Need help buying a kayak

[Abelman]

I don't need anything fancy. I will be using it mostly on fairly calm rivers. I just don't know anything about what kind to buy as I've never owned my own. Something inexpensive (used is no problem).

Any advice on kayak purchasing would be greatly appreciated.

[eyepaddle]

1. By "fairly calm waters" you mean...

Lakes, flat stream with no rapids or mostly flat streams with some rapids? Are you just planning on paddling around, do you plan on overnighting or do you want to fish?

Will there be any ocean stuff involved?

If it's gonna just be sheltered water or you plan on fishing try looking at a sit-on-top they're really comfortable. If youwant to go bonkers kayak fishing look at a Tarpon.

If there might be some windy lake stuff, flt rivers and maybe even a little whitewater here's an example of a decent boat:

http://dagger.com/product.asp?BoatType=Rec&BoatID=186

They're more focused on whitewater, but are an outstanding company (I have an H:3 255) so I've gotta throw a plug towards:
http://www.pyranha.com/Homepage just tool around.

Also check out Canoe and Kayak magazine and Paddler magazine--they should give you some info.

Oh yes, it's a long way from A-K but you can email the guys at
http://www.midwestmtn.com/subcats.php?cat_id=7&PHPSESSID=44a1673fc65594d167b3ab7f30231da8

Try this last one first--the guys in the boat shop are great!

[Egalitarian]

2. My .02

I'd stay away from sit on tops in Alaska. They would make for a short paddling season since you are more exposed to the cold water. By fairly calm rivers I'll assume you mean class I rivers. If so, most any kayak will work. Longer boats cruise at a faster speed, but don't turn as quick if maneuverability is critical. Stay away from pure whitewater boats. They track poorly (don't go straight) are more expensive and less roomy than what it sounds like you need. I work at a shop in montana where we sell a lot of boats to customers like yourself. My favorite is the Perception Acadia 11.5 or 12, but there are many excellent boats in the $350-$700 price range. If it's commonly windy where you'll paddle then you'll probably want a rudder(usually another $150). In general it sounds like a boat in the 10' to 16' length would do. If speed is not important, but stability is, then go for a wider boat versus a narrower boat in the same length. Consider getting a skirt to stop the drip from the paddle onto your lap, and always dress for the worst case (going into the water). Well, be safe if and use your head anyways. Hypothermia doesn't take long and farmer john type wetsuits are the norm around here except for June thru Sept. Used boats are usually a safe thing to buy as the plastic used is extremely tough unless the boats been stored in the sun for years and hence UV damaged and brittle. Scratches from rocks aren't normally a big deal either. You'll pay more for comfort and dry storage compartments and rudders. Stay away from aluminum paddles. They conduct the cold from the water to your hands. Buy a comfortable PFD which doesn't interfere with your paddle stroke. Think about how you'll transport the boat. Happy shopping, there are a multitude of great boats both new. FYI, the prices I listed were for new boats. Used should be 50-75% of new unless it's really old.

[Kolesar]

3. take some personal lessons

I like the advice in posts 1 & 2. I would advise getting someone to show you all the strokes and techniques. There is just some things you cannot learn out of a book. Hopefully, you can find a club or someone with some experience in your area.