Beginners Guide to Buying a Kayak

The following page provides information about kayaks and kayaking accessories.

Types of Kayaks

Kayak designs include sit in kayaks (SIK), sit on kayaks (SOK), stand up kayaks, motorized models and other styles. Each design has its advantages as well as disadvantages.

Sit in kayaks usually offer plenty of room for storage and a more protected, dryer experience. Sit on kayaks are safer and are less vulnerable to flooding.

When choosing a kayak that will be used primarily for fishing, factors such as tracking, stability and seaworthiness are important. Tracking is a measure of how a vessel reacts under power. A good fishing kayak will move in a straight line and resist wandering as the kayaker paddles the craft. Tracking is important, especially for applications where fishermen will be traveling long distances.

Stability is another key factor. A fishing kayak must be stable enough to allow anglers to cast lines and catch fish. A few models are stable enough to allow anglers to stand while fishing. Agility is another important characteristic of a good fishing kayak. Anglers often fish around pilings, rocks and other obstructions which demand the ability to steer and maneuver quickly.

Stand up kayaks utilize a special SOK hull with pontoons that swing out when fishing. When deployed, the rear mounted pontoons give the kayak enough stability to allow an angler to stand and fish. On most models, a leaning post is used to provide extra stability while fishing. Stand up kayaks are useful for applications such as sight casting in clear shallow areas or as a fly fishing platform.

Two person kayaks have a variety of advantages. They allow a pair of anglers to work in tandem, sharing paddling and other activities. When fishing this can be a huge advantage as one person can control the craft while the other fishes. In general, two person kayaks perform poorly with only one occupant.

Paddles

Most double-bladed paddles are feathered: the blades are offset by an angle between 45 and 90 degrees. This is done in order that the upper blade will cut cleanly through the air during the forward stroke and offer minimum windage. Double paddles usually break-down for storage and transport. A two piece paddle can usually be set to feathered or unfeathered.

Safety Equipment

Depending on conditions, safety equipment will vary greatly. Short trips in sheltered areas during fair conditions may require only basic safety gear while more advanced trips sometimes warrant the utmost in equipment.

These are some examples of safety gear for kayaking:

personal flotation device or PFD

helmet

eye protection

pump

air bladder

knife

pliers

cell phone

hand held marine VHF radio

flares

paddle lanyard

spare paddle

floats and lanyards for all equipment

waterproof pouches

Buy Kayaks Online

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