Kayaks

Kayaks, A Wide Range of Options
The vast number of kayak styles and designs can overwhelm the first-time kayak buyer.  What seems like an easy sport suddenly looks intimidating as the volume of terms and factors to consider grows.  Research and sales staff provide even more viewpoints, really clouding the decision.  After all is said and done, however, it all essentially comes down to defining your own expectations. To understand the type of paddling experience best suited for you, examine both the types of waters you intend to paddle and your own personal expectations. 

A good kayak can have many performance characteristics.  The main aspects of performance are efficiency, tracking, maneuvering, capacity, and stability.  No kayak can do everything, you must determine which virtues are most desireable.  Think about how you approach new activities and determine which factors are most important.  Do you like to go far and fast?  Do you enjoy developing new skills?  Or are you looking for a new way to relax?  Would you like to combine kayaking with other activities, like fishing or photography?  Do you foresee overnight trips?  Is stability a big concern?

When you begin looking, you will find more kayaks than you ever imagined.  But you need to pick the one kayak that's best for you, and without spending half of your life doing it.  To make the process easier, kayaks are grouped by category and style to help understand their purpose.  This allows you to eliminate those that don't match your criteria and focus on a smaller set of kayaks that matches your needs.