new kayaker...please help!!!

Hi everyone. This forum looks awesome with tons of information I can't wait to get immersed in!

I live in the tri-valley area of the SF east bay and looking to get into kayaking primarily for crabbing. Hopefully fishing down the line. I am tired of paying $150 per trip for rock cod/crab combo on a boat because it adds up after a while lol. I just got approval from the wife to buy a kayak and deciding between Santa Cruz Kayak Raptor SOT or a pedal kayak like the Hobie Mirage Outback. I would primarily be crabbing out of HMB by the jetty as I am familiar with the area. Can anyone steer me in the right direction? I don't have any gear at the moment other than a car and willingness to learn. I will be making purchases as I learn more. I am the type that doesn't like to make an investment unless I have done my research and know what works. Thanks!

On second thought, I actually do have an O'Neill 4/3 wetsuit and booties from my old surfing days. Wonder if that is practical. I have also been kayaking a few times around the bay on rentals and enjoyed it. I am fairly athletic. Hope this helps!

The new Hobie Outbacks with the Vantage CT seat is hard to beat man! But I have never been in the Raptor so i can't really compare them.

 Hobies shine for hands free movement which isn't terribly important for crabbing. Not to say that you wouldn't be happy with one they are fishing machines. But, IMO paddle kayak has the advantage in the use you describe.

Excellent. Thanks for the info guys. My reasoning for the Hobie would be in case I wanted to get into fishing in the future, I have the ability to pedal AND paddle correct? If I get the Raptor wouldn't my options be limited in the future?

Hobies have some limitations due to it's method of transportation. I.e. they don't perform quite so well in kelp beds.

All of the Hobies should be capable of paddling, but certain models are a beast to even think about paddling (Pro Angler series comes to mind). Models like Revolution and Adventure (w/o the Island) are much easier to paddle when necessary.

I wear a O'Niell 4/3 wetsuit. Nowadays I use a drysuit. But the wetsuit is more than practical.

I would try and demo both and see which one you felt more comfortable with.

Hobies hold value.... Cant beat it for fishing

Welcome to the site!  I'd demo all the boats you can before purchasing one if I were you.

My reasoning for the Hobie would be in case I wanted to get into fishing in the future

Hobie does offer some advantages, but there are dozens if not hundreds of highly accomplished offshore fishermen on this site who paddle exclusively.

As for gear to begin assembling, since you're aiming for the ocean be sure to get a waterproof VHF radio and consider having a backup as well.  There are other items to consider having along in a ditchbag, like flares, signaling device, first aid kit, duct tape, zip ties...etc., and food and water are good things to take on the ocean as well.  Many of us carry a spare paddle and bilge pump within our hulls, and having flotation in your kayak is also a good idea - there are several members here who have experienced a hull-piercing bite from a Great White Shark.

Looking forward to seeing your reports.   

This is awesome, I can't wait to start. Where can one go to get started and physically learn all this info? I would like to take a class since safety is my number one priority. I was thinking HMB Kayak Company but I don't know if they teach VHF radio use and all that. I use radios often on my job in the helicopter but marine radios might have some differences. 

 

  Please don't forget about your safety gear!  PFD, VHF, compass, (To name a few items)

If you end up fishing, a Hobie is hard to beat IMHO. I've got an Adventure (now known as the Revolution 16) and it's great for trolling. You can even put a sail on it...

If you can afford a Hobie, get one, you won't regret it. Your legs have more power than your arms, plus your hands can do more fishing (or crab pot pulling).

Monterey Bay Kayaks offer some classes, check out their website. There are a lot of friendly folks here on the board that can help you out, too. Start with your local lakes and practice all the safety stuff. Always dress for immersion.

Hobies have some limitations due to it's method of transportation. I.e. they don't perform quite so well in kelp beds.

All of the Hobies should be capable of paddling, but certain models are a beast to even think about paddling (Pro Angler series comes to mind). Models like Revolution and Adventure (w/o the Island) are much easier to paddle when necessary.

I wear a O'Niell 4/3 wetsuit. Nowadays I use a drysuit. But the wetsuit is more than practical.

I fish my Revolution 13 all the time inside the kelp.  The Mirage Drive needs to be taken out and the rudder pulled up.  Simply use your paddle.
A few days ago I made the bone head mistake of forgetting my Mirage Drive at home on a trip to TC.  I still fished the whole day using my paddle.  I good paddle like a Werner Camano definitely helps.

Wow, after checking out some yaks at Sunrise Mountain Sports in Livermore yesterday and doing some reading, I am thinking of getting the Revo 13 instead. Unfortunately, a Sunrise said they are no longer allowed to do demos in Lake Del Valle. I will prob check out California Canoe and Kayak in Oakland instead. Looks like they have some good sea kayaking courses too. Is it safe to assume that if you can paddle in the sea, the skills transfer over to lakes?