Talk to the Expert

What do you do when you have a decision to make? Do you google the question? Maybe you are more old fashioned look up your advice from a magazine like consumer review. But I have found that the best way to get good advice on almost any outdoor activity is just to talk to someone who has done it. So I went to REI and talked to Mike, one of REI's outfitting experts.

• Tim: So there are three general types of kayaks right?

Mike: Yeah there are the sit-on-top which most find to be the most comfortable and the best if you want a tan, the sit-in which is more suited for doing things like photography or fishing while you are kayaking, and then there is the inflatable type. The inflatable type has its pros and cons but the biggest pro is that it is  much more portable although the portability comes with downside of ripping and leaking out. 

• Tim: You mentioned activities that you can do while kayaking. What are some of those?

Mike: Well as you know kayaking can be a very scenic and peaceful activity. Those aspects make it ideal for photography, fishing, camping, and any other activity that you just want to get out and relax. With camping you can just pack a bag with a tent and some other gear and then when you get to an island you can camp there for the night. That is one cool thing about Wisconsin is there are not fees or any passes required for island camping. 

• Tim: What would you say is the most important gear out of everything that a kayaker has?

Mike: Other than the boat it would most definitely be your PFD or life vest. Some people think that they are too cool for them or that they are too restricting to wear. Not wearing their life vest is why there are the few deaths from drowning that there are in kayaking. Common sense is one of your best allies in water sports.

• Tim: What is the one piece of gear that nobody thinks of but would really benefit from when kayaking?

Mike: I would have to say gloves. You are paddling so much that if you are planning a trip longer than an hour your hands will get very sore. Those gloves may give you a kinda funky tan line but they will save you from blisters.

• Tim: So if you could give one piece of advice when purchasing a kayak what would you give?

Mike: Don't go and try to get the cheapest gear possible. People try to save some money and buy the small little kayaks or buy the heavy paddles and end up regretting it in the end. Spend a little more money and buy at least a 12-14 foot kayak. They are much more stable and easier to cruise around in. Also spend a little more on your paddle and get one that is carbon fiber. They are more expensive but the weight that you save is more than worth it.

• Tim: Thanks for your help Mike!

Mike: My pleasure.