Kayaks Buying Guide
Looking to buy a kayak? 
We know it is no simple task. There are so many factors to consider, and we want you to be sure that you are well-informed and prepared to buy the right kayak for your needs. Read on to learn more!
Function
A kayak is a small, portable canoe that is propelled by a double-bladed paddle. Styled after the Eskimo or Inuit kayak, the traditional kayak design had a lightweight frame covered with a watertight skin, with one or two openings left in the centre to seat its occupants. Today, there are numerous styles and designs to suit amateurs and professional kayakers alike. The design of any given kayak is tailored to suit the particular water conditions it will be sailed in.
Material Classifications
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Rigid
When people hear the word kayak, this is the type that most people think of. - Plastic : This will be the most inexpensive of the rigid models, but it will also be the heaviest. They are pretty tough and can take on a lot of abuse, but once damaged, they can be pricey to repair.
- Fibreglass : This material will be much more expensive, but with a higher quality boat. It will be significantly lighter and, if damaged, can be easy to repair.
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Folding
Foldable kayaks have the convenience of portability and storage. - This collapsible boat is made of fabric stretched over a wooden or aluminium frame. Their initial price tends to be high, yet they last a very long time.
- They are remarkably tough, stable, and flexible, yet the general consensus believes that they lack the speed of a hard-shell kayak.
- Like wooden boats, these kayaks bring a sense of nostalgia with them, as they carry on the traditional construction of past cultures.
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Inflatable
These kayaks are the least expensive and the easiest to store and assemble. - These kayaks only require you to inflate them with a pump. Once inflated, the kayak can get into and out of the water with ease.
- After it dries off, you have the ability to store it just about anywhere.
- Think about the type of kayaking that you will be doing before committing to this purchase. If you are planning to boat in rocky waters, this is not the kayak for you. You certainly will not want any mishaps due to rips or snags.
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Activity Classications
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Ocean Kayaking - Ocean-worthy boats require a long, sleek design that makes it easier for them to slice through sometimes rough waters. The passenger is "open," with his/her legs and upper body exposed. Be sure to bring along some sunblock!
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Leisurely Paddles - Kayaks that are designed for leisurely paddles around a calm lake or pond are usually also built for comfort, and they usually have a slightly raised seat. On the other hand, since the raised seat also causes the boater to sit higher, it lowers the stability and balance of the boat on the water.
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River and White Water Kayaking - Kayaks that are used to traverse river rapids will require a shorter frame for maximum manoeuvrability, with the ability to "roll" if the boat is turned upside down. Usually, the seating arrangements in these boats have the passenger sitting or kneeling in the bottom of the boat. This not only affords more stability, but being closer to the water allows for deeper stroke patterns that facilitate better speed and manoeuvring.
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Related Guides
External Links
- About.com: Everything you need to know about kayaking.
- KayakOnline.com: Find out what paddlers are saying about different kayaks by reading these reviews.
- Playak.com: The world's leading kayak and canoe news for enthusiasts everywhere.
