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Question by jitterbug82: What would be recommended as the best first kayak for someone with little experience of kayaking?

Best answer:

Answer by awaywa
What type of kayak you get really depends on what type of paddling you plan on doing. There are many types of kayaks for different purposes. Three major types are sea kayaks, recreational kayaks, whitewater kayaks . There are also kayaks that are made for special purposes, such as surfing, racing, or fishing, and there are ones that are a combination of different types.

Sea kayaks are long and narrow; typical ones are 16-18 feet long. Most are sit-inside. They’re designed to go fast and straight, even in wind and rough water. Some but not all have skegs and rudders. Many models have sealed bulkheads and hatches, which prevent the kayak from flooding and sinking and also provide storage space for camping gear. Even though they’re designed with the open ocean in mind, they could be a good choice if you want to do longer distances or multi-day trips on larger inland waterways.

Whitewater kayaks are shorter, typically 6-9 feet. They’re designed for maneuverability in rapids; it’s possible to spin them around with a single stroke. They can be taken on calm water too, but they’ll be slow and for a beginner they’ll be difficult to keep going straight.

Recreational kayaks vary a lot. They’re designed for ease of use by a beginner on calm waters. Some are sit-on-top, and some are sit-inside; some sit-insides have a very large cockpit (the hole that you sit in), so you would not cover them up with a spray skirt. They’re a little longer than whitewater kayaks, maybe 9-12 feet, and they’re more maneuverable than sea kayaks but easier to keep going straight than whitewater boats.

Before jumping in and buying a kayak, I’d recommend getting a little more experience first, which will help you in making a good decision. Take lessons for whatever sort of water you’re interested in. Join clubs if there are any in your area. Go visit local kayak shops and get their opinions. Most shop staff are very helpful and low-pressure; the last thing they want to do is sell you a boat that you’re not happy with. Many shops have demo days that are cheap or free to attend. Go rent kayaks, too. It’ll cost a little, but some shops will credit your rentals fees toward a kayak purchase.

Finally, don’t necessarily look for a kayak that is “perfect for beginners”. If you start kayaking regularly, after just a couple months, you will no longer be a beginner and will be looking to upgrade.

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!