Have you ever thought about buying a kayak? If so, that’s a great choice. Kayaking is a great pastime and it is one of the best activities you can do this coming summer.
But before you hastily purchase a kayak, you want to make sure you do your research so you can purchase the right one.
And when it comes to buying a kayak the best option is to purchase an inflatable kayak.
The Guide to Buying a Kayak
When it comes to buying a kayak, you want to make sure that you can take it with you. That is why an inflatable kayak is the best option.
You also want to spend your money wisely. You want to get the best inflatable kayak available.
Here are the 5 reasons why we think you need to invest in an inflatable kayak this summer:
1. Flexibility
The inflatable kayak is flexible in two ways. The obvious way is that it is portable and can be easily packed with you.
But the real flexibility that an inflatable kayak has is that it can be used for different occasions.
There are different designs available.
Some will be kayaks for long expeditions. There will be kayaks for intense activities such as kayaking on aggressive rapids. There are also kayaks for enjoying a fishing weekend.
And if you are going to accommodate multiple passengers on board or need to store your bags, you will find an inflatable kayak that can carry a heavy load. Make sure to ask for the specifications of a kayak before purchasing one.
2. Ease of Use
Inflatable kayaks are also much easier to use than other standard kayaks. They are more stable on the water than the hard-shelled kayaks. Especially if you are a beginner, an inflatable kayak is the best to use.
One of the other great features of the inflatable kayaks is that they are portable. You can easily store them in your home or in your car when heading out to the water.
3. Go With a Group
While you may want a solo trip every now and then, the great pleasure of an inflatable kayak is that it can fit multiple passengers.
Kayaking is a great way to bond with others. With your kayak, you can seat your friends and family and have them bring their luggage along.
It is also a great way to develop trust and dependency on each other. With a kayak, you will all have to paddle to move the kayak forward. If you are on more aggressive rapids you will have to respond with firm paddling.
If you want to conduct a team-building practice, then going kayaking with your team is a great opportunity. If you run a company and want to build a collaborative spirit amongst your employees, why not take them kayaking?
When purchasing your inflatable kayak, make sure you ask the seller about the overall weight capacity. This will include how many passengers the kayak can hold as well as how much storage can be on the kayak – luggage, fishing equipment, paddles, etc.
4. Activities
Let us return to what we discussed in the first reason.
Before purchasing your inflatable kayak, why not take a moment to decide what you want your upcoming kayaking trip to be.
For example, if you are deciding on an exciting fishing trip with your closest friends, you must first decide how many friends you will bring along with you.
You also need to set aside your fishing equipment. Then, ask your friends to set aside their fishing equipment and show it to you. You need to see how much space the fishing equipment will take and how much it will weigh.
Then, you have to decide what you are fishing for? Are you going to be fishing for small trout or are you and your friends competing to catch a big fish? If it is the latter, you want to make sure that the fish will fit on the kayak.
This is an example of the planning you need to have before you decide what kayak to purchase. When going to purchase your kayak, you must clearly express your goals to the salesperson. This way they can help you purchase the right inflatable kayak to meet your specifications.
5. Variety
While kayaks may all seem the same at first glance, they have unique configurations.
These configurations enhance the experience of the kayak.
Kayaks usually come in sit-up or sit-in options. The former has seats that passengers can sit in. This is a great option for a fishing trip or general relaxing while moving on the water. This is an especially great option for beginners to kayaking as well.
Please note: If you opt for the sit-up option, you are more likely to be splashed by water. It is advisable to be in warm weather and around warmer and more calm waters.
The latter option is the traditional cockpit-style seats. These are for more aggressive paddling. If you want to go white water rafting or want to enjoy a team-building session on your kayak, this is the best option.
Sit-in kayaks are surprisingly roomy so you do not have to worry about discomfort.
You also want to consider the length and the weight of your inflatable kayak. Usually, weight is not something to worry about for an inflatable kayak, but do not forget to ask about the weight capacity of the kayak.
Kayaks usually range from 8 feet to 13 feet in length. A kayak that ranges in this length is meant for calmer waters. This kayak is best for a river, a creek, or a lake.
If a kayak goes up to 14 feet, then it is usually best suited for more aggressive waters – such as for white water rafting. This also works well for larger lakes and larger rivers.
You can always decide on your destination and then inquire about what size kayak is best for where you are headed.
See You on the Water
Now that you know the 5 reasons why buying a kayak is a lot of fun, we hope to see you on the water this summer!
Be sure to read more about traveling and exploring the world on our site!