Choose The Right Kayak

Choose The Right Kayak

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Aside from enjoying the scenery and fishing, kayaking is a great exercise for cardiovascular and strength training. Paddling lets you escape and relax on your own.

Beginning kayakers usually want a kayak that is easy to get in and out of, comfortable to sit in, have good stability and be easy to steer. Recreational kayaks are made for these purposes.

For more experienced paddlers, there isnt any single kayak that will excel in every type of paddling situation. You need to buy the right kayak for your needs.

Each kayak has a tendency toward either initial or final stability, based on the hull shape of the boat. Initial stability is how much the boat will lean away from being upright while final stability refers to how easy it is to tip the kayak over. A kayak with more final stability is more useful when dealing with bigger waves and more useful for longer paddling trips.

You should know that the more stable a kayak is, the more its surface is in contact with the water and the slower it will go. Shorter and wider kayaks are slower, more stable in calm waters and maneuverable. Narrower and longer kayaks are faster, more stable in open water with bigger waves and track better (remain on course.)

The more v-shaped the hull is, the faster it will go and the more rounded the hull is, the more stable the kayak will be. If present, a keel modifies the performance of your kayak's hull shape. The more upward the curve on the keel, the easier it will turn and the less tracking you will enjoy. A rudder may help with tracking and some models come with foot pedals for easy rudder use.

Please consider your cargo capacity needs. A boat designed for overnight trips will have cargo hatches while others may have tie downs to hold just a few items for an afternoon paddle. You will want to have the right accessories and options for your paddling adventures. A spare paddle, compass, navigational charts and water bottles can be stored within easy reach using tiedowns. Cockpit covers, sprayskirts, flotation aids and accessible hatches can make a difference in how much you enjoy yourself.

If you plan on whitewater kayaking, you will want a kayak with a tight passenger fit. For longer rides or tandem (multiple passenger) kayaks, you will want to consider how comfortable the seats and legroom are and how many passengers you will need to accommodate. Be careful before buying a tandem kayak; your paddling partner may not be available or your family may not like kayaking as much as you do.

Also, your kayak is going to need to be stored, transported and carried in and out of the water. You will need a garage or storage space, a vehicle rack and enough strength to pick up and carry the kayak you purchase. Smaller kayaks can weigh as little as 30 lbs, depending on the materials used to make them, so almost everyone will be able to manage those kayaks. If you have special concerns about any of these things, an inflatable kayak may be a good option to consider.

Prices will vary from $250 to $4500, ranging from entry level plastic or inflatable kayaks through more advanced composites and tandems on the higher end.

Hardshell kayaks are made of plastic, fiberglass, kevlar, carbon fiber or wood. Sit-on-top plastic boats are the least costly but the heaviest and toughest. Fiberglass kayaks are lighter but easier to damage. Kevlar and composites are even lighter and more expensive while wooden kayaks are beautiful but require routine maintenance.

A folding kayak is made of fabric stretched over either a wood or aluminum frame and designed to collapse down to be easily portable and easy to store. They tend to last longer than a hardshell, though they are often more expensive and lack slightly in speed and performance.

Inflatables are the least expensive kayaks and are easily ported and stored. They are also very stable even in whitewater, with cargo space for short distance or overnight trips to your local river, lake or coastal area.

Recreational kayaks measure 9 to 12 feet and are good for ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers. They are very stable and have a large comfortable cockpit for ease of entering and exiting. They are shorter in length and are easy to steer and maneuver.

Day tour kayaks are usually used for several hours of recreation and fishing in your local lake or slow moving river. They have a slightly wider hull and a length of 13 to 15 feet. This offers some stability without sacrificing speed and they can be used for an overnight trip.

Touring kayaks are 16 to 18 feet long with narrower hulls that let you cover longer distances at a greater speed. They usually have ample cargo space for weekend or week-long trips and most include a rudder to help steer and maneuver.

Lastly, make sure the fit is right by scheduling a demo with your local kayak dealer. At the very least, sit in the kayak before you buy it. The more comfortable you are, the more you will enjoy your kayaking adventures. And always wear your Personal Flotation Device (life jacket.)

About the Author:
Visit ADK Kayak Warehouse at 4786 Perth Road in Amsterdam, NY. You will see all brands of Adventure Technology, including kayaks, canoes, paddles, hydropacks and other accessories. We specialize in all brands of fishing kayaks, sit-in tops and sit-in sides and we install Yakima racks on your vehicle. Feel free to call us at (518) 843-3232 and see what we can do for you.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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