I am 6’3″ and 235. What Kayak should I get?

My friends will get the cheapest kayak some where like Dick’s Sporting goods. ($200-$300). I am willing to spend a bit more (around $500). We will mostly be on lakes (Fishing) and a float trip every once in a while (slow Missouri rivers).

I want to be comfortable and safe. I want to keep up with my friends who are all under 200lbs, so hopefully it handles well. I sat in one at Bass Pro that seemed nice. It is the Ascend FS10.

Any opinion would be appreciated. I am new to this.
You guys have got me thinking. What Canoe would you recommend. We like to each have our own boat, so what Canoe will be easy for one person to handle, but can hold two if needed from time to time.

I am still leaning towards a Kayak though. Does anyone have an opinion on the model I mentioned?

Thank you to all.

3 thoughts on “I am 6’3″ and 235. What Kayak should I get?

  1. Dave M Post author

    look into “olde-towne” brand…a loon 15 or above would do you well.
    they are a little pricey but worth every penny.
    don’t be surprised at the cost of the paddle- even used they run $100 or more…

  2. g_steed Post author

    Why buy a kayak? Do you know how to paddle one? Kayaks are used for fun activities that might swamp them. Please consider a canoe. They make a good fishing platform. Canoes are comfortable and can transport gear. If you insist on a kayak, take some lessons. Try the kayak you want to buy in water. Inquire or use search to learn about a kayak called ‘Big Boy’.

  3. c_kayak_fun Post author

    I agree with G_Steed. Kayaks have become kind of a fad for fishing in recent years but they really are not as good for it in many ways as canoes are. A good friend of mine is a fishing guide for both kayaks and canoes and for the sort of outings you are describing, he always recommends canoes. They are much more accessible for gear and generally faster to paddle than those cheap, short, fat recreational boats your friends are buying. Trust me — you will be able to clean their clocks in a canoe. They will be the ones hustling to try to keep up with you and they will be begging you to carry the cooler. I I’ve often gone on group tours with outing clubs with both kayakers and canoeists and even though I have high quality and relatively fast sea kayaks (that cost me between $1200 and $4,000) on many occasions I have been paddling like crazy and had a canoe glide by me like I was standing still!

    The advantages of kayaking over canoeing are for rough conditions, white water, cold and windy weather travel and long-distance touring in open water. None of these apply in your case. A canoe can also be easier to load, often lighter than an equal length kayak and offers more variety in your paddling position. You can sit or kneel, even stretch out and take a nap. Some people even solo paddle their canoes with a long kayak paddle. You will also have the option of taking a passenger. And for what you would pay for a low end kayak you can get a great canoe.

    And just like with a kayak, get some paddling lessons — I little instruction will greatly enhance your enjoyment and ease of use of any boat.

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