Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s also a lot of fun. There are many different types of kayaks, each with its own unique characteristics. We’ll take a look at some popular kayak types and explain how they’re best suited for various activities.
1. Sit-on-top Kayaks
Sit-on-top kayaks are the most popular type of kayak. They’re great for beginners and offer a comfortable ride, with a wide range of storage space and seating options.
Sit-on-top kayaks have two hatches—one at each end—where you can store your gear or food, but they don’t have any bulkheads that divide the cockpit from the water below. The result is that sit-on-tops tend to be more stable than other types of boats because their weight distribution isn’t as sensitive when crossing waves or windy conditions (although some people report feeling seasick in such situations).
Sit-on-top kayaks are the simplest to use and are best for beginners. They have a cockpit that you sit in and have handles on both sides to help you balance as well as paddle faster. The hull of this type of boat is hollowed out so that it can float on water, but their design also makes them less stable than other types of kayaks, especially when they’re fully loaded with gear or people.
2. Sit-in Kayaks
With sit-in kayaks, you have more choices. You may use these kayaks in the warm weather, however, you can attach the spray skirt & use this in colder and rougher water. You will stay drier with the sit-in and often they have better storage capacity and provide more options for storing your belongings as well as keeping them to get wet.
They often are designed with foot braces inside thus you will brace your legs with an efficient stroke and get better power from the stroke. Overall, sit-in type kayaks are quite roomy, then confined.
3. Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are made of high-quality nylon and are lightweight, making them easy to transport. They also require no assembly, so you can get on your kayak quickly and easily.
Inflatable kayaks come in a variety of shapes and sizes: some are designed for one person or two people while others can hold up to five people comfortably. The boats themselves are waterproof, but they don’t have any storage space at all—you’ll need additional gear like life jackets, paddles, and PFDs (personal flotation devices).
An inflatable boat is made from an inner tube filled with air pressure instead of foam or plastic material like some other types of boats; therefore they are lightweight but still durable enough for long trips through rough waters without sinking! These boats come in many different shapes and sizes depending on how much space there will be inside them once inflated; making them ideal if space constraints aren’t much concern (and who cares about getting wet anyway?).
4. Kayaks for Fishing
Fishing kayaks are designed to be stable and sturdy. They’re often long and narrow, so they help you get in close to fish (although this might not be necessary if you have a fishing rod mounted on your kayak). They’re also covered with a waterproof material that will protect you from the elements during your time on the water.
The most important feature of any fishing kayak is its seat—you’ll want one with padding so that your butt doesn’t end up bruised by sitting on sharp rocks or branches while trying to catch some dinner! A footrest helps make sure that both feet can rest comfortably as well.
5. Sea or Touring Kayaks
Touring kayaks are designed for long-distance paddling. They can be used to cover large distances, but they are not as fast or manoeuvrable as other types of kayaks. Touring kayaks usually have a rounded hull shape, making them more stable than other types of kayaks and easier to paddle through waves or swells.
6. Recreational Kayaks
Recreational kayaks are the most popular type of kayak and for good reason. They’re easy to use, can be used by beginners or experienced paddlers alike, and are versatile enough to handle different types of water.
Recreational kayaks typically have a hard plastic hull that’s durable enough to withstand rough conditions like white water rivers and lakes as well as fishing trips. These boats also tend to be lighter than other types of boats so they’re more comfortable when it comes time for an afternoon paddle around town or an overnight trip on your favourite lake.
If you’re just starting out with paddling but want something simple with which to learn how this sport works then we recommend checking out some recreational models online before deciding which one suits your needs best!
7. Modular Kayaks
If transportation is a big issue for you, then a modular kayak is the best choice for you. Such types of kayaks come with proper storage and transportation. Also, they can come in very handy in case you use the kayak as a single or tandem, rather than buying multiple kayaks, so you can get an extra piece or expand your kayak, in a very simple way.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many different types of kayaks out there. With so many different options available it can be difficult to know exactly which type is right for your needs. However, by doing some research and considering what would suit your lifestyle best then hopefully we’ve helped narrow down the choices so that you can make an informed decision when purchasing one!