Choose a comfortable seat. Look for good back and hip support, and take the kayak out for a try before buying
Cockpit versus sit on top. Sit on top kayaks are great for beginners who fear being trapped in a cockpit, and for fishing. And they won't swamp if it rolls
Fishing kayaks. Fishing kayaks should be 12 - 16 ft long and wide enough to be stable
Fit to your weight. The kayak for a 150 lb male will not be the right size for someone 220lb.
Get a slalom kayak. Also called whitewater kayaks, these are shorter, with a tighter turning radius for navigating more "active" waters
Get a touring kayak. Also called sea kayaks, these are best for travel on open oceans and lakes.
Go for experience. Stick with the long established kayak manufacturers for the best tradeoffs of stability and performance
Rent a kayak. If you can rent different models, you will have a much better feel for what works best for you
Cockpit versus sit on top. Sit on top kayaks are great for beginners who fear being trapped in a cockpit, and for fishing. And they won't swamp if it rolls
Fishing kayaks. Fishing kayaks should be 12 - 16 ft long and wide enough to be stable
Fit to your weight. The kayak for a 150 lb male will not be the right size for someone 220lb.
Get a slalom kayak. Also called whitewater kayaks, these are shorter, with a tighter turning radius for navigating more "active" waters
Get a touring kayak. Also called sea kayaks, these are best for travel on open oceans and lakes.
Go for experience. Stick with the long established kayak manufacturers for the best tradeoffs of stability and performance
Rent a kayak. If you can rent different models, you will have a much better feel for what works best for you