Trying to figure out how to choose a kayak? This guide covers everything you need to know.
Not all kayaks are made equal. And when it comes to choosing a kayak, you’ll want to be sure you’ve invested in the right one.
Kayaks come in all kinds of shapes and sizes – each one offering a totally different experience. Choosing the right kayak for your needs, skills, and environment is incredibly important. It will make paddling a lot more fun, it will make your life more convenient, and it will help keep you safe under the conditions you paddle.
So, what exactly should you look for in a kayak and how do you choose the right one?
Here are all the details you need to know.
How to Choose a Kayak
First, let’s cover the basics. When choosing a kayak, always consider the following factors:
- Purpose: Determine the type of kayaking you will be doing (recreational, touring, whitewater rafting, fishing, etc.) and choose a kayak that is best suited for that activity.
- Size: Kayaks come in different sizes. Consider the size that fits your body type and the type of water you will be paddling on. Planning to paddle with a buddy? Get a double!
- Stability: Look for a kayak with good stability if you are a beginner, or if you will be using the kayak in choppy waters.
- Material: Kayaks can be made of different materials such as plastic, fiberglass, or inflatable. Each material has its own benefits and drawbacks, so consider which one best fits your needs and budget. More on that later.
- Storage: If you plan on taking long trips, look for a kayak with enough storage space for your gear. This is also important if you want a kayak for fishing trips, or carrying things like picnics.
- Price: Kayaks can range a lot in price. Consider your budget and the features you need before making a decision.
Elements Of Kayaks to Consider
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the finer details of how to choose a kayak. Here are some important elements to consider.
Sit-On-Top vs. Sit-Inside-Kayaks
When choosing a kayak, you have two main options to consider: “Sit-on-top” and “sit-inside”. Obviously, this refers to how you sit in the kayak.
- Sit-on-top kayaks: As the name suggests, you sit on top of the kayak rather than inside it. These kayaks tend to be more stable and easier to get in and out of. They are ideal for recreational use, particularly in warmer climates.
- Sit-inside kayaks: In these kayaks, you sit inside a cockpit that is surrounded by the kayak’s deck. Sit-inside kayaks provide more protection from the elements and are typically faster and more efficient than sit-on-top kayaks. They are better suited for cooler climates and more challenging paddling conditions.
Ultimately, the choice between sit-on-top and sit-inside kayaks will depend on your individual needs, preferences, and the type of kayaking you plan to do.
Where Will You Use the Kayak?
When choosing a kayak, it’s important to consider the environment you plan to explore. The type of water you’ll be in will impact the type of boat that is best suited for your needs.
Lakes: If the weather is fair and you’ll be paddling in calm waters, a recreational sit-on-top or sit-in boat will suffice. However, if choppy conditions arise, it’s best to opt for a sit-in boat with a rudder, fixed tracking fin, or skeg for stability.
Coastal Waters: With wind, waves, currents, and tides, it’s often best to choose a sit-in touring boat with a rudder or skeg for better control and maneuverability. If you live in a warm environment or plan to do some kayak surfing, a sit-on-top may still be a suitable option.
Rivers: For floating down a river, a stable, sturdy craft that turns quickly is ideal. A short recreational sit-in or sit-on-top boat or a day touring sit-in kayak would be a good choice.
Rivers and Lakes: If you plan to paddle in both flowing and still waters, a short recreational sit-in or sit-on-top kayak with a skeg is a good option. This crossover boat will turn responsively when the skeg is up and track efficiently when it’s down. Another option would be a short boat with a rudder, although these are typically found on longer boats.
Kayak Weight and Material
A lightweight kayak is ideal. They offer better portability, they’re easier to load onto your vehicle and they’re faster to accelerate. Lightweight kayaks also allow you to carry more gear as less weight capacity is taken up by the weight of the boat itself. However, it’s important to note that lightweight materials can make the kayak more expensive.
Polyethylene plastic is a cost-effective and durable option, but it’s the heaviest and can be degraded by prolonged exposure to UV rays from the sun.
ABS plastic offers similar durability and is slightly lighter and more resistant to UV rays than polyethylene, but it comes at a slightly higher cost. Thermoformed ABS kayaks have a two-tone design from having the deck and hull bonded together.
Composites made from fiberglass or ultralight carbon fiber offer exceptional performance, but at a much higher cost. These materials are lightweight and not affected by UV rays, but they are more susceptible to damage from impacts with rocks.
Inflatable kayaks are a great option for many. They’re convenient for traveling with and are very forgiving for beginner paddlers. Not to mention the fact that these kayaks are very affordable. Although, you’ll lose a lot of speed and maneuverability with an inflatable.
Other Kayak Elements to Consider
So far we’ve covered the main factors involved in choosing a kayak. There are still plenty of extra details to pay attention to though. Let’s break these down.
Weight Capacity: This is the total weight the kayak can carry – including gear and yourself. This specification is crucial if you plan to transport gear for a multi-day tour as an overloaded boat will sit too low in the water and affect your paddling performance.
Length: Longer kayaks are more efficient for cruising and offer ample storage for overnight gear, while shorter hulls offer quicker maneuverability. A difference of a few inches may not make a significant impact, but a difference of two feet or more will be noticeable.
Depth: Deeper hulls offer more room for taller kayakers and additional storage, while shallower hulls are less impacted by wind.
Width: Wider hulls offer greater initial stability while narrower hulls have faster speeds.
Skegs, Tracking Fins, and Rudders: These accessories assist with keeping the kayak on course in windy conditions. A skeg is a retractable fin that prevents the boat from being blown off course by side winds. A tracking fin provides similar benefits but cannot be retracted and is often found on inflatable kayaks. A rudder is a fin that can be adjusted via foot pedals and provides more responsiveness in changing conditions.
Seats: A quality seat can add to the cost of the kayak, but with a lot of hours spent in the seat, it’s worth considering a more adjustable, padded, and ergonomically-designed seat.
Cockpit Size: A small and snug cockpit offers more control and protection in rough conditions, while a larger cockpit makes it easier to enter and exit the kayak.
Hatches: These provide access to the interior storage areas. Touring kayaks typically have two, while day touring and some recreational kayaks have one.
Types of Kayaks
Alright, time to look at the different types of kayaks that exist. There are several types of kayaks available, each designed for specific activities and water conditions.
Recreational Kayaks
These are designed for calm waters such as lakes and slow-moving rivers. They are easy to handle and provide stability, making them a great choice for beginner paddlers.
Touring Kayaks
These kayaks are built for longer trips and more challenging waters. They have a longer and slimmer design, making them more efficient for longer distances. They also have more storage space for gear and supplies.
Sea Kayaks
These kayaks are designed for ocean and coastal use. They are wider and more stable than touring kayaks and have more storage space for longer trips. They also have watertight compartments for added safety.
Whitewater Kayaks
These kayaks are built for rapids and fast-moving water. They have a shorter and more maneuverable design, making them ideal for navigating through rapids.
Inflatable Kayaks
These kayaks are portable and convenient for paddlers who want the option of transporting their kayaks easily. They are available in a variety of designs and are suitable for calm waters and light touring.
Fishing Kayaks
These kayaks are designed specifically for fishing. They have features such as rod holders, storage compartments, and stability, making them ideal for anglers.
Summary
When it comes to choosing a kayak, there’s no “best” or “worst” option. It really just comes down to your personal preferences, abilities, and how you plan to use the kayak.
Take the time to choose the right model and make sure it meets as many of your specific requirements as possible. Trust us, it will make a major difference to your overall kayaking experience!