The ideal kayak for you is the one whose performance characteristics fit your body size and your needs. The starting point for your choice of a boat is how you plan to use it. Even kayaks that look quite similar can feel and behave quite differently on the water.
The main performance features consider are stability, speed, tracking, maneuverability, fit, and capacity.
Do you like to relax when you are out there, take in the scenery, do photography, watch birds, or fish? If these are the kinds of things you see yourself doing in a kayak, then you want a boat with adequate stability so that you can relax in it.
If you want to go fast, or if you love the feeling of gliding effortlessly through the water, or if you paddle just to get a workout, then you might want to give up some stability for a narrow, fast boat designed more for speed and efficiency.
A kayak that tracks well is one that is easier to keep going in a straight line. More than 90% of the time when we are on the water, we are actually traveling from A to B in a straight line, and a boat that tracks well will get you there faster and with less effort.
Like to play around and turn easily in your kayak? Meander along the coast to check out the sea life? Or simply mess around in boats? Easily maneuverable boats that can turn on a dime are terrific for poking along shorelines or when you are herding a group of paddlers to keep them together. Boats that maneuver easily are always great fun to paddle.
Like shoes, boats need to fit. If you are a big guy you will need a boat with a large enough cockpit to allow you ease of entry and exit, and that has the capacity to carry both you and everything you want to bring along. If you are small you do not want to rattle around in your kayak. A boat that fits your size will be easier to control and more enjoyable to paddle. Look at the size of the cockpit, how easily you can reach the water and how the thigh braces fit you. Remember that to really control your boat, you need to feel as if you were somewhat part of it.
How much will you need to carry? If you plan to go kayak camping, then of course you need enough storage space for all your gear. Longer, wider boats can carry more. Check out the hatch sizes, too, in order to make sure you can fit your gear in. If you only wish to day paddle, then why haul around a big boat when a lower volume boat will suit your needs better?
Your Needs and Intended Use Budget and Materials Hull Design Additional Boat Features
Your Needs and Intended Use
Budget and Materials
Hull Design
Additional Boat Features
Ocean River Sports Newsletter
