Kayak Buying Guide: Which Type Should You Get?

Posted by: KHTS Articles in News Articles June 18, 2020 - 10:04 am 0 650 Views

Kayaking is a great way to spend some time in the great outdoors, doing something fun and physically engaging. Having your own kayak will allow you to enjoy some quality time with friends, family, or even all by yourself, all while keeping fit and entertained.

If you are thinking of going kayaking and want to invest in your own kayak, here is a guide to help you choose the best type for your specific needs and experience level.

Sit-On Tops Vs Sit-Ins

When trying to choose a kayak to buy, the first thing you will have to consider is whether you will feel more comfortable in a sit-on-top kayak or a sit-in one. The dedicated reviewers from FantasticKayaks.com explain that in order to decide on which type will be best for you, it is important to understand the difference between both of them. If you are looking to buy a kayak to simply enjoy the view, perhaps in a lake or pond, then a sit-on-top kayak may be suitable for you. It provides you with as much legroom as you want since you will be basically riding on top of it with your feet in the water. On the other hand, a sit-in kayak can be used for more serious kayaking sessions. The great thing about it is that you can stay dry the entire time and be focused on physical activity rather than just laying back and enjoying the view.

Fishing Kayaks

This type of kayak is perfect for those with families who love to go on fishing trips. Fishing kayaks are pretty cheap in comparison to bigger boats but are versatile enough to go into deep water where you can fish comfortably. The great thing about fishing kayaks is they also have enough space for all your gear with allocated compartments for the rods and paddles so you won’t have to worry about where to put all your fishing equipment. Fishing trips are often long and require a lot of patience and a comfortable place to sit while you wait for your luck to strike. Fishing kayaks are great for providing comfort on those long trips as they have enough legroom for you to sit and stretch comfortably.

Inflatable Kayaks

Some people shy away from buying their own kayak and rely on rentals instead because they fear they won’t have enough space to store their kayaks. Luckily, inflatable kayaks have appeared on the scene to solve that very issue. They can be inflated and deflated whenever you want. Inflatable kayaks are a practical solution for recreational kayakers who want to have their own kayak but still worry about carrying it around or have difficulties with its storage.

Whitewater Kayaks

Although many people think of kayaking as a way to relax while enjoying themselves, there are methods of kayaking that can get a little extreme, particularly with more experienced kayakers who prefer aggressive waterscapes. Kayaking in some rivers or open waters with high waves is considered a more extreme form of kayaking and needs experience as well as a dedicated whitewater kayak. These types of kayaks are usually longer and heavier to endure the aggressiveness of water and give the kayaker full control over the boat.

Kayaks for Touring

Sightseeing is a goal many people want to achieve when considering buying a kayak. If all you want is to sit back and enjoy the beauty of nature, then a touring kayak is the perfect one for you. Some models of touring kayaks have foot pedals instead of the usual wooden paddles to make it easier for people to move around in the water. Touring kayaks are usually quite short and a little wider than other types of kayaks, too. They also mostly have weight limits so be sure to check for that before investing in one.

Buying a kayak is a great way to invest money in something that will bring you a lot of joy and help you stay fit. Whether you are looking for a new way to enjoy the great outdoors, or if you have always dreamed of having your own boat, you could start with a kayak to know what it feels like to be in the waters and learn some valuable lessons along the way. Choosing the right kayak for you depends on how you are planning to use it and the amount of experience you have, so make sure you do some research before you make any purchases. Once you do, you will finally be able to experience the fantastic benefits of kayaking whenever you want.