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

10 Best Tandem Kayaks For Family

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10 Best Tandem Kayak For Family

Let’s be honest: kayaking is more fun with friends. Heck, there aren’t actually many outdoor pursuits that aren’t more enjoyable with a trusted companion at your side. That said, finding the right kayak for your entire family can be a struggle. Remember the last time you all sat down and tried to agree on just … Read more

10 Best 2 Person Kayaks Reviews

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Kayaking is more fun with a friend! And some of the best 2-person kayaks even have room for a third paddler, a small child, or your favorite paddle pup. There are a variety of two-person kayaks out there. Some are made purely for recreation while others boast a number of specialty features for fishing, long … Read more

10 Best 2 Person Inflatable Kayaks

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If limited storage space and a small vehicle are restricting you from getting a regular kayak, one of the best two-person inflatable kayaks is a great alternative. Many of these kayaks also convert to be paddled solo, so they give you the versatility that others can not.

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10 Best Fishing Kayak Brands

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Kayak fishing is a great way to enjoy time on the water and (if you’re lucky!) bring home some fresh fish for dinner. While some kayak anglers just do it for sport, others come to rely on what they’re able to bring home at the end of the day. Fishing kayaks are typically wider and … Read more

10 Best Fishing Kayaks Under $700

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Some of the first “kayaks” were constructed more than 4,000 years ago by the Inuits. The term “kayak” roughly translates to ”˜hunter’s boat’ and we can see why in today’s modern fishing kayaks. While the earliest kayaks most likely didn’t include a plush, foam-padded seat, or multiple fishing rod holders, they still served a similar … Read more

10 Best Sit On Top Kayaks For Beginners

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As a beginner, the best type of kayak to learn on is a sit on top kayak. There are many reasons why this is the case, but the most important one is that they are the most forgiving type of kayak to help you overcome your beginner mistakes. Because of their specific design, this type … Read more

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