What Kind Of Kayak Should I Buy [Explained]
The Best Kayak for You A Guide to Choosing the Right Type
Whether you’re looking for a kayak to use for fishing, whitewater rafting, or simply paddling around on a calm lake, there are a few things you need to consider before making a purchase. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of choosing the best kayak for your needs, so you can get out on the water and enjoy your new paddling adventure.
So, What Kind Of Kayak Should I Buy?
There are many different types of kayaks available on the market, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. The best kayak for you will depend on your intended use, skill level, and budget.
If you’re new to kayaking, you’ll want to choose a stable and easy-to-use kayak that won’t tip you over. For recreational kayaking, a sit-on-top kayak is a good option, as it’s easy to get in and out of and provides good visibility. For whitewater kayaking, you’ll need a more maneuverable kayak that can handle rough water. For fishing kayaks, you’ll want a kayak with a stable platform for casting and retrieving your lines.
Here are a few factors to consider when choosing a kayak:
Intended use:
What will you be using your kayak for?
Skill level:
How experienced are you with kayaking?
Budget:
How much money do you want to spend?
Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start narrowing down your choices. There are many great kayaks on the market, so you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for you.
What Kind of Kayak Should I Buy?
Types of Kayaks
There are many different types of kayaks on the market, each with its own unique set of features and benefits. The type of kayak you choose will depend on your intended use, skill level, and budget.
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are designed for casual paddling on calm waters. They are typically stable and easy to maneuver, making them a good choice for beginners or those who simply want to enjoy a leisurely day on the water. Recreational kayaks typically have a wide beam and a shallow draft, which makes them stable and easy to paddle in flat water. They typically have a comfortable seat and a large cockpit, which makes them easy to get in and out of.
Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are designed for long-distance paddling. They are typically faster and more efficient than recreational kayaks, and they often have features such as a rudder and a skeg to help you stay on course. Touring kayaks typically have a narrower beam and a deeper draft than recreational kayaks, which makes them more maneuverable in rough water. They also typically have a more comfortable seat and a larger cockpit than recreational kayaks, which makes them more comfortable for long paddling trips.
Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are designed for paddling in fast-moving water. They are typically very maneuverable and have a high degree of stability. Whitewater kayaks typically have a narrow beam and a shallow draft, which makes them agile in whitewater. They also typically have a high seat and a small cockpit, which makes them easier to control in rough water.
Sea Kayaks
Sea kayaks are designed for paddling in open water. They are typically very stable and seaworthy, and they often have features such as a spray skirt and a compass to help you stay safe in rough conditions. Sea kayaks typically have a wider beam and a deeper draft than whitewater kayaks, which makes them more stable in rough water. They also typically have a more comfortable seat and a larger cockpit than whitewater kayaks, which makes them more comfortable for long paddling trips.
Choosing the Right Kayak for You
When choosing a kayak, it is important to consider your intended use, skill level, and budget. If you are a beginner, you will want to choose a stable and easy-to-maneuver kayak. If you plan on paddling in rough water, you will want to choose a kayak that is designed for those conditions. And if you have a limited budget, you will want to choose a kayak that fits your budget.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a kayak:
Intended use:
What do you plan on using your kayak for? If you plan on paddling on calm waters, you will want to choose a recreational kayak. If you plan on paddling in rough water, you will want to choose a whitewater kayak. And if you plan on paddling in open water, you will want to choose a sea kayak.
Skill level:
How experienced are you as a kayaker? If you are a beginner, you will want to choose a stable and easy-to-maneuver kayak. If you are an experienced kayaker, you may want to choose a kayak that is more challenging to paddle.
Budget:
How much money do you want to spend on a kayak? Kayaks can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You will need to decide how much you are willing to spend on a kayak.
Once you have considered your intended use, skill level, and budget, you can start narrowing down your choices. There are many great kayaks on the market, so you are sure to find one that is perfect for you.
Resources
[American Canoe Association](https://www.aca.org/)
[National Kayak Symposium](https://www.kayaksymposium.org/)
[Paddlesports Retailer](https://www.paddlesportsretailer.com/)
Also Read This: What Size Kayak Should I Get
FAQs: What Kind Of Kayak Should I Buy
What are the different types of kayaks?
There are three main types of kayaks: recreational, touring, and whitewater. Recreational kayaks are designed for beginners and casual paddlers, and they are typically stable and easy to maneuver. Touring kayaks are designed for longer trips, and they are typically faster and more efficient than recreational kayaks. Whitewater kayaks are designed for paddling in rough water, and they are typically maneuverable and durable.
What size kayak should I get?
The size of the kayak you need depends on your height, weight, and paddling ability. Recreational kayaks are typically available in a range of sizes, from 10 feet to 14 feet. Touring kayaks are typically longer than recreational kayaks, and they are available in a range of sizes from 14 feet to 18 feet. Whitewater kayaks are typically shorter than touring kayaks, and they are available in a range of sizes from 7 feet to 10 feet.
What features should I look for in a kayak?
When choosing a kayak, you should consider the following features:
Sit-in or sit-on-top: Sit-in kayaks are enclosed, while sit-on-top kayaks are open. Sit-in kayaks are more stable than sit-on-top kayaks, but they are also more difficult to get in and out of. Sit-on-top kayaks are more comfortable for beginners, but they are not as stable as sit-in kayaks.
Material: Kayaks are typically made from plastic, fiberglass, or composite materials. Plastic kayaks are the most affordable, but they are also the heaviest and least durable. Fiberglass kayaks are more expensive than plastic kayaks, but they are lighter and more durable. Composite kayaks are the most expensive, but they are also the lightest and most durable.
Price: Kayaks range in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. The price of a kayak depends on the size, features, and materials used to construct it.
Where can I buy a kayak?
Kayaks can be purchased from a variety of retailers, including sporting goods stores, online retailers, and kayak manufacturers. When shopping for a kayak, it is important to find a reputable retailer that can provide you with the information and support you need.
How do I maintain my kayak?
To maintain your kayak, you should:
Rinse it off after each use to remove dirt and salt.
Store it in a cool, dry place.
Inspect it regularly for damage and repair any damage as soon as possible.
Wax the hull to protect it from the sun and water.