What do you guys think of this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/WindPaddle-Wind-Paddle-Pop-Up-Cruiser-56-Kayak-Sail_W0QQitemZ200275754095QQihZ010QQcategoryZ36122QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1742.m153.l1262

I have used an umbrella to sail around Quarry before, it was kinda fun...

Here's a video of it in action..


It doesn't look like you'd be able to tack against the wind at all.  I'd worry that I'd be quickly blown down wind and find myself with a horrible long paddle against the wind on the way back.

Brian

There was a french company back in the mid 1990's that built a kite sail with inflatable ribs, just for kayaks. It was controlled by a standard 4 line bridle, pretty much like the kite surfer guys use. The inflatable ribs kept it floating if it went down, and an experienced flier could relaunch it from the water. I saw a prototype when I was building kite sails in SF, it was pretty cool. Sadly, kayaking wasn't such a hot hobby then, so I don't know if the sail I saw ever made it into production.

It looks to me like you could make something like the sail in the video with a tarp, some duct tape, and a couple poles. Might be a fun thing to try if the fish aren't biting.

Being able to tack upwind would be pretty important .

Agreed, you'd have to be careful with it, but for me it would just be an option if the conditions were right than a primary means of propulsion.

I can imagine it would be handy fighing the tide back up the rockwall, or quickly cutting across a lake.

I considered building a sail, but I like the way that one folds up nice and compact.

Sure hate to fall out with that sucker up

...it's just all about improvising (and the cheapest way possible) the NCKA way   

Looks like a pair of skivs hanging out to dry

Mooch! Where's the bite?

Hey Paul / Blue  Good to see you back online! Long time my friend!

regarding the bite...here it is: Lintt Trout Farm on Hwy 92....from what I've heard on yelp.com, it's totally off da hook 

and just about my speed right now

wonder if they allow kayaks