New to me first yak

VHF radio needs to be waterproof and not bulky. It's best if you can get one that's 5 watts. But I also have been using these cheapo Cobra radios for like 6yrs as loaners/spares...only 3 watts but they have outlived numerous "fancy" radios. I got a 2-pack for like $70 at West Marine. You can use the rechargable battery that comes with it...or AA batteries, which is really useful.
http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MRHH125-Compact-Waterproof-Handheld/dp/B00126K8BM/ref=pd_cp_e_0

That appears to be a 2-way ("walkie talkie") , not VHF.  Good for talking to you family on the beach but not for reaching anyone who will be of help to you.

You need a VHF.  Plan on spending ~$150 on a good radio.  Second to you lifejacket, this is one area where spending a little amount of cash is REALLY worth it.

bah!  didnt notice that.  thx.  typed in vhf radio and didnt even notice it was a 2 way...

any suggestions?

how's this one?
https://www.google.com/shopping/product/18406252841485646091?biw=1587&bih=712&espv=2&output=search&q=waterproof+vhf+noaa+radio&oq=waterproof+vhf+noaa+radio&prds=paur:ClkAsKraX5KkDCgGFWPv-9anpuXxZ8LPrHqL33gsZRegAiVCV9JlI5D7aQ7CJhag7-2G7fwWO-dDUrgrkx1ZKHrJzOSv6iw21QuYPuOSecRCYriZg3N455J45BIZAFPVH71uos54yw8TGE_qC5x50qOaclWDyA&ei=zPP5VMbaFZOVyATzwYDQCA&ved=0COIFEKYrMAo

Here's my PERSONAL opinion:

Cobra makes an 'ok' radio.  I generally classify the brand as a backup or spare unit due to quality & cost.  If you have the means ($$$) to do so, focus on a quality radio that will last you.  Brands to look at include ICOM & Standard Horizon.  I was in the marine industry (retail management) for 11 years ... those are the two brands with the lowest return rate & best customer support.  Again, you should be able to find one of those units for ~$150.

Last thing you want is a sub-par VHF in the event of an emergency.  Floating is a great feature!  GPS built-in is a good feature if you can swing the $$$ for it.

Opinions are great to have. Helps others on theirs.

Thanks!

VHF radio needs to be waterproof and not bulky. It's best if you can get one that's 5 watts. But I also have been using these cheapo Cobra radios for like 6yrs as loaners/spares...only 3 watts but they have outlived numerous "fancy" radios. I got a 2-pack for like $70 at West Marine. You can use the rechargable battery that comes with it...or AA batteries, which is really useful.
http://www.amazon.com/Cobra-MRHH125-Compact-Waterproof-Handheld/dp/B00126K8BM/ref=pd_cp_e_0

Thanks man. Will have a look

As you can see ... Pat has a slightly different opinion based on his personal use.  Awesome to get some contrast in this outlook!  I, myself, have not owned/used OTW a Cobra VHF so I state my outlook on them based solely on a retail standpoint.  Pat, thanks for sharing your OTW outlook of them.  Good perspective.

How is?

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX851-Floating-Handheld/dp/B0036EW94C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425677399&sr=8-3&keywords=vhf+radio

Or?

http://www.amazon.com/Icom-Handheld-Marine-Radio-5-Watts/dp/B004N8S1RY/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1425677428&sr=8-5&keywords=vhf+radio

Both float and are 5W. The first one also has GPS.

look like they may be a little bulky, but they look like they'll do.

Wow!  Got home and saw that my paddle arrived today!!!

That was some fast shipping right thuurrr!

Had said 7-10 bus days and I got it in half that.

Paddle looks pretty good and sturdy guys!

I would really recommend it at first look. Will try and put it to the test as soon as I can.

Hey all so I tested out the kayak and paddle today.

Was a great time!  Only about an hour and a half on the water but that was enough for me to get a feel for it.

Definitely need a new seat. Not for my bottom but for my back. Needs to be way higher!

Paddle turned out to be bad ass!

Just need to get a little more time on the water so that I can get used to paddling correctly.

Over all...love it!

Can't wait to rock fish on it!

How is?

http://www.amazon.com/Standard-Horizon-HX851-Floating-Handheld/dp/B0036EW94C/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1425677399&sr=8-3&keywords=vhf+radio

I just got that one (had the HX751 for a couple of years). I doubt you'll ever beat that price---tremendous deal, IMHO.

Btw, if you fish out of SC/Capitola I'm sure I'll see you out there...

Cool. Will check out a bit closer.

I've actually never gone out on my boat via SC, but have gone out with others on their boats.

I've taken my boat out of capitola and have fished other boats but have never taken any yaks out of either.

I'm going to try and get my kids on some fish next weekend using my boat but maybe at some point before the RF/LC season opens I can get out on the kayak on capitola or SC waters.

I would assume that ppl out of SC launch out of the harbor, but what about capitola ppl?  Where do you guys launch from?