Hey

Question
So me and my dad where at Cabelas looking for some stuff that they forgot to give us to the gun we bought. Since we were there, we decided to look around. And we saw the kayaks.
I wanted to get one about 2 years ago, but I forgot all about it.
We have a beach house in Wisconsin on Lake Michigan.

1. About how much would a good kayak cost that would be good on Lake Michigan? The ones we saw were from 400-800$ I was thinking around 600$?
2. We are planning to get a plastic one, what are the advantages and disadvantages of having 1 person, and 2 person? Which one would be better?
3. Do you have a kayak, what kind, how long owned?
4. Where do you use your kayak? Lake, river?
5. About how much would a good, long lasting paddle, life jacket cost?
Thanks so much.
Any other info will be greatful!

Answer
Hi Alex: The rowing questions I typically answer pertain to racing shells.  That said, I am pretty experienced in kayaking.  

You can defintely get a good kayak for $600.  I would choose a flat-water kayak over an ocean kayak.  The flatwater kayaks are the ones with an enclosed cockpit (with ocean kayaks, you typically sit on top of it).  I'm assuming that Lake Michigan is not too choppy.  If it is, you may need to look at an ocean kayak.  I think the most important thing when choosing a kayak is comfort.  I find ocean kayaks very uncomfortable to my legs and waist after about an hour or so.  The enclosed cockpit really makes a different in terms of comfort.  Some recreational kayaks even have storage to allow you to go on longer tours.  The downside is if you flip, it is tough too get out of the enclosure (a friend of mine nearly drowned when "experimenting" on trying to right himself on a flipped kayak.  Old Town makes good quality kayaks.  Check out their web site.   

The decision to get a 1- or 2-person kayak really depends on how often you plan to go out with your dad (or someone else).  Be advised, it is extremely difficult to maneuver a 2-person kayak by yourself.  Maybe you should just get a pair of single kayaks.

I've never owned a kayak, but I've rented/borrowed several.  If I had waterfront property, I would buy one.  I've done everything from placid creeks to surfing through waves in Hawaii in an ocean kayak.  My big dream is to head into some Class 3 rapids in a kayak.

A good paddle goes for about $50-100.  A life jacket is about $50.

While kayaking is not as fast and intense a workout as a racing shell, it is much easier to use and much more durable.  I think it is a good investment.

Good Luck/AP