Picking a kayak that is the most suitable for your needs is not as easy as it sounds. There are different models and sizes available, making it more challenging to choose the right kayak. One of the mistakes you should avoid is to decide based on price alone. It is best if you have the opportunity to see and try the kayak before purchasing. This way, you will know if you are comfortable with its design.
As you decide, consider the conditions of the water wherein you will use the kayak. An honest assessment of your skills is also important. For instance, some kayaks are designed for beginners in such a way that they will be easy to steer. Those that are designed for experts can be quite complicated for novices.
Need help finding the right kayak design? Read this article and learn from the insights we’ll share.
Differences Between Kayak Design
1. Sit-Inside Kayak
This is the basic type of recreational kayak. Your legs will be inside an enclosed area of the cockpit, which shelters it from the cold. This is an excellent way to stay warm and will come handy when you are kayaking during the cold season. There is also a spray skirt, which prevents the water from getting in the cockpit.
It is also known for having a generous cockpit space. In most models, it is large enough that it can fit a child. You can leave the cockpit open in the summer, which will make you cooler.
As for the length, it is usually ten feet or shorter. It is shorter than most types of kayak, which makes it space-efficient and easy to transport. Because they are short, speed can also be a problem, especially when you compare it to the performance of a touring kayak.
However, if there is one thing that we do not like about a sit-inside kayak, it would be how difficult it is to move out when it capsizes. To make it easier, you must learn the proper technique of getting on and off the kayak in case it flips.
2. Sit-on-Top Kayak
If you are looking for a user-friendly kayak, this is the right choice for you. One of its best assets is its stability, which also makes it easy to steer to the desired direction. The cockpit does not have a cover unlike in the sit-inside kayak. This also means that it will be easier to get in and out of the kayak.
However, while the absence of a spray skirt makes it easier to use, this also exposes the leg, which means that you can easily get cold. Plus, the exposed design makes it easy for water to get inside the kayak. You can easily get damp.
Compared to most kayaks, the sit-on-top design gives it a wide base, which is also the reason why it fares well when it comes to stability.
3. Whitewater Kayak
With a length that ranges from four to ten feet, this is a great choice if you are looking for a short kayak. This also makes it portable. The length also makes it fast and easy to maneuver. This is the perfect choice if you intend to go kayaking in places with rough water. This is perfect for fast-moving water.
There are two main types of whitewater kayaks. The first is the playboat, which is also the shortest. It comes with a blunt stern and a scooped bow. The best thing about this whitewater kayak is its maneuverability. This is also a great choice for those who would like to perform technical tricks when kayaking. The second type is a creek boat, which is longer and ideal if you are kayaking in narrow water.
Because this is a short kayak, you will have limited storage space. This should not be a problem as this design is used when kayaking short distances and when there is no need to bring a lot of things.
4. Touring Kayak
Also called a sea kayak, it is longer compared to a recreational kayak. The added length also means that you will have a more generous space for storing your gear. However, this can be more challenging when it comes to steering as it can be more difficult to maneuver. Most have hatches for storage to protect your things from getting wet.
Despite being long, however, a touring kayak has a narrow body. This makes it excellent in terms of safety, especially when you compare it to the design of a recreational kayak. If there is strong wind or powerful current, this is also built to perform. With this, you can be confident about your safety.
The hull design is also different, which makes it track faster. This allows it to deliver an exceptional performance as it travels in a straight line. This also means that it can travel in a longer distance without requiring a lot on your end when it comes to paddling effort.
5. Canoe/Kayak Hybrid
Want to have the best of both worlds? If that’s the case, we suggest that you look for a hybrid design, which means that you can use it for both kayaking and canoeing. However, some people do not like this design because it is not a canoe and it is not a kayak.
One of the main characteristics of this kayak is that it comes with a wide and open cockpit, providing generous storage space for everything you have to bring with you on the water. Because it has a spacious cockpit, it is also great for fishing. This is also good for fishing because of the large platform that gives you room to stand.
A common problem with this type of kayak is that it is not self-bailing. You need to invest in accessories that make it easy to get water off the kayak. There is also an option to install a spray skirt, which effectively gets the water out of the kayak.
Another thing that makes this a great choice is the seat. This is one of the most comfortable from the types of kayaks, so this is great if you expect to use it for an extended period.
Conclusion
As you try to differentiate the kayaks, pay attention to its design. The latter affects not only aesthetics but also its overall performance. Speed, stability, and safety will all depend on the kayak. Ease of use and comfort are also largely influenced by the design of the kayak, so be cautious about what you choose
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