What You Need to Know Before You Buy a Kayak

By Elizabeth Schaffer

Having trouble finding the right kayak for you? Use the tips below to discover the kayak best suited for your needs.

Taking the time to consider your options will not only save you precious time—it'll also save your kayak from becoming a garage ornament!

First, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Where will you use your kayak? Calm or moving water?
2. How often will you use it? Every week, now and then or once a year?
3. Who will paddle with you? A partner or family activity?

The answers to these questions are a smart start to understanding the kayak you will want and need.

You may also want to consider renting kayaks as an inexpensive way to "get the feel" for the various types, as well as practice basic paddling before you purchase a kayak.

When to Buy

Off season is the best time of the year to buy a kayak for price, however, it's also when the selection is limited. In July or August retailers want to clear their current stock to make room for next year's new models.

About Type

Now this can get pretty confusing--I find that the ads or descriptions for kayaks are written for those who were somehow born knowing all about kayaks! It's not so apparent for someone new to the sport. To clear away some of that confusion--you need to understand two distinctions.

1. Brand simply refers to the name or style of a kayak, of which there are hundreds.
2. And more importantly, type refers to the body or hull of the kayak... (not your body type--that comes into play later). This matters in terms of the conditions the kayak is intended to handle.

When looking at kayak descriptions, you may wonder "what the heck are they talking about?" Well, they reference both type and brand. This tends to confuse someone new to the sport.

A very important tip: I have found that designs that locate the seat in or nearest to the center of the kayak (between the front and back) track (move) and turn more efficiently compared to seats located more aft (to the back) of the kayak. In my experience, centering the weight gives the kayak better balance - so you may want to take note of seat location before you buy a kayak.

About Size

Your height and weight determines the length--it's that simple (almost). Consider your weight plus a margin to accommodate other paddlers or gear.

Other weight considerations depend on how you plan on using your kayak. For instance, if you plan on an overnight trip--you're going to stop and camp and then return. You'll have additional gear and that's weight and space to consider.

Your height also determines the cockpit opening--this is a serious consideration. For those who are tall, a more open cockpit is easier getting in and out of. If it's difficult to get in and out of your kayak, (here again) it may end up being a garage ornament.

* The width (or beam) of the kayak determines how much paddle effort will be needed and how stable it is.

* A longer kayak will glide smoother with less effort but it will not maneuver as easily

* A shorter and wider kayak will be more stable and handle waves better than a longer, narrower one.

Color

A final consideration is color, and not just because you want the slickest looking "ride" on the water. There is a real importance to color... safety.

Bright colors are easier to spot from a greater distance. So, if you're in trouble, believe me, you want someone to see you. For those who are into matching things ... I'm sure there's one that will look great with your Jeep!

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