The first things to do when purchasing a kayak is to decide what kind of kayak you need. If you’ve joined a kayaking club and been out in a kayak before, then you will have some idea of which parts you enjoyed and can tailor you purchase accordingly.
If you don’t have that much experience and are just looking for a boat to get you started, then research your local kayaking hotspots. If you live on the coast, there probably isn’t much point in getting a whitewater kayak. If you’re miles from the sea, then an ocean kayak is probably a waste of money. There are, however, a few things to consider that apply to most kayaks.
If you are just starting out as a paddler then a recreational kayak is probably your best choice as a beginner’s kayak. This is because recreational kayaks often have the best primary and secondary stability. Before branching out into more specialized forms of kayaking, it is best to become comfortable out on the water, and the stability of a recreational kayak is often more forgiving as you learn.
Comfort is paramount when choosing a kayak. A well-fitted kayak prevents cramping, has padding on all the contact points, and allows the kayaker to use their lower body to torsion and maneuver the kayak. When purchasing a kayak, make sure its the right length for you. If you have a particularly long frame, then an 8-foot kayak may feel cramped. Look for adjustable foot and thigh braces, not only will they make the kayak more comfortable but they will also improve your control over it.
All types of kayaking need some level of equipment. Some kayaking activities, such as fishing or camping, require a significant amount on gear to be brought with you. When you are considering a potential kayak, examine how much gear storage is available. Most kayaks will come with one waterproof storage hatch and bungee cord storage on deck. If your chosen kayaking activity requires a large amount of gear, look for kayaks with large open storage areas, known as tankwells, or portable accessory carriers (P.A.C.) which can be towed behind your boat.
Kayaking is often a solo activity and this can mean a kayaker can run into difficulties when needing to transport their kayak to and from the water. If you normally kayak solo, then consider the weight of the kayak when making a purchase. There are accessories that can assist with this; car racks are the easiest way to transport a kayak and a kayak trolley can really help to get a heavier kayak down to the water.
The kayak is a timeless craft that remained basically unchanged for thousands of years prior to visionary Tim Niemier’s creation of the first sit-on-Top kayak, which was introduced to the marketplace in 1978. As more and more sit-on-top kayak enthusiasts began to realize the potential for undertaking more extensive and adventurous journeys, they quickly discovered … Read moreBest Pedal Fishing Kayaks: Buying Guide and Reviews
If you’ve never lured a bass from beneath a log, seduced a trout to strike your fly, or heard the scream of your drag as a striper fought your line, you don’t know what you’ve been missing! The good news is that it’s never been easier to get in the game, and as the popularity … Read moreBest Fishing Kayak: Which Kayak is King when the Fight is On?
The connection between kayaks and fishing spans back over several millennia, and was forged out of the need for survival in a primitive, often unforgiving wilderness. These days, kayaking plays a far more recreational role in modern culture, and is focused primarily on a desire for leisure and physical fitness than upon utilitarian necessity. Yet, … Read moreBest Inflatable Fishing Kayaks: Buying Guide and Reviews
The recreational kayak is one of the most common designs for a kayak, typified by its wider beam, greater stability, ease of paddling, and enhanced comfort. One of the main benefits of owning a recreational kayak is how beginner-friendly it is and the huge range of activities you can pursue in it. A good recreational … Read moreBest Recreational Kayak
Flatwater kayaking is the easiest type of kayaking to learn and is a good starting point if you’re new to the activity. What is Flatwater Kayaking? Flatwater kayaking is kayaking on a flat body of water. It can take place on almost any body of water so long as it is in an area that … Read moreBest Flatwater Kayak
The excitement of fly fishing from a kayak can’t be beat. Whether you’re casting for reds at sundown or kissing the river with your flies for smallmouth, there’s a magic that a kayak brings to the sport. You’ll feel a special something, a touch more thrill as you watch your line settle gently over the … Read moreBest Fly Fishing Kayak: Buying Guide and Reviews
Inflatable kayaks have a lot of benefits when it comes to using them to run whitewater. They are extremely portable, able to deflate and roll up into small packages that one person can comfortably carry. This makes them supremely easy to get to the water’s edge, which is a bonus for whitewater kayakers who often … Read moreBest Inflatable Kayak for Whitewater: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews
At its most straightforward definition, kayak surfing is a mixture of surfboarding and whitewater kayaking. The aim is still to catch large waves and plane across the front of them, but unlike surfboarding, you are sitting down in the traditional kayaking position. The benefit of using a surf kayak and a kayaking paddle is that the … Read moreBest Surf Kayaks: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide and Reviews
The best part about kayaking on a river is the number of different types of environment you can experience as you traverse along its length. One moment you might be sitting back and relaxing on a placid slow-moving stretch of water, perfect for fishing. The next moment you could be battling through a whitewater run, … Read moreBest Kayak for Rivers
Camping and kayaking are amazing hobbies on their own; both offering you a sense of freedom and adventure. But when you combine the two, it’s a recipe for something extraordinary. Using your kayak, you can explore rivers, lakes, and coastlines before pulling in to set up camp during the evening. A good kayak for camping will … Read moreBest Kayak for Camping
Kayak fishing is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the ocean without the noise of an outboard motor disturbing the placid scenery. Kayaks give you the opportunity to explore sections of the coastline that other crafts just can’t reach, and search for your perfect fishing stop before casting your line. To handle the unique … Read moreBest Ocean Fishing Kayak – Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews
River fishing combines the peaceful tranquility of angling with the excitement of running fast water and the joy of exploration. The best river fishing kayaks allow the paddler to enjoy all the adventure opportunities the river has to offer, without needing to change boats. To tackle the different water types commonly found on rivers and to … Read moreBest River Fishing Kayak: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews
As a rule, kayaks are normally designed for a specific type of environment. Whitewater kayaks are excellent at navigating tight turns and tricky fast-moving runs, but take one out on a calm lake and their poor tracking will have you spinning in miserable circles. A good touring kayak will track as straight as an arrow, … Read moreBest Crossover Kayak: Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, and Reviews
One of the best things about owning a kayak is the freedom it gives you have to get out on the water and enjoy the peace and scenery. There is nothing better than being able to grab your kayak at a moment’s notice and head out on a paddling adventure, without having to worry about … Read moreBest Short and Lightweight Kayaks
Like most extreme sports, whitewater kayaking is equal parts exhilaration and risk. The rush comes from successfully navigating rapids, boulders, waterfalls, and even underground rivers. Any risk can be mitigated by buying the correct kayak for the run you want to make, making sure you know your limits, and being properly prepared. To help out with … Read moreBest Whitewater Kayak: Buying Guide and Reviews
The popularity of kayak fishing has come on by leaps and bounds in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Kayaks are convenient, fun, easy to transport, and are also a great form of exercise. It should come as no surprise then, that purpose-built angling kayaks are becoming more and more common, with features … Read moreLifetime Tamarack 120 Kayak Review
Sea kayaking is an amazing experience. From your kayak vantage point, you can enjoy the rolling vista of the open seas or explore sections of the coastline that aren’t accessible on foot. Like most forms of kayaking, however, you’ll get the most enjoyment out of your adventures if you are in the right kayak. The best … Read moreBest Sea Kayaks – Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, And Reviews for 2019
Folding kayaks are an excellent way to enjoy the hobby, particularly if you don’t have room to store or transport a standard kayak. Because they can be folded down to a convenient size and easily stored, a folding kayak gives you the option to get out on the water whenever it suits you. However, buying a … Read moreBest Folding Kayaks – 2019 Buyer’s Guide
If you hear the water calling to you, but don’t have the space to store or transport a kayak, an inflatable may be just the thing you’ve been looking for. Tough enough for the military, and packable enough for even the tiniest apartment or car, inflatable kayaks offer unparalleled ease-of-use. A great way to get … Read moreBest Inflatable Kayak: Tough Meets Transportable!
The best thing about touring kayaks is the sense of freedom that they give you. It’s just you, the kayak, the beautiful views, and the open water. It makes life simple. What isn’t so simple is picking the touring kayak that’s right for you. There are a lot of considerations to take into account: how long … Read moreBest Touring Kayak – Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, And Reviews
Kayaking is a great sport for both guys and gals, but for those of you who have a bigger stature, it’s difficult to imagine yourself out on the water. You’re probably wondering how stable that kayak will be! That fear might be justified with smaller kayaks, but fortunately, there are heavy duty kayaks that are … Read moreBest Kayak for Big Guys and Gals 2019
Being out on the water with a kayak is not only fun and relaxing but a great way to get your kids outdoors and away from those digital screens! The only problem might be finding the best kayak just for kids. I didn’t want to worry about my kids when they first started kayaking, which … Read moreBest Kayak for Kids 2019
[dropcap size=big]K[/dropcap]ayaking can be a great sport for you and your canine best friend to enjoy together. In fact, a dog can make the perfect kayak companion since they never complain about getting wet, demand minimum equipment, and their low sense of gravity is perfect for the occasion. However, before you pack up and go, … Read moreBest Kayak for Dogs 2019 – Top Rated Dog Friendly Kayaks
Kayaking is an amazing sport and a great way to stay active, meet new people, and experience things you would never otherwise get to see. When you are a beginner starting out on your kayaking adventure, a lot of the more technical kayaking gear is optional, but one thing definitely isn’t: your kayak! Picking a kayak … Read moreBest Kayak for Beginners 2019
Inflatable kayaks are a great alternative to traditional boats. They’re compact, easy to transport, and often more affordable than their plastic or fiberglass counterparts. There are a ton of inflatable kayaks on the market, including the Intex Explorer K2. It’s a low-cost, two-person kayak that’s perfect for an easy day on the water. It comes … Read moreIntex Explorer K2 Kayak Review
When inflatable kayaks first appeared on the market most paddlers considered them to be either children’s toys or, one man rafts suitable only for recreational paddling. However, inflatable kayaks have undergone considerable changes over the last ten years which has enabled them to evolve into serious paddle craft. Thus, they are no longer relegated to … Read moreIntex Challenger K2 Kayak Review
The lure of the water is easy to understand. Whether you’re grabbing your paddle to spark some excitement, or to take a relaxing break from the everyday, there’s no better way than a tandem kayak to experience what your local lake, river, or coast has to offer. Because they allow you to share your paddling … Read moreBest Tandem Kayak: Two Paddlers Means Twice the Fun!
Are you looking for the best sit on top kayak? There are many types of kayaks, but the sit on top or SOT is now very much in demand both from newcomers to long time kayakers owing to their versatility. If you have never bought a kayak before, you may get confused with all the options. … Read moreSit-On-Top Kayak Reviews and Buying Guide for 2019