Kayaks 101: Options & Accessories
April 13, 2010, By Jeff Waddle 3 comments
There’s no finer way to become one with the water than sitting just above it in a kayak. More nimble and less clunky than a canoe, kayaks are the coolest way to cruise the liquid highway, from lake to stream to ocean. It’s good exercise, eco-friendly and a memorable way to enjoy the Great Outdoors without a lot of hassle and expensive equipment.
With the growing popularity of kayaking in recent years has come a boatload of new kayak styles, models and options. Here’s your guide to choosing the kayak that’s right for you.
Decide What You Want to Do
Before you plop down a thousand or so bucks for a kayak, it’s advisable to spend a little time deciding exactly what you plan to do with your new toy. Be honest with yourself to avoid purchasing a boat that may not be your best option.
For example, while shooting Class III-V rapids on a raging river looks awesome, are you really going to have the time and energy to become a whitewater wizard? Will you fish in it, take it off the coast or maybe even on a lake trip that will include an overnight campout? Will you go solo or maybe a tandem boat is a better option if your spouse or a friend may be interested, too? There’s a kayak that is best suited for each and every option, so a one-size-fits-all boat won’t be your best solution.
Kayak Choices
- Whitewater vs. touring. This is likely the biggest decision you’ll make when purchasing a kayak because the differences are pretty dramatic. Whitewater kayaks are made to be more responsive and maneuverable in moving water. Consequently they’re shorter (6-9’) and a little lighter than a touring kayak which makes them easier to roll back upright if you turn it over in fast water. Touring kayaks are longer (16-18’) and sleek (20-24" wide) to stay on line and cut through water with maximum efficiency. Most coastal kayakers prefer touring models.
- Anglers. Kayaks made especially for anglers are mid-sized (about 12’) and wider (about 30") than a typical touring boat for stability. Common angler amenities include flush-mount rod holders and anchors to keep you put in a hole where the fish are biting.
- Solo vs. tandem. You now can get every style of kayak in a two-person or tandem package, which is great if you’re into group camping or day trips with family or friends. But, they are longer and heavier than solo models which can make them more cumbersome to transport.
- Sit on top vs. inside. Some people prefer sit-on-top models vs. standard kayaks where you sit inside. More similar to a canoe, sit-on-top models are easier to get in and out, an important advantage if you flip the boat and suddenly find yourself upside down in water. But, they aren’t as comfortable for long trips and they’re not as easy to maneuver in rushing water.
- Inflatable vs. hard-sided: One of the biggest recent advances in kayak choices are high-quality inflatable boats that are made of tough stuff like high-denier polyester with a PVC laminate that come with fixed rigid forms to stay on course and cut through chop. Inflatables are generally lighter and break down so you can throw them into the back of your truck—some even fit into the trunk of your car. But, some inflatables don’t track through water as well as a hard fiberglass kayak, and they can always spring a leak if you hit something sharp in the water. You’ve also got to inflate them every time you head to the water.
Popular Options
Foot-controlled rudder kits to improve tracking over longer distances are popular options for touring kayaks, while many kayakers use spray skirts to keep them high and dry when they’re tackling whitewater. Recreational or day-trip kayaks sometimes offer foot paddles to power the boat, and some manufacturers even offer sail kits to attach to their boats. Storage hatches and bungee deck lacing to secure gear are essential options for multi-day adventures.
Jeff Waddle is a featured contributor to ManoftheHouse.com.
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