First kayak

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First kayak

Postby ButchLee » Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:14 pm

I'm looking to purchase my first kayak in the next couple of weeks (before an easter excursion to Lake Tyers) and am after some advice. I'd like to get something Australian made for bay and estuary fishing. I'm only 5'4" and 70kg so no real space issues. I'll be transporting and fishing alone so want to make sure it's something that I can handle on my own and transport on a small car. I'm looking to spend around $700, but can go up to $1000 if needed. I'm in Melbourne and advice on good shops would be helpful too (Northern suburbs in particular).
Looking forward to getting my Yak on :)
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Re: First kayak

Postby scater » Thu Mar 08, 2012 8:57 pm

I'd be looking at something like a Viking Espri if I were you, fits all of your requirements and has a proven track record of toughness, reliability and versatility. They come up a bit second hand and are a bargain.
Cheers, Sam
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Re: First kayak

Postby RackRaider » Thu Mar 08, 2012 10:30 pm

Theres a Viking Profish on ebay for 950 at the moment, the guy selling's located in sysney
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Re: First kayak

Postby ButchLee » Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:20 pm

Looking around a bit and I see aquayaks are in the western suburbs of Melbourne. Any advice on them?
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Re: First kayak

Postby ButchLee » Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:24 pm

Been looking at Viking and it doesn't seem that have a stockist in melbourne. Looks like a good yak for a first timer. I'll need to scope out a couple of stores, they're just a bit of a drive and I need to find the time.
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Re: First kayak

Postby eric » Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:36 pm

Aquayaks make some solid gear. Have a look at Wavedance kayaks, in Seaford, as well.
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Re: First kayak

Postby SurfanFish » Mon Mar 12, 2012 5:49 pm

I'd also recommend a Viking Espri. A good size without being too big, versatile and still easy to handle. The Aquayak's look a good craft but never paddled one. The wavedance kayaks are also good value. Not sure what other Australian made are out there.

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Re: First kayak

Postby ButchLee » Wed Mar 14, 2012 9:14 am

Seems that Aquayak are manufacturing the Viking kayaks in Victoria so that looks like my best option. Thanks for the suggestions - much appreciated.
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Re: First kayak

Postby millonario » Wed Mar 14, 2012 4:23 pm

I use an extreme fish bandit. Made in QLD, available from some camping chains. Under 10' and only 18kg. Very one person friendly. I love it and use it in similar areas to what you describe. Can be boght with all necessary accessories for under $600-700.
Cheers,

Dan.
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Re: First kayak

Postby Snackbox » Thu Mar 22, 2012 5:40 pm

How are you transporting the yak? Do you hace roof racks at all?.
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