Navigate heart-pounding rapids, glide across pristine lakes, paddle vast ocean expanses and hidden waterways.all from the comfort of your new kayak. Enthusiasts know that there are few things more rewarding than the self-propelled thrill of kayaking. 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.
Buying a Kayak
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.
Plastic or fiberglass? Kayaks are made from either plastic or fiberglass. Plastic boats are more durable, offer protection on rocky shorelines, and are generally less expensive than fiberglass boats. On the other hand, fiberglass boats are lighter and faster and can be repaired if damaged.
Tip: Most 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.
Sit-on-top or open top kayaks allow you to sit on top and are great for fishing and diving or as beginner boats.
Touring or sea kayaks are designed for long-distance travel. They are built long and lean for better tracking (ability to travel in a straight line), and quick travel over long distances.
Whitewater kayaks differ from other boats in that they are designed to handle moving water more efficiently. They are short and maneuverable.
Tandem kayaks are two-seated boats perfect for families or couples.
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Paddles
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.
Touring paddles are generally very light and long with asymmetrical blades and 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.
Whitewater paddles are stronger, shorter, and more durable than touring paddles and 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, while they are the lightest and strongest, 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.
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Sprayskirts
A sprayskirt is essential to every kayaker 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.
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Personal Flotation Device (PFD)
You should always wear a personal flotation device when kayaking-no ifs, ands, or buts. While PFD's 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.
Make sure your Kayaking PFD:
- Is designed for boaters with freedom of movement for paddling.
- Features generously-cut neck and armholes and narrow shoulder straps.
- Has a variety of adjustable straps at the waist, shoulder, and armholes to provide proper fit.
- Rides comfortably over your sprayskirt and can be adjusted to fit snugly over a swimsuit, wetsuit, or drysuit.
- Features enough pockets and attachment points for all your equipment, i.e. sunscreen, compass, water bottle, etc.
- Comes in a highly visible color, preferably with reflective trim.
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.
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Wetsuits/Drysuits and Tops
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.
Wetsuit 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.
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Drysuits 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 Gore-Texr linings 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.
Dry Tops 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.
Semi-dry Tops Generally, the most breathable and roomy garment is the semi-dry top. These tops are waterproof and feature fitted neck and wrist gaskets, adjustable waist closures, and taped seams to help keep water out.
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Helmets
As with your personal flotation device, you should always wear a helmet when you go boating. 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. Still, 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.
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Dry Bags
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.
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Footwear
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.
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Emergency Equipment
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.
Your emergency kit should contain (depending on situation and venue):
- materials for starting a fire
- a compass
- a map
- high-energy food and drinking water
- emergency shelter
- extra clothing
- flashlight and whistle
- sunscreen and lip protection
- an extra pair of glasses or contact lens
- extra food and drinking water
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Final Note
Please keep in mind that risks are inherent and safety is of the utmost importance when participating in any water activity. Kayaking can be dangerous. Professional instruction is strongly recommended. With the proper knowledge and preparation, you're sure to have many great adventures.