What kind of kayak is right for me

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. May not last as long as a single-piece paddle as a result of the joint mechanism. Paddle safety To ensure you're not stuck out in the ocean or up the creek without a paddle : Attach your paddle to your wrist or leg with a paddle leash.

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.

There are many types of kayaks for beginners but those learning to kayak with a friend, family member or partner may opt to purchase a tandem kayak instead of a single-seater.

There are a few advantages to buying a tandem kayak. For instance, a larger sized tandem kayak allows for more storage. They give you some shelter from the wind and water. You can add extra coverage with a spray skirt. A spray skirt is a flexible waterproof cover with a hole for your waist. They can help prevent water from entering the kayak as you paddle. These models tend to offer more storage space. Sit-in kayaks are usually constructed with foot braces.

Contrary to what some may think at first glance, sit-in kayaks are actually pretty roomy. The sit-in kayak can be more efficient to paddle than the sit-on-top variety due to its lower center of gravity. Secondary stability refers to how stable it is once you start paddling.

They offer great primary stability. The flatter the hull, the more stable your kayak will be. Flat hulls are ideal for recreational kayakers in flat water conditions.

These can be good choices for beginners. If price is a major factor in your decision to buy , I recommend waiting until the end of the kayaking season or around major sales events like Prime Day, Black Friday, or Cyber Monday because new kayaks are typically at their cheapest at these times. Shorter kayaks will generally be easier to turn, agile, and more maneuverable — and longer ones will be faster, more efficient, and have a better tracking performance.

And then, there are recreational kayaks as the middle-ground, clocking in at 12 feet max. My point is that all these different kayak lengths are designed to ensure optimal performance in a specific environment. Check out this guide on kayak sizes for some recommendations! Generally speaking, yes. But given that the beam can also impact speed and agility, choosing the correct kayak width can be a balancing act.

Go narrower than that, and you might get better secondary stability, as seen in touring kayaks that often measure no more than 28 inches in width. Most weigh between 20 to 80 pounds — but some do go beyond the pound mark.

Or, at the very least, a hard-shell made of lighter materials. Any equipment and supplies you bring onboard, your clothes, water bottles — in essence, every ounce of weight you add through cargo — contributes to the total. Considering that exceeding this limit will decrease stability and maneuverability and cause it to sit lower in the water, be sure to always stay below the specified capacity by roughly 30 to 40 percent.