Kayak selection is not only dependent on the environment and differences in climate. Many other factors also play a role in choosing a kayak, from a long list of its categories. Before diving into the variety of kayaks to choose the finest one, you need to understand how many types there are in the field of kayaking and which kayak will perfectly stand out from your needs.
Before you go to the market, it is important to figure out how you will use your kayak. One of the benefits of buying a kayak is that you can take it virtually anywhere and canvas countless creeks, streams, rivers, and oceans. Try to imagine your perfect kayak trip. Will you be resting or landing nets to catch some fish? Do you intend to go long distances or shoot competitions while kayaking?
There are different designs of kayaks, and their techniques vary from small recreational paddling to extreme whitewater rafting. Whether you’re a fisherman or a shore rider, there exists a variety of kayaks, to select the precise one, according to its characteristic hallmarks than others.
Before we break these ideas down into explicit action models, let’s take a look at kayaks in general.
Sit- Inside-Kayak or SIK
When choosing fishing kayaks, if your target is salmon, cod, or Rainbow Trout (some cold water fish), sit-in-kayak SIK is a worthy option. The design has a cockpit hull where the kayaker can sit inside and have a better place to be covered from all sides. You can protect knees, feet, and elbows under the cockpit to avoid cold water splashes that can cause serious health problems due to sub-zero temperatures.
Another option that you can wear is an additional splash skirt that is fitted around your cockpit. This apron is a flexible, waterproof cover that the driver can be clothed in to completely fling cold water away.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks or SOT
SOT is perfect for kayaking in temperate environments. It does not have a deep hull like a cockpit to provide the kayaker with an adequate structure to be protected inside. The SOT is specifically known as a self-bailing kayak; as it constantly removes water as it passes over the seating position. Unlike the SIK where water can enter the hull and needs to be removed by the rider, this does not have to be the case with the SOT.
Therefore, if you are from a tropical region and want to explore the depth of equatorial nature along with the advantage of fishing, you can have a reliable and adventurous trip by choosing a sit-on-top kayak.
Kayak for vacation or beginner
These kayaks are designed to teach beginners how to kayak. They usually come in the simplest of shapes; two or one cockpits that are not limited and have a maximum length of 10-feet.
These structural measures are modified in such a way that neither too slow nor too fast a ride is possible, but rather a moderate speed is traveled. The seats mounted inside are designed to support the kayaker with straps behind both shoulders. It will be a good experience along with a guide to keeping a speedy kayak ahead if you are a newbie in kayaking and fascinating to get a thrill out of it.
Touring or sea kayaks
You need to pick up a sea or touring kayak if you are making a bet with friends to have a competition in kayaking. These are specially designed with cockpit hull and slim rocket shape to move faster in seawater and whitewater. Their body size is usually between 12-15 feet in length. This makes the touring kayak a reliable option for long-distance touring in big waters.
Inflatable kayaks
These are by far the most typical types to discuss among the range of kayaks. They are easy to store, whether you live in an apartment or a luxurious house. If you do not have enough space to place a hard shell kayak, then the inflatable kayak is for you. Inflate it when you go to the lagoon and let the gas out when you finish the trip.
Structurally, inflatable kayaks are shorter than touring kayaks as they are not designed for high speeds and due to their inflatability, longer lengths would hinder their movement. A mesh basket is attached to the top of the kayak to store essentials for the ride. While the seat is also made of polyethylene and has straps to hold the rider firmly back.
Tandem kayaks
The kayak structure and types discussed above were mainly about adventure and thrill on the water. But for calm waters; including lakes and ponds, tandem kayaks are designed and available in double seat configuration. If you do not want to go for an adventurous ride and want to have a calm tour on the water with a partner, the tandem kayak is suitable for that. Externally, the tandem kayak has a division of deep seats that develop in the form of chairs and provide comfort while kayaking. It is comparatively heavier than the aforementioned types and hence offers problems in capsizing.
Different kayaks are specific for different journeys, and for upgrading your boat experience, there’s a wide selection pool to pick out the contrasted one. Kayaks are the crafts you must have for variable casting over diverse water hearts to reach all breeds of fishes. Undoubtedly, taking up a kayak is worth your bucks, experience, and endeavor.