Kayak for diving

[Dantastic]

I found the site for the Ft. Lauderdale dive kayak club. some good info, check it out at www.kayuba.org

 

[MikeJacobs]

Does anybody know a good source for a sea kayak that ... SNIP... Is there a kayak exchange that anybody knows about? Also, does anyone have experience with the inflatables?

We diveyak all the time off Lauderdale by the Sea. The Diveyak is just a streamlined raft with two air chambers, each folded in half and stuffed inside a cordura sheath. As a result it pretty much handles like a light log rather than a "real" kayak, but it's more stable, fairly rugged and for the bouys it's great.

The first year I left it inflated all the time but this year I've collapsed it after drying for storage in our "cage" downstairs. It weighs about 60# in its included mesh bag and carries as a "backpack." It inflates in a few minutes using the included foot pump, and though it takes a little more effort you'll inflate faster with an optional hand pump.

My routine is to inflate it on the beach and then stow the pump and bag off the beach (avoid sand). I wear my dive bag with all my gear, carring the paddles, back to the inflatable, lash the tank and bag, and drag it into the water to paddle immediately out to the bouys. I clip to a bouy and gear up. It's actually easier to get into and out of a wet suit or skin IN the water. I even put my rig together out there now rather than on the beach... that's how stable the platform is.

I always bring extra drinks, a book and of course sunscreen. I've even fallen asleep, but woke up seasick lol.

The tandem (2-person) works great as a single-diver platform, and it's "OK" as a 2-person platform.

I always hose it off before re-packing it, and have a place to do that off the sand where it can dry a little before storage. Cleaning, deflating and storing again is the biggest hassle, but once you have your routine down it's not a big deal.

They aren't for everybody, and I think that if I had a garage I'd probably have a couple of rigid dive kayaks rather than the inflatable.

Hope this helps! Good luck... and DO get in touch with the Kayubas. They're a great group and know the reef off north Ft. Lauderdale beach quite well.