Got the new Yak out for first time today,, learned a few things.

[TcRoc]

First time out in SS127, weather called for light wind couple MPH with gusts to 8. Well they were wrong so it was a fight from the beginning, learned real fast my Paddle is to short in high position and that is what I'll always be in. 250 to short so need another paddle.

This thing is stable and I'm sure will feel even more stable as I go, no problem standing. Thought I had it rigged pretty well but of course first time out there are a few things to change, better spot for net and a new net. Probably the YAK folding net,, don't know of any others that are somewhat like it. Don't know if I like Vertical rod storage, may grab a few more Yak Omega pro's for back tracks. A rudder as well. 

[flyfisher]

Why do you think the paddle is short? That’s a long padle and the same length I use on my atak140. 
 

As far as rigging, I’ve owned lots of kayaks and rarely rig anything permanent until a few trips.  I don’t use a net, more stuff to get in the way. I prefer flush mounts for conventional gear myself but again, preference. 
 

enjoy the kayak

[Bluebasser86]

The wind always blows more than they say it will it seems like. I installed an anchor trolley on mine a few weeks ago and that helps a lot in the wind, either with an anchor or drift sock.

I think rigging a kayak is a never ending process. I fished out of mine for a few months and that anchor trolley is the first thing I've mounted on it that is actually attached to the kayak. Wanted to really get a feel for where I like things and how I want it laid out before I poked any holes in it.

[TcRoc]

6 hours ago, flyfisher said:

Why do you think the paddle is short? That’s a long padle and the same length I use on my atak140. 
 

As far as rigging, I’ve owned lots of kayaks and rarely rig anything permanent until a few trips.  I don’t use a net, more stuff to get in the way. I prefer flush mounts for conventional gear myself but again, preference. 
 

enjoy the kayak

Well you’re height being a factor plus  your sitting height   . 260 at the least from high seat position for me on this yak.  A few even told me prior I may be looking for a longer paddle once I get out on it and they were right and I don’t plan to drop to low seat position at all.

5 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

The wind always blows more than they say it will it seems like. I installed an anchor trolley on mine a few weeks ago and that helps a lot in the wind, either with an anchor or drift sock.

I think rigging a kayak is a never ending process. I fished out of mine for a few months and that anchor trolley is the first thing I've mounted on it that is actually attached to the kayak. Wanted to really get a feel for where I like things and how I want it laid out before I poked any holes in it.

Yeah I have a anchor trolley wasn’t using it yesterday .

[TonynswAR]

Jus bought the same yak and purchased a 260-280 adjustable, glad I did, 6’3” and adjust to around 268 for a full paddle. Like you probably not going to be in low position. 

[bulldog1935]

Lakes have a way of creating their own wind - both by focusing prevailing wind along canyon walls, and simply the increasing sun driving evaporation.  

 

Look at your paddle situation this way - if you get a longer, better quality paddle, your shorter paddle will make a great back-up stashed in your hold.  

[TcRoc]

1 hour ago, TonynswAR said:

Jus bought the same yak and purchased a 260-280 adjustable, glad I did, 6’3” and adjust to around 268 for a full paddle. Like you probably not going to be in low position. 

Which paddle did you go with?

 

 

 

 

[Dens228]

I always have my seat in the high position.  Mine paddle is 260.

Comparing the high seat in the SS to an Atak is not even close.  

[the reel ess]

16 hours ago, TcRoc said:

First time out in SS127, weather called for light wind couple MPH with gusts to 8. Well they were wrong so it was a fight from the beginning, learned real fast my Paddle is to short in high position and that is what I'll always be in. 250 to short so need another paddle.

This thing is stable and I'm sure will feel even more stable as I go, no problem standing. Thought I had it rigged pretty well but of course first time out there are a few things to change, better spot for net and a new net. Probably the YAK folding net,, don't know of any others that are somewhat like it. Don't know if I like Vertical rod storage, may grab a few more Yak Omega pro's for back tracks. A rudder as well. 

Yeah, I had a Feelfree Lure that needed a rudder. Of course they are rigged for them and you can spend $250 more for it and install it yourself. But IMO, kayaks that need a rudder should come with a rudder. I later got the trolling motor setup, but I sold the whole deal because it was too heavy.

[michaelb]

The paddle length can depend on your stroke angle, both that you are comfortable with and that is appropriate for the conditions, so with a high stroke you would use a shorter paddle and with a low stroke a longer paddle.

 

I like werner paddles, so depending on your budget the skagit at $135 or for $315, the camano (low angle) or shuna (high angle); those come in 260-280 adjustable. finding those in stock may be tricky. I just upgraded to an adjustable camano, but haven't used it yet (from the skagit).

[TcRoc]

1 hour ago, michaelb said:

The paddle length can depend on your stroke angle, both that you are comfortable with and that is appropriate for the conditions, so with a high stroke you would use a shorter paddle and with a low stroke a longer paddle.

 

I like werner paddles, so depending on your budget the skagit at $135 or for $315, the camano (low angle) or shuna (high angle); those come in 260-280 adjustable. finding those in stock may be tricky. I just upgraded to an adjustable camano, but haven't used it yet (from the skagit).

Price isn’t much of a concern with a paddle, it can make your days enjoyable or down right exhausting . My paddle does stroke fluctuate . 

[J Francho]

Sounds like you should take a paddling class if they're available. I use a 230 just fine with all my boats, one being very wide and with a very high seat. 

[TcRoc]

29 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Sounds like you should take a paddling class if they're available. I use a 230 just fine with all my boats, one being very wide and with a very high seat. 

Maybe I should, different strokes for different folks.

[J Francho]

Definitely an issue with the paddle stroke. 
 

and not to get too serious, if you are doing it wrong, it can lead to repetitive joint damage. 

[TcRoc]

29 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Definitely an issue with the paddle stroke. 
 

and not to get too serious, if you are doing it wrong, it can lead to repetitive joint damage. 

Joint damage? I’m already a giant band aid that functions in society and quite well. 230 though seems a bit short for high seat position of a ss127.  U must be high angle to the extreme , 5’6 or have orangutan arms . Most I have read is 250 to 260 up . Your Definitely the first I’ve heard say I should use a 230 in high seat position of a ss127. If that’s the case 95% of us r going to have joint damage that’s for sure .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[J Francho]

I said a 230 works for me in a high seat on a wide boat - captains perch on a C140.  I'm 5-7 and while I don't have T-Rex arms, they aren't really long either.  Paddle angle is about 45, maybe a touch steeper.  More importantly, I use my arms to hold and stabilize the paddle, and my core to propel the boat.  I don't grind my shoulders, elbows, and wrists.  Most noobs paddle like they're pedaling a bicycle with their hands, and most certainly will be doing some harm to their joints.  These are why you hear so many go to lengths longer than 250.  You want to go fast, and use as little effort as possible?  Put your blade in the water in front of you, and draw the boat forward, keeping your arms in a box position, using you core.  Learn this, and you'll thank me later. Remember, you're the one that posted having issues.  We're here to help, if you want it.  By the way, look at a Frabil Bear Claw net.  It's replaced my Leverage net completely. 

 

Got smallies?

[Boomstick]

15 hours ago, flyfisher said:

Why do you think the paddle is short? That’s a long padle and the same length I use on my atak140. 

When they call the high position on the Bonafide SS127 the high position, they really mean the high position. The low position is as high as the high position in many kayaks.

I use a 250cm low angle Werner Camano paddle in low position. Works perfectly. 250cm was Werner's recommendation based on the width of my boat plus my height (6'3"). In the high position, I can't even touch the water without reaching left or right with it and that's very awkward, inefficient and not natural. I tried my kids adjustable that goes to 260cm and didn't notice much of a difference.

 

As for the rest of the noted points, I use a YakAttack Zooka II rod holder which if you flip it around, it's designed to hold the Yak Attack folding net. I put it behind me on the right side facing forward, so I can reach back and grab it as I need it.

[TcRoc]

31 minutes ago, J Francho said:

 Remember, you're the one that posted having issues.  We're here to help, if you want it.  By the way, look at a Frabil Bear Claw net.  It's replaced my Leverage net completely. 

 

Got smallies?

I appreciate input always do , and I like u have opinions . Just like others in this post have said they use a longer paddle. I posted I learned somethings not that I was having issues. And I’ll check that net out ,thanks for the heads up.

[TonynswAR]

9 hours ago, TcRoc said:

Which paddle did you go with?

 

 

 

 

Werner skagit fg with 20 cm leverlock

[flyfisher]

11 hours ago, Dens228 said:

I always have my seat in the high position.  Mine paddle is 260.

Comparing the high seat in the SS to an Atak is not even close.  

Deck heights on both boats are the same so I’d e curious on the actual seat height. I’ll assure mine tomorrow. I’ve had my kayak sitting next to a bonafide at the ramp and didn’t see any noticeable difference. 
 

I’ll also agree with @J Francho on the paddle stroke. Your core does the work if done properly. 

[Dens228]

11 minutes ago, flyfisher said:

Deck heights on both boats are the same so I’d e curious on the actual seat height. I’ll assure mine tomorrow. I’ve had my kayak sitting next to a bonafide at the ramp and didn’t see any noticeable difference. 
 

I’ll also agree with @J Francho on the paddle stroke. Your core does the work if done properly. 

I've owned both.  I am positive I was closer to the water in the Atak. 

 

[TcRoc]

Beating a dead horse at this point. Some agree some disagree some think they know it all . Everyone is different. It comes down to your height, heck even your torso length and obviously your ride .  It is not  a one all fit all. 

[J Francho]

10 hours ago, TcRoc said:

It is not  a one all fit all. 

Definitely not but extreme differences in length choices lead to concern over technique.  We're just trying to help.  Get what you think you need now, and you can always change it out later.  Whatever you get, look at three things: some kind of lever lock with adjustable length, full carbon unless you're paddling in really rocky terrain, and at least try a bent shaft.  I will never go back to a straight shaft paddle.  Bonus feature is they don't rollaway what you lay across the deck to grab something quick.

[TcRoc]

4 hours ago, J Francho said:

Definitely not but extreme differences in length choices lead to concern over technique.  We're just trying to help.  Get what you think you need now, and you can always change it out later.  Whatever you get, look at three things: some kind of lever lock with adjustable length, full carbon unless you're paddling in really rocky terrain, and at least try a bent shaft.  I will never go back to a straight shaft paddle.  Bonus feature is they don't rollaway what you lay across the deck to grab something quick.

Looking at some bent shafts. I have carbon now so would like to stick with that. I actually just swung into Cabelas, can't drive by and not stop in. But anyway they had Fabril nets but no Bear Claw. What do you like about that over the Yak Leverage? 

 

[J Francho]

Stores a lot easier. Less fussy to open. No bands to replace. Better netting.