Kayak Buying Guide
Whether you are floating down the Youghiogheny River or paddling up Cherry Creek Cove on Deep Creek Lake, you’ll want to make certain you have the right kayak for the job. This guide will help you determine which kayak is right for your flat-water paddling.
Get to Know Your Needs
Kayak Types
Recreational Kayaks
Day Touring Kayaks
Sit-on-Top Kayaks
Two Person Kayaks
See Also
• What do you want to use your kayak for? (float trips, exercise, fishing, recreation)
• Is the boat just for me or is it going to be shared?
• Am I going to use it just during the summer or year round?
• Am I kayaking with others? What type of boats do they have?
These all-around boats are stable, easy to handle, fun and affordable. Most have large open cockpits for easy entry and exit. They are great for short paddles around lakes, tidal areas and slow-moving rivers.
This includes boats such as the:
Old Town Otter
Old Town Rush
Perception Prodigy 10Pros
• Anyone can paddle
• Very Stable
• Light weight
• Maneuverable
• AffordableCons
• Not very efficient for longer paddles
• Have a tendency to wander for less advanced paddlers
• Do not glide well
In general, day touring kayaks are designed with beginners and recreational boaters in mind. These kayaks are great for fitness, sight seeing, and any where from 1 hour to over night boating trips. These boats can be used just about anywhere, short of whitewater rivers. The lengths of these boats typically range from 10’ to 14’.
This includes kayaks such as the:
Perception Prodigy 12
Perception Acadia 11.5
Perception Acadia13
Old Town Dirigo 106
Old Town Dirigo 120
Old Town Dirigo 140Pros
• Easy to Paddle
• High Stability
• Great Tracking
• Good Glide
• More for GearCons
• May be harder to paddle in moving water for less experienced paddlers
Sit-on-top kayaks are designed for fun. They're easy to use and a breeze to get on and off. Sit-on-tops make great bases for swimming, snorkeling, diving, fishing and more. Shorter models are great for kids, floating around the docks and surfing! Larger models are designed for day use and can be outfitted for overnight and fishing adventures.
This includes kayaks such as the:
Ocean Kayak Venus
Ocean Kayak Frenzy
Ocean Kayak ScramblerPros
• Swimming
• Sunning
• Ease of righting in the water if capsized
• Easy to Drain
Cons
• Stability (less stable than traditional kayaks, but not unstable)
• More for summer, unless you have the proper gear (always wet)
Two Person Kayaks (Doubles, Tandems)
Tandem kayaks are great for taking small kids – and Fido – out on the lake. Geared for first time kayakers, these boats are super stable. Some models also include an optional third seat for small children.
This includes kayaks such as the:
Old Town Twin Otter
Perception Acadia II 14.0Pros
• Very Stable
• Large Carrying CapacityCons
• Heavy
• Paddle like a boat
See Also
Kayak Paddle Buying Guide
PFDs and Lifejackets Buying Guide
Accessories Buying Guide
Kayak Tours
Kayak Lessons
