Kayaks come in many different types, styles and sizes. Each type is specifically designed to handle particular water conditions, paddling style or paddler size. Kayaking is a great way to spend more time outdoors, get some exercise, learn river physiology, broaden your fishing experiences, challenge your physical and mental skills and build your courage and self confidence. To enjoy the sport, it is important to find the kayak that will best suit your abilities and paddling goals.
Types
Kayaks come in three basic types: recreational, whitewater and touring. Touring kayaks are sometimes called sea or expedition kayaks. Fishing kayaks are usually in the recreational category. Whitewater kayaks are all designed to handle fast-moving and turbulent waters, but they also come in several different distinguished styles: playboat, creekboat and river runner. The three major types of kayak are all available in inflatable and sit-on-top styles.
Identification
Longer kayaks are easier to paddle in a straight line and will glide farther per stroke than a shorter boat. Extra length also increases storage space in a way that will not significantly affect handling. The same is not true for additional width. Shorter boats have the advantage of being able to turn quickly, which is why whitewater kayaks are in the shorter range. Symmetry is as important as size for boat handling. Sea or touring kayaks tend to be asymmetrical, with a longer, streamlined bow. This helps the boat cut through water quickly—as long as the paddler is traveling in a single direction. Whitewater boats have a more symmetrical design, which makes them more efficient in water conditions that require quick turns and maneuverability.
Features
Recreational and sea kayaks are comfortable, stable and easy to paddle in a straight line. Both have lots of room for storage, but sea kayaks are designed to handle gear and cargo for an extended trip. Recreational boats have roomy, spacious cockpits. This makes them easy to get out of if they flip. Whitewater boats are designed so that you fit snugly inside, a feature that helps you control the boat partly with your legs and hips. You should not fit so tightly in the boat, however, that it would be a struggle for you to exit the boat under the water.
Function
The long, narrow structure of the sea kayak helps it to slice through waves quickly and efficiently; it does not, however, turn quickly, which would make it a dangerous boat to paddle in whitewater. Recreational kayaks also lack the maneuverability necessary to navigate whitewater, but they do turn easily enough to access fishing holes or other inviting features on slow moving waterways. Whitewater boats are highly maneuverable in moving current, but paddling one on long stretches of flatwater can be exhausting and frustrating; these boats want to spin, not go straight.
Tips
Your kayaking skills will develop over time; so may your interests. You may decide you need several different boats to suit your mood, or you may outgrow one style of kayaking and exchange it for another. Because many paddlers change their minds about their style of paddling, it is often easy to find quality used boats. When shopping for a kayak, consider looking for used boats on canoe club message boards and websites such as Craigslist or BoaterTalk.com. Many good boats are available for less than they would cost new. The more you know about kayaks, the better you will be at searching for a boat that is right for you.
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