Kayaking is one of the fastest-growing activities in the US.
More people than ever are going kayaking these days. What makes kayaking so great isn’t just that it’s incredible exercise, it’s an exhilarating way to enjoy the beautiful wilderness we have in America.
If you’re looking for your first kayak, it can be a bit confusing. Walking into a shop with no knowledge of good or bad kayaks can also be intimidating. Today, we’re going to give you a hand and give you a brief guide that makes choosing the best kayak simple.
Not all kayaks are created the same, so keep reading and make sure you’re getting one that’ll be great to learn with.
Why and Where You’re Kayaking
When you start looking at different types of kayaks, it’s important to know where you’ll be taking it.
If you’re going out on an intense river, you may need whitewater kayaks, but when you’re going out for a leisurely paddle on a lake, a recreational lake kayak is better. Ocean kayaks are best for those looking to get out in choppy seawater.
Where you take the kayak will depend on what you enjoy doing. Whitewater rafting kayaks have better maneuverability while touring kayaks are best for long-distance trips. Fishing or hunting kayaks from RepTheWild have wide beams, which gives them greater stability.
Hard Shell or Inflatable
Whether you go for a hard shell kayak or an inflatable one will probably depend on how much storage space you’ve got. Buying a kayak that inflates makes it more portable and lightweight as well, though a hard shell is going to be more capable in more intense situations.
Sit On or In
There are two main options when it comes to the seating configuration of your kayak: sit on top and sit inside.
Sit-on-top kayaks have open decks and are generally more comfortable to get in and out of. They’re more user-friendly, making them a great option for beginners.
Sit-in kayaks are what you picture when you think of a kayak. They’ve got a closed cockpit, which makes them better for more challenging situations. They also give the paddler more control and efficiency of movement.
Propulsion Preference
When talking about propulsion, you’ve got 3 options. The two more popular are paddles and pedals. A paddle is the most traditional propulsion method and the one you’d choose for most situations, but a foot pedal kayak can be more efficient and better when you’re fishing.
Motorized kayaks are the third option. These are good if you want to forego the traditional kayaking experience for speed and range.
Going It Alone
The last thing you need to consider is whether you’re going to be kayaking alone or with a partner. If you know you’re always going to be kayaking with someone else, then a tandem kayak is going to be more cost-effective than two single-person kayaks.
That said, being a kayak owner is all about exploring, freedom, and solitariness. Having the freedom to move wherever you want is what makes kayaking such a wonderful activity.
Getting the Best Kayak for You
Kayaking is a fun and exciting activity for people of all ages and backgrounds, but there’s a steep learning curve. The most important thing, with all of this considered, is that you get the best kayak for your skill level right now. That’s how you’ll learn and learn to love the sport for what it is.
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