How to buy a good kayak for cheap!

Buying a Kayak on Craigslist

I follow several kayaking blogs which to be honest, I don't think these blogs even existed when I started kayaking. Kayak fishing, which is my thing now, really has exploded in the last 5 years. The passion I have for kayaking has developed for me as well. It all started when I was moving a few years ago.

I was getting rid of some furniture and decided to post it on Craigslist. It was then that I came across my first kayak. I wasn't in the market to buy one, on the contrary I was actually trying to get rid of my stuff. But I saw this photo of a kayak and it was listed for $100, I didn't know anything about kayaks, except that I practically grew up visiting and admiring "toys" in Bass Pro Shops and I've seen their price tags. You cant get any new kayak for 100, impossible. The Kayak listed was a spirit 120 and after doing a quick google search sure enough it was selling for about 300 in stores. The real kicker was the guy was selling it with a brand new paddle which was also, after a quick google, goes about $100 in stores.

So I saw the light bulb go off and since I was strapped for cash from my move I figured it was a good investment. I went to pick it up, saw that it was in great condition, the thing was still brand new, he only had taken it out twice .He just needed to get rid of it quickly due to his own move. So I went for it and gave the seller the $100 cash. And I drove away with a BRAND NEW kayak and paddle. What a deal! The guy practically cringed when I was making the purchase, he knew he was letting it go for way too cheap.

 I was moving near the water and at least I could use it a few times and still sell it again for a profit. That never happened. Took it out one night for kayak fishing and little did I know I would be hooked.  No pun intended.

I wish I had a picture to share of that kayak, I looked and couldn't find one... but I do have one photo from my first night kayak fishing. Not a big catch but a big memory for me nonetheless.


Long story short, you can find cheap BRAND NEW kayaks on Craigslist. People just need to get rid of them sometimes. They are a luxury item for some people. I know this is not the first nor last good deal you can find on Craigslist. My advice is to just keep your eye out. Keep looking for deals in your area.

TIP: Especially During Winter months people usually put them up for sale. You can often get kayaks for three times less than the stores. Just pick ones that have clear photos and don't buy until you have gone to see the kayak for yourself. Its no pressure. If the vessel looks damaged don't buy it, that simple.

I do have to mention to Beware of Craigslist scams. Only buy  IN PERSON with cash only. Buy at your own risk. But there are normal decent people who use the site to sell their stuff. As long as you are wise you can use Craigslist to find great deals.

Fishing Trip Photos

Memories from my first fishing trip.

 

 

Starting off with a crab

Yep, you know what that is...Snook Baby!

 

Fishing #SquadGoals

Awesome Fishing Video

So I'm not a dad yet but I would like to settle down someday. For now I'm all about my kayaking, fishing just plain ol' outdoors man lifestyle. You've got to take things one day at a time. But I do think about the future and about being a father and what values I will instill in my children. Fishing is most definitely one of those things. I came across this video of a dad with his daughter and she caught a fish all on her own. Apparently they were out on the water, in a small boat and she got a tug on her line, well anyway here's the video you can see what happens for yourself :

This video is priceless. Not only does she catch her first fish ( I assume, since she says "I finally got one" )  She catches an enormous bass. Not bad for that little pink fishing pole. This makes me smile every time I watch it, call me a softy but fishing has a special place in my heart and it is a pastime that I want to also share with my own kids. For now I'll keep scoping out the best bass fishing spots and all the tips and videos I can find to prep for my little fishing gang. This video here has me jumping on the bandwagon and joining in on the trending hashtag #squadgoals. Way to go Avery,(and her dad) you've inspired me!

Here's where I found the full article: http://www.today.com/parents/girl-reels-big-bass-barbie-fishing-pole-sweet-daddy-daughter-t46296

Another related fishing blog I follow -Check it out: http://fishingandthinking.blogspot.com/

My dream is to live in nature

I want to live in the wild. 

Is that so wrong? I just don't get the feeling I get anywhere else than when I am out on the water, climbing a mountain, hiking with my dog. Its like man vs wild. I love this, I live for this and that's why I decided it's just for me. It's not so crazy. There are actually alot of people who do it. There is a movement now of people called "wanderlusters" who just travel about the world going from place to place and blogging about it. I think that is awesome. I have a family so its a hard decision but it's not impossible. I mean there is a guy who built a 5 story tree house in the wilderness. Don't take my word for it you can read about  this dude here

Although he does seem a little extreme.And I wouldn't build that high. I'm not trying to do anything like that. I'm just thinking maybe I'll go back to Hawaii and stay on the beach. There are people doing that there now and I don't blame them.

Anyway its going to take a lot of thought but I just figured I'd start to talk about it now. If anyone wants to share either their personal experiences or their two cents I am all ears. Going to look for other bloggers on this topic and will list them below.



Related blogs: http://livingwilderness.blogspot.com/
(this blog has great nature photos)

The Zen Of Kayaking: I Photograph The Fjords Of Norway From The Kayak Seat

I am Tomasz Furmanek, amateur kayaker and adventure photographer. I started taking photos from the kayak about 3 years ago. My aim is to capture the beauty and balance of nature in the fjords and lakes, mainly in Norway. I also wish to motivate people to visit some of these remote locations and show them the joy of kayaking.

Many of my photos are taken in calm conditions with glassy water. The reflections and symmetry in the photos show the balance and calmness of experiencing nature from a kayak. The aim is to create the feeling of being in the photo and a wish to explore these locations. The kayak bow gives the viewer the point of view of a kayaker, and draws the person into the photo. The triangle of the bow also acts like a vector, directing the focus of the viewer to the scenery above the tip of the kayak.

Read more http://www.boredpanda.com/the-zen-of-kayaking-i-photograph-the-fjords-of-norway-from-the-kayak-seat/ 

Read related article   Two fine tuning tips for the sailing rig on the P&H Scorpio mk2 sea kayak.