Kayaks

WHAT TYPE OF PADDLER WILL YOU BE?

If you are in the market for a kayak for the first time, you'll need to decide what type of paddling you'll be doing (recreational, touring, or fishing) and where you'll be paddling primarily. If you plan on using a kayak a few times on the lake in the summer, an entry level recreational kayak will probably fit the bill. If you plan on paddling on a more regular basis or plan to take any kind of day long or overnight trips, a touring kayak will likely be a better match. A touring kayak will have hatches for paddlers to store water, food, clothing, and overnight gear. If you plan on fishing from your kayak, you'll want something with a bit more stability and space to carry tackle and poles. If you'll be on a still lake or creek, a kayak built for flat water will suite you fine. If you'll be in some choppier waters, you may want to consider a sea kayak.

SELECTING A KAYAK

Sit On Top or Sit Inside: Once you've figured out what type of paddling you'll be doing, you'll need to select a kayak. Kayaks are built as sit on top or sit inside models, and appear just as the descriptions imply. This will be the first selection you'll want to make. Sit on top models are sometimes more comfortable and less claustrophobic feeling than sit inside models, but paddlers are more exposed to wind, waves, and sun. Sit on top kayaks can also be a bit more user friendly if tipped over. Sit inside kayaks are usually a bit better in rougher waters, and provide some gear storage outside of the weather. Paddlers legs are also protected a bit more from the elements and potential sunburn. Certain models are easier to bail than others if flipped, but it is helpful for paddlers to learn a wet exit or a roll.

With or Without a Rudder: Having a rudder or going without one is another choice paddlers will have to make in kayak selection. Some paddlers may choose to allow the design of the kayak and their paddling skills to handle tracking and steering for the vessel. In contrast, a kayak equipped with a rudder system will allow the paddler to use a pedal system in the front of the boat to help them steer left and right. Still other kayaks come equipped with a skeg, which will help with tracking, but will not help with steering. A rudder is able to go left and right, while a skeg is only able to go up and down.

Buying a Kayak: It is highly recommended you try out the kayaks you are considering to test their fit for your size, comfort level, and feel in the water. Many different vendors offer demo days for this purpose to allow potential buyers to compare and test different models. Even better than a single vnedor demo day is a kayaking or paddling festival which will allow buyers to preview a variety of different models from multiple vendors. If you are in the Charleston area, the East Coast Paddlesports and Outdoor Festival is a great event for buyers. If you are outside the Charleston area, check with your local outdoor adventure or watersports shop to ask if there are dealers in the area who do demos.

If you are absolutely unable to get to an outdoor gear store or demo day to test a kayak, at the very least, call one of the locations of reputable store like REI or Half-Moon Outfitters to ask questions about the kayak you are looking at online. Be sure to ask if that kayak will fit your frame (take note shorter or taller than average buyers) and make sure it will fit your purposes. Once you find the model you are looking for, purchase it from a local retailer you want to support or buy it online if you find a better price for yourself.

Check out the videos on the right hand side of the page for extra first time buyer's tips and information. Check the selection below to look at a sampling of kayaks in various categories.