After researching, comparing, and reading review after review after review, I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase a kayak. A couple buddies of mine have had kayaks for several years and last year was the first time I actually went down a river in a kayak. I've been down our local Whitewater River a few times in the past, but it was on an inner tube or a canoe, and nothing compares to being in your own kayak. I must say it was a great time being outside, in the heart of nature, and floating down the river in my very own "borrowed" kayak. I had such a great time kayaking with my friends that I knew this was going to be a great way to enjoy the upcoming summers for years to come.
Like I said earlier, after searching and reading reviews for what seemed like an eternity, I set my eyes on the Ascend FS10 kayak sold at Bass Pro Shops. Once I got my wife's stamp of approval, she joined me on the excursion to BassPro to pick up the newest addition of summer fun!
Here it is, in all of it's glory!!
Beginner's Tip: When strapping down to the top of a truck using ratchet straps as pictured above, be prepared to listen to a loud, overbearing, obnoxious noise made by the wind hitting the straps making them hum as if one was continually driving on the rumble strips on the side of an interstate. Having said that, if you can put it in the bed of a truck, DO IT!!! Yes, I have a truck bed! Yes, I could have put it in the bed! Yes, I could have pulled over only about a thousand times to put it in the bed! Did I? You guessed it...Nope! Being bullheaded is inherited right?
Sooooo, after driving over an hour back to the house from Bass Pro and listening to the ungodly sounds of my brand new purchase, I was getting more and more excited about my first trip on my very own kayak.
Finally the day had come to take the kayak out on its first body of water. My wife and I met up with a few of our friends, loaded up the trailer with kayaks and we made our way to another friend's pond! We were all so excited to finally get on the water, especially since it was beginning of spring and we finally had some decent weather to enjoy. My wife, not really the outdoorsy type, even joined in and took her first kayak ride, and I must admit she picked it up pretty quickly! I even think she enjoyed it, even though she denies it.
Back to the story, I was giddy with excitement as I climbed into my kayak and pushed away from the bank. My first thought, "the stability in this is freakin awesome!" next, "the seat in this is freakin comfortable!" next, being 6' 3" "the leg room in this is freakin grrreaaaat!"... After the first couple minutes sitting in the kayak and paddling, I was extremely pleased with my purchase, and it validated all the research I poured into finding this well built kayak.
Since that day of taking it off the water, I was already planning and thinking of the next time I would be out in it again. Well my friends, this past weekend 4/27/2013, was that time and I went prepared! The Ascend FS10 is an angler's kayak, so I packed a couple fishing poles, my tackle bag, and a cooler with some ice cold beers and headed back to the same pond with my good friend for a few hours of relaxing, uninterrupted fishing from our kayaks.
It didn't take long and I caught my first fish from this beloved beast of buoyancy! I believe I officially christened the kayak the moment I reeled that first fish inside of my very own kayak. Hence, "christening the kayak" The fish wasn't large, it didn't weigh a lot, nor did it put up a strenuous fight, but it was a great to be spending time with my good friend on our kayaks, BS'ing, fishing, and tippin back a few cold ones!
Look closely you might be able to find my Trophy-Sized Crappie!
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