The Car and the Kayak - Part 2

Part 2 - The Kayak

Right, having a car that could take me to places that are difficult to reach on land, I also wanted a kayak to take me to places where my car can't reach, that is on water. Yes, the solution is a kayak. Why I choose a kayak and specifically, a short 8ft kayak instead of the more common 10 or 12ft models? The answer is simple, I want good maneuverability, compact and light weight to traverse into peat swamp areas and grassy flooded plains. The brand that I choose, was the Kairos 8ft kayak.

  

I bought this baby from a promotion deal at the Angling & Outdoor Fair event at Shah Alam back in 2014 for RM 1,800 comes with a strap on cushion seat, an adjustable rod holder and paddle. Normally, all these accessories you need to buy separately, yes, including the paddle. It weighs only about 28kg so is easy to load and unload by yourself. It comes standard with 2 rear rod holder cups, a rear cross strap for holding luggage and two storage compartments. Made of durable, tough yet flexible plastic, this is a much safer and better performing watercraft than inflatables. This kayak is classified as a SOT (Sit On Top) type which means, the top section is open unlike more conventional kayaks which has a large opening in the center for the kayaker to sit in.

Performance - At Lakes

It's a small kayak, meant for lakes, ponds and flooded plains. It is nimble, light and very easy to maneuver. It isn't fast, compared to the longer and larger kayaks like those 10 to 12ft models like the popular Hobbie models, I use this for fishing, not racing across lakes or cutting waves in open sea. This kayak isn't the most stable either, I've since flip over twice but like most kayaks and any vehicles in that matter, you need to learn how to use and "drive" the yak. Do invest on a reasonable quality safety vest when kayaking. It is a stable platform once you get it right, takes time to adjust your body and learn how best to utilize this kayak. 

Now, enough with the speed and stability and what not issues, coming back to the main reason why I choose this is due to the small compact size which makes it very nimble. Imagine squeezing through flooded plains in thick bush and vegetation to get to some hidden ponds or lakes deep in swampy areas? The Kairos 8ft SOT does it for you. No issue. I've been kayaking at a few ex-mining ponds in Rawang, Batang Berjuntai in Selangor and even up to Air Kuning ex-mining ponds in Perak. This kayak is very suitable for those places. Being light weight (28kg) and small build, I could easily carry it over land to move from pond to pond. You can't imagine doing that with a 12 or 13ft heavy kayak alone, you'll need a buddy to help out.

  

Performance - At Sea

Now, having a kayak designed for freshwater lakes doesn't mean it can't go to sea. It just lacks the stability to handle waves. I won't recommend anyone to use this kayak for sea fishing immediately upon ownership, but do a least a few trips to freshwater lakes first, getting the feel right and handling before bringing this baby to sea. It can be dangerous for the inexperienced. I have since made a few trips to Port Dickson for sea kayak fishing without any issues except for one incident where my buddy hit me with his kayak causing me to flip over. Again, do invest on a reasonable quality safety vest when kayaking. You'll need to paddle harder and faster when kayaking with this baby at sea to move around as the waves and current would carry it away quick due to it's light weight. Unlike freshwater lakes, you do need speed and power when at sea or else, it will take you a lot of effort and time to reach places to fish.

  

Add On - Outriggers

If you want better stability and possibly standing up while fishing, you can DIY make an outrigger. Here is mine that I made using plastic bottles and PVC pipes. It works!

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