What Kayak is Right for Me?

Think about your bicycle. How do you ride it? Do you have a mountain bike for the trails? Or a lightweight racing bike for competition? Or maybe you ride a nice cruising bike for peddling around town? Each bike is built to be really good at one type of riding—but the downside is, it won’t be as good for other types. My triathlon bike wouldn’t last a minute on a dirt trail, but it’s a gem on the Queen K highway in the Ironman. You get the idea.

Folks often come to us at Great Blue Outfitters and ask the question, “What kayak is right for me?” That all depends on how you’re going to use it, and may involve making some choices and, in some cases, compromises. So, before you fork over your hard earned money, really take some time to think about how you plan to use your kayak—at least for the majority of the time.

• Stability/Maneuverability: If most of your paddling will be on ponds or small lakes, a shorter, wider boat with high stability will be great. You just don’t want to be in a hurry, as this style of boat turns very easily and a lot of your energy is spent going side to side rather than straight ahead. Want to go down twisty streams (or the Great Swamp) where you want  to turn? Again, you’ll want a boat that is maneuverable that you can turn relatively easily, but perhaps something with a bit more speed for the straight parts.

On the other hand, perhaps you want something that will get you where you want to go in a hurry. In that case, the general rule of thumb is this: the longer the boat, the faster it will be. Now, it’s not quite that easy, since hull design comes into play and a longer boat also may have more “wetted surface” that will be creating friction. But in general, more length = more speed. Be forewarned: boats built for speed tend to be narrower and a little less stable. That’s one of those compromises!

• Storage: Are you just going out to play around for a little while, or will you be out for several hours (or more) and want to take along food, dry clothes, camera, binoculars, and the kitchen sink? Now storage capacity comes into play. A bulkhead (a partition between the cockpit and the storage area) will provide a dry space beneath an access hatch. Some boats don’t have this. Do you need it, or will a dry bag suffice? 
•  Comfort: Once you get settled into your kayak, you should feel good. The seat should be adjustable, with good back and thigh support, and you should adjust the foot pedals to help brace you. Some paddlers don’t like feeling too “enclosed” and prefer a more open cockpit.
• Weight and material: Don’t buy a boat and then find out later that it’s so heavy you can’t load it on your car roof! Rec kayaks can range from the upper 30’s to over 50 pounds. A lot depends on the material it’s made of, which is often polyethylene. This material is tough and durable, but a little heavy. (Compromise.)
• Cost:Good companies make good kayaks. A very basic, but very useable, kayak can be had for less than $300 if you’re just looking to play in the backyard pond. Speed, length, storage, and comfort all cost $$$ and can run the price tag to up to (or over) $1000. Don’t buy more boat than you need—but don’t forego features that you’ll end up wishing you had. Spread out over the lifetime of a boat, the extra cost will be negligible and you’ll be a happier paddler.

If possible, “test paddle” a kayak before making the leap. Compare a few models you’re considering and see which one feels the best. At Great Blue we have ‘demo” models of the boats we sell so you can really get a feel. Is it quick enough? Can you make it turn? Do you have enough room?

Come join us, and the LocalPutnam Staff for the FULL MOON PADDLE, June 23rd at 7:30pm and see for yourself how much fun you can have kayaking.  [CLICK HERE] for more information and to reserve your spot today.

Bottom line: do you feel safe, secure, and confident?

If the answer to the last question is “No”, then don’t buy it; if you’re scared of the boat, it will sit in your garage. If you buy the right first boat you’ll be out on the water a LOT. You may even find that you “out grow” your first kayak as you gain experience and confidence and expand your paddling horizons.  Don’t worry; there will always be a kayak suitable for your next step. Have fun out there, and drop by Great Blue Outfitters if we can help get you out on the water!

Mac Rand
Great Blue Outfitters
3198 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563
Telephone: 845-319-6172
Fax: 845-319-6173

e-mail: info@greatblueoutfitters.com

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