Luckily there are only about 300 different models of kayaks in the marketplace. So which one is perfect for you?
**** We do not recommend any specific type of kayak as that is a personal choice. The photos are used just to help in understanding some of the descriptions and are not meant as a recommendation for purchase.
The first thing you have to decide, is how am I going to use my kayak.
1) Recreational for simple paddling on a lake or stream
2) White Water
3) Around the beach and out into the surf
4) For fishing or hunting.
There are three different classifications of kayaks:
1) Rigid boats, made up of plastic, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber or wood
2) Folding boats
3) Inflatable boats
Also to consider are:
1) Sit on top
2) Sit inside
Rigid kayaks is the type that most people think of when they are planning to buy a kayak. A plastic boat will be the least expensive. They are either made by roto molding (one solid piece) or thermo molding (two pieces heated and seemed together. These are also the heaviest but they are the most common purchased. Plastic boats are tough and can take a lot of abuse. They can be repaired but it can be difficult.
A fiberglass boat will be more expensive than a plastic model, but will be much lighter. Fiberglass may be easier to damage, but also easier to repair. Many people who enjoy touring in their kayaks, pick a fiberglass or lighter material because of the distance they are covering and the weight makes it easier to paddle.
Composites such as kevlar, graphite and carbon fiber kayaks will be even more
expensive but even lighter.
Wood boats are a very different breed. The can have a very nostalgic and hand-made quality as well as an aesthetic beauty. A smooth, warm wood kayak can be very beautiful. Some people like to buy a wood boat in kit form and assemble it themselves. The prices on wood boats vary considerably. They are easy to repair but do require routine maintenance. We recommend you contact Duckworks Boat Builders. They are great to work with and have a number of kayak kits available.
Folding boats have the advantage of easy portability and storage. A folding kayak is collapsible and made of fabric stretched over a wood or aluminum frame.
Inflatable boats offer terrific portability and ease of storage. They can generally be the least expensive kayaking option and can fit in the trunk of a Honda Civic. Many people that travlel in RV's pick inflatables because of their easy storage capabilities.
All three of these types of boats come in different lengths and widths. There is not one single kayak that does everything, however there are some that will work for 80% of your needs and that is what you should focus on.
Things to consider are
Will you be traveling long distances?
Will you be in your kayak the entire time?
Will strong winds be a factor during most of your paddling?
Do I need one that is more stable to fish from and potentially stand up in?
Portablility and weight.
Your kayak will be out of the water more than it is in the water. Because of that you need to keep in mind the weight of the kayak and can you transfer it from where your store it to your vehicle. Most plastic kayaks are in the 60-70 pound range. This weight measurement however is the amount of mold that is used to make the boat. Once you add hatches, pad eyes, handles, seats and the likes you are typically adding an additional 10 pounds. Remember also that you will need to purchase a rack system or figure out how to secure it in the back of a truck. And you also need to think about where you want to store it at your house.
Cargo capacity and comfort
There are single passenger kayaks and there are double passenger kayaks (tandems). They both have their advantages. A double can be perfect for couples and families, however it is not recommended to fish out of a tandem as it may be easier to get caught on a hook being casted by your paddling partner. In a tandem however, paddlers of different skill levels can be paired so that nobody is left behind. It can be a great family outing taking the family with a couple of tandem kayaks camping or down a lazy river.
When getting a single, make sure that it has the storage capacity you are looking for. Is the tankwell in the back big enough? Are their any hatches for interior storage. When ever you are storing inside a kayak remember it is not waterproof. You always need to protect everything in a water tight bag.
Seats
The seat may be the single most important thing. You will be sitting for hours potentially and you want to be comfortable. Make sure you have good back support and that the seat bottom is cushioned. You can also pick up extra gel pads or an inflatable cushion for the bottom to get a little extra cushion. Imagine sitting on a metal bleacher in a football stadium for 3 hours. Your kayak seat needs to be that comfortable to handle that.
Stability
The wider a kayak the more stable it is. Also, the wider the larger weight capacity it typically has. If you are touring and wanting speed and distance, a narrower kayak is what you are looking for. If you will be fishing from your kayak, you will want something a little wider. Kayaks can be up to 36 inches in width with the average being 30 inches. Be sure to sit in your kayak at the store and see how it feels. Initial stability is the tendency of the boat to lean or shift away from a perfectly upright position. Final stability is the tendency of the boat to actually tip over. A boat with good final stability that seems tippy will be more forgiving by staying in a leaning position instead of tipping over. The flatter the hull usually will designate the stability. If the hull is almost flat, it may be harder to paddle. This is why renting a few kayaks is a great idea. In many cases the store you rent from will give you a credit if you purchase your kayak from them.
Tracking
Another issue is tracking, the ability of the boat to move on a straight line. The shorter the kayak the easier it turns but is easier to wiggle when you are paddling and usually takes more paddle strokes to keep it going straight forward. A longer kayak will track easier and stay on a straight line. If you are not making a lot of turns, get a little bit longer boat. Most kayak fisherman will look at boats in the 12-14 foot range if they are fishing bays, lakes and the likes. If you are fishing narrow streams and small ponds, you may look at one in the 10 foot range.
Look at the curvature of the keel line along the bottom of the hull. The points where the hull meets the bow and the hull meets the stern are out of the water highter than the middle area of the hull. A boat with a high degree of upward curvature will turn easy but track less straight, while a boat with low curvature will do the opposite. Once again renting a kayak or two really pays off.
A kayak is a very personal choice. You can take the time to read many of the online clubs and ask for recommendations, however it is still your final decision. Your own size will make a difference in how each kayak feels. What is good for one person, may not be right for you. And once you get your own kayak, it may not work for your best friend.
The bottom line though is, kayaking and paddling are amazing and beautiful sports. Not only the enjoyment of being on the water, but the things that you can see as you creep lazily through the water in almost a stealth mode. As we always say.......HAPPY PADDLING
Yak-Gear
Made in the USA / Houston, Texas
Paddling Accessories for Kayaks & Canoes
PICKING OUT THE CORRECT KAYAK
