Topic: Expecting a kayak next month. (Read 1756 times)

August 14, 2019, 10:20:22 PM

Looking forward to getting a kayak for my birthday next month. I decided the Lifetime Tamarack is the right option for me to start out with.

Hopefully I can connect with other anglers and have some cool kayak adventures.

August 14, 2019, 10:29:14 PM #1

Nice! I hope you get the kayak of your dreams!

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

August 14, 2019, 10:32:54 PM #2

Welcome!

Demo demo demo. Try out different ones before deciding on the budget kayak.

August 15, 2019, 01:44:02 AM #3

Welcome to NCKA

August 15, 2019, 04:05:21 AM #4

Welcome to the madness

August 15, 2019, 08:47:28 AM #5

EB, you are not too far away from Lodi and it would be well worth it to demo yaks with the guys at Headwater Kayak. They will be able to show you and let you demo yaks that come in around your budget. It will be well worth your time if just for the wealth of knowledge they will give you.

On the water demo is so important that it can not be understated. Buying without trying is a quick way to be disappointed once out on the water.

August 15, 2019, 08:48:45 AM #6

Welcome to the madness EBNoob

August 15, 2019, 10:48:18 AM #7

I've got a lifetime tamarak, and it's great for lakes and whatnot, it's very light, comes with a rod holder, but do try demoing a few kayaks, that might be a little further out of the Tamarak's price range and see if little things make up to a better experience.

Better Seat, more stability, better storage options, rudder options, the list can obviously go on forever. but check some out if for no other reason than a future plan.

I still have a Lifetime Tamarak, but I decided to go up to a Hobie with a pedal drive when I decided I wanted to go out into the salt.

August 15, 2019, 04:05:57 PM #8

Thanks for the input guys!

I will say.. I've been looking around at some of the awesome threads and seeing a lot of nice kayaks. Part of my definitely wants to go a bit bigger..

Price really isn't the ultimate factor in deciding on the tamarack. I have significant "handyman" experience and really enjoy creating 1 off anything for myself. From all the research I've done the tamarack really sounds like a solid platform for expansion.. the price allowing me room to spend hundreds to modify it and ,on paper, exceed the performance of other sub $800 kayaks.

Though, I am nagged by the idea that maybe starting a bit bigger and ultimately nodding that platform a bit further down the line will offer me more long term use/enjoyment.

Heading out to Lodi sounds like a good idea. Since I can push the budget I'll give that serious consideration.

@tehpenguins
Did you ever take it out on the ocean? I absolutely want to hit the ocean for a broad range of things but either tuna or hauling bug pots will likely be the hardest.

August 15, 2019, 04:56:19 PM #9

Quote from: EBNoob on August 15, 2019, 04:05:57 PM

Thanks for the input guys!

I will say.. I've been looking around at some of the awesome threads and seeing a lot of nice kayaks. Part of my definitely wants to go a bit bigger..

Price really isn't the ultimate factor in deciding on the tamarack. I have significant "handyman" experience and really enjoy creating 1 off anything for myself. From all the research I've done the tamarack really sounds like a solid platform for expansion.. the price allowing me room to spend hundreds to modify it and ,on paper, exceed the performance of other sub $800 kayaks.

Though, I am nagged by the idea that maybe starting a bit bigger and ultimately nodding that platform a bit further down the line will offer me more long term use/enjoyment.

Heading out to Lodi sounds like a good idea. Since I can push the budget I'll give that serious consideration.

@tehpenguins
Did you ever take it out on the ocean? I absolutely want to hit the ocean for a broad range of things but either tuna or hauling bug pots will likely be the hardest.

Yes, Tamarack is a portable kayak that can be easily transported and good for ponds, small lakes and if you are looking to stay close to the launch in a big lake. However, paddling long distance is out of the equation with Tamarack because it does not paddle well. It is definitely not made for the ocean and I wouldn't even take it out in the bay. Not just because it's slow, the haul design is made for flat water. It doesn't handle well against chops and swells. If the budget is not the issue, you should definitely demo other kayaks. I second Headwaters. Not only they have a demo model for every single kayak they sell, they are very knowledgeable. Every single one of their staff is an avid kayaker/kayak angler. I can guarantee you that you'll want to upgrade immediately. I'm not trying to be rude. A lot of people, including myself, started out with a box store kayak like Tamarack but realize their limitations very quickly and end up getting another kayak.

August 15, 2019, 11:04:06 PM #10

You might want to consider a used kayak. You get more for your money and if you don't like it, or want to upgrade, you wont lose much, if anything, when you sell it.

August 16, 2019, 12:50:40 AM #11

Quote from: EBNoob on August 15, 2019, 04:05:57 PM

Thanks for the input guys!

I will say.. I've been looking around at some of the awesome threads and seeing a lot of nice kayaks. Part of my definitely wants to go a bit bigger..

Price really isn't the ultimate factor in deciding on the tamarack. I have significant "handyman" experience and really enjoy creating 1 off anything for myself. From all the research I've done the tamarack really sounds like a solid platform for expansion.. the price allowing me room to spend hundreds to modify it and ,on paper, exceed the performance of other sub $800 kayaks.

Though, I am nagged by the idea that maybe starting a bit bigger and ultimately nodding that platform a bit further down the line will offer me more long term use/enjoyment.

Heading out to Lodi sounds like a good idea. Since I can push the budget I'll give that serious consideration.

@tehpenguins
Did you ever take it out on the ocean? I absolutely want to hit the ocean for a broad range of things but either tuna or hauling bug pots will likely be the hardest.

Majority of this forum isn't about being a "handyman" and we don't modify our kayaks so i'm are glad you're getting this kayak to modify it. Hit up the gear up and rigging up portion of this this forum.

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php?board=20.0

August 18, 2019, 02:22:50 PM #12

So I may change my plans completely...

The Compass is catching my eye quite a bit.

August 18, 2019, 09:08:25 PM #13

Quote from: EBNoob on August 18, 2019, 02:22:50 PM

So I may change my plans completely...

The Compass is catching my eye quite a bit.

Can’t go wrong with a Hobie.

August 18, 2019, 09:10:55 PM #14

Quote from: Fishcomb on August 16, 2019, 12:50:40 AM

Majority of this forum isn't about being a "handyman" and we don't modify our kayaks...

Speak for yourself...

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Topic: Expecting a kayak next month. (Read 1756 times)

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