I have been trying to find a good place to buy a used kayak. I haven't have any luck online. I tried ebay and many places i found off google but to no success. So i was wondering where the best place to look for used kayaks is? I live in middle tennessee so there is nowhere really to look for them at here. I don't really want to have to make the drive to Ocoee just to look for kayaks, but right now that looks like my only option. I would also appreciate help with a beginners kayak. I'm 6 2' 155 lbs.

Many shops have end of season sales too. for example, NOC has their \"guest appreciation festival\" which is a big sale and swap. my friend's store, Clarke Outdoors has their up north every Columbus Day weekend. It's a sale, but also a swap meet where people are selling their used stuff on consignment. So, call around to some stores and ask about used stuff.

Also, on line take a look at the many forums like this one. Most of them have a gear swap or for sale section incorporated into them.

Manufacturer's reps are selling their demos off around this time of year too. I'm selling off my remaining stock to make room for last year.

Just keep asking. You'll find something. Is there a particular model you had in mind? Or even a type of boat you are looking for?

You could look at a Classic Fun or Star from Jackson Kayaks around $699 new, if you get it from somewhere like Colorado Kayak you can get it with a complete kayaking package for a good price.
But if you look around there are plenty of good deals on boats.
You can find older bigger boats for very cheap but if you want to do modern tricks you'll quickly outgrow it.

Make the drives, demo the boats, it will do you no good to save money by buying a used boat if you end up hating it.
Most manufactures have great boats for well under USD1000 dollars these days, including us. We have a Agent in Tenn. so I would give him a ring and do a demo. Also a good way to meet new people and try new rivers!

Good luck.

t

Thanks a lot guys. I'm very new into this and really appreciate and input. I'm not looking for any particular model so i'm open to suggestions. My buddy went to the meet in NC but by the time I found out about it I couldn't get out of work in time. I could gave him money, but I wanted to go and see for myself. I would greatly appreciate any phone numbers for contacts that could let have a few demos and see how I like things. So just let me know if you can help me get my feet wet haha.

Hey there noob...

First of all, welcome!!!

well as Im sure you have noticed boats are pretty specific to what you plan to do so I would look at something in a good allrounder and used.

If you dont have any gear at all... I might look at getting a package deal from somewhere like colorado kayak. nice thing is there is no sales tax to out of state sales and some boats have free shipping... Id urge you to look at the \"classic fun\" series. THe funs' are great boats that are well suit for beginner up to advanced kayaks. Many schools teach in the fun boats and you'll see them on almost every section of river Class V included.

If you are set on spending less and going for used Id keep an eye open on boatertalk. Lots of SE Boaters down there.

If you want some help with specific boats Im more than willing to lend a hand...

I live in Murfreesboro as well, and you are correct. There is not a place nearby to demo boats or even purchase used boats with the exception of searching on the internet. Look at it this way though. There are also not really any beginner rivers nearby either, and with the drought, we have little to no flow anywhere. The Hiwassee is a great beginners run and Rock Creek is on the way. It, the Nantahala and the Ocoee are all damn controlled, so we do not have to worry about no rain.

The closest shop that I know of is Rock Creek outfitters, but it is well worth the drive. NOC is about an hour past Rock Creek, and is a great place as well. I have found the staff at both places to be very helpful. And, trust me on this one, you will get to know the drive towards the Ocoee very well because I am willing to bet you will spend most of your time paddling in that area. The Ocoee is a tributary of the Hiwassee, and they are very close together. Within an hour of each other, you have the Hiwassee, Nantahala, Ocoee, and many stretches of flatwater, so you can go from a class 1 paddler to class 4 all in that area. I do recommend trying other rivers as they are flowing and not limiting yourself, but the lack of rain means we have not had much of a choice if we want to paddle within a few hours of home.

I can not stress to you the importance of trying a boat out before you buy it. Both Rock creek and NOC have demo programs, and I would try as many boats as you can get your hands on before buying anything.

Also, there are local organizations like TSRA (Tennessee Scenic Rivers Asscotiation) that offer whitewater kayaking courses and swiftwater rescue that are well worth the money. They also have a lot of paddlers that may be able to either lend you a boat or they may have some for sale.

I will ask around for you. Some of my buddies were selling some boats recently, so I will see if they still have them. None of them would have a problem meeting you at Percy Priest to try it out.

You guys are awesome!! Well I plan on making a trip down there sometime in the next month. A buddy of mine is going soon (ocoee area) so i'm gonna go with him. He has two boats and said I could borrow one as long as i'm willing to either rent of buy the other nessecary gear. I'll go down there try it out and figure out my style and them maybe that same weekend try some demos also. He has been doing this for a little while and can give me some tips. He showed me a sick video of him on some class V's. So just let me know if you guys hear about any great deals or anything. What is the Colorado thing you were talking about again?

What size kayak should i be looking for. Will I fit in the FUN? I'm 6 2' so i don't want to feel to cramped if I can help it.

Since everyone is pimpin' their wares, take a look at this.

www.100waves.com/specials.html

I\"m just small time, but that's the way I like it (so I can keep boating and being an art bum)

some big internet dealers are
Colorado Kayak Supply
Northwest River Supply (NRS)
Outdoorplay
all good people

good luck with your search. Looks like you are getting some good leads.

KayakinNoob wrote:

What is the Colorado thing you were talking about again?

www.coloradokayak.com

6ft 2
whats your weight

regardless a you'll fit in a 4 fun without any problem. If you are heavier (like me) super fun for the extra volume.

remember to DEMO!!!!!!!!!!!

NOC has 10% discount off gear when you buy a new boat. I havent been there (yet) to know if they have packages Colorado kayak,I know offers entire package deals $899 for the classic fun package which has everything you'll need

155 lbs and does that come with free shipping???
Nevermind i found it. its seventy dollars shipping.

good...you found it... at 155 you're on the meat for the classic fun... depending on your inseam

Also might want to consider the new 07 design too, going on sale 11/01 for $895 and get 15% off accessories...aka pfd helmet and paddle, going to spend more but it is the new design boat... for being brand spanking new I would probably stick with the classic series and get the package deal from cks but I dont know your budget and taste.

As Im sure you looked the 07 fun package does get you some much nicer kit. better helmet, better pfd and better paddle for $450 more. The higher quality accessories wont break as soon but if you are on a tight budget and really want to get out there in your own stuff the classic series is a fantastic entry kit. Long run it might be better to save the extra $$$ and get better stuff but then again its up to you.

Obviously, its all about the demo. I tend to pimp JK a lot to people and that is just because I really respect what EJ has done for the paddling community and have yet to meet a JK owner who wished they bought something else.

keep us informed and post away any questions.

SYOTR

KayakinNoob wrote:

You guys are awesome!! Well I plan on making a trip down there sometime in the next month. A buddy of mine is going soon (ocoee area) so i'm gonna go with him.

Let me know when you are going to the Ocoee, I would be glad to let you demo one of my kayaks. I cover the state of TN for Bliss-Stick.

awesome. do you have a number or something i could contact you with? I should get down there before the end of the year for sure. I would be so greatful for any contacts and conncections in can make.

Do you know which river you will be paddling in the Ocoee area?

KayakinNoob wrote:

awesome. do you have a number or something i could contact you with? I should get down there before the end of the year for sure. I would be so greatful for any contacts and conncections in can make.

Contact info

thanks!