12-17-2024, 11:46 PM
(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
Rocks are our friends! 