For 2011, I'm going to be borrowing my dad's Kayak. As far as I know, the only things I will need other than the Kayak are paddle, life jacket, truck bed extender, and maybe an anchor. He has a paddle that's an Adventure Technology Exodus Fishtix. So unless it's too long for me, that should be covered. Am I missing anything?

If the paddle is too long, what's a good beginner paddle?

You'll need a sound making device, i.e. whistle. AT are very nice paddles. As for proper length, how tall are you and how wide is your kayak? Typically a 230cm paddle is the norm, but those two factors will determine if a shorter or longer paddle is necessary.

The yak is 29" or 73.7cm wide.

Guess I should ask him what length paddle it is.

I did have my dad's old boat in College Station for about a year. I had an air horn so that should count as a noise making device, right?

for the night, 30 min before & after sun you'll need a 360 degree light.

the wardens are super sneeky. they be receiving level 2 training
from ninjas & pizza coupon canvassers. most times you wont even
hear them till they say "hello".


Hello sir! Ya got a permit for that there gill net?

WHERE do you find this stuff Zombie!

Re: Wardens - Boerne Lake; saw another yakker; thought he was a fisherman. Nope. Warden. Nice friendly warden. In a Ride like mine but warden color with small markings. Slipped it in on the other side from the park. Slick. VERY slick.

All those lights similar to what you put on a regular boat?

only the white one in the back of the boat is required. law says visible 360degrees from 2 miles out.

battery powered is what we use. c-light from academy works


also something like this:

heres a link for the last one:
http://www.waves.com.au/acc.asp?brand=kayak-canoe

prop term is "navigation light"
if you dig around in the kayak section here you'll find LOTS of discussions on em.
maybe someone will be kind enough to post a link. cause i hate posting here.

Two more items to consider. First, a paddle leash. Second, if you do a lot of paddling, I suggest you get some padding that slips on the paddle handle to make it more comfortable for your hands - I think the set I bought is called Yak Grips.

x2 on the paddle leash - it is something that if you don't have it, you will need it (with a tip of the hat to Yogi Berra).

You can get padded handlebar tape at your local bike shop that makes an excellent padded grip. Which reminds me that I need to get some more. My paddles are reproducing in the dark.

I was thinking about the paddle and I might get my own so I don't have to worry about loosing a $300 paddle. What about this one:

http://www.austinkayak.com/products/1045/Bending-Branches-Sunrise-GS-Paddle.html

For short trips and rough use the Sunrise paddle will suffice. If you plan on paddling all day you may want something a little closer to 30 oz. Make sure you get your correct length regardless. Average height probably needs a 230 CM paddle. I am 63 and incredibly average but I prefer a 240 CM paddle. I have one I built out of Graphite that weighs 30 oz.

carlisle day tripper paddle 39 dolla academy

I'd be game for a $39 paddle too! Just don't want to make a huge sacrifice in quality and potential fun for $50. Pretty good paddle though?