Inaugurating My Inflatable Kayak

[kwc]

We bought a pair of Advanced Elements inflatable kayaks to take with us when we take longer trips … and so today I took one of them out on some flat water to see how it would perform with my old fat ass sitting in it. Inflating the kayak was pretty easy and quick ( I had done a trial run at home and that took a bit longer ). It weighs about 36 pounds so it heavier than our solo canoes. We had paddled this flat water about a week or so ago and the water is even higher than the last time. Higher to the point where the beaver dam that stymied us last time was almost completely submerged. I made an attempt to go over it with the kayak but the current was really strong and since this was my initial paddle in it I didn’t want to push things too much. Photos are pretty repetitive of our last paddle except that it was cloudy and hazy, the hazy coming from wild fires in central Canada.

Starting out …



Pickerel weed out in full force today









The Kunjamuk River flows into this flat water which is one of the branches of the Sacandaga River. The flow coming out of the Kunjamuk empties into a small bay, one direction heads down river towards Auger Falls, the other direction up river towards Lake Pleasant. Usually the river’s current is flowing from the lake and heading down stream. But today the current was flowing towards the lake because of the strong flow coming out of the Kunjamuk. We have had so much rain this month. More rain is forecast for this evening, “heavy at times“, with potential for more flooding in several areas. The state has closed the Erie Canal (Mohawk River with locks) because of the high water. Meanwhile you folks out west are baking in the heat and could use some rain.

Anyways, the reflections were good today.

 

[scatman]

So how did your new kayak compare to your solo canoe? Likes and dislikes?

 

[kwc]

So how did your new kayak compare to your solo canoe? Likes and dislikes?

The kayak will be fine for easy paddles on smaller lakes and streams. The kayak was very stable and tracked fairly well. The biggest con is that it’s not that easy to get out of the kayak (getting in isn’t too bad). And it’s heavier than the solo canoe (36 lbs vs. 25 lbs). Can’t carry very much gear in the kayak. And I won’t use the kayak on streams that have beaver dams, one, for fear of poking a hole in it, and two, it’s a pain to get out of. I didn’t have the seat adjusted properly when I first went out in the kayak and my position was hurting my back. I came back in and got out and adjusted the seat and then it felt much better. Sitting in the kayak feels a little weird because it’s not a solid bottom and it flexes with your movements.

The canoes are very stable and track very well. They are easy to carry/move around and we have a good system set up to carry them in our truck. Canoes are relatively easy to get in and out of and work well for getting over beaver dams. We can carry a bit of gear in them; I carried gear for a three day, two night canoe camping trip last year (along with some firewood) easily.

We’ve been using our canoes for about 12 years so we’re really used to them. Jackie is very confident with her canoe. She has only kayaked a couple of times so this will be a different experience for her, especially the getting out part.

It will probably take a couple more paddles with the kayak to get a good feel for it. And a better idea of my likes and dislikes.

 

[usuallysolo]

I like my Advanced Elements inflatable, but I have to say it was FULL when I did a 4-day on the Green River in UT. Extra paddle, fire pan and PFD (required), plus 3 gal. of water, tent, sleeping bag, food.