With the huge variety of sea kayaks on the market, choosing the right kayak for you can be a daunting task. There are many things you should consider before making a choice. The most important factors are how you plan to use the boat and your characteristics as a paddler.

TYPES OF BOATS:

Recreational kayak
If you are only planning on taking your boat out in fair weather conditions in which there is little wind ,and if you have the intention of partaking in activities such as bird watching, fishing, photography, or other activities that require a stable boat, then you want to purchase a recreational kayak. These boats tend to have flatter bottoms making them less tippy( better primary stability) and they are usually very stable in calm conditions. They do not perform well in waves ( poor secondary stability) and are generally slower because they do not cut through the water very efficiently.

Sea Kayak
If you are more interested in taking the boat out in variable conditions, especially in larger bodies of water, then you should consider a sea kayak. The hulls of these boats generally have a more rounded or v-shaped appearance than the recreational boats. This means that they will initially feel less stable, but that they will actually be more stable in the waves. The width of the boat will also effect stability. A wider boat will generally be more stable, but, because it displaces more water, will also usually be slower. Sea kayaks come in variable lengths. In general, longer boats will be faster and will have more storage for extended trips. The longer boats are also more resistant to being pushed around by a cross wind (yaw) because there is more water resistance keeping them moving in a straight line . The shorter boats are generally easier to turn and usually weigh less. The weight of the boat can be extremely important during transport and portages. The most important distinction between a sea kayak and a recreational kayak is that a sea kayak has two water-tight bulkheads in the stern and the bow of the boat, ensuring excellent flotation.

Wave Kayak
If you are interested in playing in the surf and the waves, then you want to invest in a wave kayak. These boats are usually shorter, which allows for quicker turning, and they have a more rounded appearance to their hulls (rocker), which allows them to ride over the crest of the waves with more ease.

Once you’ve chosen the type of kayak you need, you then need to choose the material from which it is made. Most recreational kayaks and surf kayak will be plastic. Sea kayaks, on the other hand, come in both plastic and composite forms.

MATERIALS:

Polyethylene (plastic)
Polyethylene kayaks are known for their durability and for being low maintenance. Generally, these boats can be launched from the beach easily and handled roughly without incurring much damage. While difficult to damage, if they are damaged then they are almost impossible to repair. In addition, plastic is more flexible than other materials, so these boats do not perform quite as well as a stiffer composite model. Plastic is also the quickest material to degrade in the elements and can actually be warped if left out in the sun. While plastic kayaks are cheaper than the other boats, you pay the price in weight. Plastic boats are heavier.

Composite
Composite kayaks include both fiberglass and Kevlar boats.

Fiberglass boats are stiffer and have a smoother finish than plastic boats, allowing them to glide through the water with less effort than plastic boats. These boats are more aesthetically pleasing than the plastic boats, and due to the stiffness of the material, they perform better. Fiberglass boats do have to be handled with more care than plastic boats in order to avoid damage. However, if they are damaged then they can be more easily repaired.

Kevlar is a stiffer material than fiberglass, but its main advantage over fiberglass is that it is a very light material. This may not seem important when you are in the water, but proves to be very important for transport. While Kevlar is the most expensive material, it is light enough to get on top of your car and transport easily by yourself, which may make it the only boat that you use frequently. So, the initial cost may pay off in the end. When damaged, Kevlar is more difficult to repair than fiberglass.

The size, skill and aspirations of the paddler are a key consideration in choosing a boat also. To have the best control of your boat, you want to feel like it is an extension of you. The more contact you have with the boat, the better you can turn and maneuver. A smaller paddler may feel swallowed up in a boat with a large cockpit. On the other hand, a larger paddler may feel too confined and cramped in a standard sized boat. You should always paddle a boat before buying it, in order to make sure that it’s the right fit for you.

PADDLER SKILL:

Novice Paddlers
A novice paddler may be intimidated by the initial instability they feel when they first sit in a well-designed sea kayak. It sometimes takes a while to trust the secondary stability of the boat and learn that the boat is designed to lean into turns and handle waves. The biggest mistake a novice can make is to get a boat purely based on initially stability, and then quickly outgrow the boat. Rather than being bored, one is better off getting a boat that has good secondary stability, and initially taking it out in calm conditions. As his skills improve and he becomes more comfortable edging and leaning the boat, he can take it out in more challenging conditions .This allows him to take the time to develop the skills he needs, and grow into his boat, instead of growing out of it. Learning how to take advantage of the kayak design will ultimately be rewarding.

Advanced Paddlers
More advanced paddlers will want to consider how they plan to use the kayak. If it is going to be used for touring, then one needs to check to make sure there is enough storage capacity for his/her needs. If they plan to use the boat primarily in creeks and streams, a shorter kayak will turn easier around tight bends. If they plan to use the boat in open water, a longer boat with a smaller cockpit may be a better choice. There is no boat for everyone.

SKEG OR RUDDER?
Skegs and Rudders can both help a kayak stay on track, especially in challenging wind conditions. They both function to help a boat stay on a straight line and the rudder can help steer the kayak as well. There is some debate on whether a skeg or a rudder is best and even whether you need either one at all. It is best to develop your skills so that you don’t need to rely on either. Still, these aids can be invaluable in difficult conditions, especially when a paddler is fatigued or when one wants to relax, socialize, or take in the scenery and not focus all of his energies on paddling. Most kayaks will have the option of at least one or the other. On tandem kayaks a rudder is usually standard. You should paddle boats with both, and find out which one works best for you.

There are a lot of kayaks on the market . Take the time to find the one that is right for you. If you are able to find one that truly fits your body as well as your needs, then you will be much more likely to enjoy your boat and your kayaking experience. The more you enjoy it, the more you will use it. And the more you get out on the water and escape from the stresses of every day life, the better it will be for your body as well as your mind.

Good luck and Happy Paddling!

Safety Warning Kayaking is an active sport and involves risk of injury and even death. Please obtain competent instruction from certified instructors before kayaking or using any of the equipment associated with Paddle Point LLC. Learn about potential hazards and assessment of risk before you paddle.