Enthusiasts know that there are few things more rewarding than the self-propelled thrill of kayaking. You can navigate heart-pounding rapids, glide across pristine lakes, paddle vast ocean expanses and hidden waterways, all from the comfort of your new kayak. Whether you're looking for a high-octane kayaking adventure, a new way to improve your fitness level, or just a weekend family float trip, Sierra Trading Post has the tips you want and the gear you need to paddle like a pro.
Before buying a kayak, you need to decide how you're going to use it. Do you want to paddle whitewater rapids, lakes and ponds, or the open ocean? Do you want to paddle solo or with a partner? Beginners should look for a kayak that combines versatile handling with good stability and reasonable weight.
Kayaks are usually grouped into four broad categories based on how they will be used: Recreational Kayaks, Fishing Kayaks, Touring Kayaks and Whitewater Kayaks. The category of kayak you buy should match the type of paddling you intend to do. Regardless of the type of paddling you’re interested in, receiving qualified instruction in kayak safety and paddling techniques is necessary for all paddlers. Proper instruction will also make your kayaking experience much more enjoyable.
If you are most interested in paddling lakes and other calm waters for fun or fitness, then a recreational kayak is for you. Recreational kayaks are ideal for families and are built for stability, comfort and ease of use.
If you are primarily interested in fishing from your kayak, you will like the angler-friendly rod holders and storage spaces of a fishing kayak. The simplicity, better access to remote spots and stealth offered by fishing kayaks make them a great choice for dedicated anglers.
If you intend to paddle long distances in varying currents and conditions, a touring kayak is best. The long and lean design of touring kayaks makes them the most energy-efficient kayak class. A touring or sea kayak allows you to paddle further, faster and with less fatigue. These boats also feature plenty of storage space for overnight or multiday excursions.
If you want to paddle rapids and other fast-moving water, a whitewater kayak is your best bet. Made of rotomolded, high-impact plastic, whitewater kayaks are small, nimble, rugged boats built to navigate moving water. The whitewater kayak class has two major subcategories: play boats and creek boats. boats known as river-running kayaks occupy the middle ground between creek boats and play boats.
Kayaks are available in two basic designs, and each has its advantages. Although enclosed kayaks do offer the highest level of performance, sit-on-top kayaks have closed the performance gap considerably in the last few years. In many ways, the choice comes down to personal preference and the conditions in which you will be paddling.
This is the traditional kayak design; its completely enclosed hull is probably what you picture when you think of a kayak. In general, the main advantages of sit-in kayaks are increased speed and efficiency, classic kayak aesthetics or looks and the comfort of a dry, completely enclosed cockpit. To keep water from entering the cockpit, a spray skirt is required for all but the calmest waters. The spray skirt covers the cockpit and is absolutely essential for safety and comfort. Because you are enclosed in the cockpit, you must learn to perform an Eskimo roll to safely enjoy paddling an enclosed sit-in kayak.
This newer kayak design was first mass-produced in the 1970s, with production skyrocketing in the 1990s. In general, the main advantages of sit-on-top kayaks are their comfort, stability and gentle learning curve. Sit-on-top kayaks are easier to get into and out of, and their open cockpit means you won’t feel cramped for space. Sit-on-top kayaks don’t require the use of spray skirts or the ability to perform an Eskimo roll. Sit-on-top kayaks are an easy, comfortable and unintimidating way for beginners to learn kayaking basics. Sit-on-top kayaks also have enough performance features to “grow” with you as your paddling skills progress.
Available in both sit-on-top or enclosed sit-in designs, tandem kayaks accommodate two paddlers and are great for families or couples. The majority of tandem kayaks fit into either the recreational kayak or touring kayak category.
Kayaks are made from either plastic or fiberglass. Plastic boats are more durable and are generally less expensive than fiberglass boats. On the other hand, fiberglass boats are lighter and faster and can be repaired if damaged.
Most plastic kayaks are made of polyethylene which is a flexible, durable plastic that offers high-impact resistance, making it the perfect material for whitewater kayaks. Airalite thermoplastic — another plastic material from which kayaks are made — is stiffer and lighter than polyethylene and is generally used in the making of touring kayaks.
Your paddle can make or break your kayaking experience, so make sure to look at a few models before you settle on one. Remember, taking an extra paddle on every excursion-although not necessary-will often prove invaluable.
Generally very light and long with asymmetrical blades, touring blades can be made from a variety of materials. Touring paddles are usually made up of two pieces that can be broken down for storage and travel.
Stronger, shorter, and more durable than touring paddles, whitewater paddles feature symmetrical or asymmetrical blades. Whitewater paddles are usually built in just one piece for rapid, powerful strokes.
Sierra Trading Post stocks one- and two-piece paddles. One-piece paddles are the lightest and strongest, but they don't offer any adjustment options. Two-piece paddles allow you to customize blade positioning and are easy to use, store, and pack when you travel.
A sprayskirt is essential to every kayaker who paddles in an enclosed kayak, except in the calmest of waters. Your sprayskirt should fit snugly around your waist and stretch over the cockpit of the boat to prevent water from seeping into the kayak. The skirt will also keep water out of the boat if it capsizes. If you need to get out of the boat while underwater — called a "wet exit" — the skirt pulls away from the cockpit and allows you to surface quickly without getting entangled.
You should always wear a personal flotation device when kayaking — no ifs, ands, or buts. While PFDs may not be the most attractive garment you'll ever wear, today's slick flotation devices are definitely not your grandpa's life preservers. Here are some things to keep in mind when buying a PFD.
Tip: The majority of kayakers prefer to wear type III vests which are considered the most comfortable, allow the most freedom of movement, and are specifically designed for boating activities and water sports. However, some kayakers may wear Type V vests which are the least bulky of all vests and are good for continuous wear.
Many PFD manufacturers now make gender-specific flotation devices to ensure the best fit for any body type.
You should always wear a helmet when you go kayaking. Kayak helmets are designed with only one thing in mind: functionality. They are designed to protect your head. However, in the last few years, many helmet manufacturers have begun to consider aesthetics and a wider range of designs have hit the market. The most popular style is the solid-colored baseball-style helmet with a bit of a brim. These helmets can be worn during most recreational kayaking trips, and are essential for whitewater kayaking.
The rule of thumb to follow when dressing for a kayaking trip: If you're not willing to fully submerge yourself in the water at the beginning of the day, you're not adequately prepared. No matter how warm the air is, dress for the temperature of the water. The best way to combat the cold is by wearing a wetsuit, a drysuit, a dry top, or a semi-dry top.
A wetsuit is a neoprene bodysuit that keeps out the chill of cold water and protects you against hypothermia. Wetsuits for kayakers are different than ones you would find at a dive shop. The neoprene is thinner and they are usually sold as a one-piece, tank-top style with long pants called 'Farmer John's' or 'Farmer Jane's'. This style allows your legs and core to stay warm while keeping your arms and shoulders free to move.
For even more protection from the cold, you can invest in a waterproof drysuit. A drysuit is a loose-fitting, insulated, substantial nylon garment worn over clothing and designed to keep water out completely. Drysuits often have a Gore-Tex® membrane and rubberized gaskets to seal water out and keep you warm even in sub-zero temperatures. You should wear quick-drying, moisture-wicking clothing under a drysuit.
Like drysuits, waterproof dry tops are made from nylon, are worn over a shirt, and feature cuffs and gaskets designed to keep the water out. Dry tops are usually not insulated.
These tops are waterproof and feature fitted neck and wrist gaskets, adjustable waist closures, and taped seams to help keep water out.
Dry bags are exactly that: they keep all of your belongings dry when you're in the water and are designed to stuff easily into the nooks and crannies of your boat. There are several types of dry bags to choose from at Sierra Trading Post, including compression and regular dry bags of various sizes. Compression bags are meant to hold sleeping bags or gear that needs to be compressed for packing. Some of these bags feature manual or automatic air valves or you can manually expel air by compressing the bag and closing it tightly.
Avoid shoes that have laces or straps that could get tangled in the foot rests of your kayak. Sandals or water shoes that fasten securely are your best option. Flexible neoprene booties (or wetshoes) are comfortable and offer protection when getting in and out of the boat. In colder water, wool or fleece socks can be worn in addition to your shoes for increased warmth. Wool socks are generally warmer, but fleece socks dry more quickly.
Before you leave on any kayaking trip, be sure to pack a first aid kit with basic medical supplies. You'll also want an emergency kit. Your emergency equipment list should expand as the trip distance or remoteness increases. Take special preparations when kayaking in open waters.
Sierra Trading Post is a proud sponsor of Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. Please follow the seven principles outlined below to ensure future enjoyment of your favorite hiking trails.
