Expert Help

  » Courses

  » Gear & Activity Info

  » ROAM the Kootenays

 

Buying a Kayak

Things to consider when buying a kayak...

What it will be used for?

Type of use: kayaks can be a means to great adventures; from multiday trips on the beautiful coast of British Columbia, to an hour paddle outside of ones cottage. Decide where you will be using your kayak the most and pick the appropriate type.

Types of kayaks: Every trip requires a right type of boat, since no one boat can do it all, choose a boat that suits majority of the trips you are planning. There are three basic categories of kayaks.
- Touring Kayaks - "sea kayaks" - best for extended trips on lakes and oceans. With large carrying capacity located in two or more watertight hatches and emphasis on comfort and paddling efficiency they are ideally suited for long adventures. Typically very stable and long, sea kayaks are a bit more difficult to maneuver.
- Whitewater Kayaks - boats for river use. These boats allow for acrobatic movements and descents some of the most technical rivers and creeks. Short, very maneuverable boats. Built with strength and durability in mind.
- Sport Kayaks - Versatile boats that can tour a bit on the lake and run down some rivers; however, they do not excel at anything. The greatest benefit is that the boat will give an occasional user the right boat no matter what the adventure. Sport kayaks usually are very stable and easy to paddle. Sport kayaks are a great family purchase as they will fit almost anyone, from parents to kids the fit of these boats is good. Sit on top kayaks are in this category.

Weight: measure your personal weight and the anticipated gear weight.
These measurements along with your height greatly help when choosing a kayak. The factors that are to be considered is the length, width and volume of the kayak. A boat that is too small or a volume that is too great can adversely affect the performance of the kayak.

Length: the longer the kayak the better tracking boat it becomes, tracking is the speed and ability to hold a straight course for a long stretch. A longer boat although less maneuverable will be much faster than a short boat. Many long boats, over 12 feet long come with a rudder to assist with steering.

Width: the wider the kayak greater it’s stability; however, that added width tends to slow the boat down. Width can be somewhat deceptive as certain boats are cut/molded differently; the chine of the boat as this is design feature is referred to affects the performance and stability of the kayak.

Volume: usually measured in liters or gallons, not only important for carrying gear but also the paddling properties of the boat for a specific user. A boat well suited for a 200lb, 6foot 2 man, will not work very well for a petite 5foot4 female. Many quality manufacturers offer most popular models in two if not three volumes.

Stability: Primary and secondary. Primary is the feeling as soon as one gets into the boat, secondary is when the boat is on its edge and the boat allows the user to lean turn or control the boat in rough water.

Fit: Perhaps the most important consideration when buying a boat. No one
likes to be uncomfortable, and that is one risk of a poorly fitting boat. The
greater risk is that of sacrificing safety as some of the boats will be used on open ocean or a raging river where poor fit is dangerous. Sloppy fit is not only inefficient but also can cause chaffing and back ache, you need to sit in the boat that you have chosen. Ideally take advantage of demos and rentals to try a boat before you buy. Not all boats fit everyone the same way. The size of the hatch, depth of a boat, width and length inside to the bulkhead
are some of the factors to pay attention to at the shop.

Materials used in construction: the most common material used to build kayaks is some form of Polymer. This type of plastic is very tough and allows the owner of a boat a bit of abuse. These boats are typically more affordable and represent some of the best values in kayaks. Polymer boats are typically heavier and slower than the composite kayaks. Fiberglass and Kevlar kayaks are a bit faster and more rigid. Lighter than polymer boats they use constructions that make them less impact and scratch resistant. The feel of a composite boat is unmistakable as the incredibly smooth glide is characteristic to them. These boats are always more expensive.

Number of people: will also determine the boat type as most kayaks are single boats or double boats. For family use where small children are a consideration think about a purchase of a canoe. As a family boat canoes are very versatile and easily accommodate up to four people in one vessel. Price per person per boat is much less even in a high end canoe. However, use of canoe requires a bit more expertise and is not as efficient as a kayak.

Sit on top kayaks: a very neat idea if one is uncomfortable with the flipping of the kayak. The new designs fuse the idea of a canoe and a kayak into a light weight and comfortable package. Great family boats that excel in providing a stable and safe kayaks for the whole family.

Outfitting: a Personal Flotation Device is a must, a great paddle can help immensely in efficient and easy paddling, a bilge pump and a paddle float are essentials on any longer trip, a skirt keeps you dry on any white cap day; consider that all the outfitting should be of equal quality to the boat. Ask for one of our checklists if you are unsure as many items are required not just by common sense but also by law. A poor paddle or an ill fitting skirt will take away from the amazing experience that paddling a kayak can be.

What do you think?