Holding A Paddle

The paddle, an essential part of your kayak gear, needs to be held in a manner that will create optimum performance for your kayak, and maximum comfort for you. Hold your paddle with both hands so that the middle of the paddle shaft is centered between your thumbs. You don't have to grip it very tightly, you may wear yourself out that way. Hold the paddle over your head with your upper arms horizontal and your forearms vertical. This is the maximum power position for paddling.

Tippy Kayaks

Well-designed kayaks wiggle easily in the water. You actually need to lean your kayak in order to turn it. When you are sitting in your kayak, you will feel that it is easy to tilt your boat a few degrees, but increasingly hard to make it lean any further. Then, it feels almost impossible to go any further. This is called secondary stability. That means a kayak is easy to lean and very hard to flip, no matter how "tippy" it feels.

Using A Bilge Pump

In shallow water, you can invert a kayak to dump out any water that's found it's way into the hull. However, if the wake from a power boat suddenly sends a pile of water into your kayak when your out in deep water, you will need a plan. Bailing cans can be awkward, but a bilge pump will save your day. A bilge pump stores nicely under deck rigging, and is within arms length when you need it. Shove the bottom down into the bilge, and start working the handle up and down. Make sure you direct the stream of water overboard, and you may want to keep a bilge sponge on hand to get the last few drops.

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Entering/Exiting a Kayak

One technique that most beginning paddlers struggle with is the task of getting into a kayak while in the water. Jumping into a sea or whitewater kayak is nearly impossible, and trying to do so will most likely send you back into the water. It's difficult because the boat by nature will be moving as you try to re-enter. Practic, patience and the right gear are key in learning this skill.Begin your practice on dry land, by parking your kayak on a stretch of grass. First step into your spray skirt and pull it up over your body until it's about chest level, then put on your PFD. Now practice putting one leg, then the other, into the cockpit and then slide down into the seat.Once you're comfortable with this maneuver, it's time to try it on the water. If you can find a stretch of shallow, calm water, you're in luck. You can use what's known as the "paddle bridge" approach to kayak entry. The idea here is to float your boat out into ankle-deep water, then use your paddle as a "bridge" between your boat and the shore, thus giving you a stable platform on which to enter.This is accomplished by resting one blade of your paddle on the shore, while placing the other end of the paddle shaft across your boat, just behind the cockpit (and not on the coaming). By reaching back and grabbing the shaft with both hands behind you, you can squat down and swing your legs one at a time into the cockpit. Try to stay low, but avoid putting too much weight on the paddle shaft; it's meant to provide balance, not support your entire weight.Once inside the cockpit, you can settle into the seat and attach the spray skirt. The easiest way to accomplish this is by working the hem of the skirt around the rear curve of the coaming, then hook the front of the skirt over the forward curve and attach the sides. You can balance the paddle across the front deck while you're doing this.This will all seem a little awkward at first. But practice makes perfect, as the old saying goes, and soon you'll be boarding your kayak without a second thought.
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Kayak Gear

Sit-in-Kayaks

The best time to kayak.

Sit-in Kayaks have a longer season
No matter when you decide is the best time to kayak, always make sure you have the right gear, including a spray skirt for your sit-in kayak during cool weather. You may need to try several different times during the year in order to determine your favorite. Some people recommend kayaking during the spring as the winter snows melt and add to the volume of water flow in the rivers.
Others don't like the rapids therefore they like a nice hot summer day where there is little wind and river flows have subsided. Ultimately it is a personnel choice based upon ones preferences.

Sit-in kayaks have a longer season because when the weather gets cooler, you can use a spray skirt to keep yourself dry.

Cheap Kayaks

Cheap kayaks are often just as good quality as their counterparts, but without the bells and whistles. If you don't need dry storage or deck rigging, you can purchase a cheap kayak and have a blast in the river or lake, or wherever you want to go! If you are simply looking to have a good time on a day trip, there is no reason to break the bank. Perception makes a 9.5 ft.boat called the Express, and it's only $299.00. See the section of our website dedicated to kayaks and look around- you may be surprised at how many kayaks are in a relatively low price range.

Happy Paddling!

Cheap Kayaks

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Kayak Day Trips

What's the best kayak for flatwater day trips?
One really good mid-priced choice would be a Perception Prodigy 12. It's a compact boat, but has enough length to provide good tracking. Another is the Dagger Element 11.2. It's designed to be handled in calm waters or light river. It's stable, tracks well, and offers plenty of storage space for day trips, or even weekenders.
For a look at more great kayak options and tips, visit www.paddlerscove.com.
Best kayak for flatwater day trips

Kayak Paddles

Kayak paddles have a blade on each end, and are handled from the middle of the shaft. Choosing your paddle is as important as choosing your kayak.
Kayak paddles having blades in the same plane (when viewed down the shaft) are called "un-feathered." Paddles with blades in different planes are called "feathered". Feathered paddles are measured by the degree of feather, such as 30, 45, or even 90 degrees. Many modern paddles can be adjusted by the user for feathered or unfeathered settings. The shaft is normally straight but in some cases a 'crank' is added with the aim of making the paddle more comfortable and reduce the strain on the wrist. Because the kayak paddle is not supported by the boat, paddles made of lighter materials are desired, it is not uncommon for a kayak paddle to be two pounds (32 ounces) or less in weight. Some examples of kayak paddles are: Bending Branches, AT, Swift, and Harmony.

Kayaking Gear: Wetsuits/Drysuits

Kayak gear: Wetsuits/Drysuits and Tops
When putting together your gear for a kayak trip, this is the rule of thumb to follow : If you’re not willing to fully submerge yourself in the water at the beginning of the day, you’re not adequately prepared. No matter how warm the air is, dress for the temperature of the water. The best way to combat the cold is by wearing a wetsuit, a drysuit, a dry top, or a semi-dry top.
Wetsuit: A wetsuit is a neoprene bodysuit that keeps out the chill of cold water and protects you against hypothermia. Wetsuits for kayakers are different than ones you would find at a dive shop. The neoprene is thinner and they are usually sold as a one-piece, tank-top style with long pants called 'Farmer John's' or 'Farmer Jane's'. This style allows your legs and core to stay warm while keeping your arms and shoulders free to move.

Drysuits: For even more protection from the cold, you can invest in a waterproof drysuit. A drysuit is a loose-fitting, insulated, substantial nylon garment worn over clothing and designed to keep water out completely. Drysuits often have Gore-Tex® linings and rubberized gaskets to seal water out and keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures. You should wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing under a drysuit.
Dry Tops: Like drysuits, waterproof dry tops are made from nylon, are worn over a shirt, and feature cuffs and gaskets designed to keep the water out. Dry tops are usually not insulated.
Semi-dry Tops: Generally, the most breathable and roomy garment is the semi-dry top. These tops are waterproof and feature fitted neck and wrist gaskets, adjustable waist closures, and taped seams to help keep water out.
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Kayak Gear

Places to Kayak in NJ

Some of our favorite places to kayak in Northern New Jersey are Merrill Creek Reservoir, Round Valley Reservoir, The Mustconetcong River, Spruce Run Recreation Area, and Oxford Furnace Lake.
Paddlerscove holds most classes and paddle days at Merrill Creek, so I thought I'd fill you all in on some features of the area.
Merrill Creek Reservoir was built atop Scotts Mountain in Warren County's Harmony Township. The water is as deep as 200 feet and encompasses about 650 acres. Boating and fishing are free. There is ample parking and a convenient boat launch. There are over 2000 acres of forest and fields surrounding Merrill Creek, full of critters like bear, deer, fox, owls, bald eagles and herons. Many Paddlerscove friends are kayak fishermen, and have been successful in catching full size lake trout, brown and rainbow trout, and also small and large mouth bass. It's a pleasure to visit the site, that's why Paddlerscove brings people there to experience paddling for the first time, and to try out boats before buying.

Places to Kayak In New Jersey

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Fishing Kayaks, Gear, and Classes

Paddlerscove has fishing kayaks for sale at really competitive prices. We also hold classes hosted by professionals to help fishermen make the most of their kayak trips. There is a whole section of our website dedicated to fishing kayaks, and items to outfit kayaks if they are not already, such as anchors, rod holders, etc.

These are some of our fishing kayaks that are for sale in 2008:

Emotion
Grand Slam Angler
Mojo Angler

Heritage
Featherlite 9.5 Angler
Red Fish 10 Angler
Red Fish 12 Angler

Native
Manta Ray 11 Angler
Manta Ray 12 Angler w/rudder
Ultimate 12 Angler
Ultimate 14.5 Tandem Angler

Perception
Prodigy 12 Angler
The Search 13.0 Angler

Wilderness Systems
Pamilco 120 Angler
Pungo 120 Angler
Pungo 140 Angler
Ride 135
Tarpon 120 Angler
Tarpon 140 Angler
Tarpon 160 Angler

Paddling Safety

The more you know about kayak safety, the better time you will have on the water!

Whether you are floating a new or used kayak, inflatable, fishing, or touring, you need to be safe at all times. Every kayak from Perception to Wilderness Systems to Current Design, will provide a great time- only you can provide your common sense.

Many of you are already informed, I'm sure in the areas of safety, and I invite you to add to this list as much or as little as you wish. Our combined knowledge can only help make kayak trips more successful.
I've put together a few basic paddling practices that everyone should become familiar with; you want safety precautions to be reflexes, not afterthoughts.


1. Pay attention at all times:
It's important to be aware of your surroundngs, especially if you encounter powerboats.
Stay alert and be ready to move out of danger (other boats, bridges, fallen trees, rocks).
Stay visible because others may not see you.
Have accessories like a horn, a whistle and a flashlight on hand.
2. Be considerate of others.
Share the water: Give others the room they need to enjoy themselves too (fishermen, swimmers).
Leave with what you brought (litter, cans & bottles, etc.).
3. Always wear your life jacket.
This one should be obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people think it is optional, or not necessary. We are no match for moving water, and no one wants to become fatigued from swimming back to shore if need be.Wear a properly fitting U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket at all times on the water. It is your most important accessory.
4. Stay Low.
Learn how to enter and exit your kayak safely using your paddle, and stay low in your kayak when possible to avoid capsizing.
5. Keep your balance.
Don't overload your boat. Distribute, and secure kayak safety gear in storage even and low.
6. Practice the Wet Exit
Learn how to get out of, hang on to, right, and re-enter your capsized boat. Take a kayak basics class to feel certain you know how.
7. Dress appropriately.
Dress for the weather conditions and be prepared for cold-water immersion. Hypothermia ia a danger any time of the year. Have a change of clothes in your dry bag.
8. Plan ahead.
Know the water you're paddling, and file a "float plan" so that someone knows where to find you and when you plan to return.
9. Never Paddle Alone.
Companions can come to your aid if you get in trouble. New paddlers should paddle with someone more experienced. We have a forum to help paddlers group up.
10. Be in control.
Know how to move your boat forward, back, and sideways, and how to stop by using paddle strokes.

Happy Paddling Everyone!
Please feel free to add to this Blog- we would love to have feedback and get to know our paddling community.

Pungos

In my opinion, Wilderness Systems makes some of the best recreational and fishing kayaks.
Tell me what you think!

Pungo 120

The most popular Pungo in the family. Strikes the perfect balance of size and manageability. Quick, stable, diverse, affprdable, ample storage for and aft, and not too big for one person to handle, portage and car-top.

Standard Features: Phase3 Outfitting / Slidelock Footbrace System / Stern hatch / Bulkhead / Deck rigging / Comfort carry handles. Wt.50lbs.

Pungo 140

The sprinter in the family, Pungo 140 gives some true sea kayaks a run for their money. This boat doesn't sacrifice comfort and stability for the gain in speed. It's a real joy to paddle, especially when you have a lot of water to cover and a lot of gear to carry. Also diverse, affordable, and offers impressive performance.

Standard Features: Phase3 Outfitting / Slidelock Footbrace System / Eight-inch Bow hatch / Full-size Stern hatch / Stern bulkhead / Deck rigging / Comfort carry handles.

Types of Kayaks

There's more than one way to ride the water!

Here are some advantages to Inflatable, Tandem, and Sit-on-Top Kayaks:

Inflatable Kayaks
Easy to transpoprt, no need for a rack.
Easy storage (put it in your closet!)
Excellent stablity, can re-enter from the side.
Very safe for family, children, novices.
Self bailing.
Durable: Reinforced dual hull construction, very resistant to impact, abrasion, puncture, pinning.
Easy repair, 30 minute repair using tape or patch.
Tandem Kayaks
Lots of storage.
Great for teaching a friend, or a child one-on-one.
Great for partners who need to share the workload because one is in lesser physical condtion.
Many come with rudders for easier maneuvering.
Terrific for families since they are high performance floating docks.
Perfect to bring the family dog along!
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
Often a less expensive option because they are usually made from tough roto-molded plastic.
Because of the shape, they are great for fishing, surfing, touring, scuba diving.
You can actaully stand and dive off of some!
Good for large body types, long legs, or limited flexibilty. Less confining.
Self-rescue: no risk of being trapped, no need to practice rolls or wet exits.

Kayak Photography

*Kayak Photography is a great way to capture your favorite moments on the water, so have the right gear!
One of the great things about kayaking is that it gets you out into nature and away from the stressers of everyday life. It also presents opportunities to take some unforgettable wildlife and scenic photos.If you're a whitewater paddler, you probably don't have time to do much photography--at least when you're out on the water. But there are always those breaks between runs, when a good camera can come in handy indeed. And of course if you're a sea or flatwater paddler, there will often be many opportunities to give that camera shutter a workout.

Kayak Photography Tip #1 -- If you're shooting wildlife, it's always a good idea to make your approach from upwind and at a distance. Just let your kayak drift into the scene, moving closer and closer, and wait for the wildlife to adjust to your presence. And having a longer zoom lens always helps in getting those great close-up shots.
Tip #2 -- Dusk and dawn are the best times. The light in the morning and evening has that soft, buttery quality that makes for great photographs. And the wildlife is active in those times as they hunt, forage for food, and go about their business.
Tip #3 -- Get as close as you can. Even with a zoom or telephoto lens, it seems like the best photographs are taken up close, within 30 or 40 feet of your subject. Make eye contact if you can, and move slowly and carefully to avoid spooking your subject.
Tip #4 -- Don't scrimp on the film. You'll probably have to take lots of photos to come out with a handful that you really like, so take along lots of film--or memory cards, if you shoot digital.
Tip #5 -- Keep your gear dry. Kayak photography is great, but you won't like that repair bill if you get water in your expensive digital or 35mm camera. One idea is to keep your gear in zip lock or waterproof bags when not in use, and keep your camera strapped around your neck at all times.And there you have it. The best way to learn this fascinating hobby is to just get out into the wilderness and shoot some pictures. If nothing else, you'll be out in a place that's beautiful and quiet and balanced. And you might just catch that once-in-a-lifetime shot.