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If you are choosing your first kayak will you need an inflatable kayak, a folding kayak, a recreational kayak or one of the other options? You’ll have lots of questions and will some need information to help you make a good decision. There are a confusing number of different options so let’s have a look at the different types of kayaks available.
Types of Kayaks Available by Construction
- Rigid – made of fiberglass, plastic, wood, Kevlar carbon fiber
- Inflatable kayaks
- Folding kayaks
Construction Material of Rigid Kayaks
These are the types of boats familiar to most people. The least expensive option here is a plastic construction that will also be the heaviest. They are fairly tough and durable but are almost impossible to repair if they are severely damaged. Slightly more expensive is a fiberglass construction which will be lighter, easier to repair but also more easily damaged. Other construction materials include Kevlar, carbon fiber or graphite composites which are very light but much more expensive. Although less popular, wood boats are available especially in kit form for self-assembly. Although they are easy to repair they do require much more maintenance than the other types of construction material.
Inflatable kayaks
These types of kayaks are of course very good for transporting and storage. They are among the least expensive models available, easy-to-use live performance that is up to that of the rigid kayak.
Folding Kayaks
Folding kayaks tend to be much more expensive than the rigid type but they are very long-lasting, tough flexible and stable. They usually have a frame made of aluminium or wood covered with fabric. Although they are more expensive to usually have a higher secondhand value and are much more long-lasting than the other types of kayaks. They do however suffer a bit from lack of speed and performance is slightly lower than for a rigid kayak.
How to Choose the Type of Kayak
Once you’ve decided on the type of construction you prefer you need to think about type of boating you will be doing. Kayaks can be built for different situations such as whitewater boating, ocean boating, fishing or long-distance touring. you’ll need to think about what type of boating you will be doing for the majority of the time and choose a kayak that is suitable. Some factors to take into account follow:
The type of boating you would be doing for the majority of the time – think about what you will be doing most of the time when you are kayaking and choose one that has been specially made for this activity.
Your experience – if you are beginning, a kayak that is easy to get in and out of his usually top priority. Most beginners are concerned with easily being able to get out of the kayak so wouldn’t want a tight cockpit. A good choice for beginners is a sit on top model that has a recessed seat. Beginners usually prefer a boat with good initial stability that has very low ‘tippiness’. Experienced paddlers will probably look for a boat that has good final stability that will be stable in rougher conditions.
Weight and Transportability
A major concern with kayaks of course is that you need to store them, transport them and get them into the water easily. Folding and inflatable kayaks are much easier store and transport but if you are going to purchase a hardshell kayak try to find one that is as light as possible.
Storage Capacity And Comfort
If you are just going to use your kayak for short periods storage capacity is not the problem but if you will be doing any longer touring you need to make sure there is room to carry all your stuff. Also make sure that the seats are comfortable. Whether you prefer a tight fit or more room that allows you to move may depend on the type of kayaking you will be doing. For long tours more room is preferable so that you can move around, stretch and change positions. If you are doing white water kayaking a tight fit is preferable.
Stability
The tendency of boat to move away from an upright position is called the initial stability. The tendency of a boat to tip over is called the final stability. Boats have either initial or final stability, they can’t have both at the same time! Beginners may prefer a boat with good initial stability as a boat with final stability will seem unstable to them and they may be afraid that it will tip over. More experienced kayakers who are not afraid of tipping over would prefer a boat with good final stability. A stable boat, while good for beginners, will tend to be slower as they are usually wider and a less stable boat which be faster in water.
Length of the Boat
The length of the boat is in direct relationship to how well it will track straight ahead and more easily turn. A shorter kayak will be more maneuverable and easier to turn while a longer boat will track much better.
Cost of kayaks
Of course this is going to be quite a major factor determining which kayak you will purchase. A beginners kayak constructed from plastic can start out around $250 while other more advanced plastic models can be as much as $1500. Folding kayaks start from about $1300 and can be as much as $4500 for a high quality double kayak. Inflatable boats can be found for as low as $250. Kayaks made of composite materials are much more expensive.
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