NorCal Kayak Anglers

General => Introductions => Topic started by: 0311usmc8152 on September 20, 2016, 06:30:09 AM

Title: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: 0311usmc8152 on September 20, 2016, 06:30:09 AM
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. 
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: LoletaEric on September 20, 2016, 07:23:03 AM
Welcome to NCKA, Nathan.  :smt001
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: BigJim on September 20, 2016, 07:32:48 AM
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!

 :smt006

Sincerely,

Jim
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Sailfish on September 20, 2016, 09:15:10 AM
Welcome to NCKA Nathan  :smt006
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Sarge on September 20, 2016, 12:37:46 PM
Welcome to NCKA and Semper Fi. Bother.
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Weimarian on September 20, 2016, 12:45:30 PM
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
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: DG on September 20, 2016, 07:04:14 PM
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
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: 0311usmc8152 on September 21, 2016, 05:37:53 AM
Welcome to NCKA and Semper Fi. Bother.

Semper Fi Sarge!
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: 0311usmc8152 on September 21, 2016, 05:42:47 AM
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?
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Bulldog---Alex on September 21, 2016, 06:59:34 AM
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
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: VK on September 21, 2016, 07:10:22 AM
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
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: ReelKnots on September 21, 2016, 07:36:25 AM
Welcome aboard!!!   :smt006


-Kiel
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: DG on September 21, 2016, 08:05:18 AM
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.
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Yowlie on September 21, 2016, 08:35:20 AM
welcome!  See you OTW
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: trianglelaguna on September 21, 2016, 05:54:07 PM
welcome -cool thread to read..
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: 0311usmc8152 on September 21, 2016, 09:06:28 PM
Thank you all for the warm welcome. I look forward to attending events as soon as I can. Please keep me in mind for a kayak. Do any of the veterans know of a veteran friendly business/s that will help me get set up? I have fishing gear covered. Just need to find kayak related stuff.
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Str8FishiN on September 21, 2016, 09:10:36 PM
Welcome to the Madness!  Semper Fi
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: Sin Coast on September 23, 2016, 08:59:43 PM
Welcome to the Madness! Don't worry, lots of us started here before we had a kayak. I'll keep an eye out for good deals in your area. Check craigslist, the classified section here, and local shops up there.
Title: Re: New to the world of kayaking...Looking for guidance and direction
Post by: jimbolonia on September 26, 2016, 07:47:03 PM
Thank you all for the warm welcome. I look forward to attending events as soon as I can. Please keep me in mind for a kayak. Do any of the veterans know of a veteran friendly business/s that will help me get set up? I have fishing gear covered. Just need to find kayak related stuff.

Don't know if any veterans groups for kayak gear. Hit up HOW, they'll know for sure. Hit events. I just finished my first event Simplr Fishing, and can attest to the great group of guys and gals here. Welcome to the group.