Category: Adventure

Whether you want an adventure in a nearby lake or trying your hand for racing, kayaking holds so much promise. As soon as you learned the basics, you should start looking for the best Epic kayaks. While there are many choices out there, it can be overwhelming for a beginner.

To help you get started, here are some tips for choosing the best kayak:

Pick the right type of kayak

Kayaks come in different forms, which can be confusing at times but the key to choosing is identifying your needs at the onset. Here are the different types of kayaks:

• Sit-on-tops: this kayak is for recreational paddlers. This is particularly ideal for easy flowing rivers and lakes. There are longer sit-on-tops designed with enough storage for an overnight trip. It is a good choice for beginners because it is easy to get on and off.
• Sit-in kayaks: this kayak moves fast. It is also covered with cargo compartments making them ideal for paddling to a destination. If you want a more efficient kayak to paddle, this is the type of you. Its main selling point is giving you some shelter from wind and water.

Check the hull type

You should also take into consideration the hull type. The hull refers to the bottom part of the kayak. Here are the types of hull:

• Flat hull: flat hulls offer stability and maneuverability. In general, the flatter the hull, the more stable the kayak will be. This type is ideal for flat-water conditions.
• Rounded hull: if you want speed, the rounded hull is ideal. Rounded hull can help you increase the speed allowing you to travel easier.
• Pontoon: pontoon offers the stability of flat hulls and the secondary stability of rounded hulls. However, these hulls tend to be slower.
• V-shaped: if you want to travel in a straight line, this V-shaped hull can cut through the water. V-shaped hulls are also perfect for long-distance trips and touring. However, they are unstable at first because they provide the least amount of primary stability.

Determine the weight capacity

The weight of kayak varies and it should be clearly stated during your purchase. You should take into consideration your body weight and the additional items you will put like coolers, gear and fishing tackles.

Check the length and width

Finally, you should consider the length and width of the kayak. In general, the narrower and longer the kayak, the straighter and faster it will move. When it comes to choosing, you should remember that a shorter and wider kayak is easier to turn and more stable. This is ideal for beginners.

Recreational kayaks range between 8 feet to 13 feet long. These are made for small rivers, lakes, creeks, and other calmer waters. Touring kayaks, on the other hand, are longer – about 14 feet to 18 feet. Touring kayaks are built to handle bigger rivers and larger waves.

Bottom Line

Kayaking will give you the biggest rushes you can have on the water. Aside from the rush, it is an ideal way to get up close to nature. With this, it is important that you pick the best kayak. Keep in mind that you are making a big purchase so you should be comfortable and confident with your choice.