Kayak diving? Kayak recommendation?

[Angry Turtle]

I am going to be trying the Wilderness Tarpon 120 and possibly the 140 soon.

Anyone out there use them? or something else they would rather recommend?

All input is welcome, thanks

 

[iluvtheocean]

i wish i had bought one of them instead of my OK drifter

 

[danvolker]

Kaskazi Dorado | Venture Sport, Inc.

Way faster than most of the typical garbage scow styled ocean kayaks.....so you can get back and forth to your dive sites quickly and easily.....also great if weather comes up while you are out...they are amazing in big waves.

 

[Rich Keller]

I am not familiar with the kayaks you are looking at but the most important thing to look for first in any dive kayak is how much weight it is rated to carry. The kayak does not need to be made for diving as long as it is a sit up top kayak. I use an OK Malibu 2, that can be paddled by either 1 or 2 people so it is rated to carry more weight then most singles but is not set up as a dive kayak. The closer you get to the weight limit of your kayak the harder it will be to paddle and it will also not track straight very well either. You should be looking for a kayak that can handle at least 400-450lbs.

 

[diver 85]

Angry, there is a specific sub-forum for kayak diving here..You might get a little more response(??maybe---cuz that sight's been real slow lately) if you post it there....click link below.....good luck in your future "kayuba"-ing---lol, love that name....

Florida Kayak Divers

 

[danvolker]

Here is a better link with lots more info
NEW Kaskazi Dorado II
notably ** [FONT=Abel, Helmet, Corbel, Freesans, Arial, Verdana, Tahoma, Helvetica, sans-serif]this kayak has a load box / diving cylinder holder, place for a fish finders and GPS....[/FONT]
The Dorado is a specialist kayak designed for fishing, spear-fishing or snorkelling and is fitted as standard with all rigging required for fishing. The Dorado’s volume provides exceptional load carrying capacity and stability and it is long enough to provide a good turn of speed.The Dorado’s speed and load carrying capacity make it a great kayak for expeditions – especially fishing or diving! It is so easy to paddle and the deep, comfortable seat makes it great for day tripping and fun paddling. See also Kaskazi Owners Manual

 

[Angry Turtle]

thank you all, keep it coming

 

[Lake Hickory Scuba]

Hey there Angry Turtle, I wish I could say those models are great for diving, however all I have done in them is fished. However, I can speak for a company called NuCanoe. They have 2 models that I have made several dives out of, and each has its benefits. The standard NuCanoe has a 1 foot slot all the way down the hull that is very nice for securing you dive gear. The Frontier model is a little bit more user friendly as far as moving around in it. Now for the part that I like the most. I have tried virtually every way possible to flip both while getting in and out of them and can't do it. This means a lot if I'm solo diving and don't want to lose gear while getting back on board. They are very stable and I have actually done giant strides off of them. Check out their website and see what you think. Fishing Kayak | Hunting Kayak | NuCanoe

 

[iluvtheocean]

rich pointed out one of the necessaries... a sit on top is best.. and you need to figure out how much all your gear weighs, and add yourself to the equation. the weight limit of the yak has to be greater than that amount -- if you decide to spearfish, the fish will be extra weight coming in. a sit on top doesn't have to be bailed out. TETHER & CLIP EVERYTHING!!!! unless you're willing for it to take a trip all the way down.

 

[diver 85]

Angry, here's my entry into kayuba'ing........complete with my homemade dive flag(have bought a 'standardized' since this pic).....but that above Dorado does look good....

EDIT:...dry weight of just under 50 lbs....Important to me when having to launch it down the levee @ the Turbine Channel of Toledo Bend Res.(fairly steep hill & have to carry it over my head)---se 2nd below pic...

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