A kayak is an excellent way to get in touch with nature. You can use a kayak to get to scenic beachside campgrounds, quietly explore an estuary, enjoy breathtaking views that aren’t visible from the shore, get in a morning workout around the lake, or simply play in the water with the kids. A kayak can take you on an adventure you will never forget.
There are numerous types of best fishing kayaks available for various purposes, just as there are numerous boat options in general. How can you tell which kayak or boat is right for you? When making a decision, keep the following points in mind:
- Where would you like to paddle? You can start narrowing down your options by deciding whether you prefer a lake, seacoast, or river location.
- Sit-on-top or sit-in? Kayaks are classified into two types: sit-on-top and sit-in. Each has advantages and disadvantages, so which one you choose is really a matter of personal preference. Sit-in kayaks provide more protection from the elements, but sit-on-top kayaks provide more mobility. If you’re not sure which one you prefer, that’s fine; simply try both and see which one feels more comfortable to you.
- Kayak weight and price range: The materials used determine the weight and durability of your boat, which is also the most important factor in the price of your boat.
- In terms of shape and size: These have an impact on handling and cargo space.
Where Do You Plan to Use Your Kayak?
There are different types of boats for different types of water environments. It’s helpful to start by thinking about which environment you plan to explore before you choose your boat. That way, you can make sure you have the right type of vessel for the conditions you’ll be facing.
Lakes:
We’re talking about the local lake, not Lake Superior. If the weather is good and the destination is close, you can go with any sit-on-top or recreational sit-in boat and have a blast. If whitecaps appear, though, a purely recreational boat can get overwhelmed.
Coasts:
Wind, waves, currents, tides, and other factors all play a role here. So having a sit-in touring boat with a rudder, fixed tracking fin or a skeg (a dropdown fin) can help you navigate these waters more easily. If you live in a warm atmosphere where you don’t mind going for a swim, or you plan to do some kayak surfing, a sit-on-top can still be a excellent choice.
Rivers:
We’re not discussing technical rapids here—whitewater kayaking is beyond the scope of this blog post. If you’re going river sailing, you’ll need a strong, stable kayak that can turn quickly. A short, stable recreational sit-in or sit-on-top kayak, or a day touring sit-in kayak, could fit the bill.
Rivers and lakes:
If you plan to use your boat in both moving and still waters, go with a shorter recreational sit-in or sit-on-top kayak. These crossover boats typically have a skeg. A shorter boat with a rudder would also be an option, but rudders are typically found on longer boats.
Types of Kayaks
Kayaks are classified according to many different factors, including the position of the paddler, the kayak’s intended use, its structure, and whether it is designed for a specific purpose.
Sit-on-top Vs. Traditional Sit-in Kayaks
Sit-on-tops:
If you don’t want to feel claustrophobic inside a boat cockpit or have to learn how to do a “wet exit” if you capsized, a sit-on-top kayak is perfect for you. Sit-on-top kayaks are designed for lakes, easy flowing rivers and warm coastal waters and some even have enough storage space for overnight trips! If you’re stil not sure yet, consider the following:
- Sit-on-tops are incredibly easy to get on and off of even if you’re in deep water, which makes them perfect for casual uses like playing near a lakeside cabin or as a kids’ boat or swimming platform.
- They’re typically weightier than comparable sit-in kayaks.
- For anglers who enjoy fishing, some sit-on-tops include rod holders or at least the option to add them. This can be a great feature for those who want to have easy access to their rods while they’re on the water.
Sit-in kayaks:
Sit-in kayaks are classified as recreational boats, day touring, and touring models. They are known to move quickly, track straight, and have covered cargo compartments – making them ideal for paddling long distances. Additional considerations to keep in mind when choosing a sit-in kayak include:
- They are comfy when air and water are cool.
- A spray skirt is an essential add-on for a traditional sit-in kayak because if you get fully swamped, a bilge pump becomes a necessity. Also, if you don’t know how to do a wet exit from a narrow sit-in kayak, you could be in serious trouble.
- They’re more efficient to paddle than a sit-on-top.
