The type of kayak you need depends on the type of kayaking you do, as well as your experience and skill level. Whitewater kayaking and flatwater kayaking require different types of boats, and kayaking for long distances requires a different type of boat than kayaking recreationally or for short distances.
Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks tend to be shorter than mild water kayaks. Whitewater kayak styles, such as playboats and creek boats, typically measure 8 feet to 9 feet long. Playboats have a flatter and narrower design than other whitewater kayaks. These boats make it easier for the kayaker to cut back and forth between rocks and rapids. Creek boats have a rounder shape and allow for quicker turning. These boats tend to tip more easily than other whitewater kayaks. Rodeo boats are even shorter than playboats and creekboats, typically measuring about 7 feet to 8 feet in length. The rodeo boat’s low profile makes it much harder for beginners to maneuver.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks work well for whitewater kayaking and flatwater kayaking. They tend to be stable and easy to maneuver, even for beginners. Inflatables will serve you better on short trips rather than long distances. Because you can roll them up, inflatable kayaks offer easier storage and transportation than other kayaks.
Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are designed for long trips or overnight expeditions on mild water. They usually have plenty of watertight storage space in which you can keep food, clothing and other gear. These kayaks are much longer than whitewater or recreational kayaks. Day touring types typically measure 13 feet to 15 feet in length, and multiday touring kayaks often measure 16 feet to 18 feet in length. Touring kayaks are also narrower than recreational kayaks. The narrower width of touring kayaks allows them to move more efficiently through the water. Paddling a touring kayak requires less energy than paddling a recreational kayak, allowing you to continue paddling over long distances. Touring kayaks tend to be less stable and more easily tipped than wider kayaks.
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are ideal for paddlers who like to kayak short distances or locally on a familiar lake or river. Recreational kayaks are shorter than touring kayaks but longer than whitewater kayaks. They typically measure 9 feet to 14 feet long. Recreational kayaks have large cockpits, making it easier for paddlers to get in and out of the boat easily. You can also find sit-on-top recreational kayaks. Recreational kayaks are wider and more stable than other types of kayaks. This makes them easier to maneuver, but it also makes the kayak’s movement through the water less efficient.
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