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+--- Thread: Anyone using 14 footer? (/showthread.php?tid=1621)
Anyone using 14 footer? - Dave M - 12-17-2024
Would a 13' 9" Sitka ST be enough boat to hang with you guys? Anything more than that won't fit in the garage.
Not even the LT.
-Dave
RE: Anyone using 14 footer? - Tony M. - 12-17-2024
(12-17-2024, 08:18 PM)Dave M Wrote: Would a 13' 9" Sitka ST be enough boat to hang with you guys? Anything more than that won't fit in the garage.
Not even the LT.
-Dave
Hi Dave,
Good question. It is listed that the minimum length to participate in a RICKA sea kayaking paddle is 15'...but there are exceptions. When I first joined RICKA, I used a 14' boat, but it was a high-performance boat designed for extreme sea kayaking. There was some concern that I would not be able to keep up with the group, but that concern was soon dispelled as I demonstrated that I could keep up with no problem. There are other very capable, serious boats that are under 15', for example the Mariner Coaster (13'6"). I looked up the Sitka ST, and it seems that this is a true, serious sea kayak that is equipped with bulkheads, deck lines, watertight hatches, etc. What we don't want is people showing up with "recreational" boats with no bulkheads or deck lines. I believe the Sitka ST is completely appropriate, as long as you can keep up with the pace of the group...but, you may have to prove yourself, as I did.
Tony
RE: Anyone using 14 footer? - Dave M - 12-19-2024
Thanks Tony. Good info there.. Before having sea kayak aspirations, I was interested in a 12' Skylark. Glad to have waited.
RE: Anyone using 14 footer? - Tony M. - 12-19-2024
(12-19-2024, 07:45 PM)Dave M Wrote: Thanks Tony. Good info there.. Before having sea kayak aspirations, I was interested in a 12' Skylark. Glad to have waited.
Hi Dave,
Do you paddle in cold weather? If so, there is a Level 2 paddling e-mail group. If a day comes along that is warm enough, and without much wind, I or someone else may organize a paddle during the colder months. If you would be interested, e-mail me at: oceanww@cox.net and I will put you on the mailing list. It would be a good opportunity for you to test yourself with your boat. If you are not a cold water paddler, you could still go on the e-mail list, and go on some paddles when the warmer weather comes around.
Tony
RE: Anyone using 14 footer? - Dave M - 12-20-2024
(12-19-2024, 11:45 PM)Tony M. Wrote:(12-19-2024, 07:45 PM)Dave M Wrote: Thanks Tony. Good info there.. Before having sea kayak aspirations, I was interested in a 12' Skylark. Glad to have waited.
Hi Dave,
Do you paddle in cold weather? If so, there is a Level 2 paddling e-mail group. If a day comes along that is warm enough, and without much wind, I or someone else may organize a paddle during the colder months. If you would be interested, e-mail me at: oceanww@cox.net and I will put you on the mailing list. It would be a good opportunity for you to test yourself with your boat. If you are not a cold water paddler, you could still go on the e-mail list, and go on some paddles when the warmer weather comes around.
Tony
The email list sounds good Tony, but I do not have the gear to be out there now. Need to buy roof racks also. The EZLite [inflatable] fits in the trunk; never needed racks