Types of Kayaks and how to buy them

You love the water, that's why you've decided to buy a Kayak! Where to start can be a little over whelming. Here are a some tips to help you make the best choice.

1. What Kind of Kayaking are you interested in? The bodies of water that you like to frequent can help you decide. Do you want to Kayak on Lakes?, Rivers?, Ponds? Or maybe Sea Kayaking?



2. There are different types of Kayaks. There are "sit-upon", for the not too serious Kayak-er where you sit on top of the boat. (self-explanatory) And there are conventional Kayaks where you sit down inside the boat

3. Recreational Kayak- For people who want to get out occasionally or maybe with their families on week-ends. Usually for casual paddler on lakes, ponds or flat- water, as it is called. Generally less than 12 feet in length, and small cargo storage, And have a large cockpit. (the area where you enter and sit)

4. Touring Kayak- For extended day touring, and can carry allot of gear, works well for large bodies of water.

5. Fishing Kayak- For people who are serious about hunting or fishing, and can come with allot of accessories, such as Rod Holders.




6. Tandem Kayak- For 2 or 3 people, for you and companions, some are better for lakes and ponds. There are also Sea Kayaks for 2-3 people that will hold considerable amounts of gear below the deck.



7. Paddles- Kayaks require 2 bladed paddles that are purchased separately from the boat. There are many different kinds of paddles.
You can buy moderately priced paddles, and there are more expensive ones as well. If you spend enough money on the Kayaks, oft times the Kayak Dealer will throw in some free paddles. Free is good, right?

8. Check the weight of Kayaks before buying, you may have to carry them some distance to the water. Kayaks vary in weight depending on the purpose and tasks they need to perform, and the body of water they will be used upon.



9. Long Kayaks track better than short ones, meaning they stay truer to the direction you are paddling. Short Kayaks or " Pocket Rockets " as they are called are for white water, and not good tracking Kayaks.



10. For a little extra cash you can get a Kayak with a skeg, which is a little rudder on the back of your Kayak, which gives the best tracking.

11. You will also need to purchase a PFD (persona

l flotation device) to fit your own personal style, their are assorted colors,and styles for PFD's.The price range for these also varies.




12. Kayaks are made out of different types of materials: Polyethylene, Composite, and Wood. There are even inflatable Kayaks.

You can subscribe to magazines that offer trips, build and sell custom Kayaks, and read interesting stories about cool Kayak adventures.

Things to take along when Day Touring

Always take along something to drink in a bottle that doesn't leak. (you will have bulk heads on most Kayaks for some storage) Or you may find your self very thirsty and inconveniently paddling for shore. And some kind of snack that you can open and eat without too much trouble. Popcorn is probably not a good idea .(insert humor)

Other Items you may want to bring along for Summer Kayaking, Your camera, a light weight long sleeve shirt in summer, lightweight waterproof jacket, pants. And some SPF lotion to protect your skin.

You will get wet, Nylon material sheds water and drys up quickly. There are sites that offer Kayak Gear and clothing specifically designed for Kayaking water sports.

Any small Items such as keys can be worn around your neck on a lanyard with a small plastic key holder.

Other small Items you may not want to get wet such as your camera, drivers license, or cash, can be stored in plastic sandwich bags on your Kayak.