Kayaking is one of the most popular watersports. Besides being a sport it can also serve as a means of transport especially when you need to avoid all the noise that comes with using a motorboat.
You can just paddle slowly while enjoying the serenity and beautiful scenery that comes with it. People also like it as it is a good form of exercise. You get to engage a lot of muscles in your body while having fun.
To get the full experience it is proper that you choose the right kayak for you. You can also visit Kayaking Temple or sites like it to get more details. Without any further ado, here is what you should take into account while choosing a Kayak.
The waters you plan to navigate
This is very important because different kayaks are suited for different waters. For example, if you plan on navigating ocean waters prone to waves and winds then you need to make sure that your vessel is stable enough to withstand these.
If on the other hand, you plan to explore the calm waters of a local lake, for instance, then you should look at other features such as versatility. Wherever you intend to use it, go with the one that will allow you to get the best out of your time on the waters.
Sit-in or Sit-on-top?
Kayaks can be broadly categorized into these two groups. The first one is semi-enclosed so the lower part of your body will be inside the enclosure hence the name.
The second one is completely open and allows you to sit on top. As such, it has more room than the former. If you are going on a fishing expedition, then it will suit you well since it has ample room for additional equipment such as freezers.
The sit-in is also not confined as most people tend to think. It comes in handy when you don’t want water splashing all over you.
Material used
Different materials used for making kayaks usually affect other properties of the vessel such as weight and durability. Those made of plastics such as polyethylene and ABS are known to be resistant to abrasion to some extent. Go to this link for more information: https://welovewatersports.com/au/kayak-material/
Although they get degraded when left in the sun for long due to exposure to ultraviolet rays. Therefore, when not in use it is recommended that you cover them up and keep them away from the sun. The other option is composites.
These are usually high quality since they are made up of different materials blended together to enhance their properties. They are very light in comparison to plastics and are therefore more expensive. They can also withstand long exposure to sun rays.
Weight capacity
This refers to the total weight of the kayak including all the equipment and people in it. It specifies the total load that can be accommodated without impacting the performance of the boat.
If you carry beyond the limit then it will be too heavy thus slow down and make paddling difficult. Lightweight vessels are preferred because they can accommodate lots of items before the specified limit is reached.
Inflatable ones are quite popular since they are easy to transport and also provide great functionality. If you need to get away for the weekend, then you can just bundle it up and put it in your truck. Once you are through with your fishing expedition or whichever activity then you can deflate it and carry it home with you again. Apart from its portability, it is also very durable.
The type of hull
This refers to the bottom part of the boat. It affects both primary and secondary stability. Poor primary stability will make the boat wobbly as you get in and you might end up falling off it.
Secondary stability on the other hand kicks in when the boat is in motion. Waves and wind can topple the vessel if it lacks secondary stability.
A flat hull provides more primary stability while a rounded hull gives more secondary stability. The former is recommended for beginners and low-speed expeditions.
The latter is well suited for navigations requiring high speed and lots of maneuvers. Other types include Pontoon which provides both secondary and primary stability and V-shape hull which provides the least resistance.
The length and width
Longer kayaks can mean more storage space or room for other people but are slow especially when it comes to turning.
Shorter ones move faster and make navigation easy since they quickly respond to maneuvers. For the width, broad ones generally provide more stability than narrow ones. The width of the hull in particular affects stability to a great extent.
Make sure that the one you choose is suited for the trip. If it is a sit-in type make sure you fit in well and that there is ample space left.
Price
This is determined by factors such as the type of kayak and its features. The material for instance greatly determines the price.
Those that are lightweight and durable are more expensive than those that are heavy and easily degraded. You should opt for the one that is affordable and best meets your needs. It would be uneconomical to spend money on a vessel with features that you won’t need.
This will just add on to the total cost needlessly. Also, make sure to accessorize well while at it. If it is your first time, click here to read this simple guide to get yourself started.
Conclusion
Kayaking is a great way to spend some time alone or with friends. It allows you to explore different waters and experience the thrill of nature. Whether you are doing it for sport or any other reason you ought to use the right vessel that will not only provide you with great performance but also safety. You need to clearly determine the type of water and know what to expect. For instance, if there are strong winds and waves then you must be well prepared for them. Buy the relevant accessories too and make sure that they are of good quality. They can greatly impact your expedition. If you are a beginner make sure to consult an expert before making the purchase.