Kayak
A kayak is a small, narrow boat primarily designed to be manually propelled by means of a double-bladed paddle. The word kayak originates from the Greenlandic Inuktitut language, where it is the word ‘qajaq’. A kayak allows you to reach scenic beachside campgrounds, quietly explore an estuary, enjoy breathtaking views that can’t be seen from shore, get in a morning workout around the lake or just play in the water with the kids.
Kayaks Types
Key considerations when you’re choosing your kayak include where you plan to paddle and for how long, what conditions you’ll be paddling in, and how you plan to transport your boat. All types of boats give you options for single paddlers or tandem boats that can accommodate 2 paddlers (and sometimes a small 3rd passenger).
Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are affordable and easy to use, and offer initial stability that’s reassuring for novices, photographers, anglers or casual paddlers on placid rivers, ponds or lakes. They are not so good for open water or use in heavy wind or currents.
Recreational kayaks usually have a small storage area for short day trips, though some have a larger storage area for day touring. Most are 10 to 12 feet long and have a large cockpit for easy access and a wide beam for stability.
They don’t track (hold a straight course) as well as a touring kayak. If flipped, they can be a challenge to bail out.
Often made of polyethylene plastic, recreational boats can be heavy to transport and carry.
Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are better-performing and more versatile than recreational kayaks, though they’re typically more expensive.
They have more storage space (especially multiday boats) and bulkheads with sealed hatches enhance safety. These compartments trap air, which gives the kayak flotation even if the cockpit fills with water.
Touring kayaks are usually 12 to 17 feet long, and their hulls are shaped to increase lift in waves and rough water. Most have a tracking system such as a skeg or rudder, or a combination of the two.
Cockpits are likely to be built for paddling efficiency and use with a spray skirt, which may feel confining to some.
Touring kayaks can be made of plastic or a lightweight and durable composite blend.
Modular Kayaks
Modular kayaks are as durable as a regular polyurethane kayak, but they quickly snap apart into 2-3 sections for easy transportation and handling by 1 person. The sections will fit in the back of most SUVs.
Modulars come in day touring, recreational and sit-on-top designs.
For occasional shipmates, buy a second cockpit section to turn your boat into a tandem (you can even add a third seat).
Sit-on-Top Kayaks
Best for recreational use in warm climates.
Sit-on-tops are great fun for kids, beginners or swimmers. They have a sealed hull and molded depressions on top for sitting. It’s easy to get on and off of one whether you are on a dock, shore or in the water.
The seats are above water level so these boats are typically wider (and slower) than traditional kayaks. With a wider hull, sit-on-tops are generally more stable, making them a good fishing, swimming or diving base. Self-bailing drain holes add to the convenience.
Sit-on-tops are especially popular in warm climates. They’re less comfortable for cool locations because your body is exposed to the elements.
Size-wise, they hold single, double or more passengers. Some even have bulkheads and storage wells. Typically they are from 10 to 15 feet in length. Most are made of plastic.
Inflatable Kayaks
You might think of a blow-up kayak as a toy, but these are surprisingly sturdy and versatile. Inflatable kayaks feature compartments that you inflate by foot, hand or electric pump, and the air makes them more buoyant than traditional kayaks. Once deflated, most can be transported in a duffel-sized carrying bag. Inflatables range from 10 to 15 feet long. They are light, easy to use and can turn on a small radius. However, they take more effort to paddle and they are slower and less rugged than a traditional kayak.
Some have rigid frames to aid performance, while others have optional stiffening bars the entire length of the floor panel. This reduces wave undulation and improves tracking. They are usually made of PVC-coated polyester.
Folding Kayaks
Disassembled, most folding kayaks fit into a backpack-sized carry bag. Their
advantages over inflatables are their ridged framework and greater storage space. The stiff frame allows performance similar to a hard-shell kayak. A tough outer skin is fitted over a stiff aluminum frame; most have inflatable chambers to aid in buoyancy and stability.
Fishing Kayaks
Fishing kayaks are made specifically for anglers. They have rod holders, cooler holders and some even offer a built-in tackle box. They can be stable enough to stand on for better visibility and casting.
Whitewater Kayaks
Whitewater kayaks are another fun option. These are 4 to 10 feet long, have a rounded bottom and turn up at the ends for navigating rapids. REI does not currently carry whitewater kayaks, but certain inflatable kayaks can be used for this purpose.