any kayakers out there? if so what do you think of this for a first time kayaker? I wish I could afford a "real" hardbody kayak but....I can't. And i'm trying to get that 'kayak' experience of floating on the water. Is this feasible?

with all the rain our city has gotten this month there was in the news a family that had kayak problems on our local Credit river...which had a very strong current due to all the rain. The family luckily was saved, after firetrucks/etc came out to help. There was a picture of them, and they had a yellow, floatable 2 seater similar to the one you posted a link to. So, I don't think it is too safe. I don't kayak, only tried it once, fortunately, it was a hard bodied one and we were ok. Try looking out for used kayaks or canoes, you might be able to get a good deal. Sorry for ramble....

Are you looking for something for flat water? Because that's going to be pretty hard to maneuver in that case. There's a nice recreational inflatable that I'm considering buying. It's under $400 made by You can often find used kayaks on CL, btw, and most are just fine. If you're just looking for some casual experience on relatively still water, how about a canoe? Here's a useful article:

I would suggest renting a boat If you really end up liking it, then invest in a "real" kayak. I really don't think you are going to get the real kayaking experience in that thing. It is shaped totally differently (short and inflatable), I don't think it will handle like a boat, more like an inflatable mattress.

I agree with carrot: go to a nature park that rents kayaks, and you'll have a much better experience. Or a canoe! Canoes are fun! If you take kayaking lessons somewhere, you'll get a chance to try different models - river, sea, racing etc. They all handle differently. I wouldn't that a kayak at all, and I can't see how the experience would compare. The beauty of kayaking is being on the level of the water, having it right beside your hips as you glide silently through the water. If you live right by the water, it might be nice to have your own kayak, but unless that's the case I don't think it's worth buying your own.

excellent advice one and all ! thank you very much, that's just what i was looking for. I Do live in a lake community and want to take advantage of it. I WILL scrap the inflatable mattress and rent. I even joined a kayak/adventure meetup.com group. I am exhausted from just mowing the lawn but now you guys have got me so excited about kayaking ! dangit, i wish i had one right NOW! thanks again for the excellent advice.

kayaking is wonderful. I think that taking lessons and joining a group is a great way to try different models and figure out what you're looking for. I find I'm able to get much closer to wildlife in a kayak than I am in a canoe. Maybe I look like a bird on the water? Ha! Personally, I prefer river kayaks even on flat water, because they're more stable when the wind picks up, and they can easily handle the wake of a power boat.

river kayaks eh? ok, i'll ask about that when i go to the store tomorrow. I live by a fairly big lake that does not allow motorboats so no wakes will be involved. I have lots of spare time to learn and very much looking forward to it. crstn85 - i hope you find the time to relax and do fun/enjoyable stuff. I'm at a point in my life where i have the time and want to try new things. Grad school will soon be done and then you can go kayaking with me ;-)

i'm facing the same dilemma I really want a boat, but I just don't have enough time to spend with it to justify the money. Maybe when I finish grad school I'll spend the summer trying out lots of boats and buying one. Until then I'm doing what others have suggested- renting in lots of different locations. Its a great way to have all the fun without the hassle of storing and transporting a large cumbersome object!