Do you want to enjoy your very own sit-on-top kayak? Here's a quick guide to what to look out for.
The most important thing to know before you buy is how you will use the kayak. The second most important is who will use said kayak. Once these are clear, the decisions will be easy.
To make things concrete, we will refer to products by Ocean Kayak, a top manufacturer of sit-on kayaks.
Look initially at "who". Kayaks come in two standard configurations: sit-on-tops such as the Ocean Kayak Frenzy model and sit-insides like what you see every Boy Scout paddling. Both types are designed for one or two (tandem) people. If you are going to travel as a couple anyway, with or without a small child, then a tandem kayak is cheaper than two singles, but less maneuverable.
You can paddle a tandem alone by sitting in the back (stern) and carrying weight in the front (bow) seating space. It can be fairly cumbersome to paddle a tandem alone. See why this is a critical decision point? Incidentally, Ocean Kayak has the Malibu Two and Zest Two models for two passengers, or two and a small child.
Okay, back to "how will you use it". Flat water lakes, whitewater streams, sea surfing, serious angling, or water polo are all kayak possibilities. Each demands something different. Most families will paddle around lakes or placid rivers, swimming, relaxing. You should have a recreational kayak. If you contemplate week-long expeditions, surfing off Vanua Levu in Fiji, or capturing kayak polo trophies you need specialized kayaks. Ocean Kayaks has 16 models specifically for anglers.
For greater maneuverability, a kayak needs to be short. For speed, it need to be long. Recreational kayaks should be relatively short. Similarly, they should be relatively wide for more stability and maneuverability (which is also associated with hull shape, see below). Think teapots--short and stout.
If you or the kids plan to be in and out of the kayak to take a dip, snorkel, or just cool off, you most certainly want a sit-on-top design. These "surfboards with paddles" have a short learning curve--recall your trip where the kids picked up paddling in around 10 minutes? Sit-on-tops are much easier to handle. If you do fall off, they are easy to remount. Sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing, should you succeed in turning it over--close to impossible according to the Frenzy kayak reviews. Shorter also means easier transport on top of your car and easier storing in your garage or basement.
Ocean Kayaks, in particular, designs some of their hulls for stability. Primary stability comes from a "V" shaped "keeled" hull. Secondary stability comes from having a "U" shape which creates sponson-like stability--think float plane pontoons. The tri-hulled Ocean Kayak Frenzy provides both a keel and explicit sponsons--bulges along the sides of the bottom--a great safety feature.
For specialized kayaks you will need terms like "tracking" and "rocker" in relation to the hull design. Good tracking is enhances long distance, flat-water paddling. High rocker gives maneuverability in white water or surf. Check further before you specialize--please.
Everyone ought to explore the kayak videos on gear, techniques, and travelogues at the YouTube "Paddling TV" channel. Once you know, then you can try out--do both before you buy.
The most important thing to know before you buy is how you will use the kayak. The second most important is who will use said kayak. Once these are clear, the decisions will be easy.
To make things concrete, we will refer to products by Ocean Kayak, a top manufacturer of sit-on kayaks.
Look initially at "who". Kayaks come in two standard configurations: sit-on-tops such as the Ocean Kayak Frenzy model and sit-insides like what you see every Boy Scout paddling. Both types are designed for one or two (tandem) people. If you are going to travel as a couple anyway, with or without a small child, then a tandem kayak is cheaper than two singles, but less maneuverable.
You can paddle a tandem alone by sitting in the back (stern) and carrying weight in the front (bow) seating space. It can be fairly cumbersome to paddle a tandem alone. See why this is a critical decision point? Incidentally, Ocean Kayak has the Malibu Two and Zest Two models for two passengers, or two and a small child.
Okay, back to "how will you use it". Flat water lakes, whitewater streams, sea surfing, serious angling, or water polo are all kayak possibilities. Each demands something different. Most families will paddle around lakes or placid rivers, swimming, relaxing. You should have a recreational kayak. If you contemplate week-long expeditions, surfing off Vanua Levu in Fiji, or capturing kayak polo trophies you need specialized kayaks. Ocean Kayaks has 16 models specifically for anglers.
For greater maneuverability, a kayak needs to be short. For speed, it need to be long. Recreational kayaks should be relatively short. Similarly, they should be relatively wide for more stability and maneuverability (which is also associated with hull shape, see below). Think teapots--short and stout.
If you or the kids plan to be in and out of the kayak to take a dip, snorkel, or just cool off, you most certainly want a sit-on-top design. These "surfboards with paddles" have a short learning curve--recall your trip where the kids picked up paddling in around 10 minutes? Sit-on-tops are much easier to handle. If you do fall off, they are easy to remount. Sit-on-top kayaks are self-bailing, should you succeed in turning it over--close to impossible according to the Frenzy kayak reviews. Shorter also means easier transport on top of your car and easier storing in your garage or basement.
Ocean Kayaks, in particular, designs some of their hulls for stability. Primary stability comes from a "V" shaped "keeled" hull. Secondary stability comes from having a "U" shape which creates sponson-like stability--think float plane pontoons. The tri-hulled Ocean Kayak Frenzy provides both a keel and explicit sponsons--bulges along the sides of the bottom--a great safety feature.
For specialized kayaks you will need terms like "tracking" and "rocker" in relation to the hull design. Good tracking is enhances long distance, flat-water paddling. High rocker gives maneuverability in white water or surf. Check further before you specialize--please.
Everyone ought to explore the kayak videos on gear, techniques, and travelogues at the YouTube "Paddling TV" channel. Once you know, then you can try out--do both before you buy.
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