Comments on: Ken Short’s Full Review of his W500 Fishing Kayak, Washington http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/10/30/ken-shorts-full-review-of-his-w500-fishing-kayak-washington/ The World's Best Fishing Kayaks Tue, 22 May 2012 13:41:12 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 By: admin http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/10/30/ken-shorts-full-review-of-his-w500-fishing-kayak-washington/#comment-4521 admin Wed, 25 Aug 2010 21:49:52 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=390#comment-4521 Marty, Where is 'here'? :) Winds of 25-30 mph are not a big thing for W kayakers. It is normal for W kayakers to go paddling and fishing on windy days, when 'mono' kayakers and kayak anglers prefer to stay at home. Here's some more reading for you on this subject: http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/16/w-kayaking-in-strong-wind/ As for 7 ft waves - well, the maximum I've been to are 6 ft waves (breaking waves), in the surf at Jenness beach (Rye beach), in New Hampshire. Maybe I'm not measuring wave height correctly, but I don't think they were bigger than that. Using a waterproof fabric as cockpit cover under such conditions is highly advisable, to prevent spray from getting inside the cockpit. BTW, I've never used a cockpit cover myself, but that's because I like to surf play, mostly standing up, and capsizing under such conditions is part of the fun - You bail out and let the waves bring your boat closer to shore, where you take out, drain it in a few seconds, and go back into the waves to keep playing. Here's a W300 kayak review from a seasoned sea kayaker: http://www.wavewalk.com/Touring_Kayak_Review_01.html Yoav Marty,

Where is ‘here’? :)
Winds of 25-30 mph are not a big thing for W kayakers. It is normal for W kayakers to go paddling and fishing on windy days, when ‘mono’ kayakers and kayak anglers prefer to stay at home.
Here’s some more reading for you on this subject:
http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/07/16/w-kayaking-in-strong-wind/

As for 7 ft waves – well, the maximum I’ve been to are 6 ft waves (breaking waves), in the surf at Jenness beach (Rye beach), in New Hampshire. Maybe I’m not measuring wave height correctly, but I don’t think they were bigger than that.
Using a waterproof fabric as cockpit cover under such conditions is highly advisable, to prevent spray from getting inside the cockpit.
BTW, I’ve never used a cockpit cover myself, but that’s because I like to surf play, mostly standing up, and capsizing under such conditions is part of the fun – You bail out and let the waves bring your boat closer to shore, where you take out, drain it in a few seconds, and go back into the waves to keep playing.

Here’s a W300 kayak review from a seasoned sea kayaker:
http://www.wavewalk.com/Touring_Kayak_Review_01.html

Yoav

]]> By: Marty Jorgensen http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/10/30/ken-shorts-full-review-of-his-w500-fishing-kayak-washington/#comment-4520 Marty Jorgensen Wed, 25 Aug 2010 18:56:22 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=390#comment-4520 I feel a lot like Greg. I am an open ocean kayak guy, big (240) and am on the verge of giving up the sport as the leg/feet pain I come home with are out weighing the enjoyment. My trips are between 5 and 10 mile trips in open ocean swells, some surf and seas of 4- 7 ft are not uncommon. Winds upwards of 25. I have never seen a W on the water here, and concerned about no self bailing. Anyone have suggestions or experience with the W in rough water? I feel a lot like Greg. I am an open ocean kayak guy, big (240) and am on the verge of giving up the sport as the leg/feet pain I come home with are out weighing the enjoyment.

My trips are between 5 and 10 mile trips in open ocean swells, some surf and seas of 4- 7 ft are not uncommon. Winds upwards of 25.

I have never seen a W on the water here, and concerned about no self bailing. Anyone have suggestions or experience with the W in rough water?

]]> By: admin http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/10/30/ken-shorts-full-review-of-his-w500-fishing-kayak-washington/#comment-4206 admin Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:25:57 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=390#comment-4206 Greg, We're located south of Boston. You're welcome to come over and take a W500 for a test ride on our local lake, if you happen to be around. Yoav Greg,

We’re located south of Boston. You’re welcome to come over and take a W500 for a test ride on our local lake, if you happen to be around.

Yoav

]]> By: Greg Lescalleet http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/10/30/ken-shorts-full-review-of-his-w500-fishing-kayak-washington/#comment-4204 Greg Lescalleet Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:24:38 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=390#comment-4204 I would think like most I would either like to buy a used one or at least try one out for my self. I'm a big guy and am starting to have trouble getting in and out of my current yak so I'm looking. This I have to admit this one has my attention, but $$ is still a factor as it is just for me. I would think like most I would either like to buy a used one or at least try one out for my self. I’m a big guy and am starting to have trouble getting in and out of my current yak so I’m looking. This I have to admit this one has my attention, but $$ is still a factor as it is just for me.

]]> By: Ken Short http://wavewalk.com/blog/2009/10/30/ken-shorts-full-review-of-his-w500-fishing-kayak-washington/#comment-2576 Ken Short Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:36:03 +0000 http://wavewalk.com/blog/?p=390#comment-2576 You are right on John. It is sweet when I can outfish her, but that doesn't happen very often. Ken S. You are right on John. It is sweet when I can outfish her, but that doesn’t happen very often.
Ken S.

]]>