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.
Kayaking can be an excellent sport for you and your canine best friend to enjoy together. A dog can make the perfect kayak companion since they never complain about getting wet. They demand minimum equipment, and their low sense of gravity is perfect for the occasion.
However, before you pack up and go, it’s essential to take precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of you both.
Pelican Sport is widely known for its lightweight, durable kayak models. Their patented kayak molding process allows them to construct some of the only kayaks on the market that can be bent back into place if they become dented. But there are many different Pelican kayak models to choose from if you’re just starting out. … Read more
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.
Using a pedal kayak can make your kayaking sessions easier and a lot more fun. Rather than trying to figure out where to place your paddle so it doesn’t get in the way of other activities, you can free up your hands and let your legs do the work.
In the quest to find the perfect kayak, manufacturers are coming out with new models every year. Perception Kayaks is certainly no exception to that rule and, in fact, they are one of the premier kayak manufacturers in today’s market. Sadly, they’ve actually discontinued the production of the Perception Rhythm 11 Kayak. However, that doesn’t … Read more
If you are not worried about your budget, it makes sense to be aware of the most expensive kayaks on the market. Even if they are out of your budget, it does not hurt to dream from time to time. To be honest, many beginners will not be able to tell the difference before they … Read more