Spending some time in the water is always fun, especially when done with friends or family. One of the ways to do so is kayaking. Kayaking allows you to explore a variety of water bodies, including lakes, ponds, canals, rivers, seas, and oceans. The key to having a fantastic experience is choosing the right kayak. For that, you need to consider a variety of factors before parting with your money to buy your kayak. Some of the top considerations to make are highlighted below.
Type of Kayak
There is a wide range of kayak types, with their uses ranging from intense whitewater rapid navigation to light recreational paddling. However, all of them can be categorized into two basic types, called sit-in kayaks and sit-on-top kayaks. Just as the names suggest, sit-in kayaks have enclosed cockpits in which you sit while the sit-on-top kayaks let you sit on top of the kayak. The sit-on-top kayaks have the advantages of self-bailing and greater mobility while the sit-in kayaks offer greater control, warmth, and dryness.
Size of Kayak
You also need to choose the right size of kayak for the best kayaking experience. The right size should first be based on your intended use. The recreational class kayak should generally have a width of more than 24 inches and a length of fewer than 12 feet. The weight should be less than 50 pounds. Such dimensions provide the best stability.
For light touring class kayaks, this 3 person kayak review suggests that the length should range between 12 feet and 16 feet, and the width between 22 and 25 inches. Such dimensions are a perfect choice for amateur kayakers who need both leisure and sport. Kayaks with a length of more than 16 feet and width of fewer than 22 inches fit in the touring class kayaks, used for more advanced excursions.
Body Size
Ultimately, you should feel comfortable in the kayak you buy regarding your body size. That means that each individual may have a different preference regarding the size of the kayak, based on comfort. For that, ensure you retain the ratio of dimensions as per the intended use.
Type of Hull
The hull’s design is also an essential factor to consider when buying a kayak. It determines the kayak’s performance by influencing speed, maneuverability, and stability. The four primary options include flat, rounded, v-shaped, and pontoon. Flat and pontoon hulls are the best for beginners as they offer more stability. V-shaped offer more speed and rounded are best for rougher waters.