Prodct Reviews now available

You can now review products and read reviews by others on our now web site www.upsportskayaks.com

UPSPORTSKAYAKS.COM is Ready!

Our new web site is up!!! Check it out at www.upsportskayaks.com. We are now offering free shipping on all kayak.

New Web Site Comming Soon!

Our new full service e-commerce web site will be launching soon! The new site will be more user friendly and provide more information about products to customers. Please visit our new web site at www.upsportskayaks.com.

On Water Kayak Rentals Now Open Daily

Our on water kayak rentals at Baby Beach in Dana Point are now open daily. Kayak rentals will be available through Labor Day Weekend. Visit our web site for more details.

Wilderness Systems Kayaks are Here!

Wilderness Systems Kayaks have Arrived at UP Sports. Give us a call at (949) 443-5161 or visit our web site (click here) for more information. We have several models available for demo including the popular Tarpon series.

Advanced Elements Kayaks @ Dana Point Harbor Boat Show

Come out and see us at the Dana Point Harbor Boat May 28th-June1st and test paddle one of the Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks. These kayaks preform as well as many hard shell kayaks and can be folded up in to a small travel bag. These kayaks can be taken out of the bag, set up, and in the water in just a few minuets. Visit our website for more information!

How to pick the kayak thats right for you.

So you want to buy a kayak, but don't know which one to choose. Here are a few things to consider when looking for a kayak.

1. Where are you going to paddle? Ocean, Lakes, Rivers, or Harbors. There are some kayaks that do one or more of these things, but no kayak that does it all. Pick a kayak that will work with what YOU will do the most. For example, if you are going to paddle in the ocean most of the time, but would like to paddle whitewater occasionally, buy a ocean going kayak and rent a whitewater kayak for your occasional use.

2. How are you going to transport the kayak? If you own a pick up truck or large SUV with a roof rack this may be fairly simple with a few inexpensive items. If you have a four door car without a car rack on top you may need to purchase a car rack system. I recommend using a name brand system from either THULE or YAKIMA. Remember, you are looking at another investment around $150-$250. If you have questions about what will work for the kayak you are looking at purchasing get help! Both companies have a fit guide on their web sites.

3. How long should my kayak be? The basic rule of thumb is: The longer the kayak the faster it will be, the shorter the kayak the more maneuverable it will be.

4. How wide should my kayak be? Remember, the wider the kayak the more stable it will be, but it will be slower due to resistance against the water. If you are looking for stability I recommend a kayak 28-36 inches wide.

5. How about fishing and diving? If you are going to dive take a look at the Cobra Fish n' Dive. Awesome diving kayak or fishing kayak for larger fishermen. Also, the Fish n' Dive can be outfitted with a trolling motor! For fishing on lakes or in protected coastal waters look for a kayak in the 11-13 foot range with a 28 inch beam (width) or wider. For open ocean fishing look for a kayak in the 14-16 foot range with a 28-31 inch beam. Remember that you will be carrying a large amount of gear for these activities. Look for a maximum load capacity 150-250 pounds above your own weight. This will help ensure a dryer ride and more stability with your gear on board.

6. What about the weight of the kayak? Remember, you have to lift it! Stay at 60 pounds or below. If you have to lift it by yourself after a long day of paddling you will understand. Hurricane Kayaks is making excellent kayaks made of "Trylon" material. These kayaks are much lighter than traditional roto-molded kayaks, but are just as strong, and look like more expensive fiberglass kayaks, but with a lower price tag!

7. Single or Double? Always, always, always two singles over a double. I know, it costs more but your husband or wife will thank you. We don't call doubles divorce boats for nothing.

8. Sit on top or sit inside? If you are going to paddle long distances or in rougher waters, or would like to do over night trips look at sit inside kayaks. For other activities like fishing, diving, family paddling, or general recreation look at sit on tops.

9. Warranty. This is important. If you ever have trouble with you kayak you want to be covered. Look for a warranty 3 years or longer on a plastic kayak or 1 year or more on inflatables. If the warranties are less than this beware!!!!!!

10. What color should I get? This is a personal choice. Remember, Yellow, Orange, and other bright colors will be more visible on the surface of the water.

11. Ask someone who owns a kayak. This can be a wealth of information for you. Also, ask your local kayak dealer. Remember, there is no such thing as a kayak that is great for everything.

12. Accessories. Look at the accessories included in kayak packages. There are some dealers selling kayaks with the cheapest accessories available to pull you in. Ask questions! Ask about the warranty of all included items. If the kayak has a lifetime warranty so should the accessories.

13. The Kayak Dealer! If the kayak dealer is not open year around or does not have regular business hours look for another dealer. If you need help you may have an uphill battle getting exchanges or repairs.

Remember, always wear your life jacket! Visit us at www.upsportsoc.com!