Camping Kayak
Buying a Kayak
Kayaking is a sport that attracts a wide range of people who all are different in their own way and also have different wants and needs. So how do you go about choosing the proper kayak for your paddling needs? Take a few factors into consideration before making your decision.
- The location at which you are going to be using your kayak
– Your kayak experience level
– How durable you need your kayak to be
– Transporting your kayak
– Price of kayak
Location
Where are you going to be spending most of your time in the water? Different kayaks are designated for different bodies of water, so first decide where you think you will spend most of your time in the kayak. Obviously, white-water kayaks are much different than touring or ocean kayaks. If you are planning on going to large bodies of water or long rivers and spending a lot of time in your kayak, you might want to look for a kayak that is longer and has more cargo space so you can bring along all the things you might want or need (Tent if you plan to camp, food, spare clothing, etc). If you are planning to take a quick trip after work to the nearest pond or lake, then a recreational kayak will suit you just fine. Think about where you’ll be kayaking ahead of time.
Experience
Beginners are probably the only people who need to be reading this section, due to the fact that if you aren’t beginning, then you know what you are looking for in a kayak. That said, kayaks have different shapes, lengths, and widths. If a kayak is longer it will move smoother and quicker but will be harder to turn and maneuver. The width of the kayak determines how easy or difficult the kayak will be to balance in the water. Also the shape of the kayak will determine how easily the kayak glides through the water and how much effort you will have to put into it. If you are just beginning, look for a kayak that is wider and not too long so that it is less “tippy” when sitting in the water. A wider kayak will also handle waves better if you happen to be on a body of water with motor-boats or jet-skis.
Durability
If you plan to take good care of our kayak and treat it as if it were a newborn child, then it would be ok to buy a nice classy kayak that might be made out of wood. That is if you are also going to be paddling on calm open water. But if you don’t plan to take such good care of your kayak and you might be dragging your kayak while going to, being in, and leaving the water, you should search for a kayak that is very durable and probably made of a high temperance plastic. If you find yourself somewhere in between these two extremes fiberglass might suit you nicely.
Portability
Kayaks are all different weights and sizes. If you are going to be kayaking with a partner, go ahead and purchase a heavier kayak and make your friend help you carry it. If you are going to be going kayaking alone, look for a kayak that isn’t as heavy and you can carry easily without much strain. You don’t want to be fatigued before you even get into the water.
Price
Price is always a factor when buying anything. You would never buy a $500 chocolate bar and you would be a little skeptical buying a car for five bucks, I hope. Kayaks have a fairly broad price range, spanning from $250 to about $5000. Don’t forget to factor in the other things you are going to need to start kayaking. These other things include a paddle, life-jacket, helmet (for the more dangerous waters). Other things you might want to consider before making your trip to the dealer are wet shoes/socks, jackets, shirts, etc. Expensive? Don’t get discouraged, think of it this way, after you make those initial purchases, you never have to pay again. You don’t have to pay for fuel, registration, or even maintenance. What you get in return is a pastime that is growing in popularity, healthy, peaceful and fulfilling.
Price daunting? Consider the reasons for buying a used Kayak.
About the Author
Ryan is the founder of KayakForLife.com, a website dedicated to the kayaker. Take a moment to check out the site, you might just learn something new.
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