We go to a small lake near Tahoe that requires a short but steep hike from the parking area. Last summer we saw people backpack in folding kayaks (the origami ones referenced above). Looked interesting but certainly pricey and not clear how stable or durable. The people put them together quickly and looked like they were easy to maneuver.
Kayak vs canoe? How different are they on a lake?
In my family’s pretty limited experience, the kayaks have felt much more stable on the water. I was pretty scared in the canoe.
I love the stability of the longer Wilderness Systems kayaks with rudders. The track really well in a choppy bay and are a tad easier to steer. But they are heavier than some. Since I never kayak alone, it’s not hard to get them on s roof rack with two people. The height of your car will really make a difference!
A friend has one that breaks down into 3 pieces so she can toss them in the car.
I’ve also seen those J lifts, which folks seem to like.
My experience is that kayaks are much much more stable than canoes. I’ve been in many canoes that have flipped, especially when people are getting in/out but never in a kayak.
Note that if you would have to buy a car roof rack for a non-folding kayak, that could add to the expense, so a folding kayak may be cost-competitive to a non-folding kayak plus a car roof rack.
I am a folding Kayaker. Bought a used Klepper years ago, and never looked back. There are also Folboats, Feathercrafts, and others. Some are easy to put together- I can put my Klepper together in 15 minutes by myself, others a bit more finicky.
Most of them are designed for the ocean and big water, but can be used on smaller lakes. Not what you want for Whitewater. Are exceptionally seaworthy. While they are very hard to near impossible to Eskimo roll, you can fill them with air bladders that make them near unsinkable.
In terms of safety, be sure to practice falling out and getting back in before going into deeper water than you can stand in or further from shore than you can swim. Note that sit-inside kayaks require bailing or pumping out the water afterward (this is why some want to be able to roll, so if they tip over, they can just roll all the way around and not get a lot of water inside, if using a spray skirt).
For safety equipment, beyond PFD (personal floatation device or life jacket) mentioned previously, consider when it may be a good idea to have a leash, floating marine radio, cell phone in floating waterproof container, signaling devices, etc. based on where you may go. Also, consider both air and water temperature when choosing what to wear.
I would also recommend a paddle float. They can make all the difference in the world when trying to climb back onto/into a kayak in deep water.
Here are some videos of how to get back onto a sit-on-top kayak. The technique is similar in all of these videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmaNBXEa_yQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnGjPUfOyvc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jxk126VDtNM
Practicing before going further from shore than you can swim can be helpful if you do fall off away from shore.
Our S bought a foldable Kayak sometime last winter and brought it to HI over Christmas. He takes it out periodically and has no trouble setting it up and rinsing it off and remolding it after it dries. He puts it in our small Prius Prime, no problem.
If he keeps kayaking and gets more serious, he n m at gave to invest in a better kayak. It serves his current use—in the shallower portion of the bay.
A friend has some one and two person kayaks and she is able to get them up on her van and has a two wheeled cart to take them one at a time between where they are and where she wants them to be. She can handle her canoes alone. I am in awe!
Our D paddled an outrigger canoe—very stable. Without outrigger, not nearly as stable.
We have 2 inexpensive lifetime 10ft sit on fishing kayaks for DD and friends; they’re a bit wider and steadier for swimming and getting back up. We have kayak racks and a launching beach in the neighborhood, but it’s usually easier for them to just throw them in the back of the pick up and bungee them. They’re 50 lbs, so not too bad for the “kids” to carry from the parking lot. DH has a 10ft hoodoo sit on. DD is an open water swimmer, so we make them use bright OW safety buoys, so the boaters can’t miss them. They use a big one like this; bonus it’s also a waterproof phone case.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T5X1LN8/?tag=trigearlab-200
We sometimes go out on tidal/wavy water, either Delaware Bay, large harbors/lakes, or once in a while ocean (haven’t in years though.)
I am definitely not going to Eskimo roll, but do we carry one paddle float (practiced it years ago, not sure I could pull it off now). We also each carry one half of an extra paddle, in case one of ours breaks or gets lost.
My basic plan, though, is don’t fall out. Only time that hasn’t worked is on a steep beach shoreline with waves, while getting out. Inglorious, but I just stood up and walked up the beach.
Check out Right On Trailer Co. They make small, lightweight, paddle purposed trailers. We have their multi-sport trailer and regularly haul two kayaks and two paddleboards on it, and we can set it up to haul our bikes or other gear as well. Best part about it is the small footprint for storage and light weight…I can easily move it around by hand. It’s been a useful and convenient purchase.
@pishicaca – Thanks! Just what I was looking for!
Kayak vs canoe? A kayak is way easier to paddle alone than a canoe, unless you are fabulous at J stroking. I can paddle a kayak very easily…but alone in a canoe, I go around in circles.
Most canoes also weigh more, are longer, and aren’t as easy to maneuver.
“don’t fall out. Only time that hasn’t worked … while getting out.”
The only time that I or a family member have capsized was when trying to get out of the kayak. One guest fell out while further away but they were cautious enough to never stray far from the dock and I just pulled them back to the dock clinging onto my kayak (and then went back and got their kayak). This reminds me that you need to be very experienced to even consider kayaking alone.
Another thing that might be too obvious to say but is probably worth mentioning: A white water kayak is almost a completely different thing from a sea going kayak. Our sea going kayaks are so long (even the 12 foot one) that they would be catastrophically bad in a white water situation. A white water kayak would hardly move on the sea. On the other hand, I have taken my ocean going kayak to a modest sized calm inland lake on multiple occasions with no problems.
This weekend is going to be stinky hot in the northeast. This would seem to make it a good time to kayak. However, it has been said that the most dangerous thing on the water is an inflexible schedule. I will definitely check the weather before going out and will not go if there is any chance of a thunderstorm.
As others have said a life jacket is essential. Also, at least along the coast of Maine there are places that give courses in kayak basics and safety for beginners. We took a course and liked it quite a bit. They provide kayaks, but allowed us to bring our own instead. I do not know whether the pandemic has shut down courses for this year. It does seem as if personal distancing should be relatively easy once you are on the water.
Good point about the cost of a roof rack or trailer vs folding kayaks. Definitely food for thought.
We still laugh at about the time we finished a guided kayak tour in Freshwater Bay near Port Angeles in Washington State. My son was sitting in his kayak (sit ontop) before we had to get out and put his feet up onto the bow. Suddenly, he rolled and was in the water. Not hurt and close to shore so more funny than scary. But yes, always wear a life jacket! At this point, not planning to whitewater kayak. Prefer a raft for those trips.
@momofsenior1 , did your kayak ever arrive?
Hull design changes how a kayak can be used. I own a short and fat kayak, originally given to my son. It turns on a dime, and is great fun on the winding little rivers in my area. But on the lakes close to my house, it is extremely frustrating to try to get from point A to Point B efficiently. My employer gives us a free kayak rental at a local place, and I have really enjoyed their plastic kayaks, a bit longer than mine and a good workout on the lake. If I can convince a daughter to go along, we take a tandem out.