Information on How To Choose A Kayak,
Choosing a Kayak Made Easy

Kayaks - just like kayakers - come in all shapes and sizes. There are varieties having to do with water conditions, paddler conditions, paddling goals and preferences, weight, length, storage capacity and on and on.
Here are 4 easy steps to help you to choose the right kayak for you:

STEP 1: What Kind of Kayaker Are You?

Your first step in choosing a kayak is to decide what type of kayaking you are interested in.

  • If you are looking to kayak on rivers, lakes, bays and ponds this would be flatwater or recreational kayaking.
  • If you are interested in running rivers with rapids and waves, running steep and technical challenging whitewater or performing tricks with your kayak, then you would be want to look into whitewater kayaks. Whitewater kayaks are less stable than other types of kayaks.
  • If you are interested in kayaking long distances on the open ocean then you would want to look into touring kayaks which are also known as sea kayaks. Sea kayaks are long narrow, fast and efficient kayaks with plenty of storage for overnight trips or longer.

STEP 2: Buying or Renting A Boat

If you decide that you are a flat water kayaker, here are some common types of kayaks ideal for flatwater paddling:

The Recreational Kayak is less than 12 feet long, stable and handles easily. Most have large cockpits for easy entry and exit. There is plenty of room to store gear but you would probably need a dry bag because many do not come with a hatch for dry storage.

The Sit-On-Top (SOT) Kayak is simple to paddle. It is easier to use than sit in models although not as comfortable for long trips. This boat is good for snorkeling, surfing and fishing. It is more popular in warmer climates because you usually get wet.

The Day Touring Kayak is usually 12-16 ft long. Usually shorter and lighter than regular touring kayaks. Easy to maneuver and transport. Have less room for gear than larger boats.

The Multi-Day Kayak is designed for long trips and large gear loads. It is easy to paddle, comfortable with plenty of room. It has a sleek design to move efficiently through the water.

The Inflatable Kayak can be another option for you. Many come with a self bailing drain valve. They can weigh as little as 26 lbs. and can be inflated in about 10 minutes using a foot pump. Inflatable kayak prices can range from under one hundred dollars to a thousand dollars. Just remember the lower range may not have the quality and be as durable as you may want in your inflatable kayak.

Here are a few Kayak Accessories to consider when looking for a flat water kayak:

  • Padded seat with an adjustable backrest
  • Drain plug
  • Foot braces, that can be adjusted to match your body length
  • Cup holder
  • Bow and stern grab handles
  • Spray Skirt
  • Deck bungees
  • Child seat (an option on some recreational kayaks)
  • Dry bag with a change of clothing, first aid kit and snacks

If you decide you are a rapid runner at heart, here are the main types of Whitewater & Surf Kayaks to consider:

Freestyle kayaks - also called playboats or rodeo kayaks. These kayaks are designed to perform tricks like loops, cartwheels, spins and aerial maneuvers. These tricks are performed on river features like waves and holes.

Creek Kayaks are designed for high volume rivers and technical river running. They are able to turn fast in technical rivers. The big cockpits provide for easy entry and exit. They also have storage for gear for extended kayak trips.

River Running kayaks are considered the SUV’s of kayaks. These kayaks work well as both downriver and playboats.

If long distance, open ocean paddling is your thing, there are a variety of Sea Kayaks to consider.

If you're still not sure what kind of kayaking you'll be doing, our advice is to visit some local outfitters and go on some paddling trips. BornToPaddle.com has several resources for finding kayaking outings. Click here to go to our Places to Paddle page.

Many local paddling clubs, organizations and recreational facilites are listed there. Or, if you're feeling like you really need to immerse yourself in the world of kayaking, take a look at the kayaking vacations and tours available on our Adventure Travel for Paddlers page.

STEP 3: How much to spend on your kayak

Depending on type and materials, you can spend anywhere from $150 to thousands of dollars for a kayak. Keep in mind that just because one kayak is more expensive than another, it doesn't mean that the expensive kayak is better. Some really good quality kayaks can be had for a few hundred dollars. If you're buying your first kayak, our advice is don't overspend. You can always upgrade as you get deeper into the sport.

STEP 4: Thinking Beyond the Water

After you have decided on the type of kayak you are interested in. Here are a few more question you may want to ask yourself before you bring one home.

  • Do you have enough room to store the kayak? Basement, garage, shed, closet?
  • How will you transport the kayak to the water? Does your vehicle have a roof rack?
  • What is the max load (weight capacity) of the kayak?
  • How tall are you? Can you get in and out of the cockpit area easily?

Buying a kayak is a big investments and can last many years. Be sure to choose a kayak that will fit you comfortably - both physically and for the type of kayaking you plan on doing.