If you are deciding on your first kayak there are a lot of different choices to think about. The first thing to take into account will be the kayak material and you can choose from rigid plastic, inflatable plastic, wood plus other materials such as graphite composites, Kevlar and carbon fiber. When you’ve determined the type of construction you favor you will need to consider a number of things before you make a purchase.

1) What sort of kayaking will you be doing for the majority of the time?

Kayaks can be built for different situations such as whitewater boating, ocean boating, fishing or long-distance touring. You will need to think about what type of kayaking you will be doing for the largest part of the time and pick a kayak that is appropriate.

2) Your experience

If you are beginning a kayak that is easy to get in and out of is generally the major priority. Most beginners are worried about their ability to easily to get out of the kayak so probably won’t want a tight cockpit. An excellent option for beginners is a ’sit-on-top’ model that has a recessed seat. Beginners generally prefer a boat that has good initial stability and 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.

3) Transportability and Weight

A major concern problem with kayaks of course is that you need to store them away when not needed, transport them and get them easily. Folding and inflatable kayaks are far easier  to transport and store but if you will be purchasing a rigid kayak buy one that is as light as possible.

4) Storage Capacity And Comfort

If you will be using the kayak for brief periods storage space is not a concern but if you will be doing any longer touring you would be advised to make sure there is room to carry all your equipment. In addition make certain that there are comfortable seats. Whether you favor a tight fit or more room which will let you move will probably be dependant on on the sort of paddling you will be doing. For long tours more room is preferable in order to let you move, stretch and change position. If you are doing whitewater kayaking a tight fit is usually preferred.

5) Stability

How easily a boat moves away from an upright position is known as it’s initial stability. How easily a boat tips is known as the final stability. Kayaks have either final or initial stability, not both at the same time! Beginners usually prefer a boat with good initial stability because a boat with good final stability may seem unsteady to them and they may well be anxious that it will tip over. Those with more experience who aren’t scared of turning over generally prefer a kayak with excellent final stability. A stable boat, though good for beginners, will often be not as fast.

6) Length of the Kayak

The length of the boat is in direct relationship to it’s ability to track straight and maneuver. A shorter kayak will be more easily maneuvered and easier to change direction while a longer kayak will track a good deal better.

7) How Much Do Kayaks Cost?

Certainly your finances are going to be quite a most important factor determining which kayak you will buy. A beginners kayak made from plastic will probably start at about $300 whereas more sophisticated plastic models may be as much as $1600. Folding kayaks start from around $1200 and could reach $4000 for a high quality double kayak. Inflatable kayaks can be bought for around $20. Kayaks made from composite materials are often more expensive.

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