How to determine what kind of kayak is right for you

Young lady paddling hard the kayak with lots of splashes near the cliff at sunny day
Young lady paddling hard the kayak with lots of splashes near the cliff at sunny day

Kayak sounds like a ubiquitous term, but it isn't. There are numerous kinds of kayaks with different strengths and weaknesses. The last thing you want is buyer's remorse on an expensive watercraft, so you should get well versed in the pros and cons of the various options. The big question you have to ask yourself is "What do I want to do?"

Touring Kayak

Perfect for: The Tennessee Blueway. A touring kayak will make easy work of miles of scenic, relaxing river views.

Big, sturdy and stable, the touring kayak is designed for easy tracking in open water. The large keel under the craft makes its stability on the water nearly unmatched, but it also renders the turning radius wider than most other boats, making this kind of kayak unsuitable for rough whitewater. Despite its size, a good touring kayak glides effortlessly and powerfully through calm water.

Sea Kayak

Perfect for: An Atlantic beach vacation spent battling the waves.

These goliaths aren't intended for fresh water, as their name implies. Usually at least 14 feet long, sea kayaks stay low to the surface of the water to minimize the effects of wind while paddling. Sea kayaks are closely related to touring kayaks, although sea models are usually longer but with less dry storage space than touring models. The stability in rough surf is what is prized in sea kayaks, more so than their touring cousins.

Play Kayak

Perfect for: Tackling the Ocoee in one spot, spinning, jumping and surfing in a display of technical skill.

The smallest of the bunch, play kayaks are technical boats designed for advanced paddlers to do tricks in "play spots," or spots where the river flows back on itself, creating a stationary reprieve from the current. Play kayaks are often only around 6 feet long and are extremely lightweight for maximum control. The cockpit is even tighter than typical whitewater kayaks, so flipping and getting airborne are definite possibilities.

Inflatable Kayak

Perfect for: The uncertain shopper. Inflatable kayaks are versatile enough to take most places.

Less expensive and easy to transport, inflatable kayaks are great for beginners, families or anyone with a small car. However, the cheaper price tag doesn't mean no whitewater. Depending on the brand, inflatable kayaks can work well at sea, on the lake or in high-intensity rapids. Inflatable kayaks can also hold two paddlers with ease, making group paddling a cinch compared to rigid kayaks. The big knock against them is their lack of speed and possibility of popping, but modern inflatables are sturdy enough not to pop on a few rocks.

Whitewater Kayak

Perfect for: Tackling the mighty Ocoee River from start to finish.

Short and agile for quick maneuvering in fast river water, whitewater kayaks are difficult to keep in a straight line due to their lack of a keel. That lack of a keel, though, is what gives these boats such good turning capacity and gives control to the paddler. Also important, the tight cockpit is designed to keep you in the boat. A spray skirt that attaches you to the rim of the cockpit keeps water out.

Recreational Kayak

Perfect for: Combining kayaking with other hobbies, such as fishing or photography.

Probably the most relaxed and laid-back boat of the group, recreational kayaks aren't built for speed or power, but for stability and space. They typically have much more room and storage to work with than other kayaks, making them perfect for a riverbound camping trip or an early-morning fishing outing. The large cockpit means they're not optimal for rough water, but they're comfortable enough to stretch out in and relax for a day on the lake.

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