Does your size also influence the size of kayak you should go for? Many beginners seem to be asking this question, so let’s clear the air once and for all. Stuckfishing.com might also be able to offer some enlightenment on kayak selection. 

Questions That Guide You on Kayak Selection

Some questions on kayak selection are a lot more helpful to beginners than others. Here are the main ones to ask yourself:

• What body of water will you be kayaking in? Rougher bodies of water call for longer and narrower vessels. On the other hand, calmer ones require shorter and wider canoes.
• What type of kayaking are you leaning towards? Adventure-seeking kayakers demand longer kayaks that offer more stability in brutal rivers and unpredictable oceans.
• Do you plan on loading up your kayak? The weight you plan on carrying on your kayak will affect the type you choose. For example, you could go for a tandem kayak if you wish to paddle with another person on the same vessel.
• How do you plan on launching, transporting, and storing your kayak? These factors influence the size of the kayak you choose. Overlooking this part could mean not having the space to store your vessel properly.

You might be wondering why rider size and weight aren’t as much an influence on kayak selection as the factors above. That’s because kayak sizes usually cover a broad range of rider weights and heights. Therefore, unless you’re anywhere in the extreme of these figures, you won’t have any trouble fitting into the normal kayak size ranges.

The Standard Kayak Sizes and Dimensions

Contrary to what some beginners might think, rider size influences paddle choice more than kayak selection. In this section, we’ll go over the standard dimensions for the different types of kayaks and other factors to consider when selecting a kayak style.

Length

Length is one-third of the trio of elements that influence your kayak experience the most. An average kayak measures 10 feet but can be shorter or longer depending on your purpose. Short vessels range from six to nine feet, while the longer ones could reach up to 16 feet.

Length impacts speed, and the longer your vessel is, the faster it tends to be. However, user skill also factors heavily into this equation. Generally, if you’re navigating rapids, you’ll require a shorter, more stable boat than when you’re casually paddling through still waters.

Recreational Kayak Length

Although recreational canoes also come in made-for-show or made-for-performance designs, these types of kayaks generally start a half-foot short of 10 feet. They can be as long as but rarely above 12 feet in length. Recreational boats belonging to the shorter range are usually slower but are more comfortable to maneuver.

Sea Kayak Length

Kayaks for touring or navigating the open ocean tend to be longer and more streamlined. They come in a structure perfect for handling the unpredictability of Mother Nature. That said, you shouldn’t attempt an open-ocean tour in these vessels without the right skill and experience. The kayaks for ocean fishing have a minimum length of 12 feet but anglers usually prefer a 14-foot kayak to cut the sea waves efficiently. If you are not sure what kayak to choose, make sure to read this sea kayaking guide. 

Tandem Kayak Length

Tandem kayaks range from 10 to 14 feet, but kayakers tend to go for the average length of 12 feet. It sits right in the middle and will generally meet most tandem-kayaking needs.

Performance Kayak Length

These speed-focused vessels often run from 15 to 18 feet. While they’re as long as sea kayaks, they are not often built with the stability of their open-ocean counterparts.

Width

Widths also come in a broad range where kayaks are concerned. Some are narrow, while others are wide. Some kayaks also occupy the mid-range in terms of width, and they bring more versatility than the ones belonging to either extremes. 

Ocean Kayak Width

These boats run from 20 to nearly 35 inches wide. They are never too wide, as they need to be equal parts fast and stable. Width shares the same concept with length in that the narrower the value is, the faster the boat tends to be. Conversely, wider boats will lack speed but will also be stabler than their slimmer and more streamlined counterparts.

Volume

Kayak volume is synonymous with its overall size. It deals with the amount of space the vessel takes up and the load it is able to hold safely. It also determines the quality of the ride.

High-volume kayaks are easier to master, while low-volume ones are meant for advanced-level riders. More than width and length, it is the volume that dictates what size kayak you should get for your weight.

So, What Size Kayak Should You Pick?

Go over the above-mentioned factors when choosing a kayak size. Once you’ve determined your purpose, focus on the size that best accommodates your weight. Specifically, check the volume of the kayak and see if it can accommodate your weight and your gear’s weight safely and conveniently.

The post What Size Kayak Is Best? appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

This was right up until my close friend showed me some videos of a holiday from a couple of years ago where he went Kayaking on a number of lakes, so thought I would do a little more research and put pen to paper to bring you some highlights of where you can go.

I would like to thank Aaron from Palmetto State Armory for his help and input here. While he and I both much prefer hunting and fishing, he has at least been on Kayaking holidays. He has also, on a number of occasions, taken his hunting gear with him and sailed to some rather inaccessible hunting grounds here in the US. This is certainly something I hadn’t thought about.

In his words “Iconic rivers, stunning coastlines, placid lakes or whitewater rapids, all can become  part of a unique kayaking adventure.  Whether experienced or an absolute beginner, they create never to be forgotten memories enjoying the surrounding natural environments…”

Sea Kayaking in Sardinia

Enjoying adventure, relaxation and stunning scenery. This trip is suitable for beginners or intermediate level sea kayakers, a good level of fitness will of course enable you to get full enjoyment from your trip.

Sardinia offers rugged coastlines, hidden beaches and amazing areas suitable for snorkelling. Fly to Alghero Airport to begin this exciting adventure, check into your accommodation and spend time exploring the surrounding area.

The equipment you will need will be supplied as part of your adventure, a Kayak, Paddle, PFD, Spray Deck, 10L dry bag, water shoes and snorkelling gear.  You will need to bring your own lightweight long sleeve shirt for paddling, swim shorts, swimsuit and towel, sun protection, hat, sunglasses and sunblock.

Casual clothes for evening wear and a fleece or sweater in case it turns colder.  A reusable water bottle.  From May to October the daytime temperature in Sardinia will range from 22’c to 30’c but cool off to 11’c- 18’c in the evening. 

From November to April the daytime temperatures range from 14’c – 18’c and cool off to 10’c – 13’c at night.  Rain is rare so you will be able to enjoy the lovely sunshine.  Begin your adventure by heading onto the Mediterranean and enjoy the marine life at Porto Conte Regional Park.

Paddle on past huge sea cliffs and caves of the famous Capo Caccia, continue with your journey to Cala di Dragonera before returning to your accommodation after an exhilarating day on the water.

The following day gives the chance to explore cliffs and caves and perhaps stop at a quiet beach for lunch.

The beaches of Caladi la Donne and Abra Massa are amazing areas for snorkelling.  On the final day of kayaking follow the stunning shoreline of Sardinia, swim snorkel or just relax and admire the surrounding beauty before completing your adventure with drinks and perhaps some live music at Lido Beach or Porto Ferro beach.

Kayak and Wild Camp in Croatia

A reasonable level of fitness and of course an adventurous nature are a must to be able to fully enjoy this amazing adventure.  Explore the wilderness of Croatia, enjoy the stunning Zrmanja River and camp on its banks.

A two night vacation beginning at the airport at Zadar where you will meet up with the rest of your travelling companions.

The first night will be spent in the small village of Kastel Zegorski where camp is set up and a BBQ dinner around the campfire will be enjoyed by all.  The second day involves approximately 4 or 5 hours of paddling, swimming and jumping in waterfalls along the beautiful Zrmanja River. 

A short hike to a 8m high waterfall for a swim and a picnic lunch before returning to the river ready to negotiate some class 11 and 111 rapids while floating through limestone canyons.  

This evening camp is set up near one of Zrmanja’s largest waterfalls, before enjoying a traditional meal around the campfire.  The following day the adventure continues down the Zrmanja River to the Adriatic Sea through an amazing canyon in the VelebitNature Park.

Finish in Novigrad and change into dry clothes ready for the journey back to the airport having spent a wonderful few days in stunning waterfalls, freshwater pools and exploring mysterious caves while creating lasting memories. 

Sea Kayak Whale Watching, Kapa’a United States

This kayaking trip offers a full day of excitement paddling the canoe paths of the early Polynesians, while whale watching and snorkeling. The journey will begin on the Golden coast of Kauai at Poipu, paddle west and enjoy the scenic and rugged shoreline that is home to Spouting Horn, the remote Lawai Valley, the unusual Nomilo Pond and the cove of Wahiawa. WInter is the time to spot migrating Humpback Whales.

You may also be lucky enough to spot dolphins, flying fish and green sea turtles, amazing to see them in their natural habitat. There is also the chance to see the rare Monk Seal, and watch for tropical birds. 

Spend some time snorkeling off one of Kauai’s shores before making your way back to Wailua River Marina. This kayaking trip is considered to be quite challenging and therefore a certain degree of fitness is required as it involves about three to four hours of intermittent paddling.

October through April is considered to be the most suitable time to take this trip.  Conditions can change quickly, but can be exhilarating and enjoyable while enjoying the most incredible views and pleasure of the vast ocean.  

Kauai is the northernmost and oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, is full of Hawaiian culture and heritage and many of these natural wonders are best seen by navigating the surrounding water.

Sea Kayaking in Scotland, Great Britain

Introduction Course.  This kayaking course begins and ends at Inverness.  After being met at Inverness Railway Station the adventure begins by travelling to the north-west highlands and perhaps  experiencing your first try at sea kayaking in a sheltered sea-loch. Returning to a bunk-house for an evening meal and a discussion regarding the aims for the trip.

The following day will involve launching the kayaks and being taught new strokes before setting off to explore the beautiful loch whilst also developing your sea kayaking skills and confidence, ready for a longer journey at sea the following day.  The following day will be spent developing your skills while enjoying the islands and coastline of the North West Highlands.

After a well earned rest the following day begins sea kayaking in Applecross and exploring Loch Shieldaig and Shieldaig Island.  The island is protected by the National Trust for Scotland and is known for its stunning Scots Pines, herons and seals.

Weather permitting the journey will continue along the North Applecross coast and into Loch Torridon or maybe to the remote Diabaig coastline before returning to the pretty village of Shieldaig for an overnight stay.  The final day of the adventure is spent on a sea kayaking journey in Loch Kishorn on the southern coast of Applecross.

Using your enhanced kayaking skills to kayak across the bay to Kishorn Island with its seal colony, and enjoying the amazing views of this small corner of Scotland before making our way back to shore.  

Whilst enjoying a most stunning part of Scotland you will also develop kayaking skills, navigate rapids and experience the wilderness that is Scotland and create memories that you will enjoy for a lifetime.

Kayaking the famous Fjords of Norway

The Norwegion Fjords are considered to be a natural wonder, what better way to experience them than by kayaking along the small inlets which are inaccessible by larger boats.  

Turn a day’s kayaking into an adventure by packing your camping gear into your kayak and stop off at one of the many remote beaches or small islands.  Many of the fjords are on the west coast of Norway, around a one or two hour drive from the airport of Bergen.

A fjord is a deep narrow and elongated part of the sea that stretches inland for miles, winding around mountains, valleys and steep cliffs.  Fjords were formed by giant glacier tongues and shaped over several ice ages. 

The Unesco listed Naeroyfjord is 17 km long and the narrowest point is only 250m wide, it is therefore difficult to miss any of the stunning surroundings, snow dipped mountains and majestic waterfalls while enjoying the clear waters beneath.

Begin the first day of your kayaking adventure at Gudvangen, paddling down the amazing Naeroyfjord arriving at your campsite late afternoon.

Relax and experience the stunning scenery while enjoying a meal around the campfire.  Continue kayaking the following day, admire the remote waterfalls and magnificent cliffs before arriving at the remote village of Undredal and your journey to the airport for your journey home.

You do not need previous kayaking experience to enjoy this adventure but reasonable fitness levels will ensure you enjoy the 25km of relaxed paddling.

Kayak and Camp the Southern Greek Coast

A reasonable level of fitness and most of all an adventurous spirit is all that is needed to enjoy the peace and tranquility of Greece and to explore the wild untamed coastline of the Peloponnese. 

Local expert guides will advise and help you to enjoy this adventure, all kayaking, snorkelling and camping gear will be provided, along with all the Greek food you can eat.

This amazing experience begins when you arrive at Athens Airport and are collected and taken to your accommodation.

The first night’s accommodation will be at a guesthouse, metres from the beach, at Kalamata. The second night will be at a remote campsite at Sfaktiria where tents, sleeping mat and sleeping bag are provided.  

The first day will be spent meeting the crew and enjoying a greek meal in Kalamata while admiring the view over the Mediteranean. 

On Day 2 after checking all safety procedures collect your kayak and begin the exciting adventure of paddling along the coast, past secluded coves and watching out for the sea turtles, before making a stop at Voidokoilia,  one of Greeces many beautiful and secluded beaches, enjoy a refreshing swim in the clear turquoise waters.

There is the opportunity to hike up to Navarino Castle and witness the amazing views over the bay.  Return to the beach past Gialova Lagoon, a wetland area which is a migratory bird hotspot, and you may be lucky enough to see egrets, herons, sandpipers, osprey and harriers.

Continue paddling to Sfaktiria, a remote island, where you will spend the night camping on the beach after enjoying a traditional Greek dinner.

The final day will see you waking up to the paradise that is Greece, after enjoying a leisurely breakfast paddle along the island’s coastline to Fanari, a tiny islet, with numerous sea caves to explore. Spend some time swimming and snorkelling in the beautiful waters before a short paddle back to the mainland.

Greece is a place to relax and to enjoy surrounding beauty and to learn of the history of the locations you will stay in and to also hear about Greek mythology from the friendly locals.

Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

This adventure is a kayaking trip with a difference.  Excellent kayaking through Ucluelet, Canada. 4 Day Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve includes accommodation, expert guides and delicious meals. 

No kayaking experience is necessary but a reasonable standard of fitness will ensure you are able to enjoy 4 – 6 hours of daily kayaking and all that this exciting adventure has to offer.  The evening before the tour departs will give the opportunity to try on paddling gear and check last minute details.

This kayaking adventure will give the opportunity to explore Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere.  Clayoquot Sound is the last Great Rainforest on Vancouver Island, located north of Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island.

The area is unceded traditional territory and home of the three Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations, the Hesquiaht, A housaht, and Tia-o-qui-aht.

Clayoquot Sound is world renowned for its ancient rainforests, gigantic cedars, wild salmon, timber wolves, black bears and whales.

Learn the fundamentals of ocean kayaking and safety procedures and make this an experience you will never forget.  All the gear you need will be provided you would only need to bring personal items with you.  Whether looking for excitement or a relaxing experience this adventure will provide both.

The itinerary will of course depend on the weather and of course the ability of the group, but aims to paddle 4 to 6 hours each day leaving lots of time to enjoy other activities or for relaxing.  Camp for the night will be set up on one of the campsites on Vargas Island.

Snacks, hot drinks and dinner will be provided.  Paddling to different locations each day within the Sound, discovering inter-tidal life, exploring old-growth forests and ancient First Nation Village Sites adds to this unique experience.

Questions are always welcome and encouraged whether regarding kayaking safety, about forest ecology or sea and wildlife in the surrounding area, the guides are extremely knowledgeable.

The post Kayaking Holiday appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Carabiners

Sometimes you want to take more than just your body out on open water. Often, you’ll stow a drinks bottle or a snack in your boat so you can grab something quick while you paddle. Unfortunately, the moment you enter rougher waters, all your stuff starts slipping and sliding all over the place. It’s a nightmare trying to keep it all under control. 

Carabiners offer a solution. These allow you to lash things to your kayak, so they don’t move around or float to the river’s bottom when you capsize. Most kayakers prefer a keyed setup. They keep a chain around their waist with a keyring on it and then use it to open the carabiners and access the stuff they need when they need it. You can find out more about carabiners at Outdoor Life Lab. 

Paddle Leash

Having a floating paddle is helpful. But, you’d prefer it if it couldn’t get away from your boat at all. After all, if you lose your oar in the water, you can’t exactly go racing after it. 

Paddle leashes are helpful inventions that make capsizing less catastrophic. If you happen to be upside down in the water and lose grip of your oar, it doesn’t matter. It’ll remain attached to your boat, no matter what the river or sea throws at you. You don’t have to worry about it floating away, allowing you to enjoy your day even more.

Flotation Vest

Wearing a flotation vest is something that everyone who plans to be out on open water should wear. Conditions on rivers and seas can change rapidly, and you can quickly find yourself in trouble. 

Flotation devices, like those available from places like Jetpilot, are crucial for safety reasons. Once you pop them on, you no longer have to worry about how long you can tread water. And if you can’t swim at all, they could save your life. Here are some more life jackets for sale to choose from. 

Dry Box

Dry boxes are for things that you can’t afford to get wet – like your cheese and Marmite sandwiches. But most kayakers don’t have them, instead preferring to rely on their skills in the water—bad idea. 

Dry boxes or dry bags are great for any food, medicines, or electronics – like your camera. Once you have one, you can enjoy taking some great pictures. 

Emergency Kit

Kayaking sounds like a lot of fun – and it is. But to be able to enjoy it, you need to go prepared. That’s why many people who regularly take part in the sport always bring things like sunscreen, bug spray, waterproof matches, extra rope, utility knives, and flashlights with them. They never know when conditions might get a little hairy. Kayaking accessories, therefore, are all about preparing for the worst. 

The post Accessories No Kayaker Should Leave Home Without appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Some of the excuses are down to your individual traits. If you’re scared, you need to overcome your fears. However, others are driven by myths that are false. By believing them, you let mistruths prevent you from experiencing an activity that could become a significant part of your life.

Don’t let it happen

It’s Hard To Get Into

Not the kayak itself! The sport, as a whole, is a specialist activity as it requires a handful of essentials. You can’t do it without water or a vessel and protective clothing. Thankfully, you don’t have to look far. For example, kayak classes take place on rivers, lakes, and even swimming pools. Water shoes for kayaking and hiking are available at all good sports stores, while you can rent a kayak for the first couple of attempts. It’s more accessible than you imagine. Google your nearest class, or read some fishing kayak reviews, and the answer will surprise you.

They Aren’t Stable

Like all good lies, this myth used to have an element of truth. In the past, kayaks were designed to sail long distances without expending energy, and stability wasn’t high as a result. To keep your balance, you had to be pretty handy in a kayak. Still, those were the old-fashioned designs. Today, the average kayak is incredibly stable and very easy to keep on top of the water. Yes, tipping is scary, and it is dangerous, yet it’s not the death sentence that people assume, which brings us onto the next myth…

You’ll Get Trapped

It’s worth noting that kayaking is an extreme sport, and as the name suggests, there are risks. One of them is tipping as you can lose your senses and become trapped underwater. Another thing to point out is that it very rarely leads to fatalities since rolling is quite straightforward. There’s no need for complicated movements or big amounts of upper body power to free yourself once you capsize. Whether you use the “C-to-C” or “Sweep” techniques, you’ll recognize that the key is to use your hips and paddle to your advantage. As long as you learn with an instructor first, you’ll be fine!

It’s Boring

On the flip side of the coin, you have people who think it’s boring. If you can’t get any kicks from zooming down white water at the speed of light, maybe you need another hobby! Regardless of whether you go down rapids or fish with a rod out the side, there are plenty of ways to spend the day on the water. You can explore, take part in competitions, and head out onto the high seas if you’re comfortable. 

If you still believe it’s boring, you can hop in a kayak and find out!

The post 4 Kayaking Myths Stopping You From Getting In The Water appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

I cover here the whole idea from the different angles as to why you need a traditional sit-inside kayak or modern sit-on-top (SOT) kayak based on seated deck or cockpit & full kayak structure.

Understanding about sit-on-top (SOT) & sit-inside kayak

Most commercial kayak manufacturers produce these two-seat type kayaks. In the sit on top, the cockpit deck is up the water level; on the other hand, in the sit-inside kayak, the cockpit is below the water level. 

A sit-on-top kayak is inflated with an air chamber mechanism that offers great kayaking, especially when the water is cold. There is zero fear for capsizing or filling with water. Whenever capsizes, a kayaker can quickly flip it to return to the paddling mode.

On the other hand, in the sit-in kayak, kayakers can easily paddle & faster headways to wandering in nature.

Are you beginners in kayaking?

There are some technical or specialized terms in the kayak industry. As a beginner, to understand clearly about sit-on or sit-in type kayak, we need to clarify some jargon first.

    Hull: Hull means the top physical kayak body shape.

    Bow & stern: The front side of the seat is bow & backside is stern.

    Rocker: The lengthiness curvature of kayak body.

    Beam: The lower cross-section of the rocker is known as a beam. 

    Spray deck or spray skirt: It is used on the desk to prevent water from entering the boat.

Why two types of seats?

Both sit-on-top & sit-in are especially helpful to meet the different kayaking purposes. 

Sit-on-top is dedicatedly for an amateur photographer, fishing & underwater diving popularly known as recreational scuba diving, etc.

And sit-inside kayak is for recreational paddling or kayaking, exploring the undiscovered natural beauty.

Which type of seat do I need?

Depends on needs, you can easily identify to pick the kayak. But it isn’t as simple as you assume because the shape & size are a must considerable matter. Whether you choose the specific hull shaped kayak-Flat, V-shaped, Rounded, or Pontoon, there may not available all types the kayak seats.

Manufacturers design now multiple-beam profile kayak based on a scientific experiment. Flat-bottom kayak’s beam gives super stability & less speed but rounded or more chin-up beams less stable & high speed.

 The comparative study of sit-on-top (SOT) & sit-inside kayak

Based on the kayakers’ point of view, I discuss here the ins  & outs of essential issues. Both sit on & sit-in kayak has merits & some demerits. It’ll be wise to take decision analysis by comparative study.

• Seating position

In a sit-on-top kayak, the paddler has only an ‘L’ type seating position. Here backrest & footrest is very available.

On the other hand, in sit-in kayak –there are different seating positions available. In sit –inside kayak thigh bracing can be straightly & leg stretching is sometimes painful for the longer people.

2. Paddling

Paddling stroke heads the kayak to the desired location. Hard stroking puts an extra strain on the shoulders & it is painful. So, sit-on-top kayak makes your recreational kayaking a bit of experience.

But, there needs less paddling in a sit-inside kayak. As this is the narrower body & it moves smoothly.

3. Compatibility 

The sit-on-top idea is the modern kayak or canoe mechanism. The concept of foot paddling or small motor is easily used in the sit on position.

Sit inside kayak allows faster paddling keeping a hand with kayak body.

4. Stability

The stability of kayak on the water bed is one of the primary requirements for happy kayaking. Jerking makes the kayaker uncomfortable. Both the rocker & wider makes the kayak stable. To meet the center of gravity, a sit-on-top kayak is wider & it gives extra stability.

On the other hand, the body of the sit-inside kayak is narrower, so it is not so stable.

5. Security

In the sit –on top kayak, not capsizable sealed-hulls tactics are used. It allows greater security & flipping when emergency arises. On the other hand, in the sit-inside kayaks, the deck is spacious & so difficult to flip in normal mode when capsizing or filled with water. 

Advantages of Sit-on-top kayak-at a glance

• Very easy to enter & exit.
• Sit- in-top requires the wide body to maintain the proper center of gravity. Wide body gives more stable.
• Flipping is easy here. If the unwanted bad sea or water bodies capsize the desk, flip it quickly & start kayaking again. 
• Paddlers sit-on out of the water surface. Thus there is no fear of hypothermia by cold water body or cool weather.
• It relieves you from challenging movement of the limited disabled persons. 

Drawbacks of sit-in-top kayaks

• Due to the higher surface of the seated location, the kayaker feels less than of center of gravity, and thus s/he can’t fully control of the kayak’s maneuverability or paddling stroke with the desired turning when the adverse conditions of sea or water bed arises.
• Unless you use to shade, kayaker faces direct sunlight or gust of wind; thus, it may disrupt the faster kayak paddling stroke.
• Vertical angular paddling makes it slower than paddling from sit-inside kayak.

Advantages of Sit-in kayak-at a glance

• Faster & easy paddling helps to go a long distance.
• Here, the full body merges in the desk. Thus not only paddle but also the gravity of the attached leg plus body can control the paddling easily.
• In warm conditions, it gives comfort because the cockpit directly attached to water.
• It protects from heavy wind & direct sunlight.
•  The desk is a large size, so more storage of recreational types of equipment are available in a sit-in kayak. 

Drawbacks of sit-in kayaks

• Substantial wave fills the desk quickly though spray skirt prevents water but not fully.
• Tandem kayaking with two persons is limited here.

Finally, we get the aforementioned excellent tips & ideas from the vast well-researched sites & real-life experience. Out of those -Wikipedia, Wikihow and KayaksZone etc. are notably mentionable sites. So, keep trust in leading authority sites about proper kayaking essentials & make an accurate decision whether to pick sit-on-top or sit-in kayak. 

The post Which kayak is better to sit on or sit in? appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

If you are a real fan, you may already know that when the season is on, and your friends are calling you to have some awesome kayaking experience, it is impossible to say no!

Yuppies take sick leaves at work, students delegate their papers to http://www.top-custom-writing.com/custom-coursework-writing-service/, and they all go embrace the favorite activity!

So, what attracts people so much? What is it about kayaking, and how does it work?

Let’s get to know!

What Is Kayaking?

It is a water sport which includes paddling on a special boat – kayak. Each boat is equipped with a double-bladed oar and has an enclosed deck that “hides” legs. Mostly, the boats are single-seated, but there are the ones for two or even three people. 

There are many types of kayaking out there. They vary depending on complexity, a type of the boat, water reservoir, and a level of danger. As a watersport, it holds a range of national and international competitions and racings. Moreover, it became a part of the Olympic games in 1936. 

Apart from that, the activity is a well-known and popular way of having rest and fun. 

Recreational kayaking is a fascinating activity for active people. They can exercise, have fun, and enjoy breathtaking views all at the same time. 

Another type – surf one – is a wonderful opportunity to try a new way of surfing. And the whitewater kayaking option is for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush.

Kayaking in the USA

The watersport has become a trend among US residents. People like it for many different reasons, and let us name just a few for you:

A Mix of Relaxation and Physical Activity

This watersport is an incredible opportunity to combine leisure and exercising. You can have some fake fight with nature, using your strength and skills. 

At the same time, it is a perfect opportunity to enjoy harmony, have fun while on an adventurous journey. Many young Americans are more than eager to lead an active lifestyle, so this is a perfect option!

Communication and Having Fun

Whether you enjoy a competitive type or a recreational one – kayaking sessions serve as a wonderful opportunity to meet new people. 

Everyone knows that such types of physical exercise bring those engaged in them together and make it easier to communicate.

Besides, it is quite popular to do paddlesport with a family for the same reason for spending time together.

Availability

People can enjoy kayaking being experienced professionals or beginners, young or old. There are many opportunities to choose a school or course, coach, equipment, and place. 

Variety of Types 

This fact attracts many US athletes. They can try river racing, slalom racing, freestyle, or extreme kayaking, among other types.

There is even kayak polo for team players.

An Amazing Journey

Another awesome opportunity for sportsmen is to choose a place where they want to try paddling. Luckily, the USA is full of stunning places for doing it. 

And in fact, lots of them continue to emerge on the paddling map of the country. As a piece of evidence, Matador Network made a list of top 10 unique destinations for kayaking in the USA;

Available All Year Round

Kayaking cannot be called a one-season sport. You don’t have to wait till summer or winter, specifically to enjoy it to the greatest possible extent. 

Great Training

Coaches claim that kayaking is a mix of useful exercises for a body. It is a combination of cardio workout and strength training for many parts of the body and enhances calorie expenditure. 

Beyond that, it offers a great opportunity to train speed of movements and enhance one’s endurance. 

Stress Relief

Any physical activity is a good way to relax and get rid of stress, so is this one. 

Calm paddling surrounded with beautiful scenery helps one settle down, meditate, and feel peaceful while extreme paddling through mountain stream helps to let out negative emotions.

The Bottom Line

Nowadays, kayaking is one of the most modern water sports in the USA. There are plenty of advantages for representatives of different generations.

More and more athletes start taking an interest in this paddlesport, and some show fantastic achievements. General statistics show that the number of those who engage in kayaking of different types in the USA is growing dramatically. And the activity keeps gaining momentum. 

If you are a modern and active person – then you must try it if you still have not. Be sure that you will not regret this decision. 

Hopefully, this article was helpful in discovering the benefits of kayaking. So, are you ready to join the local team?

The post Kayaking as a Modern Sport in the US: Join the Team appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

The choice of equipment for watersports is something you wouldn’t want to downplay. Not only does it give you the best possible experience, it also ensures your safety and security.

Having said that, let’s take a look at what you need to keep in mind when you’re looking for equipment for the type of watersport you’re trying.

Check for durability

If you’re looking for a kayak that doesn’t break apart when you’re on the most unforgiving ravine, you might want to focus on checking the integrity of the boat you’re buying.

It helps if you’re able to determine the type of material used for manufacturing watersport equipment. When it comes to buying kayaks, for instance, you might want to get those that are made from polyethylene, which is known to resist the hardest impacts. The same level of meticulousness should also be applied to other types of equipment. 

Consider the practicability of buying new equipment

You will have to consider whether you have enough money to even afford the right equipment for watersports. At the very least, you should be able to find equipment that strikes a perfect balance between quality and cost.

At any rate, you will have to check if it’s practical to buy new tools and accessories. If you’re lacking the needed resources, then renting out such equipment may seem the most practical approach to consider. 

Know where to buy

When shopping around for watersports equipment, it’s important to keep in contact with a shop that’s capable of providing you with the best products. You won’t have to rely on brand names just to find the perfect supplier for your needs.  

At any rate, you might want to opt for manufacturers or dealers who have had a good track record in selling quality equipment for certain watersports. In the field of wakeboarding, for instance, you might want to visit sites like aerialwakeboarding.com to look for quality towers you can fit your boat with.

See if you can test them out

When vouching for a piece of equipment’s quality, you might want to check with the seller for details of the material and the place where the equipment itself was assembled. But if you want to look past the technicalities, you might as well know if you can test it out yourself.

Sellers can give you a sample of the product you can use for testing. A stress test might also be required to check the actual durability of the product. This could easily be used on surf rods and kayak paddle, but kayaks and motors will have to be assessed under actual conditions. Regardless, you might need to know about the warranty on these products so that your investment would seem worthwhile. 

Trying out a watersport for the first time? Keep these tips in mind when shopping around for the right equipment. 

The post How to Pick the Right Equipment for Watersports appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

Size

You will first have to decide on how many people need to fit in the kayak. The most popular models have one or two seats, but there are also some odd ones. Depending on the river or stream you would like to hit regularly, you will have to also decide on the length. The shorter it is, the easier it it to navigate on rough waters, but the lighter it is, the more you will be affected by the waves.

Seats

There are two main types of kayak seats: sit-in or sit-on-top. The traditional design is the sit-in, as it supports the body and prevents you from falling out. However, if you are a beginner, you might also consider a sit-on-top design, as it is more user-friendly, and better suited for fishing from the kayak. However, if you are looking to engage in watersports in the winter or hit cold waters, you might not enjoy being splashed at all the time.

Hull Type

The hull type of the kayak will determine its performance in the water, so you have to make a careful choice. The flat hull is more stable and easy to maneuver, so if you are a beginner, you might choose this. A rounded hull kayak will go faster, and turn better, and when your boat is tilted, it will have a better chance of staying upright. A V-shaped hull is best if you go on tours and plan to cover long distances in a straight line. Pontoons are a combination of flat and rounded hull, and tend to go slower than other designs. A chine hull is the hardest to turn over, so if you don’t enjoy landing in the water, you can go for this option.

Paddles

Of course, you will need to be able to navigate and drive your kayak in the right direction, so the paddles are important. The paddling type of your kayak will depend on your preferences and fitness level. Low-angle paddling will give you a slower but more steady performance. High-angle paddling is the best choice for professionals. You can also choose the material of your paddles; fiberglass for touring, carbon fiber for competitive sports, and nylon aluminum if you want a lasting and easy maintenance solution.

Choosing your first kayak can be challenging. Start with deciding what you would like to use the kayak for, assessing your skills, and getting expert advice instead of trying to listen to all your friends giving you contradictory information.

The post Considering Buying Your First Kayak? A Few Tips for Choosing the Right One appeared first on A Straight Arrow.

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If you are planning on going for a fishing or spotting expedition by yourself or with a friend, a good Kayak will come in handy. The above are some of the best five kayak brands you should consider purchasing at any time. In addition to being of great quality, they are very affordable. You can also check more models here.

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