Ocean Kayak Sit On Top Kayaks, selection and user guide, prowler 13 angler

About Kayaking In Sit On Top Kayaks

Is it difficult to learn to kayak? Ocean Kayak sit on top kayaks have made kayaking so easy anyone can learn to kayak in minutes. When we had our store on the beach we had a free kayak demonstration every Monday morning. Usually we had about 10 minutes of lessons, where we demonstrated basic paddling, and recovery from a capsize. After that we let them paddle for themselves, and folks were always amazed at how easy, and how enjoyable it is.

The native people of Alaska and Canada made the kayak an everyday tool. These kayaks were constructed of bone and skin, and enabled the kayaker to go to sea to hunt whales. They were stable and versatile craft that were used in a cold climate, in a wide variety of weather and sea conditions.

Modern materials and design methods have made kayaking easily accessible to most people. Kayaks are still of specialized design, for no boat fits every need. You need to give some thought to your own requirements for your boat. Some things to consider are:

Size And Weight Requirements

You will notice our website has a link to the specifications section for each kayak. The specifications list the physical dimensions of that kayak, the weight of the kayak itself, and also the maximum weight for that kayak. The maximum weight mentions that this weight depends on the water conditions. When your weight approaches the maximum weight for the kayak stability is reduced. While it may be stable in calm water conditions, it may be unstable in rough water at that weight. It is a good idea to allow at least 100 pounds extra weight capacity. See Sit On Top Kayak Specifications

Over All Length

The longer the kayak is the faster it will be. You probably wouldn't notice a foot or so, but 3 feet will make a big difference in performance. Someone in an Ocean Kayak Frenzy, which is around 9' long, will have a hard time keeping up with a Prowler 13, and in fact probably won't be able to catch it. So if your paddling includes a lot of long distance paddling you should select one of the longer kayaks. If you aren't in a hurry the Frenzy is a great little boat, having excellent stability, good weight capacity, and the ability to take rough water in stride. You can click each of the links below to see some of the different lengths available to you. Use your web browsers "Back" button to return to this page again.

1. Ocean Kayak Frenzy, 9'-0"
2. Ocean Kayak Scrambler 11, 11'-6-1/2"
3. Ovean Kayak Prowler 13, 13'-4"
4. Ocean Kayak Prowler 15, 15'-4-1/2"

Storage Capacity

Some models of Ocean kayaks have bow storage hatches, which provide below deck storage for camping gear tackle, or what have you. You can also purchase extra hatch kits which you can install yourself to increase storage capacity. If you plan to camp or fish these hatches are a feature that will be useful to you.

Some Of The Hatch Combinations Available

The kayak on the left above, is an Ocean Kayak Angler Drifter. The black oval at right is the bow hatch. It is removable by loosening the two straps across it. The black strap in front secures the hatch to the kayak. The hatch has a rubber seal that seals it from rain, or capsize. The kayak at right is the Ocean Kayak Venus 11, designed for ladies. The retangular hole behind the seat is a well for a cooler or anything else that you wish to store there. There is a bungee cargo net over the well (The black "Xs") You are looking down on the seat just in front of the cooler well. Just in front of the seat is a round black object. That is a round hatch that opens into a small storage bucket for wallet, keys, or what have you. The Oval object in front is a molding for a bow hatch. That hatch can be purchased as a kit which you can install yourself.

Tandem Or Single Place Kayak

While all of the Ocean Kayak tandems can be paddled by one person, a tandem isn't going to be as enjoyable to paddle by a single person, as a single place kayak. It is a larger boat, and is going to take more effort to paddle, and with only one person paddling it won't be as manouverable. If most of your paddling will be with another person, you may be willing to put up with the extra work involved for the few times you use it by yourself. If the other person is a child, take a look at the sidekick. It can be paddled easily single handed. See All The Ocean Kayak Tandems.

Ocean Kayak Tandem Sit On Top Kayaks

The kayak at left is the Ocean Kayak Zest Two EXP. The kayak at right is the Sidekick. The Zest Two EXP is a great kayak for touring whether in the ocean or a lake or river. It has enough storage for camping expeditions, having a large tank well at the stern, and a hatch up forward. The Sidekick is a single with a jump seat for a small passenger.

Angler Versions

The angler versions come with flush mounted rod holders and other extra features to make fishng from a kayak easier. If your primary use will be for fishing, they are well worth the extra money. If you only plan to fish on rare occaisions you can rig up temporary rod holders, or buy one of our Surf to Summit fishing seats. See the angler versions of the ocean kayaks

Sit On Top Fishing Kayaks

You can adapt a standard kayak for fishing yourself, as this fellow has done with the blue kayak above, or you can buy a ready made fishing kayak like the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 15 Angler, the yellow kayak at the right. The lower photos show some of the extra features you get with the factory fishing kayaks. The top view at left is the Ocean Kayak Prowler Trident 15 Angler, and the top view at right is of a new kayak, the Malibu Two XL Angler, a new tandem fishing kayak. Click here to see all of the Ocean Kayaks.

Safety Equipment

The basic safety equipment is your PFD, or life preserver, and a whistle. Be sure to wear it whenever you are on the water. We lose several people every year here in Florida who drowned because they didn't have their PFD on. Most of them are experienced boaters, but something unforseen ocurred, and they weren't prepared.

If you plan to fish in the open ocean you need to put a lot of thought into your safety and survival equipment. You may want a signal mirror, some flares, compass, marine radio, survival blanket, water, rations, paddle leash, extra paddle,etc. Try to fish with a buddy if at all possible. Always tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to return. This information is just a rough guide and it is your own responsibility to insure that you are properly prepared.

Seats And Accessories

If you are only going to spend a couple of hours at a time in your kayak, you may not want a seat. The seat molded into your kayak may be sufficient. If you are going to spend several hours at a time fishing, or touring, a good seat is a must have accessory. A paddle leash is a worth while accessory. If you happen to tip your kayak over it will keep the kayak and paddle together. Thigh straps are a performance accessory, and are useful if you plan to surf your kayak. Rod holders and hatches can be purchased separately and you can install them yourself. I stress out myself when I have to cut a hole in a new boat, so if you do too, it may be worh while to order an angler version. Surf To Summit Seats And Accessories

Paddles

The paddle is the second most important part of your kayaks propulsion system, and if you loose it the most important part. The Cannon paddles we sell are good paddles. If you don't plan to paddle through the surf, any of the Cannon paddles will work well for you. If you buy a kayak from us we offer the Cannon escape for only 69.95, which just provides for freight and handling costs. If you do plan to play in the Surf get the Cannon Assymetric paddle. It has a rugged 2 piece aluminum shaft around 1-1/8" in diameter. Cannon Kayak Paddles

Videos

We sell a couple of kayaking videos, the sea kayaking guide is an excellent piece of work on boat handling skills, and while directed toward the conventional sea kayaker, has a lot of very useful information on general boat handling. "Sea Kayaking, The Ultimate Guide"

The other video is on kayak fishing and is informative and entertaining. If you plan to try kayak fishing I think you will find it worth while, whether you are an experienced angler, or just starting out. Kayak Fishing Video

Kayak Fishing

Here in Florida coastal kayak fishing is catching on fast, and has become a popular sport. The most popular boats are the Prowler Big Game, Prowler 13 Angler, Prowler 15 Angler, Scrambler XL Angler, Scrambler XT Angler, Scupper Pro TW, Angler Drifter, and the Caper Angler. Kayak fishing requires a bit of rigging and equipment to make it really enjoyable. We are selling a new kayak fishing video which has a lot of useful information about boat rigging, boat handling, and fishing gear. If you have never done any kayaking I think you would find this video useful, even if you don't intend to fish. It's pretty entertaining at any rate. Click here for kayak fishing video information.

Recovery From Capsize

Before you venture out in your kayak practice tipping it over and re-entering in shallow water. Wear your PFD. Ocean Kayak has two methods they reccomend. The first involves righting the kayak, put your hands in the center of the deck, and try to jump over the kayak. You should wind up on top of the kayak. Just roll over on your back and swing your legs back inside. I have found that it helped me to throw both hands up, allowing your body to sink under water. Give a big kick, and then put your hands in the boat and try to jump over it. The momentum generated by the PFD will assist you. That is another reason to always wear your PFD. Also a good reason to have a paddle leash. The paddle acts as a sea anchor, and prevents the wind from blowing your kayak away.

The other method involves lying horizontally in the water and trying to roll into the boat. I haven't tried that scheme myself. However you do it, you should get the hang of it before venturing out on the water. You don't want to try recovering from a capsize the first time two miles offshore. Please visit Ocean Kayaks website for complete details. Please Bookmark our site first. Visit The Factory Website

When you tip your kayak upright water drains out through the scupper holes. These are holes that go completely through the hull. They are there for that purpose, to drain out water that accumulates in the cockpit during a capsize, or when a wave breaks over the boat. If you use your kayak in winter you can purchase scupper plugs to stop up these holes. Keeps the boat dryer.

Kayak Transportation

Once you have a boat picked out you still have to get it to and from the water. If you have a small pickup you can use a Mirage truck rack which folds up in a bag you can stow behind the seat. The Mirage rack has padded rollers which make loading easy. Soft rack pads work well and are easy to use. You put the pads on the ground and set the boat upside down on top of them. Each pad has a strap with buckles which you fasten around the boat. You can then lift the whole rig on top of your car. Fasten a stout line from each carry handle to a bumper support, or a tie down ring, under your car. A small line can be ran from a scupper hole, passed through the car, and tied to the opposite scupper hole, for side to side support. With the rear windows rolled up against this line the boat is secured laterally. Click here to see soft rack pads .

Malone has a new inflatable softrack system which can carry surfboards as well. Malone inflatable car rack

We have a new product, the Beachcomber kayak Cart. This cart features two probes which insert into the scupper holes of your sit on top kayak. The kayak doesn't have to be tied to the cart. This cart has two puncture proof plastic wheels that are large enough to allow you to use the cart in soft sand. So if you have a ways to go from your car to your put in point, this rig will make the trip more enjoyable.We also are selling the Wheeleez kayak cart . Click here for kayak carts

Car Rack Accessories

If you have a car that is equipped with factory roof racks you can adapt them to carry your kayak with Malone car Rack Accessories. Click here for car rack accessories.

With a little preparation and planning, you will find kayaking is one of the most enjoyable sports of all. It's great exercise, good fun, and you can enjoy the wonders of creation at your own pace. We hope you have fun! We also hope this information will be useful, whether you buy your kayak here or elsewhere. Have Fun!

Additional information about kayaks, kayaking, and kayak accessories can be found in a special section on kayaking, and this page is part of that section. Click here to see the entire kayaking section.

If you are looking for used kayaks for sale, cheap kayaks, or discount kayaks, check out our local store section, as we sometimes have some specials we only offer locally. You can also click here for used kayaks for sale. The links below lead to information about ocean kayakaccessories, ocean kayaks, and kayak fishing.

Ocean Kayaks | Ocean Kayak Accessories | Site Directory | Kayak Fishing

Island Sports Shop, Inc.
Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

Call Toll Free 866-684-9152

E-Mail: Island Sports Shop

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Ocean Kayak Selection and User Guide For Sit On Top Kayaks

Ocean Kayak Sit On Top Kayaking, Equipment, And Accessories


Kayak Fishing	Fun	Touring