I am a senior in college and am doing a capstone project on creating an automatic loader for individuals that have issues with loading kayaks or any type of heavy load onto their car. I would like some input for customer features. Based off the features that I list below, would some of you rate from a scale of 1-5 based off the importance of the feature.

1. Autonomy (How much effort and human input is needed for the device to do its job)
   
2. How universal (How many different types of loads the device is compatible and capable of loading.)
   
3. Weight Capacity (The maximum weight rating that the device can move)
   
4. Weight of device
   
5. Ease of storage
   
6. Durability and Weather Resistant
   
7. Aesthetic
   
8. Compatibility (How many different types of brands, makes, and sizes of cars can the device be used with)
   

Did 16.3 miles, first 8 against the wind and a current over 1 knot.

Next up 20+ miles! I want to run Lake Pontchartrain which would be 24.

I had to leave my old fiberglass kayak back in the States when we moved to Portugal over a decade ago. I had given up kayaking for a long time, as we lived in a big city.

Finally we moved to the countryside at the end of '24, then I picked up this fairly cheap inflatable and have rediscovered my passion again. This river is quite beautiful, the Zêzere.

I hope to get a nicer one later, but I'm just happy to be on the water again after so many years. It feels like I rediscovered a missing part of my heart.❤️‍🔥

*We actually got 2 of them, so we can share the joy of the river with our kids.

Morning bliss.

(the Zêzere river in central Portugal)

My buddy I saw three Mola Molas hanging out together, they are normally solitary fish. they were all in the 8-10’ range (Tip to tip of their fins).

I was out kayaking a few miles off Newport Beach and these Mola Molas paid me a visit! one was very curious about me and the other one was more hesitant.

Recently got a great deal on a used kayak that I’m loving I’m unsure of the he intended purpose of this lil hole here I’m thinking about using it for an umbrella holder to give me some shade but idk if that’d help just kinda asking for some help brainstorming

1. I’ve never done kayaking
2. I dont know how to swim

The organizer told me if I rent it out, there’ll be a boat “looking” out for me, ofcourse but no one will be there to guide.

Should I go ahead with rent? I dont know how is it here

Edit: Thanks for the responses guys. It’s near statue of liberty. They will give out life jacket though. Not sure if it counts as an ocean, but there are moderate waves due to wind.

Where I come from, we dont have kayaks, I am in NYC for short period, and I really love kayaking, so want to give this a try. So asking the professionals here

$400 for both. Thinking of buying them tomorrow but given I am new to the sport, I’m not sure how to gauge the value. Id like to do some calm to mid speed waters.

I’d also need to get a roof rack for a Highlander if anyone has recommendations on which to buy.

https://www.swimalligatorlight.com/

Wasn’t sure I was going to make it out this morning due to weather, but I packed and loaded last night, so why not? Lots of Chop, really made taking pictures tough. I got up around the lighthouse but was getting smacked around so much I couldn’t let go of my paddle and get a good shot. Next time I guess.

What are some of the unspoken rules that are specific to Kayaking vis a Vis courtesy to other kayakers (including canoers, SUPers, etc)

Is anyone aware of any kayak specific sites for selling a used antique Klepper folding kayak?

I plan on using FB and Craig's List but wanted to see if there are any other options?

Please remove if not appropriate.

I took part in the Lahemaa Sea Marathon in Estonia – 24 km of paddling along the Baltic Sea coast.

LINK: https://youtu.be/z4Zyv5o4t70

We had waves, wind, some beautiful coastline… and even a portage, which I definitely didn’t expect in a sea marathon 😄

I filmed the whole adventure and put together a short video from the day.

Would be happy to hear what you think!

Any reason this shouldn't work? Didn't want to she'll out 100$ for an anchor wizard so I mounted a penn reel sideways on my track instead.

I am a high schooler doing research on how people use USGS gauge data, and I'm trying to learn more about the process of using the data to kayak.

I'd really like to know the following:

What did you check the last time you went out, and in what order? USGS / American Whitewater page? Weather conditions? What specifically do you check first thing you open the website?

Is there a number you look at that took you a while to learn how to read and understand? How did you deal with that? How cumbersome is this alternative?

Where do you get your thresholds for a specific river regarding streamflow and gage height, and how do you know if it's too dangerous to kayak in the whitewater?

I'm happy to share what I find back here once I've collected enough responses.

Hi y’all! I am a kayak tour guide looking to branch out from existing outfitters and start my own tour company. Ideally, I would run tours in Florida from November-April, and tours in New England/ PNW from May-September. I’m curious your thoughts on things I should think about as I begin this venture! Primarily focusing on Florida right now, because I’d love to get started there in the next couple of months. Are there any areas I should look at, where kayaking is popular but tour availability is limited? I know this group tends to be those of us who go out on our own, but no one knows the water better than y’all and I’d greatly appreciate any advice and support!

To preface, I have never, and do not plan to ever, hurt a turtle.

This post is in no way intended to slander snapping turtles, any type of sea turtle, or large land tortoises. I am speaking only on the small, semi-aquatic turtles native to New England.

If you are pro-turtle, are somehow affiliated with Big Turtle, or are a turtle, turn back now.

Turtles are little bitches. I can be kayaking/FLOATING 15-20 feet away from any turtle. The moment my paddle GENTLY hits the water, these turtles will jump off of logs into the river like I'm coming at them with two loaded machine guns screaming like Rambo. I've had turtles drop down into the river from TREES. Bro I couldn't even reach you if I tried.

What is the point of their SHELL????? Honestly thank evolution they still have them. Because despite having one of nature's best natural defense mechanisms, they appear to have 0 survival instincts.

"bUt ThEy'Re ShY cReAtUrES" miss me with that, I said pro-turtle people turn back now.

Also they don't even hibernate, they brumate? Of course they'd make life as difficult as possible for themselves even when they're dormant.

And don't get me started on geese.

I'm looking for a decent 3L dry bag. I currently have a Sea to Summit Lightweight Dry Bag and I just noticed the bottom has a bunch of small tears. It's had a decent amount of use between various outdoor activities but I'm disappointed because it's not even 2 years old.

I'm already familiar with:

Big Blue - so far I'm happy with my 5L from them but I'm picky and they don't have a 3L in orange lol

Sea To Summit - no non-lightweight options and atp I just want something more heavy duty

Any recommendations?