r/Kayaking • u/marshmallowpaw • 7d ago

Question/Advice -- Beginners 2 Beginners needing help

Hello everyone!

My partner (5’11”, 220lbs) and I (5’3”, 125lbs) are looking into getting into some kayaks. We’re in Alberta, Canada so they will be for use in lakes.
We’d like to stay on the cheaper side just to try it out first.
Preferably sit-on as I’m scared of capsizing myself. I can swim great but I feel like the sit-on would be easier for me.
My partner is fine with either sit-on or sit-in.

A couple I’ve looked at are:
Pelican Sentinel 100X
Pelican Sentinel 80X
Pelican Orion 100X

I’m fine with any brand, not super specific. Just something to try out. Not much available in the used market as I’m pretty far up in northern Alberta.

Thanks a bunch everyone.

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u/jmmaxus 7d ago

I would get a 12+ foot kayak, and one that is rated for more than your weight for a good margin.

The 80x isn’t even rated for your weight and would be terrible.

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u/marshmallowpaw 7d ago

Will look into the 12 footers. Thank you. I must have read wrong on the website for the 80x as it said weight limit 225lb.

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u/jmmaxus 7d ago

Oh sorry I read your post vs those specs wrong. Yes I think your right it is rated at 225 lb. However, you really don’t want to be in a Kayak rated 225 when you weigh 220. While it may stay afloat, it will make it harder to paddle the kayak. Tbh, even for you at 125 lb that’s a very small kayak length wise.

I think those really short kayaks for fishing are for high maneuverability in brush like conditions for fishing. Whitewater kayaks are also very short for maneuverability. Kids kayaks for recreation are usually around that 80x size.

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u/marshmallowpaw 7d ago

Thank you again. I wasn’t really looking at the length as most seem to be 10’ so I assumed that was the best unless you’re tall haha.
Will be searching for 12’ for sure after this post.