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 Pedal Fishing Kayaks: Buying Guide and Reviews

by

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 more Best Pedal Fishing Kayaks: Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks: Buying Guide and Reviews

by
Man catching fish on inflatable kayak

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 more Best Inflatable Fishing Kayaks: Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Inflatable Kayak for Whitewater: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews

by

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 more Best Inflatable Kayak for Whitewater: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews

Best Surf Kayaks: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide and Reviews

by

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 more Best Surf Kayaks: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Ocean Fishing Kayak – Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews

by

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 more Best Ocean Fishing Kayak – Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews

Best River Fishing Kayak: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews

by

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 more Best River Fishing Kayak: Jargon Buster, Buying Guide, and Reviews

Best Crossover Kayak: Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, and Reviews

by

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 more Best Crossover Kayak: Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, and Reviews

Best Whitewater Kayak: Buying Guide and Reviews

by

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 more Best Whitewater Kayak: Buying Guide and Reviews

Best Sea Kayaks – Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, And Reviews for 2020

by

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 more Best Sea Kayaks – Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, And Reviews for 2020

Best Touring Kayak – Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, And Reviews

by

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 more Best Touring Kayak – Buying Guide, Jargon Buster, And Reviews

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review

by

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 more Intex Explorer K2 Kayak Review

Intex Challenger K2 Kayak Review

by

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 more Intex Challenger K2 Kayak Review

Best Tandem Kayak: Two Paddlers Means Twice the Fun!

by

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 more Best Tandem Kayak: Two Paddlers Means Twice the Fun!

css.php