inuit in kayaks The Kayaks

02/12/08

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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!
 

Green- Beginner            
Make Model Length Width Material Fit Color Rudder/Skeg
Dagger Baha 16' 24 in Rotomolded plastic General Yellow Michigan No Rudder/Skeg
Perception Carolina 15.5' 24.75 in Rotomolded plastic General Yellow No Rudder/Skeg
Wilderness System Tsunami 14.6' 24.5 in Rotomolded plastic General Orange No Rudder/Skeg
Perception Eclipse 17.2' 22.5 in Rotomolded plastic General, long Blue Gradated No Rudder/Skeg
Perception Halifax 15.5' 23 in Rotomolded plastic Tight Aqua Tie-Dye Rudder
Perception Monterrey 13.5' 24.25 in Rotomolded plastic Tight Yellow-Red Gradated Skeg
Perception Carolina 14.10' 24.5 in Airlite Spacious Blue No Rudder/Skeg
               
Blue - Intermediate            
Make Model Length Width Material Fit Color Rudder/Skeg
Perception Eclipse Sea Lion 17 10' 23 in Rotomolded plastic General/long Yellow Rudder
Necky Lookshaw 16' 23 in Rotomolded plastic General Aqua Rudder
Current Designs Solstice 17.7' 22 in Fiberglass Tight/ long Mint Rudder
Perception Carolina 13.7' 24.25 in Airlite General Red Rudder
               
Red - Expert              
Make Model Length Width Material Fit Color Rudder/Skeg
Valley Argonaut 17' 22.5 in Fiberglass General Yellow Skeg
Nigel Dennis Romany 16' 21.5 Fiberglass Tight Yellow Skeg
Valley Skerray 17' 22.5 in Rotomolded plastic Tight Gray Skeg

Kayak Tips for Members
 

A) HOW TO CARRY KAYAKS  
Put all required and optional gear in kayak before bringing it to the water or back to the trailer  
Carry kayaks two at a time with another club member (do not carry any alone)  
Lift kayaks, never drag them    
     
     
B) BEFORE HEADING TO THE WATER, DO YOU HAVE?
Required   Optional
     1. Kayak*  *Kayaks specs on a separate list      Tow Rope/Flares/VHF radio (Lake MI)
     2. Paddle** **Paddes are labeled:      Dry bag / Camera /Binoculars
     3. PFD (lifejacket)           1 stripe-short paddle      Water/Snacks/Hat/
     4. Pump, Float, or Sponge           2 stripes-medium paddle      Sunglasses w/croakies /Sunscreen
     5. Spray skirt that fits your kayak           3 stripes-long paddle      Cell phone/ ID /Cash or Credit Card
     
     
C) IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION  
DO NOT! Why Instead
DO NOT stand on the trailer May flip trailer--injure/kill people Stay off the trailer 
DO NOT untie kayaks from trailer May cause other kayaks to fall off Tell leader what kayak you want
DO NOT tie kayaks to the trailer May not be tied securely Allow Cynthia and leaders to tie kayaks
DO NOT flip kayak on land to remove water Will damage the kayak Use pump, float, or sponge to remove water
DO NOT drag boats with skegs or rudders  Will jam them with sand Carry kayak directly from water to trailer
DO NOT put fiberglass kayaks on concrete Will damage the kayak Carry fiberglass kayaks directly to the water



 

 

 

 

 

 

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