Choosing the Right Kayak

by Ed Councill (Kentucky Outdoor Center)

It's hard to imagine a better state to take up paddlesports in general, and kayaking in particular, than in Kentucky. With 18,000 miles of fresh water, free-flowing streams and some of the most spectacular lakes in the world, Kentucky is a Mecca for those who want to paddle this unique watercraft.

Remember that a kayak differs from its human-powered cousin the canoe in that kayaks are paddled while seated with one's legs straight out. A canoe paddler either sits with legs bent underneath, or kneels with the butt resting on the seat's edge. Although the following discussion of types would equally apply to canoes and kayaks, this article focuses solely on the kayak.

Therefore, the first step is to become informed about the kayak itself; including the different types, their characteristics and functions, the appropriate waters for paddling each type, and most importantly, the skills required of the paddler. You should also be aware of the several places that sell kayaks, their location and demo availability, and whether they offer lessons. Like many outdoor activities, kayaking is best introduced by doing, and best done in the presence of and direction and instruction from certified professionals.

First, how many different types of kayaks are there and how do you pick one? The answer is"three" and "easy." If you read June's article about Kentucky's rich and abundant waterways and how they vary in terms of the International Scale of River Difficulty, you'll not be surprised to learn that there are several types appropriate for each type of water. In short, there are flat water touring kayaks, whitewater kayaks, and general recreation kayaks, which do some of each.

Let's take a closer look at each type and describe its geometry (shape), its performance characteristics, paddling skills required, and the functions each boat is designed to do.

Flat Water Touring Kayak

This boat is built for lakes, deep rivers and Class I moving water in shallow and free-flowing streams. In these environments, a touring kayak, due to its sleek (long and slender) shape that makes for energy-efficient paddling over long distances, is the most logical choice. It also has storage room for camp gear for overnighters. These boats usually feel more "tippy" than the general recreation category, and more stable than their whitewater counterparts. They track (go straight) very well; no need for a rudder unless you take it to open ocean waters. These boats will handle Class I, maybe II waters at most, and come in both solo and tandem models. Prices start around $600 in plastic; $800 in fiberglass.

General Recreation Kayak

General recreation models are shorter and wider for more stability. This shape means some loss in efficiency; but then a recreational paddler is not looking for this feature anyway. Some have limited storage space to accommodate the weekend camper or picnicker. Others are great for fishing and hunting, allowing the paddler to get to very shallow places for these activities. These boats are available in solo or tandem models and can be used on Class I to III waters. Prices range from $300 to $800 in polyethylene, and to $900 in glass.

Whitewater Kayak

These boats are shorter, more curved in shape in all directions and substantially more thick than the above two types: characteristics necessary for the raging whitewater environment where they are most "at home." Also whitewater kayaks (due to their smaller cockpits, the nature of the water and the dangers that go with that territory) require that the paddler have an Eskimo Roll, rescue, and wet exit skills. He or she also needs the five essentials: a personal flotation device (PFD, or a personal life insurance policy), a spray skirt (to keep water out of the boat), a helmet to protect the head, flotation bags (life insurance for your boat), and a paddle (even a spare is a good idea). Whitewater boats are best paddled in Class II through V whitewater, depending on the skills of the paddler. Some of the world's most inspirational waters are accessible with these kayaks. Their costs range from $600 to $1,000 in plastic, with glass boats costing about 20% to 30% more.

Complicating matters a bit is that whitewater kayaks are further divided by function. River running, or just getting you and your sparse gear down stream, can be accomplished with larger (usually greater than 10 or 11 feet in length, less rockered (curved along the boats keel), and high volume (75 gallons and up) boats. These tend to be less maneuverable and thus more stable than the next two categories.

River playboating is the most popular of the whitewater activities. These kayaks are short, highly rockered, very maneuverable, and are specifically designed to play in particular hydraulics the river offers. Some spin and both front and rear surf well; others with lower volume or flat sterns do squirt moves among their repertoire. Paddlers are more concerned to "play" in their favorite spots than go down stream. A type of playboat is the squirt boat, which performs most of its play moves at or more often below the water's surface. This may well be a separate category altogether.

Rodeo Kayak

The rodeo kayak is shorter yet than any of the above, has low volume, and sports quite radical designs to maximize specific moves, usually in big holes or keeper hydraulics. These are a major part of an increasingly popular sport, both recreationally and competitively. Because a picture is worth a thousand words, the best way to understand this category is to be an actual, or video, spectator of a rodeo event.

Besides the kayak itself, the five other gear items that comprise basic essentials - a PFD, helmet, spray skirt, flotation bags and a paddle - add from $300 to $500 to the getting started cost. Other items that may be required are a car rack, throw bag, apparel (depending on the ambient air and water temperature, this could add substantially to the investment) and rescue/first aid materials.

Now that you have these basics in mind, where do you go for looking at kayaks to purchase, to try out several models in different environments, to seek advice or lessons from certified professionals in this non-"couch potato" sport? The following list is the best information at hand: