Choosing a Kayak - Where are you going?
When it comes to purchasing a kayak, knowing where you will spend the majority of your time will help you determine the best craft for your needs.
Lakes / Back Country/ Rivers – Your Best Bet: Recreational Kayak.
Ideal for novice paddlers, leisurely trips, short trips in calmer water, and rental operations.
Most often the length of these crafts are under 12 feet, they have a wider beam and flat shaped hull for increased stability.
Many offer some built-in storage compartments.
Open Water / Ocean – Your Best Bet: Touring/Sea Kayaks / Sit In Kayaks.
These range from 12 to 17-feetand are designed with a rounded or V-Shaped hull.
This design assists in maintaining a straight line and lifts the craft higher on choppy water.
They are narrower for increased speed and usually offer some sort of tracking system, such as a skeg or rudder.
Choosing a Kayak - Types of Kayaks
Sit-on-Top: These kayaks are great for any water and weather conditions. They are designed with a sealed hull and molded in scupper holes thatallows water on the deck to self-bail, creating a dry environment. This typeoffers a wider beam making them extremely stable and harder to capsize. If a sit-on-top kayak should flip over, users can easily climb back on similar to mounting a surfboard or standup paddle board.
Sit-In: These kayaks are ideal in rivers, rapids, or open seas and offer some protection in cooler weather. This type of kayak has an open cockpit in which the paddler sits inside. The paddlers legs and torso are below the water line, offering stability where the user can brace themselves by pressing their legs against the hull, creating a more efficient stroke. TIP: Should a Sit-In kayak capsize, paddlers should know how to right the kayak using body motion and/or the paddle, otherwise known as an Eskimo Roll.
Choosing a Kayak - Kayak Categories
Recreational kayaks
These are easy to maneuver and are best suited for those new to kayaking, for taking short trips and for casual paddles on lakes, rivers and calm seas. Ranging between 10 to 12-feet in length this style of kayak typically offers a wider beam making them super stable. Recreational kayaks have enough storage space for water, dry bags and many feature bungee cords on deck to stow a personal flotation device.
Touring kayaks
Sometimes called sea kayaks,these are known for increased speed and performance in open water. These kayaks are narrower, range from 12 to 17-feet in length and feature a skeg or rudder which keeps the kayak straight while paddling. The extended length inthis style of kayak generally contain additional storage areas for overnight gear.
Fishing kayaks
These are packed with features like molded in rod holders, live wells and more. These kayaks are designed with a wider beam which in turn creates an extremely stable deck for fighting big fish. The wider beam and longer length provides additional deck space for fish bags, coolers, allow the rigging of fish finders and in some case trolling motors. Many fishing kayak designs offer integrated YakAttack gear, rigging, and accessories.
Tandem
These kayaks fit into all 3 categories and are designed to accommodate two people. Tandem kayaks can be paddled solo, and are also a great choice for bringing friends, family and even your dog. Typically they offer additional storage space,which comes in useful on longer trips.