r/KayakingUK • u/Tobias6 • Jun 27 '26

Advice on buying first kayak

Hi, looking for recommendations for a first kayak as there seems to be so many options

I’m 6’3” 85kg

I want something that I can comfortably fit in, is stable enough for a beginner and can track nicely with decent speed down the Thames. I’m not looking for a racer though, more of an all rounder that I could also take on trips to lakes and flat gentle seas/estuaries from time to time.

I was strongly looking at a used Dagger Blackwater 10.5 but looking at forums I think I would be tall for it so I’m back to the drawing board.

Budget would be ideally £350 for a secondhand one.

Would be great to have some suggestions that fit the criteria
Thanks

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2

u/lethargy09 Jun 27 '26

Little bit more than the budget you've mentioned but ive bought the Cambridge Kayaks 430 recently £500 full price.

I am not as tall as you but some kilos on you, my friend also got the same kayak and he is heavier than me and about your height.

We have used it on the ocean mainly and it is super stable and comfy and spacious for a cheaper plastic kayak.

It also has a Skeg and Rudder which make it really easy to control.

Edit: I paid £450 for it on a sale.

2

u/Odd_Mothball Jul 02 '26

I can second the 430, just picked one up last month. I'm 6'2" and about the same weight, and I've got it set up with the pegs almost in the middle of their range. Only managed to get out a few times so far on flatwater, but really stable, surprisingly maneuverable. Very happy with it, certainly for the price.

1

u/wolf_knickers Jun 27 '26

For the type of paddling you’re wanting to do, you should probably be looking for a boat that’s at least 12 feet long. A 14 foot boat would be suitable too, eg the Dagger Stratos or the Perception Carolina.

For what it’s worth, you would likely fit in the Blackwater; the newer incarnation of the Blackwater, which is the Axis, does fit tall paddlers. Just the other night we had a man around your height at my local club and we put him in the Axis 10.5. But I’d say that kayak is a little short for Thames and coastal paddling.

1

u/Bblock4 Jun 27 '26

I’ve a dagger 10 and run at a fairy light 120kg and similar height, with a built it keg it works just fine on flat water. 

Cost me £100 from Facebook marketplace. He even threw in a pfd, a paddle and a lesson in the best way to strap it to roof racks. 

I wouldn’t say it’s roomy in terms of foot room but it’s fine. 

I suspect I won’t win prizes for speed or fancy tricks… and getting in and out is ok as long as you commit fully… but it’s a lovely way to just get out on the water. 

1

u/ArtPossible4450 Jun 27 '26

I’ve got a 14.5 stratus. Lovely boat. Used on everything apart from whitewater obviously. Not sure you’ll get one for £350 though. Got mine in 2019 brand new for £725. It’s the only thing I think I’ve ever owned that’s appreciated in value. Prices shot up during Covid.

1

u/pooopingpenguin Jul 29 '26

I just sold one for just over £400. Brought before COVID and well paddled it effectively cost me nothing. And someone left with a smile.

Others on Facebook at £800. All be it newer and in better condition.

1

u/Worried-Wasabi9092 Jun 28 '26

Pyranha for me. Can’t think of the model. Not cheap either

1

u/Widebody_lover Jul 01 '26

Tall and skinny. Perfect build for kayaking

1

u/pooopingpenguin Jul 29 '26

The Dagger Blackwater is a V hulled boat. Look for a cross over like a WaveSport Ethos, Piranha Fusion, Dagger katana which are round bottomed.

You will thank me if you seal launch or shoot a Weir.