How to choose a kayak that is right for you

Part 1 - Kayaking
By Great Miami Outfitters

There are many factors that go into choosing a kayak. But keep in mind, it is always your choice and personal preferences that matter most. To help guide you, we'll walk you through a few things that you should consider. It can be overwhelming when you first start looking at different kayaks - so many styles, lengths shapes and colors. How do you choose? Well, it's like anything - process of elimination. There's no need to focus on all the kayaks. You'll need to narrow your search down.

Here are the very first three things you should consider when choosing a kayak - your paddling skill level (novice, intermediate, expert), your size (tall, short) and your weight (heavy, light). If you're a beginner, you'll want a boat that you are comfortable in, yet that you won't outgrow quickly. Whether you are tall or short, heavy or light  will help narrow down the selection. Kayak manufacturers usually provide information about each boat including maximum weight capacity. That's the maximum amount of weight, including you and any cargo, that the boat will still be able to paddle efficiently.

Paddling Locations. Next, consider how and where you'll be using your boat. Touring, recreational, fishing, whitewater? You want the right boat for the job. Will you be paddling in small creeks or large open water like oceans and bays?

Dimensions. Long, narrow boats in the 16 feet and up length are fast and efficient, but are more difficult to maneuver. They can carry a lot of cargo, therefore they are best for touring and sea kayaking. These kayaks are usually paddled in larger bodies of water like lakes. Short boats in the 6 to 10 foot length range maneuver well, however they require more effort to propel them and keep them on course. Short boats are better suited for flowing water like rivers. Then, there are the in-between lengths, usually in the 12 to 14 feet length range. These boats are for general purpose.

Configuration. With kayaks, you'll also need to consider the configuration. There are sit-inside models and sit-on-top models. Most are sit-ins, meaning they have a cockpit or opening that you'll sit down in. Cockpit size openings vary depending on the size and style of the boat. Sit-on-top, or SOTs, have an open configuration, where you actually are not sitting inside a cockpit. Most SOTs are self-bailing and have scupper holes allowing water to drain back out. These boats make it easy for self-rescue and lend themselves to activities like fishing and diving. They offer less protection from the elements.

Materials. The type of material that a kayak is made out of may, or may not, have a bearing on your purchasing decision. But let's take a general look at the differences. Roto-molded plastic is the most common. It's durable, less expensive and usually heavier - making it a good choice for beginners or rocky areas. Composite materials, like fiberglass and kevlar, greatly reduce the boat's overall weight, add stiffness and make better design possible. However, they do cost more and require more care. Usually you'll see longer boats offered in composite materials. In between is thermo-formed plastic. It's lighter and more rigid than roto-molded plastic, but is not as expensive as composite material. There are other materials available, but these are the most common.

This is a basic overview. Hopefully, it will help you so that you are not intimidated when searching for a kayak. Once you narrow your selection down, there are additional details about each type of kayak. We'll add some information on this blog shortly.

Our staff is very knowledgeable and we want to see that you get in the best boat suited for your needs. As a specialty retailer, we pride ourselves in carrying a wide selection of quality USA made watercraft.