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/leighhtonn 7d ago

Hiiiii! Alberta human here, I have a suggestion that might be considered an unpopular opinion. I was really interested in trying out kayaking but didn’t want to drop a ton of money on something I wasn’t super sure I would love. I ended up getting the Costco Tobin brand blow up kayak to see if I would actually use it, if Alberta lakes were worth it, if I enjoyed the process and being on the water etc. It was a great way to learn the basics without investing a lot. It’s super easy to inflate/deflate, easy to transport and gave me the confidence that kayaking wasn’t just a side hobby.

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u/marshmallowpaw 7d ago

Thank you. We were considering it but still unsure of exactly what we’re going for. We’re definitely going to go for a 12’, but still stuck on hard vs inflatable.

Did you end up buying a regular kayak after experimenting with the inflatable one?

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u/taught-Leash-2901 6d ago

Second the inflatable vote - if you're just looking for a chilled paddle and arent worried about losing a little speed inflatable is definitely the way to go, especially if you go for pontoon sides - super comfy, super stable.

The more expensive full dropstitch inflatables just mimic the size and shape of an ordinary hard shell, and you'd only buy for ease of storage and transportation. We have one with a dropstitch floor, for a nice sturdy base, and pontoon sides - use it on rivers and coastal areas as well as lochs.

I dont think the model is available in the US (ITWIT X100) but im sure you can find something similar. Its a single skin, vinyl construction - many of the cheaper ones (compare the 100 vs X100) are double skinned and harder to dry/susceptible to mould, these models also have a chamber floor instead of the dropstitch which makes them much less sturdy feeling.

We paddle with just the two of us but have the 3-seat version, which is perfect for carrying your kit and still be able to stretch your legs. You can even use it for camping gear. 2-seat version just looks a bit cramped to me - I like a big picnic!

The reason purists don't like them is performance, which I can understand, but hands down they're the more comfortable and relaxed day out. We've even taken ours out in some pretty lumpy coastal conditions and felt really secure - I reckon you could walk on board holding your pims and not spill any, and I'm willing to back that claim up by attempting it...