Hi. I am a novice kayaker, 62, 95kg, 1m80. I would like to join a group who paddle weekly in the bay of islands. I would prefer a sit on kayak as it is easier for me to get in and out of. But I need something that suits my limited ability but that can keep up with the group who have a mix of sit in and sit on kayaks, 4 to 5m long.

Any advice would be welcome.

Kind regards

Frank

021 1194066

See if you can get Ocean Kayak (OK , mostly referred to as Prowlers) second hand, they are lot harder wearing than those Vikings and made out of really heavy solid plastic. Perfect for when drop off the car roof. Not that light weight stuff, and the hull design and the extra weight really comes into their own once it gets choppy. Sort of like an alvey of the sea!

https://www.wavepassion.co.nz/kayak/fishing-kayaks.html
fishmaster pro 4m length or longer are a good kayak, can get cheaper when on trademe, good bang for your buck

Ocean prowlers are a proven weapon of a kayak. You can get a wicked deal for a complete setup on trademe when they show up for sale

I am about the same size as you, I have a viking reload. Plenty of room & storage, very stable in the rough... bit pricey compared to the others above

Personally, I would purchase second hand as you will usually get something already setup with extras included & ready to go fishing

I use this side loader to help lift the yak on the roof rack
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GsjBPtV6vNM