How to Buy a Kayak in South Florida

Kayaking offers a great way to relax, get some exercise and enjoy your surroundings. From Everglade swamps to mangrove inlets to the Gulf coast, South Florida provides visitors and inhabitants many chances to enjoy this great activity. While many companies offer rentals and excursions, owning your own kayak allows even more freedom to explore the sport, and a unique way to explore this part of the country. Because South Florida is such a popular kayak destination, many retailers in the region sell boats.

Instructions

    • 1

      Make sure you have a way to transport a kayak once you buy it. Many kayaks fit easily in the bed of a pick-up truck or on a car rack.

    • 2

      Locate a kayak outfitter in your area. Check online or in a phone book.

    • 3

      Get an employee at the outfitter to help determine which kayak best satisfies your needs. Consider the type of paddling you'll be doing. Kayaks can be broken down into four basic categories: recreational, touring, whitewater and racing. Your location in South Florida means the vast majority of your kayaking will occur in the ocean, or calm water like the Everglades or lakes. A basic recreational kayak should satisfy most needs. Besides being the most commonly used, they're portable, easy for beginners, and relatively inexpensive. However, if you're interested in longer trips into the back country, overnight tours or excursions farther into the sea, you should consider a touring kayak. These are more comfortable, allowing you to row longer distances with less effort. They also include stow space, and longer boats often have rudders to enhance mobility. Both recreational and touring kayaks come as single or tandem boats, so you may bring a companion. Other things to consider include personal skill level, your ability to transport a boat, and budget.