Buying the right kayak can mean the difference between discovering a passion and wasting money on a miserable experience. Stay away from these 5 common mistakes and find out why so many people are passionate about kayaking!
1. Assuming beginners and recreational kayakers don’t need an expensive kayak. Actually, this is the other way around. An experienced kayaker has a much better chance of getting a cheap kayak to go straight and not in circles. If you’re only interested in the occasional recreational kayak, you need an easy kayak to paddle, and cheap kayaks are never easy to paddle – they’re like trying to drive a bathtub. People often tell me: I’ll start with something cheaper and if I like kayaking, I’ll get a better one, but if you buy a cheap kayak, YOU WILL NOT LIKE KAYAK!
2. Buy a short kayak because it is easier to carry and transport. Long kayaks go faster and straighter, and if you don’t think this matters, try paddling a pool toy across a lake and you’ll see what I mean. Short kayaks are ideal for whitewater because they turn more easily. But if you’re not in whitewater, DON’T GET ONE. If you want a lightweight kayak that will fit in your car, take a look at the wide range of quality inflatable kayaks that are available now; you will be much happier than you would be with a short hard helmet.
3. Buy a brand without a name. Design is the most important factor in determining performance. A well-designed kayak will glide through the water, be comfortable to sit on, be stable and durable. If you opt for a no-name brand, it is unlikely that the company invested much in the design, and you may find that it lacks momentum, continuously goes around in circles or turns to one side, sinks uncomfortably on your back or your butt, and then it breaks.
4. Buy a tandem kayak. If you will soon be participating in the Olympic Games tandem kayak race, then this purchase could be justified. But if you are a recreational kayaker and think you could get a tandem so you can go out with your partner, think again. A little independence and distance is healthy in all relationships! Tandems are a source of tension among kayakers: the person in the back is getting splashed, the person in front is not establishing a steady pace, some of the people are not paddling enough, etc. this, you’re stuck with a kayak that you can’t pull yourself out. If you’re hooked on the romance of tandem, make a commitment to a convertible kayak that can be paddled alone or in tandem.
5. Read kayak reviews regardless of 1-4 above. When reading a review, think about whether the person might have made any of the mistakes I’ve listed. They may complain that an inflatable kayak got punctured on the second use, for example, but did they buy a cheap unknown brand? Similarly, if they complain that the kayak is difficult to maneuver in a straight line, is it too short? And if they complain about your paddling partner, forgive them – tandem kayaks bring out the worst in people!
