Imagup General Magazine 2024
A kayak allows you to explore lakes, rivers, and oceans, allowing you the possibility of reaching untold scenic beachsides while quietly floating through waters.
Kayaks can be used for both professional purposes and for casual purposes. Choosing the best one can be done based on these four characteristics:
- Where do you want to paddle?
- Do you want to sit-on-top or sit-in?
- The weight or the kayak and your budget
- And the shape and size
Based on these four characteristics, you can determine which one is the best for you.
With so many types out there, determining what’s best for you is rather tricky, so that’s why we’ve written this article to help you narrow down the search.
Sit-On-Top Kayaks
The primary use of these boats is for recreational purposes. They are predominantly used for lakes and easy flowing rivers, but they can also be seen in coastal waters. These are designed to be sat on, rather than inside the cockpit. If you ever feel claustrophobic, a sit-on-top is your best bet of having the best experience.
They are quite comfortable, but be aware as you will get wet while paddling with one. They also have scupper holes making them self draining, so you won’t need to pump out water. For more information about sit-on-top kayaks, make sure to visit this website.
Sit-In Kayaks
Sit-Ins are faster than sit-on-tops and can be used for recreational purposes or for touring. These are very strong and durable, and usually, come with a covered cargo compartment. Other notable things to consider for a sit-in kayak are:
- Very comfortable for calm waters
- You will need a pump to pump out the water, and you would have to know how to exit one
- Controlling the kayak depends on your butt, knees, and feet
- Very efficient when used with paddles.
- They can be used for all types of water.
These are the two main categories. We are now going to discuss the types that exist, based on these two mentioned.
1. Recreational Kayak (Sit-On-Top and Sit-In)
As the name suggests, these are manufactured for recreational purposes. They are quite affordable, stable, and easy to both enter and exit. They can keep a steady speed, easy paddling, and is simple to turn. They are usually smaller since they are designed for flatwater or calm rivers. If you need a kayak for longer trips, then avoid getting this one.
2. Day Touring Kayak (Sit-Ins)
Day touring kayaks come in the form of sit-ins since they are designed for longer trips, usually over a day. They come with a solid cargo compartment, are sleeker, and more efficient when it comes to maneuvering. They are more expensive, give you more control in rough waters, and transporting them is quite easy.
3. Touring Kayaks (Sit-Ins)
Touring kayaks are designed to be your best bet on the open waters. They are longer than the two we mentioned, come in the form of sit-ins and are very pricy. They are super effective over long distances; they track well and have a rudder to deal with wind and bad currents. When it comes to cargo space, they make the most of it.
Specialty Category
There are a few that focus on a specific thing, for example, storage, passenger size, etc. These are considered to be used for non-professional purposes, so they are mostly recommended for amateurs. Although this can come as a bit subjective, here is the specialty category.
Folding Kayaks
A folding kayak can fold itself, making it perfect for people that live in small apartments. These are built for convenience, allowing you the option of owning one even if you lack the space at home for one. They can quite easily be fit into the back of your, so you won’t need a trailer or other transport vehicles to take your kayak to the lake. However, they do require you to put various interlocking sections together to build it, rather than simply inflate it with air.
Inflatable Kayaks
Contrary to popular beliefs, inflatable kayaks are quite durable. Technology has made it possible for inflatable kayaks to withstand the toughest conditions. They can be used for flat water, rivers, and even on the open ocean. When it comes to using one, the fear of popping is none existent. They are quite safe and recommended for beginners to advanced paddlers. However, sitting in one might feel awkward and less stable than a traditional sit-in or sit-on-top.
Tandem Kayaks
A tandem kayak is built for two people, meaning you and your paddling partner can both invest in a boat that will save you a lot of money. These are generally more stable than their single counterparts, and they are excellent for taking long trips. They are also quite safe for children, as there is quite a bit of space inside. They can come in as sit-ins or sit-on-tops, although the latter is mostly the case with them.
