Kayaks can be a lot of fun, but they can also be a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.
When you are looking for your first kayak, there are a few things that you need to consider. In this article, we will discuss the different types of kayaks and what is the best kayak for beginners. What kayak to buy for beginners and much additional information.
Table of Contents
What Kayak To Buy For Beginners?
The simplest answer to this question about what to buy for beginners is that kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but the most common kayak for beginners is one that is sit-on-top. Once you get comfortable with your sit-on-top kayak, then there are other types that you can try.
But you should always start out with a sit-on-top since they are the easiest to get into.
Kayaks For Beginners: Types And Differences
For the beginner, there are many great options for kayaks. There are sit-on-tops and sit-in kayaks that are inexpensive and easy to get into. You can find some basic models that cost no more than $200-$300, but you may want to consider ones with better features for a price of around $400-$500.
There are also kayaks that come with paddles, life vests, and other safety equipment included for around $300-$400, but be sure to read reviews on these types of models since they aren’t the highest quality. And if you plan on using your kayak in any type of rough water or ocean then I would not recommend buying these types of kayaks since they can be easily damaged.
How Do You Choose The Right Kayak For You?
Choosing the right kayak for you is not that difficult, but it can be time-consuming.
One of the first things that you should consider when looking to buy a kayak is how much money you are willing to spend. When selecting your budget, try to set aside at least $300-$400.
When it comes to features, don’t go too overboard on these since they help keep the price up. You will want a comfortable seat and good storage.
When it comes to size, get one that is at least 10 feet long. This will give you enough room for comfort and storage space. Smaller kayaks (under 9 feet) are harder to control in the water, but they are lighter and easier to store.
When looking for your first kayak, make sure that it is something that you are going to enjoy using before spending too much money on it. If you don’t expect to use it very often or if you will be sharing it with other people then buy one that is more affordable.
What Accessories Do You Need For Your Kayak?
The best accessories to buy for your kayak are ones that you need, but there are some that will help you greatly.
One of the first things that I would recommend buying is a paddle leash. This way you don’t have to go looking around the bottom of the lake if your paddle gets away from you or if it slips out of the boat.
Kayak seats are another accessory that you may want to consider buying. The kayaks that come with paddles and other equipment usually have back support, but they aren’t as good as an actual kayak seat.
If you are going to be kayaking for longer periods of time or if you are concerned about your comfort then you should definitely buy a kayak seat.
Another accessory that most people like to have is a fish finder and/or GPS unit. This way, they can easily monitor the depth of the water and how far they are from shore or another boat.
How To Get Started Paddling A Kayak?
It is very important to make sure that you are able to swim. When kayaking, there can be times when you fall out of your boat and you will need to know how to swim. Also, it is good for safety reasons since your life vest won’t help much if you don’t know how to swim.
If you are just starting out, it is best to get in the kayak while it’s on the shore. If the lake or water is calm, sit in your boat and lean back to see how much you sink into the water. You may need to add some flotation devices if this happens or if you want more stability while paddling.
Adding the flotation devices to your kayak will add weight to it, so always pay attention when you are deciding how much weight you should add. If adding these devices makes the boat too heavy for you to paddle easily then do not add them. It is also a good idea to get a friend to help you test out your kayak with the weight that you added.
Proper balance is also very important when it comes to kayaking. When standing upright in your boat, your head should be over the center of your boat and the paddle should not drag in the water. If this happens then there is too much weight on one side or if it’s off to one side then there is a problem with your balance. If you need to, you can add a weight large enough to the other side of the boat in order to get a good balance.
Conclusion
At the end of this article, you can read a few tips about kayaking for beginners and what kayak to buy for beginners.
I hope it will help you with your future kayaking experience.
FAQs
Q1. What is a kayak seat?
A kayak seat is a cushion that attaches to the bottom of your kayak. It can provide more comfort and support than the kayak itself.
Q2. What is the best type of kayak for beginners?
The best type of kayak for beginners is a sit-on-top kayak. These models are typically wider and more stable than other kayaks.
Q3. What is a kayak leash?
A kayak leash is a device that attaches to the end of your paddle to keep it from getting away or sinking if you happen to fall out of your kayak.