Beginner Kayak Sun Dolphin Journey

[jiggz125]

Hello, I will be purchasing my first Kayak this spring. I really cannot afford too much and saw this one at Farm and Fleet. I will be fishing lakes and rivers in northern wi. I have never kayaked before. I am 5'5" about 145 so I thought this small one would fit good. Also wondering about SINK vs SOP for a beginner. The Sun Dolphin 10' SS seems like a combo of both. Any opinions on this or suggestions are appreciated. I could probably afford to spend an additional $100 to $150. Thanks!

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/822998-sun-dolphin-journey-10-ss-sit-on-kayak.html#.VIxBJlhOKK0

[Darren.]

Hello, I will be purchasing my first Kayak this spring. I really cannot afford too much and saw this one at Farm and Fleet. I will be fishing lakes and rivers in northern wi. I have never kayaked before. I am 5'5" about 145 so I thought this small one would fit good. Also wondering about SINK vs SOP for a beginner. The Sun Dolphin 10' SS seems like a combo of both. Any opinions on this or suggestions are appreciated. I could probably afford to spend an additional $100 to $150. Thanks!

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/822998-sun-dolphin-journey-10-ss-sit-on-kayak.html#.VIxBJlhOKK0

 

That looks like a fine starter kayak jiggz.

I started with a Pelican yak from a big 

box store and it was serviceable - still is, 

for my sons now.

 

I'm about your height, though, unfortunately,

a bit heavier... My yak was a 10', and I liked

it for maneuverability.

 

What I found is that I wanted to stand and 

fish, so I built pontoons, but that didn't help

much as the yak wasn't made for standing.

 

All that said, extra $ is well spent on a good,

quality paddle. Your arms will thank you later.

 

As well, a good quality PFD, and wear it all the

time - no matter what. Too many people have

drowned falling out of a boat for whatever reason.

 

You might have to add another $75-100 to get

both the paddle and PFD. At the very least, try 

to get a fiberglass paddle. If you can go up to a

carbon model, even lighter.

[hoosierbass07]

 That's a cool looking kayak for $269.00  And only 44 pounds.  You will need a cushion for the bottom of the seat area.  That back rest looks interesting though.  I wouldn't mind trying that kayak out.  

[Jim Mac]

It's definitely worth trying. I would check on the return policy though, just in case.

[jiggz125]

Sounds good, thanks for the help. I think I will be picking one up in late February and will by seat cushion. I will let you guys know how it turns out.

[Fin Stalker]

I totally understand being tight on cash but do yourself a favor and look at a quality used kayak. You can get into a used Trident 13 or Preception Pescador for about $500 rigged and ready to fish. i sold my old Pescador with a FF, anchor trolly and sound deadening in that price range. You'll be glad you spent the extra cash up front. BTW the only reason I sold the Pescador is because I'm on staff with another company and I wasn't using the boat anyway. I really liked that boat. My only two complaints were I couldn't stand and fish from it and the seat sucked. OMG that thing was uncomfortable.