Buying a kayak can be an overwhelming experience, and it’s easy to get lost in all the options. When figuring out what type of kayak you need, consider your skill level, where you’ll use the kayak (lakes or rivers), and how much money you want to spend on the purchase. We hope that buying a kayak will become less confusing with this information!
There are so many different types of kayaks available on the market it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one is the best for you. Whether you’re a seasoned kayaker looking for a new ride or a beginner trying to figure out where to start, it’s essential to consider a few critical factors before making a decision. In this post, we’ll provide tips and considerations to help you find the perfect kayak. So, let’s get started!
What to look for when buying a kayak?
Important notes for all types of kayakers and kayaks:
For Beginning Kayakers:
If you’re starting as a paddler and don’t know if one activity will stick around for the long term, renting may be your best bet. However, if it looks like canoeing/kayaking is here to stay with your skillset progressing, it’s time to bite the bullet and purchase.
For those starting, we recommend an inflatable kayak. These are inexpensive, easy to use, and can be taken anywhere. They’re also great for kids!
For Intermediate Kayakers:
If you’ve been paddling for a while and feel comfortable in different water conditions, you’ll want to look at a recreational kayak. These boats have more storage space than beginner kayaks which is perfect for long trips or for planning on bringing gear with you. They’re also stable and forgiving – making them great for intermediate paddlers.
For Experienced Kayakers:
If you’ve been canoeing/kayaking for a while now and are looking for something that will allow you to push your boundaries and get more technical, then a “surf” kayak may be right.
However, these boats are shorter, faster, and narrower than other designs, so they won’t track (or glide) as straight when paddled at high speeds. These aren’t the best choice if tracking is important to you.
Whether it’s Lake or River Kayaking: In terms of storage space, length, and price point- both lakes and rivers can be catered to with either type of boat, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for. Of course, both have their design differences, but it all comes down to preference!
Inflatable vs. Rigid Kayaks:
If getting out onto the water as quickly as possible is a priority, then an inflatable kayak may be best for you. These boats can easily be carried to the water, inflated, and put into action without much hassle. However, if having a more traditional look and feel in your boat is essential, rigid kayaks will likely better suit your needs.
Inflatable Kayaks:
Inflatable kayaks are typically easier to transport than their built counterparts – making them excellent options for those who take paddling on the go or don’t have access to roof racks/car top carriers.
They’re typically cheaper than hardshell boats, making them perfect if cost isn’t necessarily at the forefront of your purchasing decisions. However, they aren’t quite sturdy and tend not to track (or glide) straight at high speeds like a hard shell kayak.
Rigid Kayaks:
Require more storage space – both on the water and in your home, harder to transport without roof racks/car top carriers, and typically costlier than their inflatable counterparts. But what you lose in convenience, you make up for in durability and performance.
Rigid kayaks are great for those looking for a longer-term investment, with many models able to accommodate different types of paddlers (such as fishing gear, etc.).
Which is the best kayak for you?
As you can see, many factors go into buying your first kayak. Whether it’s inflatable or hardshell, recreational or surf design – it all comes down to what kind of paddler you’re looking to be and how much money is in the budget for this activity.
Remember: whether a beginner, intermediate or experienced – just because someone else got a specific boat type doesn’t mean that yours has to look exactly like theirs! Just pick one that works best with your style while keeping in mind the different conditions/features they offer so that you’ll get as much use from them as possible!
Which kayak to choose when you have a budget?
When you are looking for a kayak on a budget, there are some things that you need to consider. The first is what type of kayaker you are. If you are starting, an inflatable kayak may be the best option because they are generally less expensive than hardshell kayaks and are easier to transport.
They also tend to be less stable than other kayaks, so this may not be the best option if you want something more recreational. On the other hand, if you have been paddling for a while and feel comfortable in different water conditions, then a recreational kayak would be a better choice.
In addition, these boats have more storage space than beginner kayaks, perfect for long trips or bringing along your fishing pole.
Things that you need to consider when Buying a Hardshell kayak:
storage space
The first is how much storage space you have. If you live in an apartment or smaller home, it may be challenging to fit the larger size of recreational-type kayaks into your living space, so inflatable would not be an option.
Budget
A few more things to consider on a budget are that inflatable kayaks typically cost less than hardshell boats, but if you plan on using them often, then paying extra for something of higher quality may be worth it in the long run. Also, just because someone else got one doesn’t mean yours needs to look exactly like theirs!
Buy Best One
Just pick one that works best with your style while keeping in mind the different conditions/features they offer so that you’ll get as much use from them as possible. After all – having multiple kayaks can have its advantages, too, depending on where and how often you plan on paddling around!
So these are just a few things to think about when looking for your first kayak on a budget – but remember that the most important thing is finding one that you will enjoy paddling! And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out, and we would be more than happy to help.
Conclusion: What type of kayak do I need?
As you can see, there are quite a few different types of kayaks. Some of them will be better for certain situations than others. You can find out which kayak is best for you after researching. Check out some local shops and find a few kayaks you’re interested in to see what they’re made of and how they look.
After researching and finding a few kayaks you like, you can take them out for a spin to see how comfortable you are in each one. Of course, the kayak you choose will depend on your body size and what you plan on using the kayak for. Hopefully, the information in this article will help you find the best kayak.
2 Comments