Which Kayak?

Hi from 'Down Under'
I am purchasing a kayak for this summer's paddling in southern Australia (near Melbourne). Can anyone please assist with some advice:
1)I worry about getting 'drenched' on a Hobie, has anyone had experience with Bimini and Dodger? or any further advice to stay dry?
2)Do I need to be a fairly good sailor for the Adventure Island?
(I have been considering a traditional kayak, but as I am complete novice with no expreience I worry about getting trapped in kayak during capsize - I have also done a lot of reaearch on folding kayaks as an alternative)
Last summer I watched someone paddling a Revolution on a Melbourne beach - looked great, but person was getting wet with not much wind and swell.
Any advice would be apreciated.
Best wishes
Andrew

Welcome Andrew,
We have had the Tandem (now the Oasis) for about 8 months now and have been very happy with it. We changed from sit in kayaks which we had had for years and find the Mirage pedal system much better. It also stops the numbness I was experiencing in my legs when sitting for long trips in the kayak.
You should find a local dealer and demo the different types to see what suits. Most dealers offer demo days.
I found by reading back through these forums a wealth of info to help with the decision. Having had no previous experience sailing I have found sailing the tandem to be very easy and it seems the AI is just as easy. The driest ride seems to be at the rear of the tandem -though I wouldn't purchase it just for that.
I have had no experience with the dodger.

Hi Andrew,

The Adventure Island is very stable and easy to sail. It requires no prior experience and is almost impossible to capsize. It does get pretty wet though, but it's really a blast!

Any of the other Mirage Drive kayaks can take a smaller sail, and they can get a little tippy in more than a light breeze. Once you're used to it, it's not a problem, but capsize is a distinct possibility. Because the boats are sit-on-tops, there is nothing to trap you -- you just get tossed out.

You can get the Sidekick, which greatly stabilizes sailing and makes it very hard to capsize. They seem to be quite popular here and can be adjusted out of the water to minimize drag. They also stabilize the boat for re-entry if you go diving or somehow fall out.

Any of the kayaks can be wet in choppy and windy conditions (mostly by spray). I just got a dodger and am curious to see how it works myself -- will find out soon enough.

As stringy says, go get a test ride and see what you think?

Andrew,
Welcome! In answer to your questions:
1) Getting drenched?
No worries mate—that’s part of the experience, but not necessarily getting drenched. Occasionally you might get a bit of spray or splash, depending on the wind and chop. But that is easily solved with an inexpensive dry suit that also keeps the fish slime off you when fishing. I use a pair of $19.95 USD Stearns dry pants (waterproof, windproof, and breathable—the latter being very important). I also carry rolled up in the pocket of my old Hobie seat back a lightweight Stearns waterproof, windproof, and breathable jacket ($29.95 USD), both available from Wal-Mart in the U.S.). If rain threatens, also a common occurrence in Florida, out comes the jacket and I just continue fishing, touring or whatever. Also keeps the sun off the ole bod—also very important according to my dermatologist, since after about 4 minor surgeries for skin cancer, you tend to begin getting the message!

2) Good sailor?
Naaah, also not a worry. Takes most folks a couple of minutes to get the hang of it, and off they go. Hobie yaks are all SOTs (sit-on-tops), so there is absolutely NO way you could be trapped in the yak. You simply slide off into the water, should you flip. Of course you should always wear a PFD on any yak, just in case, although I know lots of folks who think they are extra macho (or sumthin’) by not wearing a PFD. Totally dumb IMHO, but that’s their choice.

3) Although Hobie now makes their own outriggers or amas (called the Sidekick), we used to make our own out of lobster pot buoys and PVC pipe. Here’s how—lot’s of fun to DIY, whenever possible! Have fun!

http://www.hobiecat.com/community/viewt ... rs+outback

Here are a few pics:

_________________