Found our boats! just need gear

My friend and i acquired some 9ft kayaks for a reasonable price, but they came with a random paddle and nothing else. we just need to pick up any accessories if anyone has old stuff around we could buy, pfds, farmer johns, paddles, and also lets go fishing! weve already been messing around in the harbor and loving it!
thanks in advance

Welcome to the madness!

...and I hope you and your friend take a kayak safety course before you venture out to bigger water.

Is a kayak safety course really necessary?

No, but I wouldn't go in the ocean in a 9 foot kayak.  What brand is it.  You should definately at the least search this site for safety recomendations and go with some experienced people first if you are going on the ocean.  Good luck.  Would love to show you the ropes but Cambria is likely to far for you. 

Is a kayak safety course really necessary?

Only if you are interested in survival. If not, then nah just wing it.

Seriously, kayak fishing is 98% paddling, 2% fishing. You have to have the water knowledge to fish safe. OK, if you are water person (surfing,diving,sailing, etc (*Notice that a PB does not count*) and have the water knowledge then maybe you could get by with having a buddy who has taken a kayak class show you, but that's a stretch. I've taken and taught more kayak classes than I can recall, and I still have much to learn.

Is a kayak safety course really necessary?

That is a HELL YES!!! Learning how to brace, getting in and out of the surf, and self rescue is extremely important. And seeing it done on YouTube is no substitute.

Krusty - Umh.... put it like that.... I might not be ready for the ocean. On another thread, u said u were in for Friday out of hmb? Do u guys intend on launching from the surf of from the harbor?

Really would be interested in knowing what kayak you have since you are just starting out.  Never a bad idea to take a class and support someone from this site if possible.  If you can make it as far south as Cambria it's a easy launch and I would be happy to show the ropes. 

Is a kayak safety course really necessary?

Only if you are interested in survival. If not, then nah just wing it.

Seriously, kayak fishing is 98% paddling, 2% fishing. You have to have the water knowledge to fish safe. OK, if you are water person (surfing,diving,sailing, etc (*Notice that a PB does not count*) and have the water knowledge then maybe you could get by with having a buddy who has taken a kayak class show you, but that's a stretch. I've taken and taught more kayak classes than I can recall, and I still have much to learn.

Like I always preach : you wanna be a kayaker FIRST and a fisherman SECOND. Fishing is the easy part....

It disturbs me to see guys with $200.00 to 300.00 dollar range fish finders, $300.00 G-loomis rods but could never seem to be able to afford to take a kayak class 

Andy1976 - i got a wilderness tarpon 100. thanks for the offer. I might gotta take u up on that offer when the swells are better. Everyone on here is so kind. Thanks!

Krusty - Umh.... put it like that.... I might not be ready for the ocean. On another thread, u said u were in for Friday out of hmb? Do u guys intend on launching from the surf of from the harbor?

I have not heard back from Chumchum where he wants to launch from. If we go HMB, we would launch inside the harbor from the beach behind HMB Kayak. But just because it is a protected launch with no waves inside the harbor does not mean that basic kayak safety skills are unnecessary.

http://www.outbackadventures.com/trips_classes/kayaking/kayak_classes/

From that link - do we need to take all them classes or can we get by w the kayaking safety course

http://www.outbackadventures.com/trips_classes/kayaking/kayak_classes/

From that link - do we need to take all them classes or can we get by w the kayaking safety course

What you'll want to know before paying for a class is what it covers. Basic paddle strokes (forward, reverse, sweep, brace), and rescues (self recovery, assisted recovery-a good class should teach both, and maybe a few variations of each). Basic navigation, water reading, and gear should all be covered as well.
If they teach a sit-on-top class specifically that may be your best bet.

 Also, mention that your goal is ocean paddling and give some examples of where you would like to eventually paddle. These parameters will help you get the most out of whatever course you take. Classes like surf launching and open ocean paddling are more advanced and usually have a basic class prerequisite.

http://www.outbackadventures.com/trips_classes/kayaking/kayak_classes/

From that link - do we need to take all them classes or can we get by w the kayaking safety course

That class is a very good start. After taking it, you can practice your skills on one of the many lakes in the East Bay. Also please read this: http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,27534.0.html.

At least a 3mm Farmer John wetsuit and a waterproof  jacket are mandatory for the ocean or winter time lakes. I don't need to say life jacket
NRS is having a clearance on wetsuits
http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product_list.asp?deptid=2407uits