How to Choose Your First Kayak

Inflatable kayak sales have risen steeply in recent years, and inflatables have come a long way in terms of durability, performance, and overall quality. They weigh less, store and transport easier, and tend to be less expensive than hard shell kayaks. All of these considerations make inflatables an appealing choice for casual paddlers or those new to the sport. A recent trend has been the appearance of innovative design and engineering in inflatables, as exemplified by companies like Advanced Elements and Clear Blue Hawaii.  If portability, minimal hassle and fun are top priorities for you, consider an inflatable.

On the other hand, most serious kayakers still prefer hard shell boats—and for good reason. Hard shells offer a much wider range of sizes and specialized design features, and with new materials performance and durability have increased even as boats have become lighter. If you plan to be spending a lot of time on the water and can deal with the storage and transportation issues—in most cases you’ll need a roof rack—a hard shell kayak is probably the way to go.

Within the hard shell category, you’ll find that kayaks today come in a variety of different materials. Some manufacturers make all their boats of the same material, and some use different techniques for different models. For a true beginner the material and manufacturing method are not the most important factors, but it’s good to be aware of the differences that exist. Materials most commonly used in kayak construction are:

Almost all kayaks used to be made of fiberglass, and many top quality models still are. Fiberglass hulls are stiff and lightweight, and cut through the water with minimal drag. If you want a larger touring boat that isn’t too heavy too lift, or simply a kayak with outstanding speed and performance, fiberglass is the way to go. The downside is these boats tend to be more vulnerable to abrasion and impact damage—but they’re also easier to repair.

This category include a number of variations in material and molding process used by different kayak makers. Polyethylene boats stick to the water a bit more than fiberglass models, but they are super strong and impact resistant, making them a logical choice for whitewater enthusiasts.

These boats are a blend of traditional fiberglass and new carbon and Kevlar materials, designed to maximize what most people want from a kayak: performance and durability. Composite kayak sales are on the rise, and the number of choices keeps increasing. High quality and high end.

This is probably the most fundamental consideration for anyone buying new or used kayak, beginners included. How and where will you be using the boat?

For most people just starting out, a recreational kayak a good and affordable way to begin. But what exactly is a recreational kayak? The definitions are a little loose, but in general these are simply smaller, easier-to-paddle versions of touring kayaks. They're a little lighter, a bit more stable on the water, and generally less expensive. Some have large open cockpits or canoe-like features. There’s no clear line that separates “recreational” and “day-touring” boats, and both can serve a variety of uses—you can paddle in lakes, bays and estuaries, flat rivers and even mild whitewater. Somewhat larger models more suitable for multi-day trips merge with the “Touring” category.

These are larger boats with enough storage capacity for multi-day trips. They’re built for comfort and efficiency in extended paddling in open water—acceleration is slow but once moving they’re fast and stable. The long, sleek shape makes them seem a bit more “tippy” to inexperienced paddlers, but most people can learn to be comfortable in one of these boats without too much difficulty. Some touring kayaks with rudders, controlled by foot pedals, or “skegs”—keels that can be raised or lowered for added stability. Generally for ocean and lake use only.

Whitewater kayaks are smaller and more rounded than recreational or touring kayaks, specifically designed to get you down a stream without being upended, sucked into a hole or hung up on rocks. At the lower end in this group you'll find some relatively inexpensive boats that are fun to play around in, but really only suitable for light to moderate grade rapids. You'll also find a large and ever-changing assortment of boats designed for whitewater sport kayaking use only. The whitewater sport group has various specialized subcategories—“creekers”, “playboats”, etc.—all with slight variations in line and shape. True beginners should avoid putting themselves in the kinds of places these boats are designed for.

A fairly recent innovation, sit-on-top kayaks have an open cockpit, like a canoe, and a higher seat than traditional kayaks. Lacking a closed deck, narrow cockpit and spray skirt these boats are easy to get in and out of, even while in the water. These aren’t really river boats, but may be a good choice for light recreational use in lakes or near shore in ocean waters. They are often used by fishermen, or as platforms for divers and snorkelers.