Noob from Sunnyvale

Hi, all.  I fished a little bit as a kid growing up in the midwest, then hardly at all until this year.  This winter's rain convinced me that this is the summer to enjoy California on the water.  The whole thing has re-kindled my interest in hunting, fishing, and boating.  Prior to this, my favorite ways to spend time outdoors were mountain biking (crazy endurance stuff like http://tourdivide.org/), hiking, and backpacking.

So far this spring I've caught a few stocked trout from shore and spent a fair bit of time threatening surf perch from beach (tons of fun!) and pier (not as much).

I don't own a boat, but I am drawn to folding kayaks like Folbots and Kepplers.  And the recent Alpacka sale got me close a couple times.  Still, planning to avoid the hassle of owning and caring for one, but I do hope to rent a lot of boats this year.  Next up, I'd like to make a trip to Loch Lomond and rent a NuCanoe for the day.

The thing I'd most like to hear about is easy or cool trips that can be done with rented equipment, saltwater or fresh.  LL is a great example because you rent right at the lake and the boats seem pretty nice.

Matthew in Sunnyvale

Welcome to NCKA!

Before hitting the ocean, please be safe, read and follow the tips that are posted all over this forum.

Monterey Bay Kayaks also rents out if you want to venture down there. They also offer kayak safety classes that are definitely worth attending.

Welcome to NCKA Matthew 

Welcome to NCKA!

Before hitting the ocean, please be safe, read and follow the tips that are posted all over this forum.

Monterey Bay Kayaks also rents out if you want to venture down there. They also offer kayak safety classes that are definitely worth attending.

Welcome and plus one on the safety training.

welcome!

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At Monterey Bay Kayaks a wetsuit and life vest are included. Pricing is very reasonable. Launch is easy.  For the ocean and wintertime lakes at least a 3MM farmer John wetsuit is the minimum. Warning - If we see you out there without the proper gear, we WILL make fun of you. Cause we don't want you to DIE.
Personally I wouldn't recommend folding kayaks. If you have a garage or storage area out of the sun, you have room for a kayak. Used or blemished starter kayaks can be found for less expensive prices.

Welcome to the Madness

At Monterey Bay Kayaks a wetsuit and life vest are included. Pricing is very reasonable. Launch is easy.  For the ocean and wintertime lakes at least a 3MM farmer John wetsuit is the minimum. Warning - If we see you out there without the proper gear, we WILL make fun of you. Cause we don't want you to DIE.
Personally I wouldn't recommend folding kayaks. If you have a garage or storage area out of the sun, you have room for a kayak. Used or blemished starter kayaks can be found for less expensive prices.

Welcome to the Madness

This.  I recommend that you try out some rentals first.  If you decide to move forward, I recommend you get a pedal kayak.

I disagree paddle kayak first. If the drive breaks and you have no paddling skills you are SOL

Welcome, Matthew. 

Welcome!  I say go out on the big blue with one of the many guides on NCKA.  It's the fast track way to start, and they'll sort you out with the right gear and techniques... you're gonna get addicted.   

Welcome aboard Mathew. 


-Kiel

... (crazy endurance stuff like http://tourdivide.org/) ...

Wow! You might want to consider a Hobie...

Welcome Matthew! 

 
  Matthew,

 How did you hear of or find the site?

And anybody who has ridden the Tour Divide is always welcome here! (I'm planning to ride the GDMBR this fall

You won't regret it.  It's so beautiful that you almost get weary of beauty.  Day in and day out, beautiful views, beautiful scenes, and you're right there.  If you want any tips (I rode in 2013), feel free to PM me.