Hello Yakers NewBie Here need Assistance

I been browsing the web for the last 2 weeks looking for kayaks, I bumped in to this site and all I can say is WOW, its like opening present on Christmas eve, very informative, exciting, and it seems to me that there where people crazy enough to go Open Ocean! Which I been meaning to do for a while, I have pontoon kickboat I don't think that toon is man enough to take on the the big kahuna, Anyway heres where I need your assistance, I found two kayak thats pretty interesting, Ocean Kayak Prowler 15 the old version not the trident, I found Tarpon T140 again older version, which one you think suitable for a newbie like me and why? Price wise they are both under $600. Any input will be highly appreciated,

Thanks you!!

P.S. Thanks you very much administrator for allowing to be part of the yakers community, I am looking forward for an exciting adventures, see you all in the water!!!!

Both are good rides. Not sure your size a weight. The OK will be better suited for salt and slightly bigger guys. The T140 is a good all around (fresh and salt) and is a bit faster.

Welcome aboard Darius_MMIII.  Like ewb said they're both are good yaks and many guys here love the Prowler 15.  If it possible, you should test ride both of them and see which one fits you best.

I have a Tarpon 140 and a Cobra Escape - two very different boats and love them both - the Tarpon is very stable, and quick.  That's just my two cents!

Oh, and welcome

Thats awesome instant reply, is there a lot peeps fish santa cruz/HMB/SFBAY/SPBAY? Where do they meet? I asked my friend to join me on this new adventures, all he says, Are you fricking crazy ocean on a kayak!!! he says thats deathwish for you brother!! to make the story short newbie cannot go by himself, I wanna know plannings of where to fish who will there and at what time? sorry I maybe asking too much, like you guys always says the more the merier, Thanks

Thats awesome instant reply, is there a lot peeps fish santa cruz/HMB/SFBAY/SPBAY? Where do they meet? I asked my friend to join me on this new adventures, all he says, Are you fricking crazy ocean on a kayak, he says thats deathwish for you brother!! to make the story short newbie cannot go by himself, I wanna know plannings of where to fish who will there and at what time? sorry I maybe asking too much, like you guys always says the more the merier, Thanks

I'm still a noob also, but watch the hookups board, find out who is going where.  There is a great mixture between ocean and freshwater.  I'd suggest freshwater first for practice (I could be completely wrong, but that's what I did).  This is a GREAT group of people who are always willing to help you out in any way possible!

Sunrise Mountain Sports in Livermore (I think that's the name), had a GREAT ebay deal on Tarpon 140 on their 08 model (they are rolling out their 09s)... and Ig ot mine for 499 plus tax, brand new, still in the wrapping.

Wow, I am going there tomorrow if thats the case, Thanks much all of you guys are beyond awesome, I'm pumped up big time, again Thanks for all Fast and Great assistance,

For sure go with someone (or a couple of ppl) when hitting the salt. "SCALLEN" on the board is based in SC and does guided trips. As for HMB...I'd wait a bit (it can get really bad there). There is a hook up coming in Sept out of HMB that will have a high turnout and there will be an assist boat from HMB Kayaks plus jet skis from the Harbor Patrol in case anyone gets into trouble. As for the bay. It can be just as hard/scary as the ocean.  However, you can always find a few ppl to go with. As NCK says keep looking at the 'Hook Ups' section (and she's right about freshwater 1st). Oyster Point and RWC Harbor are pretty safe but really, seriously, hit the water with an exp'd friend or two. And yes, everyone on this board would be happy to have you tag along. Oh and tell you buddy he's a puss! Kayak's are made for the ocean! And make sure you don't share any fish with him! He can eat chicken (kidding, of course)

Welcome!

Wow, I am going there tomorrow if thats the case, Thanks much all of you guys are beyond awesome, I'm pumped up big time, again Thanks for all Fast and Great assistance,

I didn't see the same deal on ebay anymore,  I know they had listed 3 - but maybe ask them about them having similar deals that they might not have posted on ebay yet?  They might have older models in their warehouse waiting for people like you!  I was very lucky to snag mine, it's amazing!  Welcome to the madness (as all the non-noobs say )

Darius,

Ping stormscrambler (James) last I recall he was looking to unload a T140. Not sure if he still has it....You can look him up and PM him via the 'members' tab near the top of the page

I know this is out of your way, but I'll have my Tarpon up at silver lake this weekend on Saturday if you want to take it for a paddle.  Just an fyi.

This is Crazy!!! I can hardly keep up with the info I'm getting I am getting wet already! Really reading all the replies I get goosebumps, also I called the Sunrise Mountain Sports the manager KIM is not available till later so I'll ask, I also Fishermans Warehouse they are having a no sales tax on the 22-24, thought you guys should know, Again Big Thanks, I see if I can contact SCallen I don't mind if he charge me for his time I'm hoping not his regular rate and only for pointers, I'll try to PM JAMES as well who knows he might be willing to give this noob a break, again and again you peeps are awesome,

This is Crazy, I can hardly keep up with the info I'm getting I am getting wet already! Really reading all the replies I get goosebumps, also I called the Sunrise Mountain Sports the manager KIM is not available till later so I'll ask, I also Fishermans Warehouse they are having a no sales tax on the 22-24, thought you guys should know, Again Big Thanks, I see if I can contact SC

Definately. I couldn't be happier with my purchase.  I went and picked mine up last Saturday.  Fishermans Warehouse is amazing too - especially in Fresno  

Feel free to ask any of us for any info, we'd all be happy to help!  I'm still learning but I'd be lost it it wasn't for NCKA.

ALSO - first things first, make sure you have proper safety precautions - learn how to self rescue, make sure you have a good readio, etc.  Here in fresno we're getting our local news station to do 5 hours on safety  & kayaking 

Welcome to the board Darius!!!

There are a LOT of kayakers fishing Santa Cruz, Capitola, Monterey etc... This board will be a great resource for you for hookups, fishing reports, gearing advice etc....

And the most important advice you will receive on this board is SAFETY IS #1.

You'll need:

Wetsuit or some type of cold water bouyant protective clothing,
PFD
VHF radio
flares or air horn
GPS
Someone to go with you
I recommend you put a bunch of pool noodles in your hull in case a leak develops
Survival knife
Lot of people carry a bilge pump
I also keep a spare paddle in the hull
Paddle leash
Don't try the ocean until you have mastered self rescue techniques
I also carry my cell phone, even though I always charge my VHF radio the night before an adventure, stuff breaks, gets lost etc..

On this site you'll find a ton of great ideas for pimping your ride, thing like how to make a milk crate into a storage box that will hold your rods, gaffs, nets, etc..

Then you'll have to figure out how to secure everything so when you have that unfortunate experience of flipping your yak (yard sale!!), you don't lose anything.

Santa Cruz, Capitola and Monterey offer very easy launches,but I would suggest you take a training course offered by any number of Kayak shops.

With all that being said, this is an extremely fun sport. Are there  dangers, sure, but with the proper planning and always thinking about your safety, its minimal..

But then again, last year a pissed off very large seal attacked my boat... I think he thought I had my eyes on his girfiend who was hovering nearby. Hell, she was cute, but had fish breath.

Rich

I printed this, when I go to shop I know what to get, I am a very good swimmer I was a varsity swimmer back then but age years goes got out of shape, I am going to look for a few seminar, theres one on Del Valle I think its demo day, but I'll try to ask and absorb as much as I could, I will definitely be there Thanks for the extremely important piece of the puzzle,

P.S. NewChickKayaker Thanks I would love to be at silver lake, but, its just way out of the way, I'll will see you in the water, let me know if you are planning to visit our body of waters, I'll show some nice area here I promised, Thanks