| So, the great outdoors is calling your name and for | | | | speed and danger. These are shorter to increase the |
| some strange reason your name now begins with | | | | maneuverability of the kayak around rocks and in |
| kayak. Well, Kayak Joe, it's time to go looking for a | | | | fast moving water. They may have rounded |
| kayak but you have no idea what to look for in a | | | | bottoms and more upturned ends to deal with the |
| kayak or even what the differences are between | | | | waves. They are hard to paddle in a straight line and |
| kayaks. Herein we shall discuss what you need to | | | | are not recommended for casual kayaking. |
| look for before you buy a kayak. | | | | 4) Downriver kayaks: These are specially designed to |
| But first, what kind of kayaking will you do? There's | | | | travel quickly and smoothly through the water. These |
| a kayak for every occasion and you need to know | | | | are normally used for racing as they are very long |
| which one you need and what to look for in your | | | | and narrow which makes them tipsy and not very |
| kayak. Here are the different types and what to look | | | | much suited for a novice kayaker. They are very |
| for: | | | | long and straight, which makes them go in a straight |
| 1) Recreational kayaks: These are your all round, can | | | | line easily; however, turning is more difficult. |
| be used for just about anything kayak and a great | | | | When you buy a kayak, you must consider how you |
| style for a beginner. These are used for mild river | | | | will use it. If you are going for easy little day trips in a |
| trips and casual use in ponds and bays. They are | | | | calm river or braving the roar of the rapids. You will |
| generally wider and shorter than other kayaks, which | | | | also need to consider if you will be turning a lot, how |
| make them easier to handle and turn. | | | | fast you need the boat to be and the boats volume. |
| 2) Touring kayak: These are designed for extended | | | | The volume relates to how much stuff you can |
| wilderness travel. These types are very long and | | | | store in your kayak when you take it out. The more |
| have a good deal of area for storage of supplies | | | | stuff you need to bring, the more volume it needs. |
| needed on a long trip. These track well, or move in a | | | | Lastly, the shape of the boat is important to |
| straight line, but because of their extended length, | | | | consider. You will want to talk to your kayak store |
| are harder to turn. There are versions made for just | | | | specialist and let them know exactly how you intend |
| day touring and these have less space but are made | | | | to use your kayak and how skilled you are. You will |
| of lighter materials for better handling. | | | | also need to get gear for yourself including a helmet, |
| 3) Whitewater kayaks: This is what most people | | | | lifejacket, clothing, first aid gear and waterproof bags |
| think of when they think kayak. Tearing down some | | | | for any electronic devices you may need. |
| rapids, water splashing everywhere and a lot of | | | | |