How to Buy Your First Sea Kayak

Because no sea kayak can do everything well, designers have developed kayaks for all levels of skills and types of activities.

Instructions

1. Decide what type of sea kayaking you'd like to do: day trips, touring, international expeditions, surfing, or racing. There are kayaks designed for almost every type of adventure.

2. Read the Buyer's Guide edition of Canoe and Kayak Magazine available at kayak dealers. The annual buyer's guide has extensive information on what types of kayaks and paddling gear are available.

3. Start with a day tripping recreational sea kayak if you're a beginner and new to water sports. Typically 14'17 feet long and 22-25 inches wide, they can hold enough gear for weekend camping, are stable in the water, and are relatively easy to handle. This may be the only sea kayak you'll ever need.

4. Buy an expedition-fitted touring kayak for longer camping trips and a wider range of conditions. These kayaks are bigger, hold more gear, and in the hands of an experienced kayaker are extremely sea worthy. They are typically 17 or 18 ft long and 22 to 25 in. wide.

5. Consider packable expedition kayaks for international touring. Made of fabric stretched over wood or aluminum, or of inflatable fabric, these kayaks can bring you to a new world of adventure. Typically these are 14-17 foot long and 25 inches wide.

6. Kayaks for surfing often look very much like river kayaks, They're very short and maneuverable. Most have flat bottoms that allow them to plane over the water like a surfboard. (Typically 8 ft long and 30 in wide)

7. Racing kayaks are long and narrow. They're good at going forward fast, tippy, and are more difficult to turn. (Typically 19-23 ft long and 19 in wide.)

8. Go to a local launch site and look at kayaks and talk to kayakers about their boats. I suggest you complement the owner on his or her kayak. (Pretty kayak!) Then you can ask questions such as: Do you like it? What do you like best about it? Ask questions to see if it's suitable for your needs. Do you take it camping? Do you race it. How does it handle surf?

9. Ask owner if you can try out the kayaks you are interested in. Be sure to dress for the water temperature as you may end up in the water! Check for fit in the legs and feet and seat and cockpit. Some kayaks are designed for bigger people and some are designed for smaller people. Sea kayaks should fit snugly, yet be comfortable, with the balls of your feet on the foot pegs when you sit up straight (see How to Fit Yourself in a Kayak).

10. Go to dealers and look at and test-paddle sea kayaks (if possible).

11. Join your local sea kayak club. The local dealer will probably be able to tell you how to get in touch with the club. Many dealers, manufacturers, and clubs are listed in Sea Kayak Magazine. www.seakayakermag.com. The website for San Francisco Bay Area Sea Kayakers, www.bask.org is one of the best club sites and has links to clubs around the globe.

12. Once you're a member of the club you can check club sources for used kayaks.. Ask the person selling the kayak if you can test paddle it.

13. Read about sea kayaking. Start with books that cover the basics like, The Coastal Kayaker's Manual by Randel Washburne, The Globe Pequot Press; and The Essential Sea Kayaker, A Complete Course for the Open Water Paddler, by David Seidman, International Marine Publishing. And naturally, you can surf the web. A good place to start would be following the links a the sites listed in number four.

14. When you find one you like make the leap and buy the kayak. It's the best way to get out on the water. Paddle with your club or friends who are experienced kayakers. As you learn more about kayaking you'll find our what you like and don't like about your kayak. It you don't like it, sell it and buy another.

15. Consider materials. Plastic, fiberglass, or high-performance composite like Kevlar or carbon fiber? Plastic is less expensive and highly impact resistant. However it's heavy, difficult to repair, and degrades when exposed to sunlight. Fiberglass is mid-weight and relatively easy to maintain and repair. However it's more expensive than plastic, it can crack on impact, and surface scrapes require occasional maintenance. High performance composites are light weight and tough. However, they are more expensive. The lightest lay-ups are the most fragile. Wood kayaks, often quite beautiful, can be light weight and durable and are most often home made from kits bought from designers. They require regular maintenance to preserve the finish.

Tips & Warnings

• Before your first launch be sure to take a class or two from an outfitter.

• Check the weather and water conditions before you launch.

• Don't paddle in conditions beyond your ability.

• Dress for the water temperature.

• Know how to get back in your kayak should you capsize.

• Carry water, food, and a change of warm clothes.