Kickstart Your Outdoor Adventure With the Best Starter Kayak

by Sudarsan
Outdoor-Adventure

Spending time outside can increase your health and reduce stress. One perfect way to log hours in the great outdoors is by kayaking. 

Kayaking is a great way to explore your local waterways and enjoy nature. It’s a low-impact activity that doesn’t require a lot of equipment to get started.

If you are new to this outdoor recreation activity, you may have some questions about buying your first kayak. Our guide covers what to look for when choosing the best starter kayak for your outdoor adventure. 

Types of Kayaks 

When you walk into a store to choose a kayak, you may be overwhelmed by the choices. You’ll want to pick a kayak that fits your ability, size, and the water you’ll be kayaking on. 

You can put kayaks into four different categories. 

  • sit-on-top kayak
  • recreational kayak 
  • touring kayak 
  • sea kayak

Hull Types 

The hull of a kayak refers to the shape of the bottom of the kayak. The shape of the hull has an impact on the stability and performance of your kayak. When choosing your kayak, there are four different hull shapes to consider. 

Flat Hull

This shape is easy to maneuver and very stable. A flat hull is perfect for recreational kayakers and newbies to this sport. 

Rounded Hull

A hull with rounded edges will go faster than a flat hull. These kayaks are fast and have more stability once you paddle on the water. 

V-Shaped Hull

If you are using your kayak to travel a far distance, go for this shape. You’ll go in a straight line and are great for long distances. 

Kayak Weight 

Each kayak will have a weight capacity that it can carry. You’ll need to pay attention to this number and choose a kayak that can support your needs. You also need to look for a kayak with a storage area that can hold everything you want to bring along. 

When deciding, factor in your weight and any gear you may bring with you. Items like coolers, tackle boxes, or camping supplies can add up fast! Make sure to account for your lifejacket, which you can view more details about here. 

Kayak Length and Width 

When looking at a kayak, the longer and thinner it is, the faster it will go. What a short and wide kayak lacks in speed will make up for stability. 

Think about the number of riders you want your kayak to hold. Although bigger, a double kayak will hold more than one person. 

Most kayaks that are used for outdoor recreation are between 8 and 13 feet long. This size is ideal for calm, easy-to-navigate waters. A longer 14 to 18-foot kayak will handle bigger waves and rougher water better than a shorter kayak. 

The Best Starter Kayak Is One That Will Get You Out on the Water

With a bit of research, you can find the best starter kayak for your needs. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying all that nature by the water has to offer! 

Are you ready to take your first kayak out for a spin but don’t know where to go? If so, check out our travel articles today for inspiration! 

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