How to Choose a Kayak – Tips on Picking the Right One!
If you’re wondering how to choose a kayak, it’s time to get excited! With so many great options on the market today, you’re spoilt for choice.
Whether you’re a new or pro kayaker, this guide offers tips and tricks for picking the right one for you.
To start your journey and get out on the water quickly, you first need to determine exactly what you’d like to experience while paddling.
Where Do You Want to Take Your Kayak?
First up, it’s important to decide where you’ll take your kayak on a regular basis. Do you love paddling on the serene surface of lakes? Navigating choppy river waves? Touring in the ocean? How to choose a kayak will depend on where you want to paddle.
For general kayaking on flat water such as lakes and bays, recreational kayaks like the Ocean Kayak Frenzy are all-rounders for weekend fun. Sit-on-tops are usually best. Designs ensure they’re easy to paddle, stable and not too technical. Kayaks with a wide beam are the most stable to get in and out of, making them a good choice for beginners and families.
If you can’t wait to tackle rapids, you’ll need to look at specifically designed whitewater kayaks. Basically, longer kayaks go faster and shorter ones are easier to turn, so choose based on your skill on the rapids.
Ocean kayaking usually requires a longer kayak, as they’re faster and easier to paddle across long distances. The sleek shape of sea kayaks ensures slicing through waves is a breeze.
Once you’ve decided where you want to kayak, you can start to narrow down your options.
What Kinds of Kayaking Trips Will You Be Enjoying?
Do you love to kayak for a couple of hours on the weekend? Are you passionate about fishing? Would you love to take your kayak camping overnight?
These are the questions you need to ask yourself before choosing a kayak.
If you’re planning to take your kayak camping or fishing, there are a number of factors to consider. First up, your yak needs to have a high weight capacity in order to haul you and your gear. 350 pounds and above, like the Old Town Vapor 12XT, is what you need for heavier loads.
Secondly, storage options are vital when it comes to gear like fishing rods, tackle, tents and food supplies.
When you’re just looking for a kayak for weekend fun with the family, these factors don’t matter as much. A molded in cup holder and a small, waterproof space for valuables like wallets, keys and phones is sufficient.
How Experienced Are You at Kayaking?
How to choose a kayak really depends on how experienced you are at paddling. If you’re a beginner or you’re teaching children how to paddle, you’ll find specific models perfect for you. These usually include recreational kayaks.
Additionally, you’ll find small, light and stable models designed for children. These are simple to control so kids can concentrate on improving their skills.
If you are a more advanced kayaker, purchase a kayak which is designed for your preferred activity. This often means a long and sleek model.
Keep in mind, these long and skinny yaks are truly designed for the advanced. They are often more difficult to paddle and take experienced finesse.
What Features Are Most Comfortable for You?
How comfortable you are in a kayak makes the difference between a great day on the water or not. Take note of different types of cockpits, in order to suit your needs.
For example, recreational cockpits are generally spacious and easy to get in and out of. If you’re tall, you’ll need to ensure you can sit comfortably. Adjustable seats and footrests are a great option for a variety of heights and sizes.
Some kayaks include seats with padding and high backs. It’s also possible to buy separate seats for many models, with adjustable straps, extra cushioning and side support. If you have pre-existing back problems, it’s best to search for kayaks with ergonomically-designed seats.
Are You Kayaking Alone or with a Friend?
How often would you like to kayak with your partner, child or even a furry friend?
If your answer is more often then not, narrow down your search by looking at tandem kayaks.
Tandem kayaks are used for solo paddlers as well, which allows for greater diversity. Many tandem kayaks, like the Sun Dolphin Bali , fit up to three people including a small child or a dog.
Types of Kayaks
Now that you have an idea of what you want to use your kayak for, let’s take a look at the main types to choose from.
Recreational Kayaks
When you’re a casual paddler, recreational kayaks are very stable, affordable, easy to use and maneuverable. These are the most popular choice for families and beginner paddlers.
They’re perfect for calm waters and are available as solo or tandem kayaks. You can choose either sit-on-top or sit-in styles as well.
For more experienced kayakers, recreational models don’t track as well and they’re not usually very fast. Therefore, opt for a different type of kayak if these are your requirements.
Sea or Touring Kayaks
Touring or sea kayaks are custom-made for long distance paddling. They’re great for flat water lakes, rivers and calm coastal explorations, with the ability to handle swell and choppy waves.
With sleek designs and long lengths, they guarantee a smooth, fast paddle. Additionally, they’re shaped to slice through chop, with rockers for easy turning in rougher conditions.
Most of these yaks offer substantial storage options, with sealed hatches to keep the water out.
Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are made to withstand rapids and obstacles while offering you the ride of your life!
Rounded hulls make rolling easy on whitewater kayaks. They’re generally quite short in length, which makes them better to maneuver through fast flowing water.
When buying a whitewater kayak, it’s best to check which class of rapids it can handle, as models vary.
Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks come with all the bells and whistles needed to bring home your catch.
Fishing kayaks feature rod holders to ensure you can paddle with ease and store your equipment.
Many also provide paddle cradles so you can be hands-free, tackle box storage compartments and stability chine rails.
Inflatable Kayaks
If you have limited storage in your car and want a kayak that’s super easy and light to transport, check out inflatable models.
You can fold, roll and carry an inflatable kayak, then pump it up when you’re on the shore.
Inflatable kayaks are extremely affordable and are used for varying types of water, including rapids.
Final Notes on How to Choose a Kayak
In order to choose the right kayak for you, first decide:
- Where you’d like to kayak
- What activities you enjoy most while paddling
- Which type of kayak suits your skill level
- How many comfort features you require
- Whether you want a solo or tandem kayak
Once you’ve answered these top questions, it’s easy to narrow down your search and choose the best one for you.
