A Beginner’s Guide To Kayaking: Everything You Need To Know Before Buying A Kayak
Are you armed with the all the fundamentals of kayaking? We go through the complete works in this guide, so if there's a gap to be filled, let's fill it!
Kayaking is one of the most exciting forms of outdoor recreation. It’s a fantastic opportunity to unwind, commune with nature, and embark on exciting adventures.
But entering this world needs more than just a can-do attitude; it takes a bit of education, some planning, and the proper tools. Before you jump in and purchase, let’s go over some important basics for you to understand.
Whether you are planning to paddle on placid lake waters or the wild currents of a river, it’s important to know what to look for in a first kayak before you go on your first kayaking adventure.
This beginner's guide will walk you through the steps of kayaking and all the information you need to know before you purchase your very first kayak.
Understanding Different Types of Kayaks
Purchasing a kayak isn't as streamlined as picking any boat that floats. The secret lies in finding a model that suits to your specific needs.
Here are the popular types you'll encounter:
Different Styles Of Kayaks
1. Sit-on-Top Kayaks
Offering above-deck seating, sit-on-top kayaks are extremely easy to use and get in and out of. They have an open design, plenty of storage space and usually include a self-draining system with ‘scupper holes'. Great for begginers, sit on top kayaks have you sitting above the water line and are perfect for recreational paddling.
2. Sit-in Kayaks
Sit-in kayaks feature an enclosed design. The cockpit in which you sit offers a snug fit, offering enhanced control and better protection against the elements including the allowing you to attach a spray skirt (a fabric stretched over the cockpit to prevent water entering). In addition to keeping the paddler dry, their lower body position improves paddle efficiency, and they are easy to use and comfortable for prolonged excursions. This makes making them a good choice for more advanced paddles.
Different Kayak Use Cases
1. Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are designed with occasional use case in mind. For calm waters and oceans, these kayaks are extremely easy to use however they lack the features you would need for extended period of time and longer trips. A wide and stable base makes them a little bit slower but much more stable. A spacious cockpit allows for the feeling of freedom out on the water and greater accessibility getting in and out of. A suitable kayak for novice paddlers and those seeking leisurely experiences.
2. Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks, which are sometimes known as sea kayaks, are designed to be longer and thinner to allow them to ‘track’ well (keep direction) and have less drag which maximises the speed efficiency of the kayak. They excel on ocean routes and long adventures because of their manoeuvrability and versatility. However, they require more advanced techniques to stabalise and could be difficult for beginners to grasp.
3. Whitewater Kayaks
Built to handle the conditions of rapid water (white water), these kayaks are packed full of features to allow them to opperate in a very niche environment. Depending on the conditions there is a variety of styles of Whitewater Kyaks including Playboats, River Runners, Creek Boats, and Long Boats. Ideal for thrill seakers looking to take on wild running rivers. First-time kayakers should not choose them because of their complexity and skill requirements in a harsher environment.
Different Styles Of Compact Kayaks
1. Inflatable Kayaks
The main advantages of inflatable kayaks are their mobility and ease of use. They inflate and deflate quite quickly, however they do require drying before storage. With their buoyancy, the paddler is sitting over the water line which makes them suitable for recreational and whitewater use but not touring. Beginners or occasional kayakers who value convenience will love how easy they are to assemble and store whilst also being fairly comfortable.
2. Foldable Kayaks
Folding kayaks are incredibly versatile and convenient. They're often seen as the hybrid between a traditional composite hard shell kayak and an inflatable kayak due to their hard shell exterior and ease of storage. This means that they can track well and have a sit-in kayaking experience. Designed with a durable water-resistant plastic, they feature foldable seems that when erected, are internal to the boat. They're very easy to use and have models suitable for either touring or recreational but not whitewater. Some limitiations are that they do require patience to learn their unique folding designs and also require drying before storage.
Essential Kayaking Gear
Life Jackets
are non-negotiable. A well-fitted, comfortable personal flotation device (PFD) is a must-have, regardless of your swimming prowess.
Paddles
are your primary propulsion tool. Consider the length, weight, blade material, and feathering (the different angle of the opposing blades) while choosing.
Safety equipment
like helmets, whistles, headlamps, and throw bags are paramount, especially for challenging environments like rapid waters.
Kayaking Terms Explained
At first, you can feel lost trying to decipher the kayaking lingo.
Here are a few terms explained for you:
| Kayaking Term | Description |
| Tracking | The kayaks ability to maintain it’s direction. Poor tracking kayaks will move left to right more easily with each paddle stroke. |
| Back band | A part of the backrest that cushions the lower back farther. To improve comfort and posture, they are usually upholstered with cushioned plastic, foam, or cloth. |
| Back Stroke | The method employed to paddle the kayak in reverse. |
| Bent shaft paddle (advanced) | A more ergonomic paddle choice for those who suffer from tendinitis or other wrist conditions who kayak. To maintain a neutral posture for the wrists, the shaft is bent at the point of grasp. |
| Blade | Located on the end of the shaft of the paddle, used to “scoop” the water. |
| Bow and Stern | The Bow is the front of the boat while the Stern is the back of the boat. |
| Starboard and Port | Starboard is the right side of the kayak and port is your left side. |
| Cockpit | Inside the kayak, the space where the paddler sits is called the cockpit. |
| Deck | The top of the kayak. |
| Hull | The bottom of the kayak. |
| Keel | The middle of the hull that creates an edge |
| Dry bag | A completely waterproof bag that can be sealed for transporting items such as first aid kits, keys, phones, and cash. |
| Drytop | The paddler's jacket features latex seals at the wrists and neck to provide total watertightness. |
| Open Water | A vast expanse of open sea. It usually means the ocean, although it might also mean a big lake. |
| Outfitting | The kayak seat has extra adjustable elements to provide a proper and comfortable fit. Everything from the seat and back band to the foot and thigh braces is included in this phrase. |
| Paddle | The kayak is propelled forward in the water using a shaft that is equipped with two paddle blades. |
| Scupper Holes | Exclusive to sit-on-top kayaks, these have a drainage hole that releases water. |
| Upstream | Paddling against the way in which water flows. |
| White water | The phenomenon whereby water flows exhibit increased turbulence. To travel, the water and air combine to form an aerated mixture. |
| Rudder and Skeg | These are both retractable components to improve kayak tracking. They are both located on the stern. However while a skeg is located on the hull of the boat the rudder is located on the deck. |
Key Factors to Consider While Buying a Kayak
There are so many options when it comes to purchasing a kayak that it might be overwhelming.
Keeping the following in mind will help you make a well-informed choice that meets your requirements:
1. Type of Kayaking Experience You're Looking For
Before making a purchase, you should decide what sort of kayaking you want to do.
Recreational
For those looking to kayak occasionally or predominately on calm ocean and river water.
Touring
For those looking for long-distance ocean treks and rough water conditions such as surf.
Whitewater
For the experienced kayaks looking for the thrill of river rapids.
2. Stability or Speed?
A kayak's efficiency is highly dependent on its dimensions.
Longer kayaks are more suited for open water and longer distances due to their increased speed and straight-line (tracking) efficiency.
Many people like shorter kayaks for leisure use, fishing, and river kayaking since they are simpler to turn and manoeuvre.
3. Kayak Paddle Experience
Whether you choose a sit-on-top or sit-in kayak seat is a matter of personal choice and the kayak's intended use.
Sit-on-top kayaks are ideal for fishing, leisure, or use in hotter areas due to their seats, which are easily accessible and drain themselves.
On the other hand, sit-in kayaks are more suited to extended journeys in cold weather, have greater storage space, and offer better shelter from the wind and water.
4. Material
The material used to construct the kayak can have a significant impact on its longevity and price.
Folding Kayaks use a polypropolene or PVC with foldable seems for a hard-shell, sit-in paddling experience.
In comparison, inflatable kayaks use a softer plastic for a more comfortable sit-on-top paddling experience.
5. Weight Capacity
All kayaks are not equal when it comes to carrying weight. Your weight plus your gear's weight cannot exceed the kayak's weight capacity. It is crucial to verify the weight capacity before buying a kayak, as going overboard might cause instability.
How to Find Good Kayaking Spots?
We have covered all the important aspects of buying a kayak for a beginner.
Now, let’s explore how a beginner can locate suitable areas to practise their craft!
1. Reach Out to Regional Kayaking Organisations
To find out where to go kayaking, how to stay safe, and what to expect from each body of water, it's a good idea to join a local kayaking club or group. Making connections with these groups can lead you to some amazing, lesser-known kayaking spots.
2. Make Use of Apps and Online Resources
Online resources like Paddle Australia or mobile applications targeted towards adventurers in Australia provide comprehensive recommendations for kayaking areas that are suitable for paddlers of all abilities. To help you find your perfect spot along Australia's vast and varied rivers, these digital tools allow you to filter selections by state, difficulty, or landscape.
3. Seek Advice From Nearby Outdoor Gear Shops
You may ask the staff at your neighbourhood outdoor gear or watersports shop about upcoming events, hotspots, and optimal times to kayak in the area. They are also in a good position to make suggestions according to your interests and current degree of expertise.
4. Make Use of Maps and Guidebooks
When looking for new places to go kayaking, topographical maps and guides are your best bets. Use these to locate streams that can be navigated and amenities near water. Important information, including the best places to access the trail, where to portage, and what dangers may be lurking along the way, is frequently included in guidebooks.
5. Discover Your Neighbourhood and Begin Small
There may be more options in your neighbourhood than you think. Begin in placid, familiar waters and work your way up to more challenging ones as your competence and self-assurance grow.
Conclusion
Discovering kayaking is like setting sail on an exciting adventure; you'll get a complete workout while you conquer the water and discover exciting sometimes relatively untouched new places.
However, you should start this adventure with the right knowledge and comprehension. One may perfect the sport's hallmark experience by arming oneself with sufficient information in addition to the proper canoe and gear.
Just keep in mind that even the most seasoned professionals started as beginners.