Home | Leisure | Sports & Activities | Kayaks | How to Choose a Kayak

How to Choose a Kayak

by Jeff Studebaker

  • Overview

    Kayaks have developed from the traditional sit-in touring kayak into a wide variety of styles and configurations--some for general use and others tailored to excel in specific environments. The first thing kayak buyers must consider is what do they plan to do in their kayak. Two main styles of kayaks are currently popular: traditional sit-in kayaks (SIK), and newer sit-on-top (SOT) kayaks. While the faster and more maneuverable SIKs are familiar to most, SOTs look more like a surfboard with a seat on top. Made of fiberglass or roto-molded plastic, SOTs are sealed so they cannot be swamped, an advantage for beginners or those who use kayaks for fishing, surfing or scuba diving.

  • Stillwater Kayaks

 

  • Step 1

    For kayaking on lakes or calm inland waters, speed and maneuverability are the main considerations. Decide whether you want to cover distance quickly, maneuver through confined backwaters or a combination of both. Both sit-on-top and sit-in kayaks are good boats for stillwater paddling.

  • Step 2

    Choose a kayak 14 feet or longer for speed and tracking, 12 feet or shorter for maneuverability. A rudder will make a longer kayak more maneuverable and give straighter tracking to a short kayak.

  • Step 3

    Choose a kayak with a wide, flat bottom for stability if you are a beginner or plan to use your kayak for activities such as hunting or fishing.

  • Step 4

    Choose a narrower, round-bottomed kayak for speed and maneuverability. Though note that they will be less stable.

  • River Whitewater Kayaks

    • Step 1

      Choose a kayak that is highly maneuverable and will withstand rough and unpredictable waters. Sit-in kayaks are preferred since they put the kayaker in a lower, more stable position, but some sit-on-top models are gaining popularity.

    • Step 2

      For navigating whitewater, sit-in kayaks 10 feet or less in length provide the best combination of stability and maneuverability. Many, such as the Dagger, or Liquid Logic's Remix, are not more than 7 feet long.

    • Step 3

      If you are planning to use your kayak for paddling the slower stretches of a river, choose a 10- to 14-foot model with a wide, flat bottom for greater stability and shallower draft. River anglers, in particular, prefer a sit-on-top kayak for ease of movement and boarding.

    • Step 4

      Do not use a rudder for river kayaking.

  • Ocean Kayaks

    • Step 1

      Choose a sit-on-top kayak 14 feet or longer if you plan to launch your kayak off the beach through strong surf. SOTs will not take on water as easily as sit-in kayaks. If the kayak has a rudder, be sure it can be easily raised and lowered from the cockpit.

    • Step 2

      Choose a kayak that is 16 feet or longer (either SOT or SIK) for long-distance paddling, where speed and ease of tracking are important.

    • Step 3

      Choose a round-hulled kayak for speed. This type of hull is often too wobbly for beginners but more advanced users find it is faster and easier to paddle for long periods.

  • Other Considerations

    • Step 1

      Beginners should choose kayaks for stability, so a wide hull with a flat bottom is best. SOTs are often preferred for ease of recovery in case the boat capsizes.

    • Step 2

      Fisherman and scuba divers who need storage space and freedom of movement on deck often prefer sit-on-top kayaks, either with wide hulls for stability or narrow hulls for speed.

    • Step 3

      Tandem kayaks allow two kayakers to paddle in one boat. However they can be awkward when only one paddler is aboard. Kayakers who may solo paddle their tandem should choose one with seats that are mounted on adjustable tracks.

    • Step 4

      Choose a kayak with the proper amount of below-deck storage. Most kayak models have storage areas, including sealed storage for sensitive electronic items like mobile phones and GPS devices.

    • Step 5

      Pedal-powered kayaks such as the Mirage line produced by Hobie are a good choice for anglers and other users who want to keep their hands free while kayaking. They are not a good choice for rivers, however, since their drive can be damaged by rocks on a shallow bottom.
    • 1
    • Never buy a kayak without testing it on the water. Most sellers will either allow a test paddle on the spot, or will hold regular classes or test outings.
    • Never buy a kayak without testing it on the water. Most sellers will either allow a test paddle on the spot, or will hold regular classes or test outings.
    • As with any watercraft, a personal flotation device is essential. Kayak classes are highly recommended, and it is imperative that users learn and practice capsize recovery techniques with their craft before going on the water.
    • As with any watercraft, a personal flotation device is essential. Kayak classes are highly recommended, and it is imperative that users learn and practice capsize recovery techniques with their craft before going on the water.

    References & Resources

       
       
     
     

    Popular Topics