Equipment
Paddles and Oars
Whether your kayaking or
canoeing your paddles or oars
are important to your comfort.
Whether your kayaking or
canoeing your paddles or oars
are important to your comfort.
SHELTER ISLAND PADDLER CLUB
Choosing a kayak, canoe, rowing shell or other equipment depends on what type of
trip you are planning. If you are planning a trip in ocean waters or larger bays, a
long 16'-18' sea kayak or rowing shell is appropriate. If you plan on tackling small
inlets, creeks and smaller bay areas, a short 10'-15' recreational or day touring
kayak or canoe with good maneuverability will do the trick.
Kayaks come in different forms such as plastic rotomolded, fiberglass and kevlar.
Plastic is heavier yet more durable and kevlar is the lightest, yet most expensive
and more difficult to fix dings and scratches.
Transporting Your Equipment
If you don't have a truck or a vehicle big enough to hold your boat, boat racks are
important. Many companies specialize in boat racks, including the more popular
Thule and Yakima. Be sure to seek out the rack that is right for you and don't get
pressured into buying something you really don't need or won't use. If you want to
spend a little less money, foam blocks and straps are good alternatives.
Storing Your Equipment
Kayaks have cargo space in front and behind the seat. Some kayaks come
equipped with a capped storage area in the likes of sealed bow and stern hatches.
These are especially good as they ensure the dryness of your equipment. Bungee
cords with rivet kits are already installed on most kayaks and if they aren't, you can
order them. You can store items such as safety equipment, nautical charts, small
bags, gloves, etc. under the bungee cords so they are secure.
If you like to fish, fishing rod holders are available to attach to the side of your kayak.
This beats trying to steady the fishing rod in the cockpit while you paddle to your
next secret fishing spot. Or, get a fishing kayak already outfitted with fishing options.
Canoes contain a lot of open space between two paddlers or in front of a solo
paddler where equipment can be stored. However, make sure you put your items in
waterproof dry bags because canoes, despite their high sides, are less stable and
can take on more water. Dry bags come in many sizes and can be found at most
sporting goods outdoor stores and kayak outfitters.
Paddles - Feathered or Unfeathered
Paddles come in straight or bent shafts, aluminum, graphite or fiberglass. The
lighter the weight, the more expensive the paddle and the less tired your arms and
shoulders will get.
For kayakers, feathering your paddles means offsetting them so each end is in a
different position. This enables the paddler to slice through the wind with the
exposed paddle while the other end is in the water. Not all paddlers feel
comfortable feathering their paddles, as it requires a slight twist of the wrist when
inserting them into the water.
Unfeathered means your paddles are in the same position on each end.
In calm conditions it is the paddler's personal preference whether or not the
paddles are feathered or unfeathered.
Rentals
If you don't have your own kayak you can rent one of many types at Shelter Island
Kayak Tours by calling Jay Damuck at 631-749-1990. The rental area is located on
Route 114 and Duvall Road on Shelter Island.
trip you are planning. If you are planning a trip in ocean waters or larger bays, a
long 16'-18' sea kayak or rowing shell is appropriate. If you plan on tackling small
inlets, creeks and smaller bay areas, a short 10'-15' recreational or day touring
kayak or canoe with good maneuverability will do the trick.
Kayaks come in different forms such as plastic rotomolded, fiberglass and kevlar.
Plastic is heavier yet more durable and kevlar is the lightest, yet most expensive
and more difficult to fix dings and scratches.
Transporting Your Equipment
If you don't have a truck or a vehicle big enough to hold your boat, boat racks are
important. Many companies specialize in boat racks, including the more popular
Thule and Yakima. Be sure to seek out the rack that is right for you and don't get
pressured into buying something you really don't need or won't use. If you want to
spend a little less money, foam blocks and straps are good alternatives.
Storing Your Equipment
Kayaks have cargo space in front and behind the seat. Some kayaks come
equipped with a capped storage area in the likes of sealed bow and stern hatches.
These are especially good as they ensure the dryness of your equipment. Bungee
cords with rivet kits are already installed on most kayaks and if they aren't, you can
order them. You can store items such as safety equipment, nautical charts, small
bags, gloves, etc. under the bungee cords so they are secure.
If you like to fish, fishing rod holders are available to attach to the side of your kayak.
This beats trying to steady the fishing rod in the cockpit while you paddle to your
next secret fishing spot. Or, get a fishing kayak already outfitted with fishing options.
Canoes contain a lot of open space between two paddlers or in front of a solo
paddler where equipment can be stored. However, make sure you put your items in
waterproof dry bags because canoes, despite their high sides, are less stable and
can take on more water. Dry bags come in many sizes and can be found at most
sporting goods outdoor stores and kayak outfitters.
Paddles - Feathered or Unfeathered
Paddles come in straight or bent shafts, aluminum, graphite or fiberglass. The
lighter the weight, the more expensive the paddle and the less tired your arms and
shoulders will get.
For kayakers, feathering your paddles means offsetting them so each end is in a
different position. This enables the paddler to slice through the wind with the
exposed paddle while the other end is in the water. Not all paddlers feel
comfortable feathering their paddles, as it requires a slight twist of the wrist when
inserting them into the water.
Unfeathered means your paddles are in the same position on each end.
In calm conditions it is the paddler's personal preference whether or not the
paddles are feathered or unfeathered.
Rentals
If you don't have your own kayak you can rent one of many types at Shelter Island
Kayak Tours by calling Jay Damuck at 631-749-1990. The rental area is located on
Route 114 and Duvall Road on Shelter Island.
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