Nick1979

I ended up purchasing the Snap Dragon Ocean Tour EXP flirt. Hopefully their sizing chart is accurate. Can't wait to try it.

Which model Snapdragon did you get?

Thank you all for the thoughtful comments. I have settled on a Snap Dragon skirt. Does anyone have their "flirt" tunnel models, where the tunnel is a bit shorter for added comfort? I am debating between the shorter "flirt" style and full length tunnel.

I am in a search for a new spray skirt that fits my kayak better, as my current one is too tight. Since I will be getting a new skirt, I can reconsider what might be the better option for me - a full neoprene skirt or a touring skirt with a neoprene deck and a breathable tunnel? Which type do most people use here? I am not a rolling junky and don't play in surf. Thanks for the tips

Good words, thank you. For someone like me, for example, opening eyes would be a bad idea. I wear contacts and the water was murky brown due to algae with almost no visibility. But wearing swimming goggles and practicing with them in a pool setting would be something I have to try.

With a lot of pulling yes. Not too easily, no.

This is all very helpful. I felt I needed both hands to pull adequately the front of the skirt and somehow I was able to free myself while underwater. It wasn't a good experience. There is not way I can do it with this skirt one hand only. Could someone explain step by step what is done during a wet exit, including the removal of the skirt? And I assume this is done while one is upside down in the water. This will help me determine what part was my skirt's fault and what part was me now knowing what to do properly. I think it is both for sure.

Valley Etaine 17.3 composite. Skirt is Immersion Research touring "medium" cockpit, with a bungee cord. Yes, my kayak being FB has a very pronounced lip that locks the sprayskirt in place, making it very hard to put on and remove. I am looking at Seals skirts (size 1.4 for my kayak). If I get 1.7 would that be a better solution assuming it would still stay on?

How tight should a spray skirt fit the cockpit of a kayak? I am asking, because my new sprayskirt (which I like a lot) has been a real pain to remove during practiced wet exits. It has a strap across for "emergency removal" which could not even get it removed as I was underwater and struggling to get free. It is the correct size for my kayak, but I am already thinking of getting a size larger. I am not comfortable knowing that the skirt would make it very tough for myself to detach from the kayak once in the water.

Glad you are okay! VW golf sportswagen, Subary Outback, or any other vehicle with longer roof that has long (!) integrated rails along the length of the roof. This will allow for spread of the cross bars if needed. Some cars have poorly designed side railings that only run tho-thirds the length of the roof. Avoid those.

If you had a dry test of the Prana, try it on the water. It may be just the perfect boat for you, but only you would know if you paddle it on the water.

I am just curious, why is the post about Lincoln kayaks?

Cd also lists that boat for M to XL size paddler. Not what you are looking for, in my opinion. You need to try in person any kayak, for the right feel and fit.

Prana is a playboat , if I am not mistaken. My advice is cancel, there are better options for your price. Try and chose in person. P&H Cetus LV, Valley Etain 17.1, NDK Romany, there is also Current Designs Willow which is for the petite paddler.

Thank you all for the answers, I will be ordering a Kokatat gore tex front entry suit.

Last question - has anyone used the NRS Cruix suit? Thanks

Does anyone know this fellow kayaker from Lynn, Mass? Apparently he is an avid sea-kayaker-fisherman. Perhaps he may be in this group already. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x41PuTenPgM&list=PLv_KX5WmAY-v4NPAjCDPpx3UG3cCo9-Y7&index=1

Thank you, sounds like Kokatat is really a good choice. Does anyone have any input on the Stohlquist Amp suit?

Sounds great, very interested. Thank you!

Does one need to be a paid member to attend?

I am wondering what dry suits people use and how happy they are with that they have? I may be on the market for one soon, moving up from my semi-dry paddle suit. Thanks

Indeed I have, and now I am selling them..... will be ordering the Thule 883, thanks to Joseph for enlightening me. I think I will enjoy more kayaking trips!

Thanks for the tips. JoeB, my car is the same as yours - a 2016 Outback. I opted for the J rack because it was the only factory approved kayak carrier, with adapters that fit the cross bars. Do you mind telling me what exact model Thule kayak mounts you have? It sounds like this can be the solution for me. J racks are tought for one person. Thanks again

With risk in asking a question that may have been discussed previously, I need some advise on how to lift a 17ft sea kayak onto my car roof by myself. The weather will be very nice tomorrow, and I would like to try a little paddling session nearby. If I could only lift my kayak... I had a very difficult time last week (on another great day), just to fail at lifting the kayak onto my car's J rack. That was the end of my trip before it even started. What do you guys/gals do - any tips and tricks are welcome. Just for information, my car is a Subaru Outback. Thank you, Nick