Kayaks and Hammocks - southern Tallapoosa/Coosa/Alabama Rivers - May 30-June 1

**SmokeHouse** · 06-02-2009, 12:33

nice photos,,, looks like a great trip...

**animalcontrol** · 06-02-2009, 12:37

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

...a Native Watercraft Manta Ray 12. Hetairoi was in a Perception Carolina 14.5

The Manta Ray is a sit-on-top kayak, vs the sit-inside Carolina. It is a little wider, and a little slower than the Carolina. But, it feels roomier and would hold more gear. For daily mileages at and above what we paddled, a touring yak like the Carolina is a better choice because it is sleeker, but for versatility in smaller waters and for comfort the Manta Ray is a great choice for recreational touring.

you mentioned smaller water...what about open water, say the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior? Could it handle that or is a closed sit-inside boat better?
I have some kayaking friends who think that anything not made of kevlar, cost less than $3000 and shorter than 15' is a POS. I have borrowed boats like that and they are great but I'd like to get involved at a lower price point and be able to run the rivers locally without worrying ifI shore against a sandbar!

**Riverpirate** · 06-02-2009, 12:40

Sweet trip. If you guys ever want to come to Georgia and do a river trip let me know. I am a guide here and know some great trips.

**angrysparrow** · 06-02-2009, 12:43

Originally Posted by animalcontrol

you mentioned smaller water...what about open water, say the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior? Could it handle that or is a closed sit-inside boat better?

I suppose it would handle the water fine, as it is actually a popular boat for ocean-going kayak fishermen. But, it is a 12' boat, so I would either add a rudder or opt for the 14' model so that it would track better in open water for what you're talking about.

Don't let the kayak-elitists bother you. It's more important to just get out there and enjoy yourself than to have a bunch of fancy stuff.

edited to add - That being said - I don't have any experience on Lake Superior.

**Bankheadboy** · 06-02-2009, 12:51

There's two native boats for sale like the one Southmark has. Near Memphis on the Nashville craigslist, $ 800.00 each. I wish I had one! Hey sparrow go buy one and you can have two. One for you and one for me to use!!

**Take-a-knee** · 06-02-2009, 13:11

Originally Posted by angrysparrow

My kayak is a Native Watercraft Manta Ray 12. Hetairoi was in a Perception Carolina 14.5

The Manta Ray is a sit-on-top kayak, vs the sit-inside Carolina. It is a little wider, and a little slower than the Carolina. But, it feels roomier and would hold more gear. For daily mileages at and above what we paddled, a touring yak like the Carolina is a better choice because it is sleeker, but for versatility in smaller waters and for comfort the Manta Ray is a great choice for recreational touring.

Also, if you intend to fish much, a SOT like that Manta Ray is about 10 times better than any sit-inside.

**Take-a-knee** · 06-02-2009, 13:12

Originally Posted by Riverpirate

Sweet trip. If you guys ever want to come to Georgia and do a river trip let me know. I am a guide here and know some great trips.

Yes, this man knows where to go, and what to do when he gets there.

**neo** · 06-02-2009, 13:18

great pics great report,yakin and hanging are here to stay.

neo

**Hetairoi** · 06-02-2009, 13:36

I don't have anything to add to the report other than to say it was a very relaxing trip, a little hot and some moving water would have been nice, but quiet and super relaxing.

Hetairoi got a sun burn!

I already had most of it from last week at the beach, but forgot to wear my hat on Sunday and paid for it

As far as the boats go, this was my first trip of any distance in the carolina and I'm happy with it. I got a great deal because a local outfitter was moving, but for open water and long flat rivers it seems to do well. It was hot and my legs were sweating, but I didn't have to worry about getting burned (on my legs). It's a little tight getting in, but it's possible to sit with knees pulled up or legs hanging out, but you definitely want to try it out first (at least sit in it). The seat was more comfortable than I thought it would be.

I learned that your paddle makes a HUGE difference. I opted for cheap paddles, fine for short trip, not so much after mile 20.

I was lucky that AS brought an extra paddle he wanted to try out, it probably weighed less than half what my cheap one did. I would have been very sore had I used the cheap heavy paddle the entire trip. With the touring kayak and a nice paddle I did not get tired and wasn't sore after ~70 miles.

I really like the Manta Ray because it seems to be very versatile and will hold a ton of gear. There are many rivers around here that I would not be able to take the Carolina down, but the Manta Ray would be fine for just about any of them. Speed and mileage, Carolina wins hands down. Comfort and versatility Manta Ray wins hands down. Oh, and the Manta Ray just seems to have everything already built in and thought out well, the Carolina needs some additions (I guess Perception just hasn't been building boats long enough