Buying your first kayak can be a difficult decision to make, so many people want to get some advice that best meets their needs. The following article may be a bit long, but I'd like to encourage my friends who are making a decision to read it.
With 10 things to know before deciding to buy your first kayak
1. Budget and Supplier : Of course, we can buy kayaks in various price ranges on the market, starting from a thousand baht and up. We should set a budget in mind and look at the various accessories that we will receive because kayaking does not only require a boat. We also need paddles, life jackets, and seats. But as we all know, the important thing is not just the price. There are also after-sales service, spare parts, and various accessories. If you do not want to waste time or spend money repeatedly, you should choose a supplier that has these options as well.
2. Types of boats : We may have heard the terms SIT ON TOP (sit-on kayak) and SIT INSIDE (sit-in kayak). Simply put, with SIT ON TOP, we can place a cushion on top of the boat and paddle right away. As for SIT INSIDE, we have to insert our legs and torso inside the boat. SIT ON TOP boats are mostly used for general recreational activities, such as paddling for exercise, camping, or fishing because they have a lot of space for placing things and are convenient for movement. SIT INSIDE boats are mostly used by people who have some experience in paddling. They are the type of boat used for long distance travel or those who need speed.
3. Size : In terms of size, you have to consider many things, such as the place you will be paddling (river, canal, sea, lake), and the duration of the activity. It is divided into 3 topics:
3.1 Length : Boats of 9-10 feet are considered small boats, lightweight and easy to move. Suitable for children or adults with low weight. Suitable for rowing in small areas. But may have limitations in maintaining a straight line while rowing (maintaining a straight line is considered the ability of a longer boat). Boats of 11-12 feet are the most suitable choice for adults in general. In terms of balance, maintaining a straight line, agility, luggage space And also suitable for various terrain Boats of 12 feet and up are suitable for rowing long distances and open water. It is a boat that can maintain a straight line the best. There is more storage space (depending on the type of boat)
3.2 Width : Although width depends on the design of each boat model, the narrower the boat, the faster you can row but the less stable it will be. Boats with a width of 32 inches or more may have more drag but are more stable depending on the design of the hull. Some boats are designed with a flat bottom for stability but can be a bit difficult to row. If you will be using it for recreational activities, fun paddling or fishing, we recommend a boat with a width of 30 - 32 inches. But if you want a boat that can support more weight or want to stand and cast bait, we recommend a boat with a width of 32 - 34 inches.
3.3 Capacity / Weight Capacity : Always remember that the capacity or weight capacity in the advertisement will include the weight of you and all your equipment. For example, the boat can hold 150 kg. and your body weight is 80 kg. You will have a capacity of 70 kg. which is not much for luggage. And if you are a fisherman, it must be even more important because it includes fishing equipment, ice buckets for food and drinks, and you must allow for the weight of the fish if you catch it.
4. Material : Most kayaks are made of plastic because they are durable, easy to maintain and repair. Some kayaks are made of special materials such as fiberglass, but they are more expensive and can be more easily damaged and difficult to repair. So if you want a boat for paddling or fishing, a plastic boat will suffice.
5. Seats and Cushions : In the past, most kayaks came with black foam padded seats, but today we have boats that come with lawn chair-style seats that are adjustable and have backrests that are comfortable and also keep you from getting wet.
6. Paddle : The choice of paddle is based on height, arm length, and width of the boat, as well as the position while paddling. Actually, I would recommend that you try it on the real thing. But if you don't have time, a good rule of thumb for making a decision is if your height is between 150-180 cm. and your boat is 32 inches wide, choose a paddle with a length of 240 cm. But if your boat is less than 32 inches wide and your height is less than 180 cm., a paddle with a length of 230 cm is a good choice. We can find many types of paddles on the market, both made of carbon fiber and adjustable length. But if you are a beginner kayaker, I would recommend a paddle made of fiberglass mixed with nylon.
7. Fishing : What does it take to turn your kayak into a fishing kayak? It’s not hard at all, all you need is fishing gear, a rod holder and a passion for fishing. A rod holder is an accessory that you attach to your boat to hold your fishing rod in place. Most kayaks come with one already, but other things to consider include a cooler to keep your fish fresh, fishing tongs, an anchor to keep you in position in case of strong winds, and a bait bag or box. There are hundreds or thousands of accessories available, but I would recommend taking it easy. For the first time, only use the essentials and gradually adjust them to suit your fishing style.
8. Safety : This is the first thing to consider. Kayaking is one of the safest sports in the world, but it all depends on how you make it work. In some countries, it is legal to wear a life jacket and carry a whistle at all times while kayaking. If you plan to kayak at dusk or at night, you should have a flag and 360-degree lights to indicate your location. A waterproof bag for extra clothes, an emergency kit and mobile phone, and a multi-tool knife should be attached to your life jacket. And most importantly, always check the weather conditions before setting out.
9. Storage area : Most kayaks have both internal and external storage. Internal storage is a covered storage compartment for important items such as emergency kits, cell phones, or equipment that you don't want to get wet. External storage is a storage area on the boat with straps for protection. It is suitable for items such as coolers, fishing equipment, or frequently used items. I also recommend having a good waterproof bag for carrying valuables and a Crate Bag for anglers.
10. Maintenance : Kayaks made from high quality materials are more durable and, if well maintained, will last longer. The correct way to store a kayak is to wash it after every use, let it air dry, store it in a shady area, lay it upside down or on its side, and close all the openings to prevent unwanted animals such as birds, mice, and snakes from making nests.
After reading this article, you should have some idea about buying your first kayak. Anyway, I hope you enjoy being a KAYAKER.