I looked at Kayaks today

[BigJim]

Well, I've been kind of thinking that I need to get more exercise. If I have to exercise, why not fish as well.

I went to a local kayak store at Kiln Creek to take a look at what they have. There were two in stock that are in my weight class. One of those has a 400 pound limit so I'm pushing it without gear. The other had a 600 pound limit.

I am concerned about my back and sitting in one for extended periods of time. Those of you who know me know that my back isn't much count, (scoliosis).

What kinds of things should I be considering?
Or should I get my exercise some other way?
Years ago we had a whole thread about the joys of someone seeing me, wearing a thong while kayaking. I promise not to wear one but I still can't help but think of the upside down pyramid theory either.

[jc]

Jim, I like the Wildrness Sytems Kayaks. For Fishing they are the best around as well as the Hobie's with the Peddal drives. (More $ though)

I have a touchy back as well. Unfortunatley there is no solution for this in a Yak. Other than alot of times I use the yak to get to remote places in skinny water and fish from the sod banks. A word of caution. Dont get in a kayak fishing unless you can get on it in water over your head. Its not as easy as it might sound and if your a big guy its that much harder. Not trying to talk you out of it just practice falling out and getting back in before you start wandering off into the darkness at 5am.

Its better fishing than you'll ever experience. Nothing like being pulled around the bay by a fat striper

[b8 boy]

Inside Lynnhaven or inside Rudy and during the summer it would be a good thing but to learn to fish in an unstable fishing platform in frigid waters doesnt sound like a good idea. Like the other reply said it is harder then you think to get back into when you fall out(and have ice forming all over you). Good luck on you decision. Martin

[BigJim]

I don't plan to buy and use it until the weather warms up and I have no real intention of using it in water of more than 4'. I will probably just probe the many little creeks in and around Poquoson or perhaps a little freshwater fishing.

[sfcallen]

Jim, not trying to discourage you. However, I don't think your back (or mine) would take a whole lot of that yak fishing. JMHO

[Cory ruthless Routh]

Jim check out the Ocean Kayak Big Game, the Wilderness Systems Ride, and the Malibu X-factor.

The first two are on display at the Kayak Fishing Symposium this weekend.

[TDAU]

Jim,

I have occasional lower back problems and sitting in a kayak for any length of time makes me miserable. You can probably get one with a back rest that may offer some support.

[carp]

You might also want to check out Appomattox River Company off of Victory Blvd. They have a HUGE selection and probably the best prices around.


Darren

[ccx2]

Big Jim, Ive seen you raise the level of Long Creek considerably and then try to get back in a boat. I would stick to boats if i were you.

[JDSeiders]

Jim--

Cory's right on with the kayaks he mentioned if you a big fellow. For your back, it'll probably all come down to cushioning as all the seats are molded in the same general shape. There are some after market seats like Surf to Summit, NRS, and Apex. I googled 'kayak seat' and my first hit was a $40 seat with lumbar support at NexTag. I've never used it so I can't speak to that, but they're out there. Also consider your butt when you're shopping for your back--4 hours sitting on hard plastic doesn't do much for the ole tuckus.

Now, for sharing this you're gonna tell me about that trout hole, right? Just Kidding. Good luck on the kayak....