Anyone using 14 footer?

[Dave M]

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

[Tony M.]

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

[Dave M]

Thanks Tony. Good info there.. Before having sea kayak aspirations, I was interested in a 12' Skylark. Glad to have waited.

[Tony M.]

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

[Dave M]

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