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Mark · Posted: Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:06 pm Post subject: Kayak Question

I am planning on getting a Malibu 2 to cross the CC ship channel to fish the N. Jetty on St. Joe's Island.

I was wondering:

How easy and safe would be to paddle across the channel if I was by myself?

How about with another person?

How would you rate the Malibu 2?

I am athletic and in good shape and the total weight would be 225lb if solo and 400lb if tandem.

Input will be greatly appreciated! -Mark

mrbacklash · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:57 am Post subject:

It sounds like a good idea but just remember that at max ebb and flood that the current can exceed 4 knots so you will be crabbing going across the jetties increasing your transit time. There is alot of commercial traffic in the jetties that is not looking for kayaks most of the time. Also you might want to read this article about what happens if you dont wear a life jacket http://www.caller.com/news/2008/feb/18/kayaker_scoop/

Lord of the Hardheads · Horse Mullet Joined: 23 Nov 2008 Posts: 194

I shuttle a buddy back and forth on my malibu 2 in the JFK area. There is a big difference with that other person in the yak. plan on getting a lot wetter and the water current will affect the kayak a lot more. (think sitting in the water rather then on it.) All in all well worth it though to get away from the crowds on the banks.

Coach · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 8:26 am Post subject:

experience - thats they key that allows you or limits you. I have been paddel'n a jon boat since I was little and I'm real good at it, but when I first got in my yak, it was a new experience - just didn't feel that my skills were ready to protect my rear end yet.
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chuck · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 8:38 am Post subject:

I yak quite a bit, and don't think I would ever make that paddle. To me it's too dangerous, with all the boats and crap.

But if you are going to, a Malibu 2 is a great fishing platform. An wear a PFD> Practice somewhere safe falling out, and getting back in the yak with your PFD on. Make sure to secure your stuff to the yak including rods so when you flip over you can get your stuff back.

Check out texaskayakfisherman.com lot's of knowledge there.

It would be cool if you could take the ferry across, and then somehow paddle down to the jetties. But the currents might be hell next to the rocks.

O.B. · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 9:50 am Post subject:

sounds dangerous, just don't forget about the wind. Paddling against the wind and the current is bad enough to wear anyone out.

mikelcctx · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 10:27 am Post subject: tough

I'm with chuck and O.B. It will be tough paddling against the current first of all and you should absolutely practice tipping the yak and getting back in it
And of course...PFD, PFD, PFD.
Good luck. Cool

Mike
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rick sanders · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 2:06 pm Post subject:

In the summer afternoons sometimes the tide is going out so fast you couldn' t make it back across. I don't even like to use my boat at those times.

Mark · Posted: Sun Feb 01, 2009 10:34 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the input.