Beginner's Guide to Kayaking

 

Photo by Angela Eidemiller

During the COVID lockdowns of 2020 getting outside became more popular than ever. Many people who had never even considered buying a kayak decided to take the plunge and purchase a boat for themselves and get outside. While exciting for manufacturers and the retail stores that sold them it ended up depleting all the inventory. Kayaks became hard to find, and naturally, prices went up. A benefit for the rest of us is that some people bought kayaks and used them only a few times, leading to better prices for high-quality boats available from private sellers.

The best way for us to determine if  we wanted to invest in kayaking was to try it first. We planned a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, in July 2021. One of the best things we did there was a 2 hour marsh tour. We used Charleston Outdoor Adventures , which I highly recommend. Our tour guide, Dallas Baker, was both funny and very knowledgable.  He is also a musician and plays many local spots, so if you are ever in Charleston look him up! This experience helped us to figure out the type of kayak we'd need and what features mattered most to us.  The kayaks they used on the tour had a rudder that you could control with your feet. It made it a lot easier to direct yourself in the water but those things will add up in final price. Without the rudder, we had to ensure we chose a kayak with high ratings for how it tracked in the water so we wouldn't have to paddle so hard to go in the direction we wanted to.

Photo by Angela Eidemiller

Once we decided we wanted to get some kayaks, we saw it as a relatively inexpensive way to get out on the water. After your initial purchase, there isn't much upkeep. You'll want to invest in some good roof racks unless you have a truck to transport them. We bought these from Amazon. We also invested in some storage racks in our garage to prevent the boats from warping and to save space. These racks mount from the ceiling and have been great. We are definitely researchers when it comes to bigger purchases. You won't ever catch us coming out of a car dealership or a retail store with a high dollar purchase on the first trip. My husband, Rob, watched hours of YouTube videos that reviewed boats before he had an idea of which ones might work best for us. His top recommended channel is Dan at Headwaters Kayak. On his channel, Dan purchases kayaks from big-box stores and tries them out. He then lists the pros and cons of each. He isn't trying to sell you a $1,000 kayak, although they do sell used kayaks. From his perspective, he'd rather get someone into the sport, and if that means you're buying a big-box store kayak, then so be it. Once you know you love it, you will naturally upgrade, and then someone will get the benefit of your used kayak as a starter. 

We ended up purchasing our kayaks from private sellers on Facebook Marketplace for a fraction of what they would have cost to buy brand new. Important things to keep in mind and evaluate when purchasing a kayak for the first time:

1.  Sit on top OR Sit inside

Photo by Lorri Thomasson on Unsplash

Sit on tops will be a little more wider and sit above the water line, so you will have to work a little harder to paddle them. These are popular with people who like to fish and those looking for a lighter option. With this type of kayak, you will strap on whatever you are bringing with you. It's going to be easier to get in and out of, and doesn't take on water due to the drainage holes which can also be a benefit.

Sit insides feel a bit more secure to us; you can put your legs up against the side and feel more locked in. They are more efficient and move smoothly through the water,making them easier to paddle. Sit insides are also heavier.

With both options the 10 to 12 ft kayaks are going to be easier to paddle than the 6 or 8 ft boats. Paddle length is also important and will affect how you move through the water.

2. What type of Kayaking

Where you plan to use your kayak matters. A kayak made for recreational use won't perform well in the ocean or whitewater. There are kayaks outfitted for all different functions and water types. From fishing, sea, or even tandem kayaks.

Recreational kayaking offers many options for those just getting into the sport. You will be able to get out on rivers, lakes, and creeks. 

Storage capacity is also something to keep in mind. Is there a dry storage hatch? Does it have a dashboard with cup holders or a spot to store your phone?

If you are interested in doing longer paddles or camping, consider a touring kayak. These will be longer and narrower, making it easier to get through the water. This means you won't be working as hard, which is important for long distances.

We personally have the Wilderness Systems Pungo touring kayaks (10ft and 12ft) and have been really pleased with them. 

3. Cheapest isn't always best

You want to ensure you get the best kayak in your price range. I'm not an advocate for spending a lot of money on something before you know how well you enjoy it, but you will want to get one that is enjoyable to paddle. If you get something that is uncomfortable or difficult to maneuver, you might get discouraged and give up. Visit some outfitter stores, sit in the kayaks, ask questions and then you'll know what to look for. Good deals can be found when purchasing used kayaks, so keep your eye on places like Facebook Marketplace or your local kayaking groups.

Kayaking definitely has a learning curve but this is what helps us grow and stepping out of your comfort zone enables you to have new experiences. There are a lot of videos on YouTube that show basic strokes and safety tips that can help you even before you get in the water. I encourage you to look for local kayaking groups online. We belong to a couple on Facebook, and it's been a great opportunity to get out on water that you wouldn't think of attempting by yourself or as a newbie. You benefit from the experience and guidance of being out with more experienced paddlers, and it also helps you grow in community with others that have the same shared interest.

Happy paddling and see you on the water!