New Kayak - Need Paddle And Life Jacket Advice

[hoosierbass07]

  OK, I ordered my new fishing kayak -  Ride 115.  I hope to pick it up in a week or two when it arrives at the shipping office.  

 

 I'm not going to rush into buying a nice fishing life jacket and paddle but I want to start looking.  I'm thinking in late winter (February) I will buy me a decent/nice fishing life jacket and paddle. 

 

 So what kind of paddle should I look for?  How long should it be?  I'm around 5'8" and 170 pounds.  

 

 Next, what kind of life jacket?  Are there life jackets made specially for using in fishing kayaks?  

 

 Thanks! 

[flipin4bass]

I use the Stohlquist Fisherman High Back Life Jacket - PFD. I like this PFD for the freedom of movement it allows and the high back doesn't interfere with the seat.

[Tugmaster]

Since the Ride115 is a SOT and you a bit higher out of the water I would say at least a 230cm or a 240cm paddle. Get the lightest one you can afford.

Any PFD with a high back will be the most comfortable. In addition to the one mentioned above, the Chinook by NRS is a nice PFD.

Todd

[VolFan]

LL Bean tends to have a good selection of styles of PFDs if you need a reliable store and aren't near a canoe/kayak store. Make sure that it is comfortable, or you'll never wear it. Also, make sure you can fish comfortably with it on. My first one rubbed my lat raw while fishing.

As far as a paddle, since it's a SOT and is kind of wide, get a 240 cm paddle. Bean is a good place to check these out for size as we'll. Sierra Trading Post can have some good deals as we'll, since you seem to be value conscious.

[Jrob78]

I would recommend a 240 cm paddle also.  Any shorter and you will be banging it on the sides of your kayak while you paddle.  I wear the Cabela's brand inflatable pfd.  I found it to be way more comfortable than the regular pfd's.  It is also much cooler in the summer heat.

[flyfisher]

Are you getting the high or the low seat?  At your height i think a 240 will be to long.  I am 5'11" and i use a 240 in my commander and i usually paddle from the captain's perch and it works fine but this is also higher than the high seat ( i think) that would be the ride.  When i had a standard seat SOT i used a 230 with no issues.  I would recommend taking your boat with you and try out some paddles to see what works for you because there are many factors in determining  paddle length and height is just one part.  Your torso length, arm length and paddle stroke will also dictate which type of paddle to get.

[Jrob78]

I paddle a Ride 135, which is an inch or 2 more narrow than the 115 and I have the high seat.  A 230 cm was too short for me, I'm 5'10".   Flyfisher is right though, if you can find a place to test out some paddles with your boat and seat, it could save you a lot of headache and money.  What works great for one person will be all wrong for someone else.

[hoosierbass07]

 I'm getting the low seat in the 115 Ride.  

 

 I used life jackets before but never bought one myself.  Do good ones keep you afloat even if you have heavy clothing on - say blue jeans and a heavy jacket?  

[flyfisher]

 I'm getting the low seat in the 115 Ride.  

 

 I used life jackets before but never bought one myself.  Do good ones keep you afloat even if you have heavy clothing on - say blue jeans and a heavy jacket?

Any lifejacket should do that easily.  And with the low seat you will want to try the paddle out on your boat if at all possible.  Honestly though, with this being your first boat and paddle you don't really know what your paddle stroke is or what will work best until you use one for a while and get some miles in.

[J Francho]

Hull width has more to do with paddle length than height, for paddling most SOT fishing kayaks.  something in s 230-240 size will do just fine.  I prefer a shorter paddle, but I use a "box" grip, and my stroke uses only core - my arms move very little, and I'm a short guy.  This is something that's hard for new paddlers to learn, but once you do, you will be saving your strength for fishing, not paddling.  If you can take a couple of sea kayak paddling lessons from a certified instructor, you'll get it quick. 

 

 

For PFD, I have the Stohlquist model shown above.  If your a big guy, and the tackle tray/pockets get in the way, they have regular models with smaller zipper pockets.  I also use a hydrostatic model auto inflatable PFD for really warm days.

[HeavyDluxe]

Others have commented on paddle length... I'm with JFrancho - the big thing is the width of the boat, and Ride is wide.  230-240cm.  I have a 240cm and paddle from the low seat as well.  I would think going shorter than 230 would be a bad idea.

 

re: vests - I wound up buying a Hobie-branded inflatable vest since I'm mostly paddling in flat water.  It's very small, light, and (most importantly) cool.

[buzzed bait]

i could sleep in this thing it's so comfortable. 

http://www.basspro.com/Ascend-Paddling-Fishing-Life-Jacket/product/10225851/

 

as far as the paddle, i may be the wrong one to ask. i purchased a bending branches angling paddle at gander mountain on sale. i thought i got a decent paddle, but after seeing some others mine seems a bit heavy.