Kayak Newbie

[jjfighter]

How are you all? I am well and am looking to get into this amazing sport. I have done a lot canoeing and hiking a few years back and am now looking to get into whitewater kayaking. Forgive stupid questions if I ask them, I am new and heavily interested.

First off, what is the difference between a whitewater kayak and a play-kayak?

Can you use a play-kayak in the whitewater as well?

What types of kayaks are suited for bigger guys? (235lbs, 36in waist, 6'2")

What is the learning curve for getting on the water? I have whitewater lessons at the end of May.

Any and all advice is much appreciated.

[el gordo]

Welcome to the Buzz and kayaking! I had a similar background (sea kayaking/rafting/yakfishing) prior to whitewater. Advice: Sell all your other sporting equipment (golf clubs, bowling ball, tennis) on e-Bay, because this will be the only sport you'll be interested in from now on. Keep your mountain bike, you'll need it as a shuttle.

I am a big guy (6.1, 205) and like the WaveSport Super EZ. It easy to learn in and covers river running and basic playboating. Good combo for starting out. Super comfortable. Rent first, buy later.

Get as much pool time as you can possibly handle. Playing at the pool sessions is safe, warm, and you'll meet others who can show you strokes, rolling techniques, and gear. Great learning enviornment. This will transfer skills to your lessons at the end of May. CWWA Pool sessions are Sundays 3-7 at the Meyers Pool ($6.50), 80th & Wadsworth (Carr St). Search the buzz posts for other pool session listings. You'll be set for a great summer.

See link: http://coloradowhitewater.org/

[LSB]

Im 6' 240
I paddle a Godzilla on IV or bigger
and a Lucid for a playboat
dont get anything too edgy to start with
youll need to figure out your balance in the current and get your roll first
then you can start to think in 3D
and youll probably want upgrade your boat
also a river runner will be easier to learn to roll
checkout the gear swaps or demo days for boats and gear

[gh]

I spent some time in a Hoss the last couple of days and it is great for larger guys. I front and back surfed it and it seemed like a very comfy river runner.

[jjfighter]

Is it a big disadvantage being a bigger guy? How long did it take you to learn and be able to really "go for it". I do have prior whitewater experience in a canoe, so I hope the learning curve is too large.

What's the latest time of the year people go kayaking till? Early Fall?

[Dave Frank]

The only disadvantage of being a bigger guy, is that there are lots of boats you won't fit in.