Choosing a Kayak

Like that sexy kayak? Imagine slicing through the water in that baby! It could be yours.

But is it the right boat for you? Yes, it is tempting to want the coolest, sleekest machine on the water. But it may not be the smartest choice unless it truly suits your needs. You would not take a Lamborghini to go on a family camping trip, and you will probably not be happy in a sleek racing kayak if all you really want to do is take relaxed paddles along the shoreline enjoying the sunshine on the water, or if your real interest is to go on a kayak expedition.

Kayaks vary tremendously in their suitability for different purposes. At Ocean River we recommend that you choose carefully in order to get the right boat for your needs and to ensure that you are not disappointed after the honeymoon. If you do a good job in your search, you will know when the right boat comes along. It will feel right, fit your needs, and you will love it through years of happy paddling.

In determining what the right boat might be, we encourage people to consider the intended use, budget, materials, hull design, and additional boat features. When you come down to the ORS store to look at boats, these are the kinds of issues our amazingly knowledgeable staff will help you work through. In the meantime, here’s a primer on the things to think about when selecting a touring kayak.

Your Needs and Intended Use
Budget and Materials
Hull Design
Additional Boat Features