With so many different types of kayak and kayak accessories available today, its no wonder that buying a kayak and/or kayak equipment can be quite confusing. We have created this website to try and help you decide which kayak will be best for your needs and which accessories will you be unable to do without.
As you will see from the reviews, there are several types of kayak available, and to be honest there isn’t really any single kayak that will excel in all circumstances. So there are several factors that you should consider before buying your kayak.
- What Type Of Kayaking Will You Be Doing ?
Because the basic design of a kayak varies so much depending on its primary usage, it is important that you give some serious consideration to the type of paddling you will be doing both now and in the future. For example if you are planning on any whitewater or fast river kayaking then an ocean or touring kayak will be wholly unsuitable.
- What is your level of paddling experience ?
Whilst it is true that many kayaks are perfectly suitable for use by both a beginner and a more experienced paddler, each will often be looking for different qualities and handling characteristics when buying a kayak. For example a beginner would probably feel more comfortable with a boat with better initial stability, whereas a more experienced paddler may prefer a kayak that seems nervous at first but has a better final stability.
Also an experienced paddler will usually look for a tighter fitting cockpit, which allows them better overall control of their kayak, but a novice may feel happier with a wider, larger more comfortable cockpit, or even an open cockpit such as with a sit on kayak.
- Transport and Storage
Like it or not, your kayak is going to spend more time out of the water than in it. Therefore you will need to consider it’s size and weight with regards to where you will store it, how you will transport it and how easy you will physically be able to put it in and take it out of the water.
- Capacity and Comfort
As well as single passenger kayaks, tandem kayaks are available. These can be ideal for couples and families, and can enable paddlers of different abilities to kayak together. Whichever type you go for you need to consider how much storage space is available when your kayaking. For example if you want to fish from your kayak, there are specific models designed with fishing in mind.
You may find yourself sitting in your kayak for long periods of time, so make sure that you will be comfortable. Look for a good quality (adjustable) seat and adjustable footrests.
- Initial Stability verses Final Stability
A kayak cannot have both excellent initial stability and excellent final stability, so you will need to strike a balance. The stability of the kayak will also have a bearing on a kayaks speed. A kayak with better initial stability will be wider and slower than a narrow faster boat with better final stability.
- Maneuverability
How well will your kayak track (Hold a straight course). Generally a kayak will track dead straight or turn easily, but again they cannot by design be excellent at both. In general a shorter boat will turn easier and be more maneuverable whereas a longer boat will track straight easier and better.