Mild water paddlers who frequently cover long distances or take multiple day trips should consider using a touring kayak. A touring kayak is a kayak designed for overnight expeditions and long trips rather than local paddling. These kayaks tend to cost more than recreational kayaks, but they offer certain advantages.
Types
You can find touring kayaks designed for several types of use. Day touring kayaks are designed for kayakers who travel long distances but don’t often camp out or make multiday trips. Expedition kayaks and multiday touring kayaks allow kayakers to make longer trips. If you think you might make multiday trips at least a few times a year, consider purchasing an expedition kayak rather than a day touring kayak.
Size
Touring kayaks are longer and narrower than recreational kayaks or whitewater kayaks. Day touring kayaks measure about 13 to 15 feet in length, and multiday touring kayaks and expedition kayaks measure about 16 to 18 feet in length. Recreational kayaks and whitewater kayaks, on the other hand, measure only about 8 to 14 feet in length. Thus, touring kayaks take up much more space in storage sheds or on car roof racks than other types of kayaks.
Storage
Touring kayaks have watertight storage space that allows you to keep your clothing, food and gear dry on long trips. For more storage space, look for a multiday touring kayak or an expedition kayak. These models can provide enough storage space for a week’s worth of gear and provisions.
Efficiency
Because of their narrower, more streamlined width, touring kayaks move more efficiently through the water than recreational kayaks or whitewater kayaks. This greater efficiency allows you to paddle faster while using less energy. You might find that you can paddle longer distances with less muscle soreness in a touring kayak.
Handling
Though the narrowness of touring kayaks offers some advantages, it can also make these boats more difficult to handle. Beginners might have trouble maneuvering the touring kayak. Touring kayaks also tend to tip more easily than wider boats. Touring kayakers should learn how to right a boat if it tips over.
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