the difference between pneumatic wheelchair tires and solid ones- which do you choose? I'm a survivor of a head injury, and lack of balance and sensation are real issues for me; but like participating every where else in life, you just have to find the right tools for independence. My kayak has a nice seat, and I also put an inflatable camping pillow behind me so I can lean back and relax at times. The spray deck unzips for nearly the full length of the boat to make getting in and out easy, and also zips over my legs and feet to protect them from the sun. The inside of the hull is smooth and comfortable, so I don't have to worry about catching a foot aND scraping it up. I've spent hours in my kayak exploring, and my balance has slowly improved over time. Yet the boat is stable enough to allow anyone to enjoy it, it's not tippy at all.

Kayaking is wonderful sport, an easy way to impress people (if that matters?), and a great way to spend time! GO FOR IT!!

I love kayaking! I do it as often as I can. I have several different kayaks, but my favorite is a Victory Blast. It's very stable, has an adjustable seat, and is fairly easy to get in and out of. I do not do whitewater kayaking yet. Haven't built up that much courage. Maybe one day. But all the same, it's great getting out on the lakes and creeks and relaxing and forgetting everything else troubling in the world.

I've never tried an inflatable kayak. But you can check in your area and maybe there are kayaking clubs or "paddling clubs" that meet up and you can compare some of their boats & maybe try some out. Some of the outfitters can really customize your boat to make it ultra comfort for you. I wish you success & enjoyment in your kayaking!
~Stella

p.s. my little dog rides on the front of my boat with me on many evenings, she loves it too!

I'm going to try & upload a photo.
This is Katrinket.......my little kayaking dog. She loves it!!

Good pic's Stella. looks like y'all are both havin a blast. I only have 1 yak myself, a Pelican Spirit, it too has an adjustable back, and i love it. I just got back from a weekend on the Cumberland in my yak fishing, or should I say casting and reeling a lot, didn't actually get many fish. dang it

azx I was looking at the inflatables before I bought the rigid i have now. I almost bought an advancedelements advancedframe with the backbone// but the one i ended up buying came up on ebay not too far away for like 300 less... soooo yeah... I have still thought about getting an inflatable just because of the whole being able to put it in the trunk thing.

Kev I've found that with the adjustable back I can just tighten it up enough to were it holds good and snug, giving some good stability. If you are concerned maybe an inflatable would be better as I think they are harder to flip and probably easier to retrieve and just safer in general if you do somehow roll. Regardless just wear a vest and bail out if you flip and enjoy the opportunity to cool down and laugh at yourself.

Wow, Stella, I really like your furry navigator. My dog has neither the patience or desire to actuallly ride on the boat with me ('sides, he's over 55 lbs.; he'd sink it or come very close!) He likes to run along the shore And bark.