(Part 3) Best kayaks according to redditors
We found 130 Reddit comments discussing the best kayaks. We ranked the 45 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the products ranked 41-60. You can also go back to the previous section.
So to briefly summarize, there are 2 main types of portable kayaks: Inflatables and foldables (frame on skin).
Inflatables are generally easier and faster to set up, more comfy for chilling in, and cheaper as well. Examples of good ones (that will last you) would be like:
http://www.mec.ca/product/5030-178/innova-swing-i-inflatable-kayak/?q=innova
or
http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Elements-AE1012-R-AdvancedFrame-Inflatable/dp/B000J2Q0C6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418616170&sr=8-1&keywords=advanced+frame&pebp=1418616177119
The downsides will be performance in terms of speed and tracking.
Think of folders like tents, you build the frame, and then put a sleeve over it (how traditionally kayaks were made). They are most similar to a hardshell, but are more expensive and take longer to set up. Feathercraft is a Canadian company that make some really nice ones http://shop.feathercraft.com/ and Foltbot get good reviews too http://folbot.com/line-up/
The boat I have is actually a bit of both, a hybrid, I picked it up when it was on sale once on amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/ADVANCED-ELEMENTS-AE1040-Y-Advanced-Airfusion/dp/B003WEWARM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1418616524&sr=8-2&keywords=advanced+elements
I really like it, uses poles to build a basic structure, but then has airchambers on the side, and the stern and bow. Set up is about 15-20 mins, but it paddles pretty fast and handles great (similar to a hardshell)
Another cool one is this kickstarter success story: http://www.orukayak.com/ . I really liked the look of it, but was a bit too expensive for myself personally (shipping it up here was gonna be a lot)
I found it was really helpful to look all these up on youtube, where people show you the assembly procedures, gives you a sense of how much effort it will take to get from land onto water.
Things to also consider that you'll also need:
-Paddle that breaks apart (I have a 4 piece that stows away into my carry bag nicely)
-You MUST wear a lifejack/PFD
-Legally you must also have boat essentials like rope with a float, a flashlight, whistle etc (Canadian tire sells these kits for $10, look for the orange bucket)
Also some launch point suggestions:
Humber: Go up to Old Mill station, go down the stairs near the bridge, past the parking lot to find that launch pad.
Getting to the island: Take the bus out to cherry beach, launch there, and paddle across the channel to the east side of the island. The island is AMAZING to paddle once you're in the canals.
Ontario Place: (really fun to explore since its been closed down) near the east end of the parking lot near the bike/running path, there is a concrete dock all along the other side. You can also launch near Coronation Park (near the Ex) paddle around the harbour, and if you're feeling ambitious, go out to the island from the west side (it can get wavey, but is very cool to have the planes coming right over you when you're out there)
Hope that helps everyone, feel free to ask more questions, or DM me!
now you can find out
I have one of these and it's awesome. You can't live in it but it can fit two people and a cooler for beer. And it has waterproof pockets for lighters and things.
Do what I did and go inflatable. I got this kayak from Amazon.com two years ago and love it:
http://www.amazon.com/Advanced-Elements-AdvancedFrame-Convertible-Inflatable/dp/B000J2O5VE/ref=sr_1_2?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1346888517&sr=1-2&keywords=advanced+elements
It fits easily in my 2 door Accord coupe (back seat or trunk) and can also be checked as luggage and flown anywhere in the world you'd like to take it. You should see the looks and questions I get when inflating before putting in. It amazes people especially because it's 2 person & 15 feet long. It's got a 500lb weight limit & approved by the NMMA (National Marine Manufacturers Association).
Edit: Me and a buddy of mine heading out fishing:
http://i.imgur.com/orOI4.jpg
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000O396TO/ref=mp_s_a_1_25?ie=UTF8&qid=1474737352&sr=1-25&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=Inflatable+kayak