Choosing a kayak

What should you consider when buying a kayak?

It's not always easy in the jungle of all the models and brands. But we have compiled a small list of what you should consider before making a choice. If you are going to paddle in the open sea, a sea kayak may be the right choice for you. However, if you are going to paddle in calmer waters, there are more maneuverable kayaks that are suitable for that too.

• Have you paddled before? If so, what is your experience with the conditions you plan to use your kayak in? Will it be used in a small lake, on the open sea or perhaps in a river? Keep in mind that the kayak should be stable enough for you in the worst conditions you think you might end up in.
• Different bottom shapes. Here is a small overview of the most common shapes:

• A long kayak, such as a sea kayak, goes faster and generally a little straighter than a short one. However, they are a little harder to maneuver and turn around on smaller surfaces. A wider kayak is more stable, roomier but slightly slower.
• The rudder or paddle's main task is to help keep you on course and reduce the kayak's yaw in crosswinds. (The wind wants to turn your kayak so that the bow points into the wind direction).
• Rudder or rudder? This is a matter of taste where there is no right or wrong. Some paddlers believe that a rudder is best while others prefer a rudder. In simple terms, you could say that a rudder is easier while a rudder places a bit more demands on you as a paddler. Since the rudder is fixed, you need to put the kayak on edge to effectively maneuver. With a rudder, you use pedals.
• Do you think you will be carrying a lot of gear on your trips? An overloaded kayak feels quite heavy and sluggish. So make sure you are not too close to the weight limit when choosing a kayak.
• What do you want out of your activity? It's easy to see the long, narrow models as a challenge – which they can be. Think about what it might look like in a couple of years. Are you prepared and stubborn enough to take a slightly narrower one, or do you want the security of a more stable one that works right away?
• Weight. How much will you handle the kayak on land? A light kayak is easier to accelerate to speed and also better and easier to handle in rough seas. Usually, it is not a problem to transport the kayak to and from the water. There are nice wheel which you place the kayak on and simply pull behind you.
• Comfort. Does it feel good to sit in the kayak? Keep in mind that you will be sitting in it for more than a few minutes, so really feel it.
• Material choice. Which material should you choose? Plastic kayaks (often called PE) are durable and often relatively cheap, but can feel a bit sluggish in the water and if they break, they are more difficult to repair than fiberglass. The latter is perhaps the most common option. A little more fragile than PE, but at the same time easier to repair. The third option is carbon. Extremely light, but also fragile and quite expensive.
• In the end, it's all about priorities. There is no one kayak that is best at everything. So evaluate what is important to you and your usage.
• If you would like further guidance, you can of course contact one of our knowledgeable salespeople and we will help you find the kayak that is right for you.