Posted by Jonathan Leger on 1/11/2016 to
Kayaks
Sit on Top Kayaks are ideal for beginners and younger riders, and they are good for learning the sport and for improving your paddle skills too. However, there is a lot to think about when you are buying a sit on top kayak.
Firstly, think about how much you are going to use it - if you are only going to go out on the water a handful of times a year, then you may find that it is cheaper to rent than it is to buy. So, why not take a course before you buy your gear, get a feel for different kayaks, and decide whether you really like it before you spend a lot of money on a new kayak for yourself.
If you do decide that you want to buy a kayak, then the next thing you need to think about is your own size and weight. Smaller paddlers might like a 13 ft model, which will fit on top of a roof rack for transportation to the water, and that is nice and light and easy to handle. Bigger paddlers may prefer a 15 ft model, and will find that it handles well for them. Note, however, that longer kayaks are more directional, while shorter kayaks are good for water where you need to be more nimble. Shorter kayaks are often wide, and this makes them hard work to paddle over longer distances, but you do have good control over them.
What Will You Use Your Kayak For?
If you are looking for something that you will use to go out with kids and simply have a bit of fun in the bay, then a short kayak will do everything you need, and is easier to store and transport. If you will be going longer distances, a sea kayak is a good choice. If you have room in your budget, then a composite and fiberglass design is ideal because it is light, fast, and easy to paddle.
Note that big kayaks are very hard for children to work with. Make sure you buy a small one that is aimed at kids, and that has a flat stern so that their wet suits (and their skin) do not get damaged when they are playing with or around the kayak. There are children's kayaks that are as small as 6 foot, and you can get most of the accessories for a children's kayak that you can for an adult one.
Consider buying a brightly colored kayak, purely for safety reasons, so if you lose sight of your child or are separated from them in the water, you will be able to sight them quickly.
Prices can vary massively, from under $200 for a kid's kayak to more than $500 for an adult one. Be sure to check reviews before you buy, so you know that you are getting something robust and reliable - remember you will be heading out into open waters in the kayak, so you need to be able to rely on it to keep you safe.
About the Author
Jonathan Leger is a freelance journalist and small business owner. If you're ever kayaking in Asheville, North Carolina, he suggests you visit AshevilleMassageByBrie.com; after a long day on the rapids.
Firstly, think about how much you are going to use it - if you are only going to go out on the water a handful of times a year, then you may find that it is cheaper to rent than it is to buy. So, why not take a course before you buy your gear, get a feel for different kayaks, and decide whether you really like it before you spend a lot of money on a new kayak for yourself.
If you do decide that you want to buy a kayak, then the next thing you need to think about is your own size and weight. Smaller paddlers might like a 13 ft model, which will fit on top of a roof rack for transportation to the water, and that is nice and light and easy to handle. Bigger paddlers may prefer a 15 ft model, and will find that it handles well for them. Note, however, that longer kayaks are more directional, while shorter kayaks are good for water where you need to be more nimble. Shorter kayaks are often wide, and this makes them hard work to paddle over longer distances, but you do have good control over them.
What Will You Use Your Kayak For?
If you are looking for something that you will use to go out with kids and simply have a bit of fun in the bay, then a short kayak will do everything you need, and is easier to store and transport. If you will be going longer distances, a sea kayak is a good choice. If you have room in your budget, then a composite and fiberglass design is ideal because it is light, fast, and easy to paddle.
Note that big kayaks are very hard for children to work with. Make sure you buy a small one that is aimed at kids, and that has a flat stern so that their wet suits (and their skin) do not get damaged when they are playing with or around the kayak. There are children's kayaks that are as small as 6 foot, and you can get most of the accessories for a children's kayak that you can for an adult one.
Consider buying a brightly colored kayak, purely for safety reasons, so if you lose sight of your child or are separated from them in the water, you will be able to sight them quickly.
Prices can vary massively, from under $200 for a kid's kayak to more than $500 for an adult one. Be sure to check reviews before you buy, so you know that you are getting something robust and reliable - remember you will be heading out into open waters in the kayak, so you need to be able to rely on it to keep you safe.
About the Author
Jonathan Leger is a freelance journalist and small business owner. If you're ever kayaking in Asheville, North Carolina, he suggests you visit AshevilleMassageByBrie.com; after a long day on the rapids.
2 Comments
Kendall
Date
6/2/2018
Very much appreciated. You shared some important information. I will reiterate the need for brightly colored Kayak, safety comes first.
smith
Date
12/21/2021
Kayaking is fun until you face an unwanted situation. It still remains fun if you know and can get rid of the situation. But the problem happens when you don’t have any preparation for facing such situations. That’s why knowing and following some common kayak safety tips is important.