How to choose a kayak that is right for you

Part 1 - Kayaking
By Great Miami Outfitters

There are many factors that go into choosing a kayak. But keep in mind, it is always your choice and personal preferences that matter most. To help guide you, we'll walk you through a few things that you should consider. It can be overwhelming when you first start looking at different kayaks - so many styles, lengths shapes and colors. How do you choose? Well, it's like anything - process of elimination. There's no need to focus on all the kayaks. You'll need to narrow your search down.

Here are the very first three things you should consider when choosing a kayak - your paddling skill level (novice, intermediate, expert), your size (tall, short) and your weight (heavy, light). If you're a beginner, you'll want a boat that you are comfortable in, yet that you won't outgrow quickly. Whether you are tall or short, heavy or light  will help narrow down the selection. Kayak manufacturers usually provide information about each boat including maximum weight capacity. That's the maximum amount of weight, including you and any cargo, that the boat will still be able to paddle efficiently.

Paddling Locations. Next, consider how and where you'll be using your boat. Touring, recreational, fishing, whitewater? You want the right boat for the job. Will you be paddling in small creeks or large open water like oceans and bays?

Dimensions. Long, narrow boats in the 16 feet and up length are fast and efficient, but are more difficult to maneuver. They can carry a lot of cargo, therefore they are best for touring and sea kayaking. These kayaks are usually paddled in larger bodies of water like lakes. Short boats in the 6 to 10 foot length range maneuver well, however they require more effort to propel them and keep them on course. Short boats are better suited for flowing water like rivers. Then, there are the in-between lengths, usually in the 12 to 14 feet length range. These boats are for general purpose.

Configuration. With kayaks, you'll also need to consider the configuration. There are sit-inside models and sit-on-top models. Most are sit-ins, meaning they have a cockpit or opening that you'll sit down in. Cockpit size openings vary depending on the size and style of the boat. Sit-on-top, or SOTs, have an open configuration, where you actually are not sitting inside a cockpit. Most SOTs are self-bailing and have scupper holes allowing water to drain back out. These boats make it easy for self-rescue and lend themselves to activities like fishing and diving. They offer less protection from the elements.

Materials. The type of material that a kayak is made out of may, or may not, have a bearing on your purchasing decision. But let's take a general look at the differences. Roto-molded plastic is the most common. It's durable, less expensive and usually heavier - making it a good choice for beginners or rocky areas. Composite materials, like fiberglass and kevlar, greatly reduce the boat's overall weight, add stiffness and make better design possible. However, they do cost more and require more care. Usually you'll see longer boats offered in composite materials. In between is thermo-formed plastic. It's lighter and more rigid than roto-molded plastic, but is not as expensive as composite material. There are other materials available, but these are the most common.

This is a basic overview. Hopefully, it will help you so that you are not intimidated when searching for a kayak. Once you narrow your selection down, there are additional details about each type of kayak. We'll add some information on this blog shortly.

Our staff is very knowledgeable and we want to see that you get in the best boat suited for your needs. As a specialty retailer, we pride ourselves in carrying a wide selection of quality USA made watercraft.

Layer It On, Baby!

Tips and advice from Great Miami Outfitters
The ABCs of layering and its benefits
The primary purpose of layering is to maintain an even body temperature (regardless of physical exertion or weather conditions) by regularly adding and removing layers. During winter or chilly weather, this is vital to prevent hypothermia, especially when engaging in sweat-inducing or stop-and-go activities. Layers should be easily accessible for quick deployment or storage.

Base Layer (next to skin) wicks sweat away from your skin so it can dry quickly to prevent chill. For cool or cold weather, your base layer must fit snugly. If it's not touching your skin, it can't wick sweat. Serious shivering occurs if sweat sits on your skin until it evaporates. You can choose from synthetics (like Patagonia's Capilene©, wool (like Icebreaker's pure merino) or a blend of the two (like Outdoor Research's Dri-release© Wool); AVOID cotton because it takes too long to dry.

Mid Layer (insulation) traps body heat. It can range from lightweight fleeces and wool sweaters to fluffy down pieces; it just depends on the season and your personal preference. During high-aerobic activities (ice climbing, backcountry snowshoeing), your insulation stays in your pack so your body heat can escape. Once you stop moving, put it on so you won't cool down while your sweat dries.

Outer Layers (shells) are like the walls of a house--they prevent wind and precipitation from getting in and create a micro-climate. When the temperature gets too high, ventilation features (pit zips) allow excess heat to escape. Trapped sweat drops your body temperature. In winter and on extended trips, a breathable, waterproof shell is a necessity.

TLC for Your Technical Outerwear

Advice from Great Miami Outfitters

Purchasing quality technical outerwear is an investment, so you should know the best way to properly take care of it. To optimize your outerwear's waterproof, breathable performance proper care and maintenance is required.

Cleaning
Dirt, grime and body oils can clog the pores of your new outerwear's surface fabric and limit the breathability of the waterproof membrane. Normal washing detergents (most liquid-based ones) actually can make things worse by leaving a water-attracting residue. read the labels for the manufacturer-recommended cleaners designed for outerwear. In a pinch, use a mild, non-detergent, powdered cleaner.

Avoid fabric softeners -- they're great for bath towels, but not for your technical fabrics. If softener makes it into the wash load, re-wash the garment twice in warm, soap-free water.

What is DWR?
Durable Water Repellent (DWR) is an invisible finish applied to the outer fabric of most outdoor clothing. It prevents the fabric from absorbing water by making water bead up on the surface and roll off. (The next time you are in our store, ask us to show you a demonstration). Maintaining the DWR is vital to ensuring the waterproof membrane's breathability.

Re-treat with DWR when needed. If water no longer beads up on the fabric surface and it appears to soak in, the DWR has worn off. Re-apply with a spray-on or wash-in treatment. Dry outerwear in your dryer, on a medium setting -- heat actually helps restore the DWR.

Still confused?
Come in and we'll help you find the right product. We offer several varieties of cleaners and waterproof treatments specifically for outerwear.

Just Arrived!
NEW! Coosa from Jackson Kayak has arrived at Great Miami Outfitters.
The Coosa has been designed by Signature fisherman, Drew Gregory and Jackson Kayak to answer to the continually evolving needs of the kayak fisherman. As well as excelling on lakes, ponds, inshore and offshore settings, the Coosa is the first to ever cater to the river angler -- making it the first ever ALL water fishing craft. Come in and see it. We're taking orders now. Check out the video below!

Congratulations to the winner of the Osprey Backpack Giveaway

Wayne Levesay of Dayton won the Osprey Kestrel 68 Backpack. His name was randomly drawn from over 500 entries received. Great Miami Outfitters along with Osprey Packs held a "Test Your Trail Knowledge" contest with the prize of this great backpack. No purchase was necessary, and honestly, the trail knowledge challenge was just for fun. Correct or incorrect answers had no bearing on who won. All entries were entered into the drawing.

If you entered and are curious about the correct answers, you can download the PDF. http://bit.ly/a7CgME

Customer Comment #70

Hi GMO Friends,

My friend John “Chico” Burkhardt and I hit some milestones on our last section hike and I thought I’d share this photo and some details with “our” outfitter. We’ve been “sectioning” for 11 years and have hiked everything from Springer to the Pennsylvania line. We went past 1,000 miles, finally got through Virginia, and are at the Mason-Dixon Line. Thanks for carrying so many great products that have helped us along the way. We’re planning to keep “sectioning” for the next 6 years before finishing in one long final hike. See you on the next shopping trip!

Todd “Just Todd” Day
Germantown, OH

Autumn Kayak Fishing on the Great Miami River

By Dan Schlegel, Great Miami Outfitters

We usually paddle this 5.5 mile stretch of the Great Miami River from West Carrollton to downtown Miamisburg, but usually don't have the time (or take the time) to fish that section from our kayaks. Last Friday, October 22 we decided to change that. So we packed up some lunches and our fishing gear and Andrew and I headed out in the early afternoon. It was a beautiful sunny day with the temperature hovering right at about 60 degrees. We planned to take our time, and try to locate some smallmouth bass hanging out in deep pools or moving water.

We left the fly rods at home. Our goal on this outing was just to stalk and find areas that held fish. We used light tackle with a variety of artificial lures including tube baits, rooster tails, and crankbaits.

We put in below the low dam in West Carrollton. I was paddling a Wenonah Fusion 13ft solo canoe and Andrew was paddling the Native Watercraft Ultimate 12. The water was clear and cold, just the way our prey liked it. Leaves were in full autumn color and fluttering down to add to the picture-perfect day. It was so beautiful and relaxing that we told ourselves it didn't matter if we caught any fish. In fact, earlier in the summer we fly-fished on Utah's Provo River, and believe it or not, many qualities of this stretch of the Great Miami River reminded us of that western trip. It was just nice to be out - father and son.

For the first hour we fished hard, changing lures and tactics often. Slow retrieve, fast retrieve, bouncing off the bottom, top crankbaits, deep pools, and shallow water. Nothing seemed to work until we switched to rooster tails and fished along the seams of fast moving water. It's where we suspected the bronzebacks would be lying in wait for their next meal. We were right. Well, at least Andrew was right. He caught several smallmouth bass in the 10-12 inch range. I on the other hand got skunked. Same lure, same technique, no fish.

Usually this stretch can be paddled in 1-1/2 to 2 hours. We took our sweet time, averaging only one river mile per hour. So after nearly 5 hours on the water it was time to get out as dark was closing in quickly. We both said that it still wasn't enough time to thoroughly explore that stretch. Next time maybe we'll only average half mile per hour. I guess we better get up and on the water early in the morning.