In case you fell in love with kayaking and would like to go out on the water regularly, you might have decided to buy your own boat. If you are a beginner, you need to make sure that you choose wisely and the kayak will serve you for a long time. There are so many types of kayaks out there, and they are all suitable for various waters and activities. To help you choose the right one, below you will find a few things to consider.
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.