New member introduction

Hello Everyone,

My name is Russell, I live in San Francisco. I love and enjoyed fishing since I was a kids. I haven't been able to fish much in the past a few years, looking to get back into fishing and learn kayak fishing.

I am planning to take some basic kayaking and safety training in the next couple of months, then purchase a Santa Cruz Raptor SOT kayak. If anyone has experience of this kayak in norcal costal water, I would love to hear your opinion if it is a good option for a newbie kayaker.

I am looking forward to fishing and learning from everyone here on this board.

Welcome, Russell. 

Russell, I have one and you're welcome to come check it out.  I am located in San Jose.  As far as the Raptor G2, I love it.  It is very stable, fast, and great for launching/landing from/to a beach.  Just PM me and we can arrange something.

Alternatively, the owner/designer of Santa Cruz Kayaks is an active member of this board, his name is Baitman (Jim Martin).  Great guy.  I am sure he'll be more than happy to give you a demo. If you PM him, he is also very good at returning a message.

Alternatively, the owner/designer of Santa Cruz Kayaks is an active member of this board, his name is Baitman (Jim Martin).  Great guy.  I am sure he'll be more than happy to give you a demo. If you PM him, he is also very good at returning a message.

+1

I had a G2 but, sadly, I had to sell it to keep the wife happy.

Welcome to the madness Russell  . Another happy G2  owner here 

Welcome!


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Welcome to NCKA!

Welcome!

When I first got into kayaking I was looking at the SC Raptor. As it was mentioned reach out to Baitman; he's a great guy.

Hello welcome to the club!

You're gonna have some fun I guarantee. 

Git out there.

Bushy

If you are serious about the Raptor G2 and may be thinking about the peddle option you may want to look at the Mirage drive that is currently being sold. I do not thing Santa Cruz Kayaks furnishes the actual Mirage drive.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=75708.0

Welcome to the madness Russell!  If you're getting back into fishing and starting up kayak fishing...you're in for a treat!  Kayak fishing is going to change you, not just the fishing, but the whole experience! 

Sounds like you're on the right track, don't be in a hurry to get out on the ocean.  Prep all your safety gear, take classes and get comfortable.  See you otw! 

If you are serious about the Raptor G2 and may be thinking about the peddle option you may want to look at the Mirage drive that is currently being sold. I do not thing Santa Cruz Kayaks furnishes the actual Mirage drive.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=75708.0

+1.  Unless you are in a very good shape, using a pedal is the best way to go, you will move faster and last longer in the water.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=75708.0
+1.  Unless you are in a very good shape, using a pedal is the best way to go, you will move faster and last longer in the water.

uh-oh.........

Bushy