Kayaks

What to Look for When Getting Your First Kayak

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

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.

Storage

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.

Weight and Portability

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.

Top Kayak Brands to Consider

Best Clear Kayaks With See Through Clear Bottom

November 23, 2023January 6, 2021 by Pete S

Paddling on a clear lake or tropical ocean always begs the question: what’s underneath my kayak? And while the idea of the glass-bottom boat is nothing new, kayaks with a see-through clear bottom haven’t always been easily available. While these clear kayaks with see-through clear bottoms may not perform quite as well as some of … Read more

10 Best Sea Kayaks In Australia

November 22, 2023March 31, 2022 by Pete S

Sea kayaks come in many different shapes and sizes, but they all make it easier to get out and explore the coastal waterways near you. Today, we are going to take a closer look at some of the best sea kayaks in Australia.

Oru Kayak Reviews In 2023 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

November 22, 2023April 17, 2023 by Pete S

If you’ve ever had to carry a heavy canoe or kayak over a long distance, you probably realized why they’re meant to be on the water and not necessarily carried over land. But not all kayaks have to be heavy. Many experienced kayakers that love to plan multi-day expeditions require a watercraft that’s lightweight and … Read more

8 Most Stable Canoes 2023

November 22, 2023August 16, 2023 by Pete S

Paddling a canoe is inherently different from paddling a kayak but, as you can see from the photo above, there are some definite similarities. One thing that many new canoe paddlers struggle with is a lack of stability.

What Should You Do If Approaching a Low-Head Dam in a Kayak?

November 8, 2023April 3, 2018 by Pete S

Low-head dams are often referred to as “drowning machines”, a nickname they have very much earned. Easily the most dangerous type of dam, the low-head is a significant hazard to nearly any water-going craft, but is especially perilous to kayakers. Between 1960 and 2016, there were 377 fatal accidents on low-head dams in the US, … Read more

Pelican Kayak Review In 2023 – The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide

November 8, 2023August 29, 2023 by Pete S

The Pelican Sport brand is well known in the kayak industry because they offer a wide range of kayaks at very reasonable prices. Their line up includes kayaks meant for long-distance paddles, fishing kayak, recreation, and tandem use. In this article, we’ll do a comprehensive review of Pelican products and outline a quick buying guide … Read more