Kayaking is a great way to improve your overall fitness level. It develops your core strength and agility. It provides a specific, targeted workout for your arms and shoulders. In addition, kayaking commands an understanding of your surroundings and forces a respect for the powers of nature. It demands a sense of authority and will likely increase your overall confidence as you are forced to make quick decisions on the water. Give it a try and soon you will want to invest in your own equipment so you can take advantage of this complete mind-body workout as often as possible.
Once you have begun research on buying your own boat, you will quickly realize there are a large variety of kayaks available. There are rigid, or hard shell, kayaks, inflatable kayaks and folding kayaks. Rigid kayaks are most popular, most affordable and highly recommended for a variety of skill levels and water ratings. Within the category of rigid kayaks there are a plethora of subdivisions. For beginners it is best to buy a recreational kayak or a beginners touring kayak. A recreational kayak has whitewater capability as well as flat-water capability and is great for day trips. A touring kayak is recommended for flat water and its larger capacity can carry a lot of gear to accommodate for overnight camping trips. Both are good for practicing basic kayaking paddle strokes and becoming familiar with important maneuvers such as the Eskimo roll.
What to Look for
The most important variable characteristics in a rigid kayak are length, size, the shape of the hull and the shape of the bottom. All these variables drastically affect the stability and maneuverability of the boat.
Longer boats lend to greater stability. They are able to "track" better, or create a current that allows them to cut through water with greater efficiency. However a shorter boat allows for easier maneuverability during turns, an essential in whitewater kayaking. Also, shorter boats are more easily transportable and weight less. The "size" of the boat refers to the size of its cockpit, as well as it's volume. Beginners usually prefer large boats with a comfortable amount of legroom and a large cockpit, while intermediate and advanced kayaks like boats that fit them tightly.
The shape of the hull of a kayak has a lot to do with how it handles during maneuvers such as braces and rolls. The best option is a kayak with a gentle round to its chine (the edge where the side meets the bottom) and a slight curvature to its sides for maximum control. This allows the boat the roll easily without being "tippy" while it is upright.
The shape of the bottom of the boat greatly affects its stability. Boats that are too rounded on the bottom necessitate a lot of counter balancing to stay upright.
Beginners find it easier to navigate boats that are more flat across their bottoms.
Beginners do best in boats made from hard plastic, as they are durable and affordable. As you advance to intermediate and advanced levels of kayaking you may want to look into fiberglass, composite and wooden boat designs.
Common Pitfalls
Don't forget all the accessories you will need when you considering how much you are willing to spend. You will certainly need a paddle, a helmet and a personal floatation device. You may need roof racks for your car to transport your boat to the water, or a pulley wagon to get it to the water on foot. Plan your budget accordingly.
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