Kayaking is a great way to enjoy being on the water when you don’t have access to a boat. There are many different types of kayaks to choose from, suitable for use on lakes, rivers, and even in the ocean. The first thing to consider in choosing a kayak is where you want to go, as what you’re going to do with your kayak makes a world of difference. Here are some tips for choosing the best kayak for your sporting needs.
For basic cruising, a touring kayak is an excellent choice. These boats are longer and keep a better straight line path in the water, meaning less effort staying on course. Sea kayaks are a subset of this category, geared for use on the ocean. They are also well suited to camping as they have a larger capacity for gear and better stability.
For general use, there are a number of styles of recreational kayaks. These are shorter and wider to offer more stability. You will have much less fear of tipping in a recreational kayak, but you will sacrifice speed. Since they are generally designed with leisure activities in mind, this is not necessarily a negative. Fishing kayaks will offer convenient features like rod holders and spaces designed to store bait or gear. Sit-on designs are the most popular choice for anglers, and most recreational craft are the sit on type versus the sit in version often associated with whitewater rapids.
Speaking of, when people think of kayaking, they often envision shooting down rushing rapids. If this is your dream, you will need a whitewater kayak. There are a number of different hull shapes and body styles to choose from in the category. In general, a whitewater kayak is more narrow and shorter than its recreational cousin. They are built for speed and maneuverability. The sit-in style means you are tucked completely into the cockpit with only your upper body exposed.
Today’s kayaker can even choose an inflatable variety. This highly portable and easily stored craft is also cost effective — a great choice for those who can only get out on the water occasionally or are just plunging in for the first time. Whether you want a thrill ride or a vehicle to see parts of nature many people don’t, kayaking is an incredible outdoor activity to take up almost any time of year!
Images via Kristoffer Trolle, bazzat2003
