Comparison of Kayak Features

When considering kayaks for purchase or mere short term use, there are five important considerations to use for comparisons between boats that might be of interest. The first consideration is to determine the type of kayaking you are interested in. The second is the weight and height of the paddler. Coming in third, fourth and fifth are the weight of the boat, gear capacity and price point.

  1. Type of Kayaking

    • Whitewater kayaks are extremely short

      Kayaks are manufactured with specific uses in mind. Comparing a whitewater kayak to a recreational kayak is like comparing oranges to broccoli. The only thing they might have in common is that they can come from the same store.

      Recreational kayaks are the boats generally used by most weekend paddlers. These range in length and are meant for use on mild waterways. The are wider than other types of kayaks and can have sealed compartments to hold a day's worth of gear. Recreational kayaks are available in single or tandem seat models.

      Touring kayaks or sea kayaks are long and narrow. They are built to be sturdy but due to their length are not appropriate for use on narrow waterways. They are equipped to hold an extensive amount of gear for long voyages.

      Whitewater kayaks are short with typically rounded bottoms meant to maneuver around rocks and rapids. They are not meant to store gear and are difficult to paddle in flat bodies of water.

      Racing kayaks are also known as downriver kayaks. Exceptionally long and narrow, they are difficult for a novice paddler to keep upright.

      Sit on top kayaks are meant for warm weather recreational use only. They are common at beach resorts. The paddler sits on top of a sealed hull. Due to the way these boats are manufactured, they can be heavy for their length. Sit on top models are available in tandem style.

    Size of Paddler

    • Check manufacturer information and size prior to purchase

      When comparing like types of kayaks, check for weight capacities and leg room. The manufacturers will note the maximum weight the boat was built to accommodate on their product information pamphlet. To accommodate height, a reputable kayak dealer will often recommend particular kayaks. Once a few have been designated, sit in them to compare which has a more comfortable fit.

    Boat Weight

    • Additional gear adds weight to the kayak

      Kayak weight may differ on boats of like length based on a number of factors. Building materials, number of sealed compartments and additional features can add weight. Since most kayaks need at some point to be lifted by their owner, weights of like boats should be considered.

    Gear Storage

    • Compare boats with open and sealed storage compartments

      Compare safety features and the need for storage on your kayak. Boats that have sealed compartments not only hold gear in dry places, but are safer for some paddling conditions. Sealed compartments often allow a flipped boat to float until the paddler can right it. Boats with open compartments tend to sink fairly quickly.

    Price Point

    • Compare price after you have compared other kayak features

      Once you have identified the type of kayak and desired features, you can easily compare price points. The best and safest boat for your needs may not be the most expensive.