Another New Hobby for Jefe

I needed another new hobby like a hole in the head, or so my wife says. Actually, with proper placement and the right hat...

Anyway, I am about to embark on a whole new adventure. I didn't know the first thing about kayaks other than what I'd seen on TV during some thrill-seeker show or during the Olympics where those crazy nuts try to get Mother Nature to play nice. But for some reason, I became intrigued with the whole notion of tooling around a lake or river with my boys as they grow older. A good family hobby. At least, that's how I sold it to my wife.

Being the information sponge that I am, I began soaking up all the data I could get my hands on. After spending several bucks on several paddling rags, I found that I always kept comparing and referencing to the same one. Canoe & Kayak magazine was by far the best. I found excellent articles for beginners like me that explained the basics in a clear, concise manner. It also has just the right mix of travel tips, gear reviews, boat reviews and some really great personal experiences sent in by people of all skill levels.

I don't know that a subscription is the way to go, though. I bought single issues sequentially for a few months and found that it can get pretty repetitive. However, the December issue 1999 (on store shelves now) is the yearly all-out, everything-but-your-momma review issue. Boats, paddles, personal floatation devices, etc. It's all listed here with MSRPs.

If you're just getting into the sport, then I suggest buying a copy of the yearly review issue and then just keep your eye out for a monthly issue that has what you're looking for.