Another newbie

Hi folks   

I've been lurking this site since February after meeting some of you guys at the Fred Hall show at the Cow Palace last January.   I recently acquired an old ocean kayak scupper complete with paddles, seat, pfd, and a farmer john suit for $350 off of craigslist.  I know I should've tried out different kayaks but I really don't want to spend too much for my first kayak and I've been told by friends and  read reviews that you can't really lose out on an old classic.  I have never ridden in a kayak before but after paddling for 2 days around Lake Merced,  I'm beginning to gain some confidence and started moving around the yak.  My lats are a little sore but that's a good feeling.  I'm thinking about going back there on Thursday or Friday and if any of the newbies or seasoned vets would like to come and shoot the breeze, that would be awesome.

I have a few questions though about this kayak.  Where's the best place to put the flush mount rod holders?   What's the normal seating position?  Is it upright or a bit laid back?  I tried to sit upright but I keep sliding to the laid back position.  Maybe I need new seats.  I will probably keep the rigging to a minimum because I'll probably get a new yak next year. 

This site ROCKS

Willie

looks like you got a good deal there. fishing is pretty much dead at lake merced but it sure is a nice place to paddle around, especially better on a sunny day.

the best place for flush mount holders is usually right behind the seat on either side or in mid section where you wouldn't have to reach too far and wouldn't interfere with paddling. i think on your yak, behind the seat is probably the only option as the mid section may not have enough area. as far as seating position, you should try to sit up straight as much as possible especially on long trips. i'm guessing the reason why you keep sliding in your seat may be because your pfd and the seat probably don't match. what i mean is the bottom back part of your pfd may be resting on the seat. the ones specifically designed for paddling only have the top part, the bottom part is just a piece of thin cover.

james

Willie,

Welcome to the Scupper zone. I guess you got the orange one that was for sale about a week ago?

I'd be very careful trying to use flushmounts. There isn't a lot of depth to a Scupper, even less than on a Scupper Pro, so angled flushmounts may not even fit.  I went with RAM mounts behind the cockpit myself. They can be folded out to allow access to the rear hatch while on the water, or folded down during launching and landing. They also keep your reel further away from the water.

I keep myself upright. It's more a function of keeping your knees bent than seat choice.

Good luck,
Scott

Welcome to the Madness 

I had a scupper pro as a part of my flotilla....I installed two flushmounts behind the seat (there is room for it). It's an easy kayak to paddle and light enough to lift around. Took me a while to get used to the stability - coming from a wider kayak (Prowler 15). But really, it's a model favored by many....unfortunately OK no longer makes 'em  I regret selling mine         

Anyway, congrats and prepare to "triple" your fishing days    

Hi Scott

That was the orange one alright.   I also talked to a guy in Chico about a month ago with his yellow scupper pro with seat and paddles for $350 but was unable to make it.  Anyway, you're right about the clearance on the scupper that's why I wanted to get some expert advise before I start cutting  holes on this thing.  I might just go with the ram mount instead. 

Hey Mooch

Thanks for introducing me to this site

Willie

Your seat is sliding forward because the two straps on the back side of the seat are not properly secured.
Does your Scupper have a tank well or hatch in the back?
If it has a hatch you can install a couple of pad eyes right behind the seat to clip the back of the seat to so the bottom will not slide out from under you. Make sure the brass hook on the back of the seat strap is as close to the bottom of the seat as possible. You will probably have to make a few adjustments. The closer the hook is to the bottom of the seat the less it will slide forward.
If it comes with a tank well you can hook onto the strap which goes across the tank well. That is what we do on CHUB's.
I prefer my seat to be straight up and down. No leaning back for me.

Welcome starlifter!    it's obvious the "MADNESS" has already taken over...and your confidence will grow with each outing, mine did.       

   ......toss a few senkos into the tullieline, where there is a change or opening, the next time your at merced.

Hi Tote

I have the hatch in the back too.  Where can you get those pad eyes?  I noticed that sitting straight up is less strenuous on the abs.   

Hey Adam

I'll try that senko rig you guys we're talking about and I'll give a full report next week.  I'm sure there still a few lunkers hanging around them tullies.

Starlifter, I am new here too, your right this is a cool site, these guys posts have been really helpful, also I have bought the kayaks fishing video that has lots of good tips, the eyes can be bought from outback adventtures, I was in there the other day and they have them behind the counter, they have the black ones and the SST they are only a buck or 2, I got some from west marine for 3x the price I had to bore them out a bit to get a rivet in to it but its working out fine for my anchor trolly, and other rigging, I will buy more at OA. as far as your other questions these guys are right on every thing from lake merced to mounting and seat Note on the seat that when "surfing it in you want to be in the laid back position,for better control. . as to the confidence I can attest to their summation. give it time.....over the 4th I went to Carp Reef , Carpinteria, ca  near Santa Barbra, they guys were saying there is a reef way out there causing the breaks (they were big) from the shore I said no Freaking way Am I going out there!!!. well after a couple attemts of crashing thru the shore break, praticing the landings and playing in the swell and kelpbeds for a couple days. on the 3 day we make it out okay, caught the bait fish, and paddled out past the reef, saw lots of thresher sharks and other wildlife cause the water is only a paddle or 2 deep depending on the tide.. ANYWAY... drifting into the break I yell out ROUGEWAVE, i cant see my friend cause the swell was so big but I know he was about 40 ft away, I paddled as hard and fast as I could leand forward while I took the elevator ride, my bow crashed, I yelled ye-hah, and leaned back suddenly I was the crazy ass kayaker surfin a big breaker. when BAM we slammed into each other and I slammed into each other and rode it out

Starlifter, I am new here too, your right this is a cool site, these guys posts have been really helpful,these guys are right on every thing from lake merced to mounting and seat Note on the seat that when "surfing it in you want to be in the laid back position,for better control. . as to the confidence I can attest to their summation.
 I paddled as hard and fast as I could leand forward while I took the elevator ride, my bow crashed, I yelled ye-hah, and leaned back suddenly I was the crazy ass kayaker surfin a big breaker. when BAM we slammed into each other and I slammed into each other and rode it out

Hey iroelikethat, Welcome!  check out the MBF(money between friends) get together up in Bodega bay this Sat.
SEE: Angler Of The Day (AOTD) post in the TOURNAMENT in area page (under the hook-ups and fish report page).
....and PROPS for da' PROPS!    cuz...thatsHOWweROLL

That surf ride sounds NUTS O' !! you had me getting ready to hold my breath!  and pictures?  

  Do a google search for  Kayak + paddling + technique or something of the sort. There are many websites for learning to paddle correctly. You'll get further on less energy etc., well worthwhile.