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The
following Kayaks are available for use on local club
outings. They have been
ranked as beginner, intermediate or expert. A
combination of performance characteristics and materials
earn a boat a certain rating. All kayaks have been
marked physically with colored tape on the bow and
stern, both sides. Full list below, just scroll
down.
Beginner Kayaks (Green
Tape)- suitable for all levels.
Pros: Looking for stability
and ease of use? These are for you. These wide, flat
bottom kayaks will keep you upright.
Cons: Can be slower and harder to control in
wind. Harder to get on edge than our other boats.
Harder to roll (back up again)
Intermediate
Kayaks (Blue Tape) suitable for most levels.
Pros: These boats offer more in performance.
Usually narrower and less stable, they offer improved
handling and usually a faster ride
Cons: This boat might not
be the one you go out on Lake MI for the first time in!
Expert Kayaks (Red
Tape) - only available to members who have been
pre-approved.
Pros: Amazing
Maneuverability and Performance. Easy to roll and
low profile decks for laybacks. Very expensive boats
(most are over $3K) and quite easy on the eye.
Cons: You might spend a
good part of your time upside down or unable to control
the boat without advanced skills. If you damage a $3K
kayak, you are in big trouble!!! It takes a lot
for us to keep these kayaks. They must be treated like
your first born. Coddled and protected.
Here is the list: Please be aware
that some of these kayaks are private, but
available for club use. All kayaks should be
taken well care of! There is a list of some tips,
directly below the kayak list. Please review all!
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Green- Beginner |
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Make |
Model |
Length |
Width |
Material |
Fit |
Color |
Rudder/Skeg |
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Dagger |
Baha |
16' |
24 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
General |
Yellow Michigan |
No Rudder/Skeg |
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Perception |
Carolina |
15.5' |
24.75 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
General |
Yellow |
No Rudder/Skeg |
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Wilderness System |
Tsunami |
14.6' |
24.5 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
General |
Orange |
No Rudder/Skeg |
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Perception |
Eclipse |
17.2' |
22.5 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
General, long |
Blue Gradated |
No Rudder/Skeg |
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Perception |
Halifax |
15.5' |
23 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
Tight |
Aqua Tie-Dye |
Rudder |
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Perception |
Monterrey |
13.5' |
24.25 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
Tight |
Yellow-Red Gradated |
Skeg |
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Perception |
Carolina |
14.10' |
24.5 in |
Airlite |
Spacious |
Blue |
No Rudder/Skeg |
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Blue - Intermediate |
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Make |
Model |
Length |
Width |
Material |
Fit |
Color |
Rudder/Skeg |
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Perception |
Eclipse Sea Lion |
17 10' |
23 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
General/long |
Yellow |
Rudder |
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Necky |
Lookshaw |
16' |
23 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
General |
Aqua |
Rudder |
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Current Designs |
Solstice |
17.7' |
22 in |
Fiberglass |
Tight/ long |
Mint |
Rudder |
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Perception |
Carolina |
13.7' |
24.25 in |
Airlite |
General |
Red |
Rudder |
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Red - Expert |
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Make |
Model |
Length |
Width |
Material |
Fit |
Color |
Rudder/Skeg |
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Valley |
Argonaut |
17' |
22.5 in |
Fiberglass |
General |
Yellow |
Skeg |
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Nigel Dennis |
Romany |
16' |
21.5 |
Fiberglass |
Tight |
Yellow |
Skeg |
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Valley |
Skerray |
17' |
22.5 in |
Rotomolded plastic |
Tight |
Gray |
Skeg |
Kayak Tips for Members
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A) HOW TO CARRY KAYAKS |
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Put all required and optional gear in kayak
before bringing it to the water or back to the
trailer |
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Carry kayaks two at a time with another club
member (do not carry any alone) |
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Lift kayaks, never drag them |
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B) BEFORE HEADING TO THE WATER, DO YOU HAVE? |
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Required |
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Optional |
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1. Kayak* |
*Kayaks specs on a separate list |
Tow Rope/Flares/VHF radio (Lake MI) |
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2. Paddle** |
**Paddes are labeled: |
Dry bag / Camera /Binoculars |
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3. PFD (lifejacket) |
1 stripe-short paddle |
Water/Snacks/Hat/ |
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4. Pump, Float, or Sponge |
2 stripes-medium paddle |
Sunglasses w/croakies /Sunscreen |
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5. Spray skirt that fits your kayak |
3 stripes-long paddle |
Cell phone/ ID /Cash or Credit Card |
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C) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION |
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DO NOT! |
Why |
Instead |
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DO NOT stand on the trailer |
May flip trailer--injure/kill people |
Stay off the trailer |
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DO NOT untie kayaks from trailer |
May cause other kayaks to fall off |
Tell leader what kayak you want |
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DO NOT tie kayaks to the trailer |
May not be tied securely |
Allow Cynthia and leaders to tie kayaks |
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DO NOT flip kayak on land to remove water |
Will damage the kayak |
Use pump, float, or sponge to remove water |
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DO NOT drag boats with skegs or rudders |
Will jam them with sand |
Carry kayak directly from water to trailer |
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DO NOT put fiberglass kayaks on concrete |
Will damage the kayak |
Carry fiberglass kayaks directly to the water |
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