Tips For Buying Your First Kayak

Kayaking can be an excellent way to spend an afternoon. However, if you have only recently discovered your interest in kayaking, you might not be fully aware of what types of factors and considerations will need to go into owning one of these watercraft.

Consider Your Experience With Kayaking

One of the most important considerations when choosing a new kayak will be your own personal experience using these boats. If you are a novice or anticipate primarily using the kayak on calm rivers and lakes, you may want to opt for a wide kayak. These are typically easier to balance, but they can be more difficult to navigate through rapids or other turbulent or restricted passages. If you have never used a kayak in the past, you may want to spend a day at a park that provides kayak rentals so that you can get a better feel for how you will be using this type of boat.

Have A Storage Space And Transport Option Ready Before You Buy The Kayak

Prior to ordering the kayak, you may want to have your storage area and transportation options already addressed. Improperly storing a kayak can be very damaging to it. In addition to the risk of puncturing the hull, you can also damage the kayak by contributing to its exterior degradation due to prolonged exposure to the elements. If the kayak must be kept outside when you are not using it, make sure that it is protected with a tarp that completely covers it. It will also be necessary to have a plan for transporting the kayak when you want to use it. Whether you are planning on using a trailer or roof racks, you will want to have these devices ready. Otherwise, you might be tempted to try and transport the kayak without the appropriate safety equipment.

Inspect The Kayak Prior To Each Use

Before you use the kayak, you should always take a moment to thoroughly inspect it for any signs of damage or other problems. Failing to do this could lead to you only realizing these problems are present once you put the boat in the water. In addition to looking for punctures in the hull, you should also look for signs of general weakening. This will often manifest itself in the form of cracking along the exterior. If you notice any of these issues with your kayak, you should take it to a professional repair service to have these problems addressed. While there may be kayak patching kits that you can purchase, these patches may be far less reliable than ones that are professionally applied.

Once you've considered the above factors, start looking at different brands, such as Blue Sky Boatworks, to see which you like best and which is in your budget. 

Share