RIVER RANGERS™ tend to focus on waters only up to Class II rapids. As such, recommendations listed here are for novice paddlers looking for advice on their first kayak purchase or rental. The information contained within will be of little use to advanced paddlers with highly technical needs. Now, lets begin.
Just Grab One and Go
Choosing a kayak looks like a simple task. Find one that looks cool, is the right color and price range and you are done. Box stores have lots of cool designs and colors to choose from. Even sports specific box stores have lots of options. However, there is so much more to choosing the correct kayak than look, price and color.
What to Look for First When Selecting a Kayak
Even this question will get different responses depending on who you ask. I prefer to start with the sit. Do you want the traditional, sit inside the boat feel and design? Would you rather sit on your boat? Why does this matter?
Well, for the most part it doesn’t matter. Nearly every type and use of a kayak today has a sit in or sit on option. What does matter is that you understand the unique differences and choose which you prefer. It is possible that the water conditions you will encounter (or plan to encounter) will determine your preference. But as mentioned earlier, for the novice paddler, either option will suffice.
What will matter is preference. If you are just starting out, you may not have any experiential preferences, so let’s look at some differences that might help you make a choice. My preferred kayak is a sit on top style. Here is why. I love to fish. I love to stand up when I am fishing. I need to be able to get to all of my fishing gear while on the water. Click here to read more about Kayak Fishing. A traditional sit in kayak reduces my ability to stand and to easily access my gear. This type of kayak leaves me more exposed to the elements, but I typically don’t need to protect myself (with my kayak) from water spray or other environmental conditions.
As a RIVER RANGER™, I also need to use my kayak as a platform for hauling gear to clear hazards and other obstructions. The open deck makes facilitating rescues and waterway maintenance easier than a sit in kayak.
When I want to feel closer to the water and really be “in” the river or lake, I prefer the sit in style of kayak. This allows me to sit not only in the kayak, but feel immersed in my environment. When weather conditions are more extreme, I prefer a sit in kayak as well. Not only am I mostly protected from the elements already, but I can add a skirt to further lock me in to my boat. In this configuration, I can focus on my upper body and better keep out of wind or cold.
What Else Matters in Kayak Choice?
The size and shape of the kayak also plays a role in selection. There are a couple categories of kayak that you should know. Also keep in mind that not all manufacturers use the same jargon, and these categories are not universal.
Recreational Kayaks are great for quick and easy access to small, flat water. Typically lightweight and inexpensive, these are a popular option for box stores to sell. Just understand that a quality recreational kayak will also be durable and seldom sells for under $350. These boats are also shorter and easier to maneuver. They are a common option to paddle around a local pond or small park.
Day Touring boats are typically a little longer and thinner. This makes them easier to paddle and often track better than a recreational yak. Still easy to transport while boasting some moderate storage capacity, these kayaks are a little more expensive, but can be a great choice for regular one and two day trips.
Touring/Sea kayaks These are the longer, skinny kayaks that are great for long trips and covering distance. They track very well and are often equipped with a rudder or skeg to help maintain direction even when dealing with wind and current. These boats have lots of storage capacity but are harder to turn quickly. For those interested in long trips or coastal kayaking exclusively, this is the type to get. They are harder to handle and weigh more, but they are worth it.
Other Types of Kayaks
I don’t have the room to go through every type of possible kayak, but I want to at least mention some other types of kayaks that you may find and have interest in at some point.
- Tandem Kayaks: Kayaks that have spots for two paddlers. Everything else is the same.
- Fishing Kayaks: If you read my article on the history of Kayaks, this might seem odd.
- Inflatable Kayaks: Much like a raft, these are durable and sturdy, but not fast.
- Clear Bottom: These are fun in clear water, but are fragile and meant for viewing wildlife.
- Folding/hiking Kayaks: these are good for people with little storage or who love to hike and kayak.
I hope that this gives you an idea of where to start in choosing the right kayak for you. This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but once you are on the water, you can begin to see what your specific needs and wants will be. Remember to check out our article on how to pick your paddle. Be safe, have fun and we will see you on the water.