Kayaking is a great way to explore waterways and an even better way to keep active. However kayaks come in as many shapes and sizes as humans themselves, and kayak shop staff can often be misleading, unknowledgeable, elitist or unhelpful in helping you choose which kayak is best for you. Here’s the things you want to look for when buying a kayak.
- Type of kayak: Sit-on or sit-in. A sit-on-top kayak has a recessed area for seating and placement of your feet while a sit-in kayak is hollow with a cockpit that your whole lower body slides into. Sit-on kayaks tend to be more recreational as they are easier to pick up and use even by someone who’s never kayaked before, they may be more stable, and if you are worried about capsizing, then a sit-on-top option may be a good one. Basic sit-on-top kayaks can also be reasonably cheap. Sit-in kayaks allow more serious kayaking. They tend to be faster and are better for touring and long distance travel as they offer more protection from the elements and more effortless tracking through the water.
- Length: Shorter kayaks, 3 – 4 m (10 – 13 ft) are more manoueverable and are better for whitewater and use in the surf. They are also easier to transport, carry, and tend to be cheaper. Longer kayaks, 4.5 – 5.5 m (15 – 18 ft), are less manoeuverable but are faster since they are a sharper, more streamlined shape. They also have a better profile for tracking through the water more effortlessly. This means you use less effort to cover the same distance, or with the same effort you get to see more!
- Hull shape and stability: A kayak with a wide, flat bottom will have greater initial stability which means less of a tendency to roll from its upright position. This may appeal to beginners who feel a kayak feels like it might tip over as they try to paddle. On the other hand, a kayak with a narrow, sharp cross section tends to have better final stability, which means that although it can tilt sharply, it is less likely to actually tip over. This is more likely to appeal to more serious kayakers who want good final stability for going over waves or wake. A wider, flatter kayak with good inital stability will also tend to be slower than a narrower, sharper kayak.
- Material: For the most part, the choice is between thermoplastic and fibreglass. Thermoplastic kayaks are cheaper and more difficult to damage, whereas fibreglass is lighter and more expensive. Other more advanced materials such as carbon fibre may be lighter still but even more expensive.
- Double or single: A double kayak can be great if your partner, child or friend wishes to kayak with you. Unfortunately, if their interest in kayaking wanes you might get stuck with an expensive unused boat! A single kayak for some might be seen as a selfish possession, for others it is solitary bliss. And kayaking doesn’t have to be an antisocial activity if you have friends who are into it or if you join a club.
- Price: In general, to provide space to grow and ensure that the lesson lasts, go for the best kayak you can get for your budget. If you want a 5.5 m fibreglass sea sea kayak or touring kayak, you can expect to spend well over US$1000 and as high as US$2000 (convert). For a high end racing kayak the price can be higher than that. If all you want is a short, stable recreational kayak then you’ll probably have a fair bit of change left over from $1000 (convert). If the price is too high for you, consider going for a metre shorter. It will be a few hundred dollars cheaper, but probably still serve you well. As a final tip, you can often get great deals if you buy second hand and especially online.
Hope this helps you. Don’t forget a lifejacket and dry-bag for your camera gear! Happy kayaking!