Are Vibe kayaks any good?
Not only are Vibe kayaks incredibly popular, but the boats offer cool fishing features at a great price. The Vibe line contains a boat for almost every type of angler and nearly all fishing conditions. Most of their boats favor performance over stability with a sporty, narrow hull for speed and tracking. Vibe’s most stable kayak is the 35-inch-wide Shearwater 125 with a flatter hull for standup fishing. Another stable choice is the Cubera standup paddleboard.
Who owns Vibe Kayaks now?
Joshua Thomas is the founder and CEO of Vibe — a kayak manufacturer and paddle sports… ‘ -Josh Thomas, Founder, Vibe Kayaks. And introducing more people each year to the sport of kayaking is just what Vibe Kayaks is doing. Vibe launched in 2014 with only three models.
How long do kayaks last?
Bottom line: 6-12 years is a pretty typical range for the life span of a kayak. That’s a huge range, you might say. And yes, that is true. An inflatable kayak might last you only a half dozen years; however, a well-maintained, quality kayak can last twice that or much longer – even a lifetime. Your Skill Level: Beginners often prefer shorter, wider kayaks for stability, while experienced paddlers can handle longer, narrower models. Intended Use: Recreational paddling: Opt for a shorter, wider kayak. Touring/long distances: A longer, narrower kayak is ideal.Shorter 10-foot kayaks create less drag on the hull, which makes them easier to maneuver in current. You can also make quicker turns when you encounter sharp bends in a stream or creek. A longer kayak excels at general floating and in most fishing situations.Length and Weight If you’re under 200-pounds, you’ll probably be comfortable in a 10- or 12-foot kayak. But if you’re on the bigger, more-to-love side, go for a longer kayak. The typical weight range for fishing kayaks is anywhere from 50-pounds up to over 100-pounds.Generally, the longer a kayak, the faster it paddles and the better tracking it has. But, longer kayaks are more difficult to store, carry and transport. Recreational kayaks are normally 9-13 feet long. Touring kayaks range from 12-15 feet long.Depending on your kayak and personal size, generally a 7’6″ to 8’6″ rod is in most people’s sweet spot (taking in to account the rod flex). I would definitely stay away from shorter rods, as they can significantly limit your options when playing a fish.
What size kayak is best for fishing?
Most fishing kayak manufacturers produce boats in the 10- to 14-foot range. If you’re under 200-pounds, you’ll probably be comfortable in a 10- or 12-foot kayak. But if you’re on the bigger, more-to-love side, go for a longer kayak. Kayak size for beginners A shorter length (say 10 feet for a recreational kayak or 13 to 14 feet for a day touring kayak) will be the easiest to handle for those with limited paddling skills.A shorter waterline will result in a less streamlined passage through the water. Longer kayaks have a number of advantages: They are faster, glide farther, track better, are more stable, carry heavier loads, and are easier to paddle.Best size kayak for rivers Shorter is better when it comes to easy handling and maneuverability. Specialized whitewater kayaks, for example, often measure seven feet or less in length. For a more general-purpose recreational kayak look for something in the eight- to 10-foot range for rivers.Generally, the longer a kayak, the faster it paddles and the better tracking it has. But, longer kayaks are more difficult to store, carry and transport. Recreational kayaks are normally 9-13 feet long.Recreational kayaks: Short and wide, offering high stability but slower speeds, with an average speed of 2-3 mph. Touring kayaks: Longer and narrower, designed for distance paddling at higher speeds, around 3-4 mph. Fishing kayaks: Similar to recreational kayaks, prioritizing stability and storage over speed.