Choosing a kayak can be a very confusing decision for a first time paddler. It depends on a lot of different factors such as what type of water you'd be paddling on (flatwater, lake, ocean, rivers, whitewater, etc) and how long your trips will be. Below, we've gathered together and broken down the different categories for kayaks. However, if you're still confused for whatever reason, please do not hesitate to contact our staff.

 

There are four major categories for kayaks:

Recreational

Fishing

Sea/Touring

Whitewater

 

All Recreational Kayaks offer excellant stability and are easy to paddle. Kayaking recreationally is great no matter how experienced you are as a paddler.

 

Basic recreational kayaks are designed for lakes or slow moving rivers. However, with stability you lose some speed. Performance recreational kayaks are faster boats which makes them easier to paddle. They generally have more storage for longer trips and offer some performance options such as skegs and rudders.

These kayaks are designed for two paddlers or to carry extra cargo. They are great for taking someone for a ride or to bring your children. A choice of sit in or sit on top.

Unlike other kayaks, for these kayaks, you sit on top of the boat instead of inside the cockpit. This makes it very easy to get on and off, for those who like to jump in for a swim. Great for warmer weather but doesn't offer the weather protection of a cockpit.

 

Taking a kayak fishing allows you to visit areas on the water that would be hard or impossible to reach any other way. These boats are very stable to accomomdate fishing. One of the fastest growing areas of kayaking.

 

Fishing kayaks come in both sit-in and sit-on-top. Sit-on-top fishing kayaks are the most popular for fishing, since they are very stable and gives you more manuverablity to cast and to stow gear (crates, buckets, tackle boxes and extra poles). Sit-in fishing kayaks have a cockpit to keep you protected from the environment for longer season fishing. The cockpit can be covered with a skirt in the cooler weather. The skirt goes around you and the cockpit opening to prevent water from entering. Generally, these boats have a larger cockpit to allow extra room for paddler and gear.

 

These boats are designed for the ocean, bays or large lakes or rivers. Longer in length and narrower in width making them very efficient, fast with high performance capability.

 

These boats are more stream lined for ease of paddling with extra storage for longer trips. For both entry level or intermediate paddler.

These boats are for the serious paddler. They are lightweight, fast and have extra cargo space which allows for overnight stays. Generally 15.5 to 20 feet in length and have have beams as narrow as 19 inches (this will change depending on the paddlers skill).

 

Whitewater kayaks are specifically designed to handle fast moving water.

 

The most versitile, all-river, all-conditions whitewater kayak evermade. Smooth and stable, quick and meneuverable, capable of going “off-road” when you are ready. The high volume decks are forgiving, and the performance oriented hull puts you in control regardless of the situation. Surfing, river-running or steep creeking these kayaks are ready to roll, and easy to roll.

Just like the name says, this boat is for playing tricks & flips and getthing air. The boat designed for those that like to play in the rapids and and challenge themselves, the boats rock in lots of ways.

Can be used on high water or difficult river running, the pure enjoyment of whitewater kayaking. The hull is designed to turn fast for easy manuverability. Easy to roll, performs crisp turns with real hull speed along with initial stability providing a combination of performance and control.