Sea Kayaker Mag

How To Chose A Kayak

In order to get the most out of your kayaking experience, it is important to select the type of kayak that best suits your needs based on intended use.

There are several types of kayaks that are designed for specific types of water sports activities.

When deciding how to pick a kayak, you would be best served to prepare a checklist of things you might want or need from your kayak.

When added to your kayak’s intended use, you have have a clear outline of what you are looking to buy.

Choosing A Kayak

Choosing a kayak will require several considerations. First, you need to consider how many people will be using the kayak at any given time since kayaks are designed for 1-3 people.

Second, you want to think about what types of water ways you expect to encounter. While some kayaks are multi-purpose, many are specifically designed for specific activities such as fishing on lakes, ocean sporting or riding the river rapids.

Finally, you need to determine the practical aspects such as allocated storage space, the ability to transport your kayak and of course price.

Kayak Types

No matter what type of kayak you buy, safety should always be your primary concern. In that regard, you should look for the most stable kayak available. Here is a brief summary of the most common types of kayaks available on the market today.

Sit-On-Top Kayaks

For maximum agility, this type of kayak in the most difficult to capsize and the easiest to correct should it overturn. It is also the easiest to enter and exit since the seating is molded onto the top of the hull.

Due to water exposure issues for passengers and supplies, this type of kayak is best suited for smooth water lakes. At 10-15 feet in length, they make great vehicles for kids and beginners with up to two passengers.

Inflatable Kayaks

If storage space and the ability to transport are an issue, inflatable kayaks offer a practical choice. They are usually made from a nice vinyl or PVC material, which makes them light and maneuverable.

However, what you gain in maneuverability, you lose in speed as it takes extra effort to paddle an inflatable kayak. They come designed for a variety of purposes and can be use as one or two person vessels.

Recreational Kayaks

Usually made of a durable plastic material, this type of kayak is best suited for casual kayaking on smooth water ways. They usually have a wider girth for extra stability and are known to lack the maneuverability found with inflatable kayaks. Finally, they are usually smaller in size and reasonably easy to store and transport.

Touring Kayaks

This type of kayak is built with more length to provide more stability in rougher waters such as rapids or in the ocean. Spray skirts are included to keep passengers dry and extra storage compartments are included to facilitate carrying supplies. It is notable that these high-performance vessels are a bit more on the expensive end of the pricing spectrum.

Fishing Kayaks

For the angler, this type of kayak comes with extra features (cargo storage and slots for fishing poles) that make fishing a little easier. They are made from puncture proof materials and are usually stable and flexible enough for use on any type of water surface.

How To Buy A Kayak

Kayak prices are determined by a variety of factors, including size, materials, extra features and safety. How much do Kayaks cost? Well, prices can range from $100 all the way up to as much as $1,500.

It is important to compare how much are kayaks versus what you get for the money. If safety is your primary concern, the kayak cost will trend upwards a bit, depending on which special features you want to include.

Where to buy a Kayak?

Inflatable kayaks are available online through sites like Amazon, in outdoor sports specialty stores and in most big box department stores. For plastic kayaks, you will probably have to shop in a specialty store or online for the best options.

Here are a few of the most recommended kayaks on the market based on prices and features.

Best River Kayak

AIRHEAD AHTK-2 Montana Performance 2 Person Kayak – Perfect for smooth water and white water rafting. This lightweight vessel in made from a PVC material that has an amazing 500 lbs weight capacity, suitable for two passengers and plenty of camping or fishing supplies.

It comes with two in-hull seats and a shock cord to secure supplies. Air pump not included. Price range from $350-$500. AMAZON LINK



>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Best Sea Kayak

Sea Eagle SE370K_P Inflatable Kayak with Pro Package – This water vessel is NMMA Certified. It comes with 2 padded in-hull seats, a drain valve, 2 oars and a high-powered air pump. Very lightweight for maximum maneuverability. Prices range from $300-$700. AMAZON LINK



>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Best Ocean Kayak

Intex Challenger K2 Kayak, 2-Person Inflatable Kayak – With 2 inset comfortable seats, this vessel is perfect for white water rafting and rough ocean waters. It is made from a durable vinyl for maximum stability and buoyancy. It comes with 2 aluminum oaks, a cargo net for the bow and high-powered air pump. Prices range from $100-$200. AMAZON LINK



>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<

Best All Around Kayak

Lifetime Sport Fisher Single or Tandem Kayak, 10 Feet, Olive Green – While listed as a fishing vessel, this kayak is both durable and stable, giving it enough flexibility for all types of water conditions. Seats up to 3 passengers with 2 paddles included and ample storage space on the bow. Prices range from $500-$700. AMAZON LINK



>> Find the best available price for this Kayak here <<