Recreational Kayaks
So you're thinking about getting into kayaking. Think it might be a good way to spend some time? Well, you're going to need to decide on what kind of boat you want to get, and there are a few different types out there, each with their own benefits and downfalls. It is going be up to you to decide which type of kayak you need, so make sure you put some thought into the decision before you rush out and get whatever it is that you have pictured in your mind.
First of all, you've got your basic recreational kayak. This kayak is typically ten to sixteen feet long, and made of a highly durable material, like rotomold, a high impact plastic. These are very low maintenance, and they are great for slow meandering rivers, ponds, lakes, and activities like fishing or nature-watching. You can typically find a recreational kayak at any large sporting goods department store that has an outdoors section. These are the most common, and most universally useful boats.
There are also ocean kayaks. Ocean kayaks are typically longer and narrower boats, and are commonly made of fiberglass materials. Ocean kayaks are good for long journeys and cutting through waves. However, remember whenever you are kayaking in the ocean, rinse off your boat after you get out of the water to reduce salt corrosion of the metal pieces on your boat.
A good type of kayak, if you just want to have a low maintenance boat, is a sit on top kayak. You do not need to worry about getting the boat filled with water, and they are typically the easiest to use. However, these boats are limited in activities. For example, they are typically not good for long trips or going down rivers.
There are also inflatable kayaks out there that have come a long way in the scheme of things. Inflatable kayaks are good because they can be easily stored if you are in multiclimate area and won't be able to go out for the winter. An inflatable kayak also allows easy of transportation. However, you will need to provide some way of inflating the kayak at different points. Along the same lines of an inflatable kayak is a folding kayak. A folding kayak offers the same benefits of an inflatable kayak, but you must take it apart and rebuilt it often.
If you need more information on kayaks for recreation, take a look at KayakForLife.com.
Watch the video related to recreational kayaks
Recreational kayaks are often used for casual water sports, and so are designed with stability in mind. Learn more about recreational kayaks with tips from an experienced kayaker in this free video on kayaking. Expert: Russell Farrow Bio: Russell Farrow has British Canoe Union (BCU) five-star training in sea kayaks, a four-star award for sea kayaks, and is a level three coach in sea kayaking and surfing. Filmmaker: Bob Hunt
Help answer the question about recreational kayaks
I am an experienced canoer and would like to get into kayaking. What kayaks would you suggest?
I am looking for a recreational kayak moderatly priced. I am trying to stay away from major sporting good stores. DOes anyone have any companies that make a good kayak for flatwater recreational use or any other tips and advice.
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Comments on Recreational Kayaks
5:15 am
Now im no kayaker, but i am a mechanic. while theres no doubt you nissan could handle the kayaks, you should think of the consequences. the Nissan altima is a great car, but if you put a roof rack on it you may lower the value, and possibly damage your roof hauling stuff. a car roof is usually thinner that an suv or truck roof. my advice would be to go to your nearest u-haul store and get a tow package installed on your car and buy a cheap small trailer. its not very expensive and you have way more options with a hitch. Thats my advice. you can take a trailer off, but a roof rack leaves permanent holes.
6:19 am
cobras are great
7:42 pm
There are three main categories of kayaks, whitewater kayaks, sea kayaks, and recreational kayaks. Whitewater kayaks are short and are extremely maneuverable. Sea kayaks are long, relatively skinny, and are really good at tracking. A recreational kayak is anything that does not fit into either of these categories. They are often used by less experienced paddlers on small lakes or on gentle whitewater (Class I and some Class II). If a boat is to short, it just turns from side to side when you paddle. If it is to long for you, it can be very hard to handle in close quarters and dangerous in rapids. If you want to go 5-10 miles in a day, definitely get longer kayaks. If you want to go more than that, get a sea kayak. If you want to use it on a river, stick with a shorter kayak.
Right now I am building a 17'6" sea kayak. I will be able to paddle around the Maine coast for 10+days at a time in it, but I would not be able to take it down nearly anything with a current.