New Jersey Kayaking

A Piece of Rope

First of all, if you're going to be a sailor now, you'll have to learn that it is called "line", not "rope".

99 cents buys ten feet of 1/4" braided poly line (which floats) at Harbor Freight, or anywhere else. You never know what you might need it for, always have some on the boat somewhere. And if you're going to be a real mariner, learn to tie a bowline.

A piece of line can be very useful in getting in and out of the boat in tricky places. Just tie the line to the bow handle, and hold it as you climb out. You can then use the line to pull the boat up behind you, or tie it off.

Ten feet is plenty, more than that is just going to make a big tangle.

Parts & Accessories,

First Trip

So you just impulse-bought a new kayak at Walmart. Now what?

Don't take it someplace hairy for your first trip. Pick a place that is easy - shallow enough to stand up, no tides, no wind, no waves, no motorboats, no currents, no cold. Find some nice inland lake, I have quite a few of them listed. Learn how to get in and out of the boat, how to paddle, etc. Get a feel for things before you head out into the big water.

Also, figure out how to secure the boat for transport. The pool noodles and twine that you used to take the boat home from the store on the roof of the car are not suitable for the highway. Get whatever racks and tie-downs you need and figure out how to set them up properly. I always use a minimum of two completely independent tie-downs, even for the most local of trips. On the highway, double that.

A Piece of Rope

Boats & Accessories

First Trip