Differences in Kayak Materials

From paddling across tranquil lakes, to shooting through class V whitewater rapids, to multi-day adventures at sea, kayaking is a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors. For casual paddlers who don't mind renting their gear, the materials that make up a kayak probably won't be a major consideration. However, for those people interested in buying their own kayak, construction materials will have a large impact on durability and price, in addition to weight. While the original native Alaskan kayaks were made out of animal skins, most modern kayaks are made out of plastics and other synthetic materials.

  1. Polyethylene

    • Polyethylene (PE) has several properties that make it ideal for kayak construction. This form of plastic is impact- and scratch-resistant, and it's simple to repair if damaged. The process of molding PE also produces an even layer of plastic, which is an important attribute. There are two main forms of PE: linear PE is more affordable, while superlinear PE has a higher density which makes it more durable, and also more expensive. The one major drawback for all types of PE is that long-term exposure to UV rays from the sun will eventually cause the material to become brittle and break.

    Cross-linked Polyethylene

    • Cross-linked PE is also known as 3-layer PE and Polylink 3. Regardless of the name, the construction materials are virtually the same. Two layers of PE are placed on top of and below a foam core. This construction provides more rigidity and also helps insulate the kayak more efficiently (an important trait, especially if paddling in cold water). The added layers make cross-linked PE kayaks heavier than regular PE kayaks, but they two have similar properties in terms of durability and damage resistance.

    Composites

    • Composite kayaks combine different materials to create high performance and lightweight kayaks. The materials used can incorporate fiberglass, carbon blends and other synthetic materials. Due to their superior quality and durability, composite kayaks typically cost more than PE and other types of kayaks.

    Thermoformed ABS

    • While thermoformed ABS has a high gloss appearance similar to composite kayaks, the material is heavier. In general, ABS performs at around the same level as composite materials. Its cheaper cost and construction attract buyers who want to avoid shelling out for the high price of a composite kayak. Compared to PE, thermoformed ABS is of a higher quality; the material is lighter and it is less likely to show wear and tear.