Please help a noob get started!

Hi Everyone,
I recently came across a tandem sit-on-top kayak for free (good story for a different time).  It can be configured for solo use as the middle section is molded for yer butt, and a seat back can be rigged.  But that and a medium action spin rod is all I have.  Oh, and a fishing license

I've spent some time on the forum here and have learned a little bit but the gear list is overwhelming!  I've listed the things (minus fishing gear) that I think I need to get started fishing in Tomales Bay for halibut and later for crab.  Would love to fish for salmon, but I think I should seek calmer waters first...my impression is that TB would be a good intro, but that's a total wild guess. 

With a focus on just getting the yak in the water and paddling safely, here is my gear list...please let me know your thoughts.  Thank you so much in advance, this really is a wonderful community you have here.

1. PFD
2. Oar
3. wetsuit
4. car top carrier (i have thule bars already)
5. wheeled kayak carrier to transport between car and water
6. can I use the same type of wheels to load on to the roof rack?
7. general tie-downs and rigging
8. oar holder strap
9. milk crate with PVC for pole holder and gear (going DIY here to save $$)
10. dry bag for clothes etc

What other safety equipment is essential?  Radio?  Whistle? 

Thanks guys and gals-
Koji

Pics of the kayak



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Don't forget:
bilge pump
Submersible / Floating VHF Marine Radio
GPS / Fish finder

welcome to the maddness....the list goes on and on ... start off with a floatie and or rod leash...
http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?topic=10774.msg97448#msg97448

yes radio... water proof and floatable... (vhf) fish finder with GPS (eventually)  a dry box is nice to have 

I should also ask whether this kayak is even sea-worthy. I assume it is...

It's a Equinox 12.0T. 12' long, 34" wide. It may have been sold through Costco. I think it's similar to the one here:

https://www.pluckpoint.com/product/index/equinox-12ft-tandem-sit-on-kayak

It may not be ideal but I'm hoping it's enough to get me started.


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Welcome! Here are my $0.02 answers.

>1. PFD
For sure.

>2. Oar
In kayaking, we call it a paddle.

>3. wetsuit
Yes. A farmer john with a front zip is a popular choice for getting started.

>4. car top carrier (i have thule bars already)
Not sure what you mean by this? Just flip your kayak upside down and strap it directly to the bars. I use straps like these: https://www.amazon.com/Keeper-85243-Lashing-Strap-Pack/dp/B004PL4H0O  Running bow and maybe even stern lines in case the rack fails is a really good idea.

>5. wheeled kayak carrier to transport between car and water
Nice, but not required if you can carry the boat by yourself or have help.

>8. oar holder strap
These are nice: https://www.amazon.com/Paddle-Leash-Leashes-Total-Carabiner/dp/B00MXJFXOE/ I don't recommend tethering/leashing multiple things though, or you'll tie yourself in a knot.

>What other safety equipment is essential?  Radio?  Whistle?
Yes and yes. I generally take the view that keeping yourself out of trouble in the first place is more important than being able to call for help (never count on being rescued), but a VHF is pretty useful. An $8 waterproof case for your phone is a good idea as well.

You can do fine without a fishfinder to start with, but carry a compass and know to use it, even if you have GPS.


Skills and judgment are more important than any of the things listed above. Like VK said, practice self-rescue.

Judging from your post, seems like you may very little or no experience with kayaking?  If that's true I wouldn't recommend TB as a place to start unless you're with some experienced folks.  Maybe hit up somewhere like Spring lake in Santa Rosa just to get the feel for your boat and gear. 

Welcome To The Madness! 
less is better, but at least have the minimum. Your Kayak is going to be hard to track (paddle in a straight line) due to it being higher out of the water than single person kayaks. The wind will make you want a single person yak real quick. You can still get your but wet and learn in it though. Maybe never try a single yak and you'll never know what your missing.

Be Safe and Have Fun!

You should put it on the water in a pond or lake to judge for yourself if you think it's seaworthy or not before you get started rigging it.

And add to your list a safety flag.  Any old bicycle safety flag will work.

You should put it on the water in a pond or lake to judge for yourself if you think it's seaworthy or not before you get started rigging it.

And add to your list a safety flag.  Any old bicycle safety flag will work.

I usually fly a flag but they are relatively uncommon to see in California. I agree though, fly a flag and make yourself easier to spot in the swells.

Judging from your post, seems like you may very little or no experience with kayaking?  If that's true I wouldn't recommend TB as a place to start unless you're with some experienced folks.  Maybe hit up somewhere like Spring lake in Santa Rosa just to get the feel for your boat and gear.

Welcome To The Madness! 
less is better, but at least have the minimum. Your Kayak is going to be hard to track (paddle in a straight line) due to it being higher out of the water than single person kayaks. The wind will make you want a single person yak real quick. You can still get your but wet and learn in it though. Maybe never try a single yak and you'll never know what your missing.

Be Safe and Have Fun!

I agree w/ Dale & Adam.
Two person kayaks are pretty barge.
If you go out to Tomales, maybe not bring any fishing stuff & check it out?
Tomales can be brutal from strong tides & high wind.

Be safe out there!


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What other safety equipment is essential?  Radio?  Whistle? 

If I'm not mistaken, a whistle is a legal requirement. Regardless of the state of my memory, they're cheap, and it's a great idea to have one. Do not get a bouncing-ball style whistle if you're hitting the salt on the regular, they can freeze if salt crystallizes inside. I actually carry two. One has my backup compass on it.

Radio: I've got one with a GPS inside. It would be a great feature, except the radio has a bastard of a user interface (standard horizon hx851) that makes re-learning its GPS essential every time I go out. I'd probably have been happier with a smaller radio and a fishfinder with GPS.

My wife insisted I carry an ID tag with emergency contact info on my watch in case an outing goes seriously sideways, so I do that.

Knife. I carry a serrated line cutter to be able to cut myself out of a tangle should it be necessary. One of these: https://www.amazon.com/Innovative-Scuba-Razor-Cutter-TM1608/dp/B01M5CW67B It's clipped to my PFD so I can grab it without even thinking about opening a pocket.

Best advice echoing some things that have been said: get on a calm freshwater lake near shore and practice falling out and getting back in. Flip the boat upside down, make sure you can flip it upright while you're in the water. This'll also let you know how water tight the boat is.  When you're confident in this, try it in increasingly chaotic conditions. It really is a life-or-death skill to have, and you want to master it.

I appreciate all the input everyone! I do have the safety gear and have paddled a bit on the Russian river but never in the ocean. Some calm waters is not a bad idea at all.


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Not required..but with all your gear, the kayak can be difficult to flip back over if its upside down.  I have one of these attached to my handle at all times and stowed in my side pocket.  http://www.kayakselfrescueladder.com/

Cheap and a life saver!

Just wanted to close the loop on this. I got out on the kayak this weekend at HMB and had a fantastic time. I really appreciate everyone's input and advice. Honestly, I was more than a little bit terrified of bringing this recreational tandem kayak from Costco onto the ocean solo. I was dressed for immersion, had a pfd, radio, compass, whistle, and my iPhone in a waterproof case w nautical maps loaded onto my Gaia gps app. I also reached out to NCKA members who were gracious enough to meet me at the launch and show me around. But I had no idea how this barge would paddle. Worst case scenario, i thought, I could turn around before I got out too far and hopefully not ruin anyone's outing.

It turns out the kayak faired quite well. It's big, but the size and recreational design of the kayak may have lended some stability in the swell. It didn't feel tipsy at all. And I found lots of room for gear and fish. Paddling from the center console also felt pretty balanced.

Coming back in after ~5hrs trolling for salmon and hunting different reefs for lings, I paddled into a pretty stiff headwind, maybe about 10mph. That was tough work but the kayak was manageable to keep in a straight line and although slow going, I made steady progress to the beach.

Anyway, just wanted to let you all know that I got on the water and made it back safely on my maiden voyage. I hope to get out again soon.

Thanks again for all your help NCKA. Great community here!





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