Mondo wrote:
Hi Gang,
What a great froup. I've been reading the forum for a few days now. Am interested in getting an AI.
Will leave the Jersey Shore in two weeks for my new life in Fl. Cape Coral. On a canal off the Caloosahatchee River.
I've been sailing for 43 years on all kinds of boats and windsurfers all over the place from Canada to the BVI.
But I've never sat in a Yak.
I have a bad back. I can sit in an office chair but I have to eat standing up. Leaning forward is not fun. And I'm big, 5'11" and 235#.
Wondering how comfy the AI is.
Not planing on any blue water but after reading Keith's posts that could change
Thanks,
Mondo
Hi Mondo, & Welcome Aboard! Like you, I'd been sailing for many years, and had only sat in a yak one time. I found that one (standard sit-inside & paddle type) to feel very "tippy". While I probably would've gotten better with time, it didn't leave me with an overwhelming desire to pursue it as a hobby. Even with the amas left at home, the Adventure kayak is a nice, stable craft.
I'm about 6 ft, and was also around 235 when I first got my AI. The AI has helped me bring that down to a pretty stable 220-225, without any other changes to my lifestyle. Small side benefit, in addition to the incredibly fun time I have sailing it. I've found the AI to be the most fun I've had on the water in 36 years of sailing. Right up there with flying a hull on my Hobie-16 when I was 18 years old. As for sitting in the AI, I've found it to be quite comfortable. You can adjust the angle of the seatback to a position that suits you. As Chris said, most seem to find a semi-reclined position best for peddling. Sometime I'll tighten it up to a more upright position just for a change. It's easy to adjust on the fly, so you're not "stuck" with whatever you launch with. As I'm sure you've read elsewhere in the forum, the AI is one of the most flexible & versatile boats on the water. Paddle it, peddle it, or sail it. It's just plain fun.
Happy Sailing,
- Jim L