Getting into Kayaking…
Recently Nicole decided it would be fun to be able to kayak at these state parks that we have been visiting and the research began. Obviously we don’t have much space with our setup (F-150 and a 24 foot IBEX trailer). We quickly realized that we didn’t want to life a kayak to the roof of our trailer and with the bicycles in the bed of the truck there wasn’t room for much else.
We discovered portable kayaks! The make folding kayaks!! There are two major placers in this space, one is the Oru Kayak and the other is the Tucktec Kayak.
At the time I’m writing this post, the Oru ranges in price from $599 to $1999 (a little out of our budget for a hobby we were just thinking of getting our feet wet on). You can go to their website here: Oru Kayak.
The Tucktec at the time of writing this article has gone to $499 currently on sale for $395 with the option of refurbished or demo models that occasionally go for sale a little cheaper on the website.
Since we weren’t previously kayakers and are more likely just to use recreationally for a few hours at time we went with the Tucktec. We purchased prior to this price increase but it’s still much cheaper then the closest competitor. You can find the Tucktec website here: Tucktec Kayak
At first the folds were very stiff and it took some muscle power to get it folded and unfolded. Now that we know what we are doing, it folds up without too much trouble (it really gets easier each time).
It weights less than 30 pounds and fits nicely inside a Christmas tree storage bag (even with the paddle and accessories!!) It folds up small enough to fit in the bed of the truck with three bicycles or a couple of these would fit in the back of our minivan.
We purchased our Little Pink Flamingo (that’s what we named our pink kayak) in May and as of this post, we’ve gone out on one river and three different lakes. It has held up every well – so well in fact that we decided to purchased a second one!
One of the reasons Nicole decided to purchase a Tucktec was their Facebook group. There is a great community where you can go to learn, trouble shoot, and find out about customization and upgrades. You can find the Facebook community here: The Official Tucktec Folding Kayak Community.
We also found that our 8 year old can handle paddling this on her own as well. We will be getting a tow rope for when she gets tired or stuck in weeds but have been super impressed with her ability to maneuver in the Tucktec.
There are a few things that we purchased for kayaking which we’ll share below in case you are a newbie like us. Just a quick disclaimer that we are Amazon Associates so we earn from qualifying purchases which helps fund our website that we share with all of you so we appreciate it anytime you make a purchase through one of our links!
1.) PFD – Personal Flotation Device – Life Jacket.
This one is a requirement and a no-brainer, you need this for your safety and a legal requirement in most if not all states.
2.) Paddle –
We read a lot about aluminum vs carbon fiber and wanting to keep the weight down so you don’t get too tired paddling as well as a bunch of different conflicting infographics about what size to purchase. In the end we purchased a cheaper light weight aluminum paddle that allows for size adjustment which was prefect since both the adults and kids in our family take turns paddling.
3.) Paddle Leash –
It is just what the name implies, a little cord that you attach one end to the kayak and one to the paddle so if you accidentally loose your paddle in the water you can get it back easily. Not surprisingly only the kids have had to use it so far but I was glad we had it!
4.) A dry bag –
This is a bag that you put your gear that you don’t want getting wet. For example – cameras, snacks, cell phone, change of clothes, etc…
5.) A water proof / resistant phone pouch –
We like the little pouches that you put your cell phone into and it has a lanyard to keep it close around your neck. Clear is better as is one you can still use a touch sheet through so you can take pictures with it in the pouch or answer a call or text message.
6.) Waterproof fanny pack –
Personal preference but we like to keep car keys and wallet in a waterproof fanny pack instead of a bag just incase something goes really wrong on the water and we get separated from the kayak at least we will still have our ID and keys.
7.) Emergency Whistles –
When researching what is required kayaking gear, aside from the PFD, an emergency whistle was a common recommendation. I purchased this one here. I’ve used it once at home to make sure it worked but *knock on wood* I haven’t had to use it in an emergency.
8.) Comfortable Seat –
Yes the kayak comes with a seat but I didn’t like it… so I went on the facebook group and searched posts and found that most people didn’t like the seat so they purchased a different one. I purchased this one which is one of the ones that were recommended by the group.
9.) Grab Handle –
A personal preference item. This is another item we saw on the group. We purchased this grab handle and attached it to the front handle on the kayak. It really helps with getting out of the kayaking giving something to grab and hold on to because unlike a hard kayak the plastic on the tucktec flexes and throws the balance off when we trying to get out.
10.) Floating Glasses Straps –
Really only needed if you wear glasses or sunglasses. Always good to strap them on just in case and if not these will keep your glasses/sunglasses floating so you can retrieve them instead of watching them sink.
11.) Trim –
Not at all necessary but one it looks cool and two it feels so much nicer then the plastic. I was a little concerned I would get a small cut from the plastic when I grabbed the kayak with my hands but since putting the trim on, I have no issues.
12.) Christmas Tree Storage Bag –
What?! Yes you read that right – another suggestion from the facebook group was a christmas tree storage bag to keep the kayak, paddle and accessories together. The bag we purchased is really large (almost too large) but it works okay. We can fit one kayak, 3 PFDs, a collapsed paddle, an extra seat, dry bag, and towel in it!
13.) Towel – for lucky # 13 –
We have a towel which is something most people already have… if you really want to purchase one we hear microfiber is great at folding small and quick drying. We just use ours to dry off our kayak as we are folding it up after a paddle.
14.) A pair of water shoes –
Something quick drying with a little protection for the bottom of your feet is good. I purchased these shoes.
