|
June 09, 2008
|
 |
What’s your take on paddle vs. pedal kayaks?
|
Pamlico 160T (courtesy, Wilderness Systems)
|
Should we get paddle or pedal kayaks? We have demoed both but don't know enough
about kayaking to make a decision. We’ll use them in backwater from the Gulf, so
we’ll be dealing with tides.
— Fran
Fort Myers, Florida
Do you have a question of your own?
|
|
|
 I think paddle, absolutely. There’s nothing wrong with pedal kayaks, but
they’re somewhat specialized. Fishers like them as they allow very quiet
hands-free propulsion over shoals where fish may be waiting. Nature-watchers like
them for the same reason.
It’s true that pedal power yields a natural, fairly non-fatiguing way to propel a
boat (your thigh muscles are the strongest ones on the body). But you lose some
maneuverability. You lose some safety features (paddles are useful for a number
of things, although you can always pack one along). And you lose that traditional
“feel” of kayaking.
Of course, which paddle kayak you get will depend a lot on budget. For your
purposes, I think the Necky Manitou 13 ($829) would work great, as it’s a boat that
combines some touring and recreational features. It has a nice, roomy cockpit and
good stability. And its polyethylene hull is durable. If you decide some
overnight trips are in your future, the larger Wilderness Systems
Tsunami 175 ($1,500) offers more storage, an optional rudder, and a cockpit with
lots of adjustments for more comfort. It’s a nice boat, but, of course, you’ll be
getting up there in price if you buy two.
How about a tandem? Another Wilderness Systems boat, the Pamlico 160T ($1,175),
seats two and can even handle a little surf should you find some. It comes with a
rudder and has easily adjusted seats.
I will say that pedaling has its appeal. Do you see pedal boats in the waters
where you want to spend time? Maybe ask around, get some opinions. The Hobie Mirage Outfitter
($2,200) a tandem pedal boat, actually looks like it would be a lot of fun.
The Outside Buyer's Guide for Summer 2008 is on newsstands now.
Look for it online soon.
 |
|
|
|
GEAR GUY FEATURES
Check out the bio of Douglas Gantenbein, aka the Gear Guy.
Readers' Mailbag: The Gear Guy digs into some of your more bizarre, obscure (and let’s face it, downright weird) posts from years gone by to see if he can make sense of it all, or if it’s just time to run up the white flag. Previous column: Beat the Cost of Gear.
The Gear Guy reports from the 2005 Outdoor Retailer summer trade fair, with his rundown of ten products to watch in 2006, plus the inside scoop on what shook down at the bi-annual gearapalooza.
|
|
|
|
|
Many of the items reviewed by the Gear Guy can be found at REI.com. Click here to find the internet's biggest selection of outdoor gear and apparel.
|
