Who will you paddle with?
How often will you be paddling?
Where will you use you kayak?
Now that you've answered these questions and have a better understanding of what you need here are some more considerations along with some suggestions for buying your kayak.
When should you buy your kayak?
The best prices will be seen during the off season. However, the selection during this time of year will be limited. The best time of year to find a good price with a decent selection is most likely July or August when retailers want to clear their stock and make room for the new models.
What size kayak should you buy?
Your height and weight determines the size of your kayak. Your height determines the cockpit opening - this is a vital consideration. For those who are taller, a more open cockpit is easier getting in and out of. If it's difficult to get in and out of your kayak it may spend more time in the garage than in the water. Things to remember;
*The width (or beam) will determine the amount of paddle effort needed and stability.
*A longer kayak requires less effort to glide and will glide smoother, but it will not maneuver as easily
*A shorter, wider kayak will be more stable and handle better than a long, narrow one.
Weight is another consideration. Consider your weight plus other paddlers or gear. Other weight considerations include how you plan on using your kayak. For example, if you plan on an overnight trip - you're going to stop and camp and then return. Your kayak plus extra gear can get pretty heavy, and in theses situations, lighter is better.
What type of kayak should you purchase?
Type describes the body or hull of the kayak. Specifically, the shape and characteristics for the kind of paddling it's intended for.Here are some kayak types to consider:
Sit-On-Top Kayak -Stable, easy to get in/out of, used for recreational paddling and fishing.
2 Person Kayak(Tandem Kayak) - Designed for two paddlers - recreational to sea kayaking.
Inflatable Kayak - Versatile, can be broken down for easy transport or storage.
Folding Kayak -The hull and deck fold in sections for easy transport or storage, very durable.
Light Touring Kayak - Faster, only slightly less stable, ample storage for day trips on protected to more open waters.
Sea Touring Kayak - Versatile, used on exposed coastal waters to protected bays, offers speed and ample storage.
Fishing Kayak - These are outfitted for fishing, anglers can happily reach shallow spots
Kid Kayak - Sized for kids or smaller paddlers.
Pedal Kayak - Versatile and stable, with a pedal mechanism as an alternate paddling method.
What color kayak should I buy?
This is a matter that should not be taken lightly. Not because you want the sharpest looking “whip” on the water, but because safety is of real importance. Bright colors are usually best.
One final consideration when buying your kayak is COST. Because we all have different budgets and various thought about how much we are willing to spend on our kayaks, I'll leave this up to you.
These are just some tips for buying your kayak. Before you actually buy your kayak, do some more research, buy that kayak and go have some fun on the water!!!
How often will you be paddling?
Where will you use you kayak?
Now that you've answered these questions and have a better understanding of what you need here are some more considerations along with some suggestions for buying your kayak.
When should you buy your kayak?
The best prices will be seen during the off season. However, the selection during this time of year will be limited. The best time of year to find a good price with a decent selection is most likely July or August when retailers want to clear their stock and make room for the new models.
What size kayak should you buy?
Your height and weight determines the size of your kayak. Your height determines the cockpit opening - this is a vital consideration. For those who are taller, a more open cockpit is easier getting in and out of. If it's difficult to get in and out of your kayak it may spend more time in the garage than in the water. Things to remember;
*The width (or beam) will determine the amount of paddle effort needed and stability.
*A longer kayak requires less effort to glide and will glide smoother, but it will not maneuver as easily
*A shorter, wider kayak will be more stable and handle better than a long, narrow one.
Weight is another consideration. Consider your weight plus other paddlers or gear. Other weight considerations include how you plan on using your kayak. For example, if you plan on an overnight trip - you're going to stop and camp and then return. Your kayak plus extra gear can get pretty heavy, and in theses situations, lighter is better.
What type of kayak should you purchase?
Type describes the body or hull of the kayak. Specifically, the shape and characteristics for the kind of paddling it's intended for.Here are some kayak types to consider:
Sit-On-Top Kayak -Stable, easy to get in/out of, used for recreational paddling and fishing.
2 Person Kayak(Tandem Kayak) - Designed for two paddlers - recreational to sea kayaking.
Inflatable Kayak - Versatile, can be broken down for easy transport or storage.
Folding Kayak -The hull and deck fold in sections for easy transport or storage, very durable.
Light Touring Kayak - Faster, only slightly less stable, ample storage for day trips on protected to more open waters.
Sea Touring Kayak - Versatile, used on exposed coastal waters to protected bays, offers speed and ample storage.
Fishing Kayak - These are outfitted for fishing, anglers can happily reach shallow spots
Kid Kayak - Sized for kids or smaller paddlers.
Pedal Kayak - Versatile and stable, with a pedal mechanism as an alternate paddling method.
What color kayak should I buy?
This is a matter that should not be taken lightly. Not because you want the sharpest looking “whip” on the water, but because safety is of real importance. Bright colors are usually best.
One final consideration when buying your kayak is COST. Because we all have different budgets and various thought about how much we are willing to spend on our kayaks, I'll leave this up to you.
These are just some tips for buying your kayak. Before you actually buy your kayak, do some more research, buy that kayak and go have some fun on the water!!!
These are all very valid points! I love to kayak my mom got a kayak a couple of years ago and we are around the same height so I use it and go down to Canandaigua lake and kayak across for a couple of hours. The next day my arms are usally tired and a little sore from so much paddling because it is only a one person kayak. Now that you say these facts it worries me because her kayak is light in color and I wish it was a brighter color. Thanks for all of the good information. Can't wait for the weather to get better!
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