What type of kayak is right for me

Can have a backrest with built-in rod holders or you can buy one separately. Is easy to steer if it's shorter - is faster if it's longer so best for long distances.

That is wide and you sit on is more stable for standing up. That is narrower and you sit inside is better for longer distances. Can be any kayak , but the above make fishing easier and more comfortable. Harder to steer and balance so suits strong, experienced kayakers.

Shape The kayak shape needs to suit the kind of kayaking you're doing and your level of experience: Length - shorter kayaks are easier to control and more stable - longer kayaks are faster. Width - a slim kayak is faster but less stable, a wide one more stable but harder to steer.

Long, narrow kayaks are: Fast but harder to maneuver. Not as stable as a wider, shorter kayak. Good for long, straight distances. Best for sea kayaking with a rudder for control. Short, wide kayaks are: Stable and easy to maneuver. Slower than long, narrow kayaks. Good for narrow, winding, fast flowing rivers and canals. Best for kayaking in white water rapids. Weight - lighter kayaks are faster and easier to maneuver and transport.

Hull - if the underside of the kayak the hull is: V-shaped - it cuts through the water better in a straighter line but is less stable. Flat - it has more contact with the water so it's more stable and easier to turn.

A blend - it's v-shaped at both ends and flat in the middle for the benefits of both. Rocker - how much the hull curves from front to back is called 'the rocker'. A rocker that curves more is easier to maneuver but slower.

A rocker with less of a curve is faster but harder to maneuver. Backrest - some kayaks have built-in back support for more comfort and less fatigue or you can buy one for lumbar support separately. Materials Kayaks and paddles can be made from different materials, and each one has its pros and cons: Plastic or aluminum Are the most affordable options. Are both durable materials. Can be heavy and feel cold in winter. Best for beginners. Fibreglass Light and easy to carry. Tough and long lasting.

Best for frequent paddlers. Carbon fibre The strongest of all the materials. Quite light for how long lasting it is. Best for keen kayakers who want years of use. Inflatable materials To reduce the risk of punctures, inflatable kayaks are usually made from: Really tough PVC. The latest Kevlar. Built-in wheels Make getting your kayak to and from the water easy.

Some kayaks have built-in wheels to simplify transport. For kayaks without wheels, you can get a kayak trolley sold separately. Paddle The right paddle makes kayaking an easier and more enjoyable experience. The best kayaking paddle for you depends on: Your strength and trip length. Your paddling style. Your strength and trip length Every time you paddle you're using your arm, back and stomach muscles, so: Get the lightest paddle you can so your arms don't tire too quickly even if you're strong.

On long trips with thousands of strokes, a paddle that's too heavy will slow you down. Your paddling style For speed, you'll need a paddle with a large blade that's: Asymmetric in shape. Slightly curved to cut through the water quicker. Feathered - that means the two blades face in different directions: This reduces wind resistance so the paddle in the air doesn't slow you down. Smaller differences in the angles are easier on your wrists.

Larger differences will cut through the water quicker. Some paddles let you adjust the blade angles to suit you. Held more vertically and higher in the water when you're paddling. For slower paddling that suits kids and beginners, you'll want the opposite: A symmetrical blade.

Straight sides. Non-feathered blades that face the same way. Shop Paddles Adjustable paddles Can be lengthened, shortened and rotated to suit different conditions and paddlers. Make it easier and more comfortable for everyone to take turns on the same kayak.

Can sometimes be split into two parts to make carrying and transporting them easier. Need to be washed in fresh water after each use so the mechanism doesn't get rusty. This can include coolers, fishing tackles and gear. Generally, the longer and narrower the kayak, the faster and straighter it will go. Recreational kayaks are about 8 feet to 13 feet long and made for small lakes, rivers, creeks and other calm waters.

They can navigate narrow inlets or passageways efficiently. Touring kayaks are longer, about 14 feet to 18 feet, and built to handle large waves, bigger rivers or lakes. This can be particularly important with a sit-in kayak. For example, if you are 6 feet tall and pounds, a foot-long boat may be more comfortable than a boat that is 10 feet long.

Adjustable footrests can help accommodate your height in your kayak. It can help taller people in smaller kayaks and shorter people in longer kayaks. You are making a big purchase, so you want to feel confident and comfortable with your choice. Once you find the right style, you should find the right paddle. You should also take time to learn some kayaking basics, including how to launch a kayak , how to paddle and how to steer.

Skip to content. They are versatile and are usually a good option for beginner kayakers. These are better suited for warm environments because you will get splashed. Sit-on-top kayaks can be easy to get on and off of while providing a good level of stability.

These kayaks are self-bailing. They have scupper holes that allow water to drain right through. Open water refers to all other large bodies of water like oceans or seas and larger lakes or rivers. For instance, kayaking on a small lake, narrow river or open sea will each present you with a different experience:. Picture yourself paddling leisurely across a serene lake or quiet pond.

However, kayaking on a larger lake does increase the chances of facing waves that could pose a danger to you and your vessel. These waterways can come in all shapes and sizes. Some rivers will offer you a peaceful ride downstream while others will give you an adrenaline-filled experience battling through whitewater rapids.

Regardless of your experience level, you should be aware that these waterways could change without warning. The speed and activity level of their currents, both on and under the surface, could drastically increase or decrease in an instant.

Similar to rivers, the activity level of a sea or ocean can change with the weather. Though staying close to the coastline can make navigating this body of water slightly more manageable, varying factors like wind speed, tidal fluctuations and storms can create difficulties for kayakers at any distance.

How you plan to use your kayak is just as important. One of the perks of owning a kayak is that you can take it with you almost anywhere and explore countless lakes, rivers, streams and seas. Try to envision your ideal kayaking excursion. Will you be relaxing or fishing? Do you plan on paddling great distances or racing others? There are many different types of kayaks, and their uses range from light recreational paddling to intense whitewater rapid navigation. There are two basic types of kayak styles — sit-on-top kayak and sit-in kayaks.

Sit-on-top kayaks have a seat on the surface of the kayak where your feet remain uncovered. Sit-in kayaks have an enclosed cockpit that you sit inside. What types of kayaks are best for beginners? In the debate of sit-in kayaks versus sit-on-top kayaks, we recommend trying a sit-on-top for your first kayak. Sit-on-tops are generally more user-friendly than sit-ins. This kayak is easier to get into and out of, which is very helpful in emergency situations.

You can exit a sit-on-top easily without needing to learn how to make a wet-exit required for sit-in kayaks. These sit-in kayaks have a larger opening that makes it slightly easier to enter and exit compared to the compact seating of a touring kayak.

Short in length, most recreational kayaks reach a maximum of 10 feet long. A recreational kayak is an excellent sit-in kayak for beginners. If you prefer a sit-in kayak to a sit-on-top kayak, we suggest choosing a recreational kayak that is accommodating for kayakers of all ages and skill levels. Also referred to as sea kayaks, these vessels are typically sleeker than standard recreational kayaks. They are narrow and long, usually a minimum of 12 feet in length.

The cockpits of these kayaks are also more compact so that the kayaker can use their hips and thighs to roll themselves over if they capsize. Touring kayaks are built for speed and distance. A touring kayak can be an exciting way to navigate large bodies of water.

However, beginners may have a slightly harder time learning on a sea kayak compared to other recreational variations. This is also not an ideal kayak for families or solo kayakers who want to leisurely paddle around a pond or stream. We suggest beginners look at smaller, more accommodating kayaks first. Whitewater kayaks are for more aggressive forms of kayaking.

There are four types of whitewater kayaks — playboats, river runners, creek boats and long boats. Playboats are as short as 6 feet in length should be used on standing waves and holes in a rapid, not for traveling down one. River runners are slightly longer and can endure a trip down the river. Creek boats are longer and heavier than river runners to withstand drops. Depending on the types of rapids you wish to take on, you should consider the length and durability of each of these kayaks.

However, we do not recommend purchasing a whitewater kayak if you are a beginner. While all water-based activities have a risk of danger, whitewater kayaking can be more dangerous than a slow paddle in a quiet stream.

We suggest that you choose and master a sit-on-top or recreational sit-in kayak before moving on to this advanced vessel. The number one benefit of an inflatable kayak is that it can be stored and transported much easier than any other kayak variation.

This kayak is perfect for those who live in smaller areas like apartments or who will need to store their kayak conveniently when not in use. These kayaks function like all other kayaks, so they are just as susceptible to capsizing or becoming damaged while in use. As a beginner or someone who may not use a kayak as heavily as someone who spends every weekend paddling, an inflatable kayak has numerous advantages. Some features these types of kayak may include are rod holders, pedal propulsion systems which can be motorized and extra cargo storage.

Though most prefer a sit-on-top kayak, there are also fishing kayaks that are sit-ins. These kayaks can also handle more weight than some other recreational varieties, which is crucial if you plan on hauling gear and keeping your catch. Learning how to pick the right kayak can be tricky, especially if you plan on using a kayak for fishing purposes. Instead, it may be better to opt for a general recreational kayak, like the kind mentioned above. However, if you are buying a kayak specifically for fishing, we recommend you look for one that will be able to carry your gear, handle your environment and provide you with the mobility you need.