New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction

Hello,

My name is Nathan. I recently moved to Pioneer and discovered kayak fishing. I'm looking for any guidance, direction, wisdom, you can offer. I am a 100% disabled vet. Over the past three years I have had three major surgeries through the VA that has left me with both of my hips replaced. I believe kayaking is exactly what I need to get back in shape and fishing to release the stress from all I've gone through. Specifically I would like to get into a Hobie Kayak that will allow me to use my legs and switch off to using a paddle when my hips become too sore.
Being 100% disabled and unable to work I have very limited funds to purchase a kayak. If you know of anyone that donates kayaks to veterans please let me know.
I do have a couple very nice bikes I bought for my daughter and I last year that I am looking to trade or sell. I have a bunch of equipment, car racks, Garmin, etc to go along with them. They are both top of the line Trek bikes, Crossrip and Neko. Being up in the hills now my hips cannot handle the stress from the steep inclines.
I look forward to being apart of the group and learning all I can and hope I can give back to the group in the future. 

Welcome to NCKA, Nathan. 

Welcome Nathan!

There is a pretty active Heroes On The Water group here that takes vets out fishing etc...they might be able to steer you in the right direction in terms of helping you get in a kayak that will work for you.

You can read about some of the HOW events here:

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?board=46.0

Best of luck!

 

Sincerely,

Jim

Welcome to NCKA Nathan 

Welcome to NCKA and Semper Fi. Bother.

Come join us 2 weeks away for the kelsey bass ranch event.... Going to be awesome!!!
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=74550.0

Welcome to NCKA.  If you ever make it over to Mendocino and want to get on the water let me know.  I have an extra hobie you can use for the day. 

Semper Fi

Welcome to NCKA and Semper Fi. Bother.

Semper Fi Sarge!

Welcome to NCKA.  If you ever make it over to Mendocino and want to get on the water let me know.  I have an extra hobie you can use for the day. 

Semper Fi

Semper Fi DG! Thank you for the offer. How far are you from Jackson? I live about 20 minutes up 88 from Jackson. How much strain does peddling put on your legs and hips? Is it comparable to riding a bike?

Semper Fi and welcome Brother. Thank you for your service. Hope to see you at a event soon. No need to have a kayak to attend a event and get to know a bunch of great guys ! There are many of members I am sure who are willing to lend a kayak when you are ready. Just post up where ya think you might be headed and we will respond. Myself included.

Hurah !!!

Alex

Welcome DevilDog

As you can see there's lots of Marines here and a few of us Navy Corpsmen, DirtyBassChucker, Myself and a few others .

As it has all ready been said try one of the HOW gatherings hell come to any of the gatherings .

Anyhow Welcome!!! And thanks for your service

VK

Welcome aboard!!!   


-Kiel

How far are you from Jackson? I live about 20 minutes up 88 from Jackson. How much strain does peddling put on your legs and hips? Is it comparable to riding a bike?

It's about 5 hours away.  But when you get dialed in and get some ocean time you will be hooked and distance won't stop you.   

As for pedal kayaks.  There are more than just hobies now.  The hobies to me are not like riding a bike.  Your leg pushes it forward and then returns back and doesn't make a circle like with a bike.  I have tried the bike kind and more of my body was moving which caused more pain.  The last two year models hobie changed their seat design and you can adjust to make a more comfortable ride.  It hurts my back way less.  There are some new pedal kayaks coming out from different manufacturers so would definitely give them a try before buying.  Most of my injuries are upper body and I can't get out without a pedal kayak.  So maybe someone with lower body injuries can chime in on how they work for them.

welcome!  See you OTW

welcome -cool thread to read..