If you’ve never bought a fishing kayak before you might be overwhelmed by all the different options that are available but don’t worry, at first glance, it might seem complicated but really it’s not too difficult to choose the best fishing kayak for you!
We have fishing kayak reviews to help you decide which one you need.
Old Town’s Vapor 10 Kayak
The Old Town Vapor 10 is a single-user kayak with tons of space. There are many fantastic options in the market for kayaks, but…
Firefly Kayak By Advanced Elements
The by Advanced Elements is an inflatable kayak built with the space-conscious water sports lover at the heart of its design. Unlike rigid…
Sea Eagle SE370 Inflatable Kayak
The Sea Eagle SE370 is an inflatable kayak with many unique attributes and features that have the means to topple the benefits of a…
Intex Explorer K2 Kayak
Is The K2 For You Summertime is here and you have decided that this is the summer for endless fun and recreation on the…
Airhead Ahtk-2 Montana Performance Kayak
With all the options available today, finding the right fishing kayak for you can seem overwhelming. For those looking for an inexpensive inflatable kayak…
Fishing Kayaks Reviews
Is The Sea Eagle SE370 A Viable Option For Kayakers
Kayaking is a fun hobby, but many people wonder if an inflatable kayak is really the way to go. The Sea Eagle SE370 is just that, with many features and benefits that are attractive for both beginners and intense kayakers.
Things To Consider:
Ease of transportation is definitely a huge bonus. After a long day, just deflate and pack up. It will easily fit in your trunk or a storage tote. But don’t be fooled by how small it looks when it is deflated; the interior of the boat measures 10 feet long, so you are not losing space.
The inflation feature is also a plus. As it is entirely filled with air, it will be more buoyant and responsive to the water. It makes for huge fun whether you’re gliding down steam or bouncing on the ocean waves.
However, if time is valuable to you, consider that it takes time to ensure that the vessel has enough air to be both safe and comfortable. Take some time to splash around in the water or pitch your tent before you take your Sea Eagle out for a spin.
Can I Trust This Brand
Sea Eagle is a trusted name in the inflatable kayak industry. If the rave reviews are not enough to satisfy you, the company offers a 180 day return policy. You may not need the return policy once test out the sturdy PolyKrylar material in person.
The material is so heavy-duty that even your dog can join you on the water. Guaranteed to protect against your four-legged friend’s claws, you can feel safe knowing that you are in a sturdy vessel.
One Last Thought:
Overall, there are some things to consider before making any boat purchase, but this option will offer you convenience and fun in a sturdy package. You are not sacrificing size, stability, or style when it comes to this inflatable kayak.
Advanced Elements FireFly Inflatable Kayak: Does It Outshine The Competition
The Firefly Kayak from Advanced Elements boasts quite a few improvements and advantages over other products in its class. It has a hybrid design qualities such as rigid panels to protect the user and the inflatable inner chambers from the environment, is easily inflatable and could be exactly what you need if you’re looking to save space or reduce weight.
If you are in the market for an affordable way to test the waters and see if kayaking is right for you the Firefly also fills the role as an introductory craft beautifully.
In another light, it is susceptible to the wind and water currents and doesn’t perform well on choppy surfaces like coastal waters, so if you are in the market for a kayak to traverse heavy rapids or cruise the seashore with, you might want to look elsewhere.
It can be said that the true test of any watersports product is when it’s performing on open water and depending on what body of water you navigate with the Firefly, you will get different results.
Advanced Elements builds high quality inflatable kayaks and this is no exception, and in the end, the Firefly is perfectly suited for beginners or those who want a lightweight and compact craft for freshwater activities.
Why Should I Go With The Vapor 10
The Vapor 10 by Old Town Canoes and Kayaks is a single-user kayak with great design, comfort, and lots of space. It is unique to others like it on the market, and it is definitely something you should consider if you like to have a great time in every way when out on the water.
Things To Consider:
If you like lots of space, stop reading now and go get yourself a Vapor 10. There is so much space in the cockpit that you can easily stretch your legs and store your gear with no problems. Many customers choose to use this space for storage, keeping camping equipment and even large purses in the cockpit with them.
Additionally, there is a stern day well for valuables that you prefer not to get wet. Store a camera or other electronic devices, as well as your lunch, or other small accessories. The well is raised above the cockpit, which will give you peace of mind for your treasures that you bring on board.
Comfort is also a great feature. Not only is there a padded back rest, but there is padded thigh rest and knew pads. The foot pegs are adjustable to match your height and leg length. This allows for great control as well as amazing comfort.
However, this kayak is intended for smooth waters. If you like to take on wild rapids, this may not be a great choice for you. But if you frequent smoother, calmer waters, this is still a wonderful choice!
Company Information:
Old Town Canoes and Kayaks is a trusted company. They have consistently had a wonderful reputation for quality and design. Each vessel is made in the USA, and every single product is made with care for comfort. This is a company that wants to be sure you look great and feel great on the water!
Benefits Of Buying:
If you choose to go with the Vapor 10, you know you are getting a product with great quality because it comes from a trusted company with a reputable history of satisfaction. Your new purchase will guarantee storage, comfort, and style. It will be smooth sailing with this wonderful kayak!
Our Top Pick of The Best Fishing Kayak
Buying a boat is like buying a new car. There is much to consider. You have to ask yourself some questions as with any decision or major purchase. And trust me this will be a major decision when it comes to maximum aquatic recreation. Where will you be taking your kayak? Will you be floating on a raging river, or will you be on a calm pond?
How far do you plan on going out on the water? Is it just a couple of miles or do you plan on long journeys out to sea? Finally you have to consider your skill level of handling kayaks. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or are you an expert? However no matter your skill level, the Intex Explorer K2 Kayak may be the best choice for you.
All The Cool Features
- Able to hold two passengers comfortably
- Inflatable seats that are able to be adjusted for maximum comfort during ride
- Approved by the United States Coast Guard I.D and TUV approved
- Removable skeg for better stability in direction
- Comes with two 84 inch oars made from aluminum
- Ships at thirty six pounds
- Brightly colored graphics that are easily spotted on the water
- Inflatable I-beam floors for stability
- Comprised of SUPER TOUGH 30 gauge vinyl for durability
So this summer, choose the K2. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, no lie, the best you can buy.
AIRHEAD AHTK-2 Montana Performance 2-Person Kayak – An Affordable Option For The Recreational Kayaker
Buying a kayak can be a daunting prospect with so many varieties on the market. For those looking for an affordable yet reliable craft, this two-person kayak is a good option. Strong enough to withstand moderate rapids yet comfortable enough to enjoy long excursions, this vessel provides a cheaper alternative to premium brands.
Durability And Safety
The Montana Performance is easy to transport, deflate and folding to be carried using the attached handles or your own duffel bag. Weighing only 36 pounds, it can be carried to the river bank with minimal strain, unlike rigid models that weigh much more.
There were a couple of complaints on Amazon that this product took on water, affecting its tracking and making it difficult to maneuver. One reviewer on paddling.net said he had this problem because his boat lacked the necessary PVC paint. His replacement model worked fine, so this is something to watch out for when purchasing this boat.
This kayak carries up to 500 pounds, although it can be a tight fit if two taller people sit in it, and most Amazon reviewers said it easily withstood day-long trips.
Founded In Colorado, Available Almost Everywhere
Kwik Tek manufacturs Airhead and Sports stuff brands, and are based in Denver, CO. They built this product with attention to safety and durability, using 840 denier nylon covers and 30-gauge PVC bladders to prevent water leakage and raft deflation. The stainless steel hardware resists rust, and the spray guards block some of the splash.
This kayak is a reasonable alternative to similar products that cost mush more. Although the pricier models may have better construction, the AIRHEAD AHTK-2 is a good option for recreational and occasional kayakers on a budget.
Possible Alternative
It’s hard to find an alternative but one possibility is a Jon boat. They’re heavier and usually more expensive but despite that, they are popular fishing boats to use on ponds, lakes and other bodies of freshwater. Unfortunately, they aren’t ideal for the ocean, you would be much better off getting a kayak if you have your mind set on rowing out into the ocean to fish.
Advantages
That’s one of the many advantages that they have, you can use them in all types of water. Even turbulent rivers or freshwater springs that have a lot of drops and turns.
If you plan on boating in various types of waters then it’s just easier and cheaper to have one boat that you can use in all of them rather than multiple boats that you would have to find some place to store.
The Different Types of Kayaks
One of the most difficult choices is what type you want. There are a few different options to choose from that we’ll touch on here.
1. Paddle, pedal or motorized
Paddle kayaks are very popular and what you typically see what you look at kayaks. They have good reason to be popular; they’re low cost, simple and don’t require gas or batteries to run. Since they don’t require gas or batteries they’re also environmentally friendly. They won’t pollute the waters or injure aquatic life with their blades.
Pedal ones are great as well, really it just depends on whether you want to have tired arms or tired legs. Motorized are a little bit more complicated and aren’t as versatile in some ways because they’re heavier, require batteries or gas and are more expensive.
However, they also run all by themselves, meaning you don’t have to tire yourself out rowing or pedaling. You can just enjoy the view.
2. Sit-on-top or sit-in
Sit-on-tops are, as their name implies, flat on top and you sit on top of them rather than inside of them. Sit-ins have been long established as the most popular but sit-on-tops are becoming more and more commonly seen today. They each have their advantages.
Sit-on-tops are great for tropical climates where you might want to frequently hop into the water for a swim. You’ll also get a bit of spray from waves in a sit-on-top, which may be a good or bad thing, depending on personal preference.
Sit-ins have the advantage of being able to put a skirt around the hollow tube that you’re sitting inside of, this way you will keep warm and dry. Therefore, sit-ins are great to use in the winter or in cold regions.
3. Small vs big
Small is good for flexibility. It’s easier to control and steer a small one and not so hard to go through tight spaces. If you have a paddle type and you’re not great at paddling then this might be an important factor for you. It’s also easier to transport it.
If you’re going to be going alone and will be in still waters then chances are you’ll be purchasing a small sized one. Big is good if you need it to be very stable or if you need it to hold more than two people. If you’re going into rough waves or strong currents you might want a big size.
Just be sure to factor in the weight and size of it so that you won’t have any problems with transporting.
Things To Consider When Buying
There are a lot of features that you want to consider when buying. If you keep these things in mind it’ll help you consider what you need.
1. Storage space
Storage space can be very important for fishermen because you need a space to store equipment, bait and what you catch. If you’re not sure how much storage space you need, it’s better to opt for too much rather than too little. Nothing worse than being out on the water, reeling in a large catch and having nowhere to put it. Or being cramped for hours on end.
2. Design
Polyethylene is normally used for the mold due to the low cost of polyethylene and its ability to withstand a bit of wear and tear – it doesn’t dent or scratch easily and that’s really important, considering that it’s probably going to eventually get scratched across rocks, dragged down pebble stone beaches and bumped into logs.
You need it to be capable of holding up to that kind of thing so that it’ll last a long while.
3. Seating
If being comfortable is an important factor for you then you’ll want to pay close attention to the seating. Some have high seating to keep you dry, some have extra padded seating to prevent you from getting sore, and some include padded backrests.
A lot simply have very basic seating, such as a hole for your body to fit in, or a plastic seat. If you’d like something more comfortable you can purchase a seat separately.
4 Lightweight
One of the biggest advantages is that they’re lightweight. The same can’t be said for rowboats, outriggers, and pontoons, to name a few. Many kayaks weigh less than 40 pounds so can be picked up by just about anyone and won’t be too heavy to put in your van or truck.
If being lightweight is an important factor be sure to look at the weight amounts when buying, weight is almost always included in the features list.
5. Low cost
They’re cheaper than just about any other fishing vessel. Starting at just around a hundred dollars, you’d be hard-pressed to find other types of boats that are so cheap!
6. Transportable
They’re easy to transport because of their small size, you can fit them in a lot of kinds of vehicles or you can purchase a trailer made specifically for hauling kayaks. You can also buy wheels that are attachable in order to make them even more easily transportable.
7. Storability
They’re easy to store. If it’s inflatable you can deflate it and put it up on a shelf in the shed when you’re not using it, or if it’s plastic then you can stick it in a corner of the garage. Either way it’s not going to take up a lot of space.
Flexible. They’re really useful due to how flexible they are. You can get them through small spaces that would be more difficult or maybe impossible for a bulky boat to get through. This is especially important if you plan on venturing through streams or in swamps where there might sometimes be small passageways that you want to get through.
Stealthy. You want something that isn’t going to scare off fish and they’re perfect for that. Due to their size and shape they’re quiet and sleek on the water.
8. Safety
The most important thing to remember in any sport or recreational activity is your personal safety. Absolutely nothing is more important that buying equipment that will help keep you as safe as possible. Look for a boat with a wide body. These are not as easily affected by waves or rapids, and will not turn over as often as those with a skinny body.
Maybe bright colors aren’t your thing, but you should consider going with a notice-me color, or at least a fluorescent strip. If you are ever in need of rescue, you are much more likely to be spotted with a brighter color. The Airhead AHTK-2 for example, comes in a bright orange that others are sure to spot if you ever need help.
9. Comfort
All kayaks feature a seat, but it’s essential to make sure that the seat is padded in some way. You will probably be sitting for hours, so it’s important that you will be comfortable. Legroom is also an important aspect in your overall comfort. A good product will ensure that its users have space for legs of all sizes, but are still enclosed for safety.
10. Size And Capacity
Make sure you understand the types of kayaks and the benefits to each one to determine which one is right for your lifestyle. Whether you prefer adventure or serenity, knowing the different types will help you determine the right choice for you.
The size should directly correlate with its performance. A brand that boasts about its fast kayak should be long and thin. If a company talks about ease in maneuverability and ease in turning, it should also be short. Pay attention to what the manufacturer says its product is capable of and the actual measurements.
A good company is consistent and knows its product’s limitations. Size capacity is also an important factor. Do you want a kayak that can carry two people or a lot of equipment? Or is it more important that your vessel is easy to transport and has more maneuverability? The weight and cockpit capacity is important in what makes a product good.
A single user shouldn’t weigh more than 50 pounds.
11. Shape
Your plans for your kayak are your own, and you will get a lot of fun out of whatever you decide to do with it. The shape does matter some when it comes to how you plan on using your equipment.Flare refers to the angle of the sides. A larger flare means the sides will come up higher.
The greater the flare, the better the stability, which also means less turning capability. Tumblehome is more for canoes, as it refers to the inward curve of the sides. These are easier to paddle. A Straight option is a good mix of the former two, giving you the best of both worlds.
Aside from the sides of your vessel, you want to pay attention to the body itself. This is called the hull. A round hull will give you a better speed control. V-Hulls will give you more stability in the water if you’re paddling straight.
Flat hulls will give the best stability of all if you’re staying in smooth water, but aren’t the best choice if you’re going somewhere with currents or waves.
12. Quality Of Materials
There are a few different types of material a good kayak can be made of. The most common of these is Polyethylene or PE. It’s a type of plastic that is heated in order to form the shape, and then rotated as it cools in order for the plastic to be even everywhere.
It’s a favored type of material because it is resistant to damage and cheap to make while still remaining high-quality. Superlinear polyethylene is the highest quality to get because it’s lighter and less resistant the heat of the sun.
If you are in the market for an inflatable kayak, the material used will most likely be Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC). It almost feels like cloth, although it is a form of plastic. Look for a thicker material so it will be more resistant to scratches and punctures.
What To Look For When Shopping
All of these factors will determine the right product for you. Companies that can be trusted will list all measurements, capacities, features, and materials. Good reviews are also an indicator that you’re getting a good buy. Remember all of these things, and you’re sure to come out with something you love and will see a lot of use.
Making any big purchase is scary, especially in the world of sporting equipment. There are so many options out there that it’s hard to be sure when you’re getting a good buy. With kayaks, there are a few things to look for to ensure that you’re getting the best quality for your money.
Safety, comfort, size, capacity, shape, and material quality are all things to look out for. Don’t buy the first thing in your price range simply because it has a lot of words that sound fancy or a product name that is clever. A quality kayak brand will let you know about all of the features above before you buy.
Size, capacity, and shape all will depend on how you plan on taking on the sport. Types of material will include those that are not easily scratched, wounded, punctured (if you have an inflatable), or bent. Obviously, comfort is essential because you will be spending hours in your vessel.
Look for something with legroom and a padded seat. Lastly, the most important feature of all is its safety. Boats with wide bodies and good buoyancy will keep you afloat, dry, and unharmed. The best thing to do is look at all of these features together to determine if your purchase really is a quality kayak.
Kayaking: One Of The Best Water Adventure Sports
Sports are a great way to stay healthy and active, but there are some issues with most sports you find on land. It’s hot, muggy, or humid. You get sweaty and smelly, which is no fun for anyone. A better alternative is to move your active body over to the wonderful world of water sports.
There are plenty to choose from, including windsurfing, jet skiing, parasailing, surfing, water skiing… The list goes on and on! All of these hobbies are a ton of fun, and millions of people around the world enjoy them. However, the big problem with most of these activities is that they require another element to make it truly fun.
The right wave or wind condition, a motor-powered boat, or another person to propel you forward. Kayaking, however, does not require any of these things and is arguably a lot more fun. You are able to choose whether you go out in a group or all on your own.
You can practice this activity in any environment that suits your preference, like the ocean, a river, stream, or swamp. You are not restricted to the right environmental conditions or even one type of location. Kayaking offers you the world and you will have a blast exploring it!
Read our article for a full guide on water adventure sports.
The History Of Kayaks
Kayaking is a well-loved sport today. It is practiced by people all over the world and is featured in many competitions and tournaments. People use these vessels in all environments. From ocean to stream, people have trekked all the world’s types of waters looking for both adventure and serenity.
There are many different types, so any individual can find something they’re looking for which will suit their needs. However, kayaks did not always have the convenience and variance that they have in the modern age. They have a long history, which begins thousands of years ago.
1. Native Americans
Native Americans are the inventors of kayaks, specifically the Inuit, Yup’ik, and Aleut. Most Native Americans settled their tribes around water, especially lakes and oceans. Fish and seafood became an obvious source of protein and calories.
Nearly 4,000 years ago, the first ideas behind this type of vehicle were beginning to come to fruition. Canoes had already been invented, but they were not practical for hunting due to their size and girth. The first kayaks were made for the intention of making fishing easier and more effective.
They are not very similar at all to the models we see on the market today. They were typically made from animal skins stretched out over a skeleton frame. The animal skins used were typically mammals that spend a lot of time in the ocean, such as seals, because the skin would not absorb water. They also rubbed whale blubber on the outside to increase buoyancy.
2. Eskimos
When the Eskimos heard of this new invention, they began making their own versions as well. Eskimos had typically feared water, as their natural environment meant that the water was too cold to explore without manmade craft.
Because of this fear, Eskimo design was slightly different than that of the Native American’s. Typical length was 15 feet or longer and nearly two feet wide. European settlers would later try to copy this design.
3. Types Of Design
Once they had brought the Indians success with fishing, word spread quickly and different usages were thought of. They were not mass-produced in those days. They were made to conform specifically to the user or purpose. Some boats were meant for long-term travel and had multiple paddlers.
Some were meant for transporting goods and therefore had a large cockpit. There were even some that stretched as long as 60 feet in order to carry large amounts of people, food, or possessions. If a man was making has own hunting kayak, measurements were taken to ensure it would be the exact right fit.
They were also very personalized, with paintings or different sewn patters. The word “kayak” means “man’s boat”, and each man was very protective and proud of his individualized vessel.There were three typical designs, and many of the designs today are heavily based upon them.
The Baidarkas had sharp angles in the hull and a round body. They were specific to the tribes in the Aleutian Islands. The types found in West Greenland didn’t have the sharp angles of the Baidarkas, but instead had a slimmer body and raised edges at the bow and stern.
The East Greenland style was very similar to the West Greenland design, but this was more individualized to the user. The raised edge at the back of the boat was more angled into the water, which allowed for a wider turning radius.
4. Introduction Of Kayaks In Europe
European captains were still sailing around the world in the mid-1800s, which is the first time that kayaks were introduced to their society. They had probably tried to copy the designs they saw from the Native Americans and Eskimos, but the first real wave of success came in the 19th century.
Those who were still on missions to explore began to use kayaks as a means of transportation. If a large ship was too big to bring close to land, the much smaller vessels would be deployed so sailors could survey the land. Those who were commissioned to explore the Poles preferred kayaks over canoes or other boats for their practicality.
5. The Beginnings Of Recreation
As the world moved into the 20th century, Europeans found other uses for vehicle. The Germans and French in particular began to use kayaking beyond its practical means of hunting and started racing and using the vehicles for recreation.
This quickly gained in population, and in 1936, the Olympics included kayaking as an official competitive sport. It has only gained in popularity since then.
6. Today
Modern kayaks have many designs specific to its intended use. Any individual can find one best suited to his or her needs.
Even inflatable kayaks, such as the Sea Eagle SE370 have made waves in the market. The next time you’re out on the water, consider the 4,000-year-old history of this activity.
Benefits Of Kayaking
If you’ve ever gone kayaking, then you know the fun and excitement that a trip on the water can bring. The sights and sounds fly by as you propel yourself forward, dodging boulders and zipping through rapids one minute and pushing through calm waters the next.
The trip is exhilarating, and hardly feels like a workout at all. All you know is the enjoyment you feel in the moment. Then the next day, your muscles ache and you wonder why. You might even think you didn’t work that hard.
The truth is you really do work hard when you go kayaking. It provides a full body workout, although you may not even notice. Here are just some of the benefits to this sport.
1. Stronger Muscles
To propel forward, you have to paddle. This means a unique motion that you are unlikely to get in the gym. You use literally your entire upper body to paddle. Your shoulders, back, and arms will do the most work.
Those hard-to-reach triceps will get worked out as well. If you’ve ever seen a professional kayak, you will notice zero arm fat jiggle. Your abdominal muscles will also see a benefit.
The leaning and tightening you have to do to paddle correctly, as well as steer your vessel, will tighten up your tummy in no time. Don’t worry; it’s not just your upper body that will see improvement.
Your legs will also see an improvement as you apply pressure to help steer or slow your boat. It only takes a few times out on the water to really start seeing results. Still not a believer? Just try it once. When you wake up the next day, your tune will change. Those aches are a sign that you’ve done your body a huge benefit. And you will get stronger the more you do it.
2. Aerobic Exercise
It may seem difficult to believe that this sport offers some aerobic benefits. It just looks like a bunch of arms movements. While it may not seem like your classic cardio workout, like running or swimming, it does get your heart pumping.
You would not believe how fast your heart rate goes up as your work harder and harder battling rapids or just trying to go faster in general. As your arms paddle, your muscles are losing oxygen.
Your heart compensates by beating faster to deliver more oxygen to your moving body. That’s all a cardio workout really is. How few exercises are there out there that offer a cardio workout alongside a muscle-building routine? The best part of this exercise is that there are no buttons to push, settings to remember, or malfunctioning equipment to battle.
The intensity depends entirely on you. How fast or slow you choose to paddle directly determines the benefits you’ll see. There is no beginner, intermediate, or expert levels here; only the water and your own athletic ability.
3. Weight Loss
By now, we all know that a huge component in weight loss is exercise. Obviously, eating right has a lot to do with how much you drop. But exercising is the right thing to do for weight loss and for your body overall. Strong muscles can help you live a longer life.
Not to mention that exercising now can keep you independent, strong, and help avoid scary diseases when you have reached an older age. If you have a little (or a lot) to lose, you will start to see the pounds come off as you progress. It’s pure science.
If you burn more calories than you take in, you will lose weight. An average hour on the water will burn anywhere from 300 to 500 calories, depending on your stroke level and weight. Make sure you have the right kayak for your comfort level so you get see the most results.
4. Stress Relief
It’s hard not to think about what our bodies look like these days. But one of the most important aspects of our health is our stress level. High stress can cause ulcers, panic attacks, and just overall crankiness. None of these things are good for you, and you deserve to have a happy life.
Kayaking is a great way to achieve stress relief. From a scientific perspective, exercise releases endorphins, which is the most natural drug you can get. Beyond that, just being out there on the water will instantly calm you. All the troubles of a busy life just don’t exist out there.
Once you’re out on the water, all that exists is nature. The colors, the sounds, the sights of everything beautiful and untouched in the world will make everything disappear.
5. Overall Benefits
Kayaking is a really versatile activity that can provide any benefits you may be looking for. Even social benefits come from owning one, because kayakers often travel together in groups.
Try a tandem kayak, like the Sea Eagle SE370 to get the full benefit of social interaction. Whether the benefit is for your body, mind, or an additional enjoyment of life, you can find it all at once in a kayak.
How Owning A Kayak Can Change Your Life
People often classify kayaking as a hobby or a sport. People who actually do it on a regular basis will tell that it is way more than that; it’s a way of life. It can provide some amazing benefits that you are unlikely to find in other activities.
If you commit to kayaking, you will find these benefits applied to your life as well. A stronger body, weight loss, and social interaction are only some of the benefits of kayaking. There are plenty of other bonuses as well. Here are some of the ways in which owning a kayak can change your life for the better.
1. Increase Your Body Strength
There are a lot of perks that come from having a strong upper body. Whether you want to look good in a tank top, be able to play with your kids, or win an arm wrestling competition every time, a good level of upper body strength will just make you feel good about yourself.
Paddling down a river will get you those guns guaranteed. On average, you have to paddle 500 strokes a mile. The range of motion that comes with paddling, like tightening your back, rotating your shoulders, and moving your arms will give the entire area a way to strengthen. Your abs will get a workout too.
You have to lean forward and to the side to paddle and steer, so your abdominal muscles will see the benefits of this activity as well. Even those hard-to-reach side abs will tighten up. There’s one more part of your body that will see results. Your legs!
Although leg movements are not essential for moving forward, you will naturally tighten them as you turn, increase your motion, or come across rapids. Your body’s natural response of tightening is a bonus that you will not even notice as you’re working.
5. Social Interaction
Once you become a one, you will begin to notice something about the other kayakers: they always seem to travel in packs. That’s because it is much safer and way more fun to form a group. No matter where you live, there is almost a guarantee that there will be a group in your area. The types of packs vary based on interest.
There are some that go on week-long camping trips and use their favorite vessels to travel from campsite to campsite. Some like to find the most difficult course, like river rapids, and have races to see who can navigate the swiftest. There are others that enjoy going out on the ocean, riding the waves to watch the whales.
Then there are others still who go to more serene settings to enjoy fishing or watching the sun rise. Whatever your personal preference, there is a group out there for you. Maybe what you want is to take your spouse or kids out there with you. For them, it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Try a tandem kayak to get the most enjoyment out of your family trip, like the Intex Explorer K2. Everyone out there together looking for animals or counting the colors of nature is a perfect family memory, and one they won’t be sure to forget for a long time.
See Your Life Begin To Change
How many activities can tout as many benefits as kayaking? Once it becomes part of your life, you will see your body begin to change. Even if you’re already fit, your body will still benefit from the adaptation of moving yourself along the water.
You can make friends or strengthen relationships you already have by placing yourself in the beauty of nature. Your stress will melt away as life once you realize how simple life is out there in a kayak. Pick the right one for you to really benefit from this sport, and see how owning one can improve your life.
How To Get The Most Enjoyment Out Of Your Kayak
Kayaking can provide a ton of enjoyment for those who find the fun in outdoor sports. Even if you don’t like sports, kayaks are well-loved by those who simply enjoy a quiet day in the middle of a lake.
It’s easy to imagine: you’re out in the rapids racing your buddies through the rushing water, or enjoying a sandwich on a crystal clear pond in the middle of the mountains. Both of these scenarios and every level of activity in between are what kayaks are made for.
But what’s not enjoyable is spending the money on your new vessel only to have something break, bend, or crack only a few months later. There are ways to ensure that your new purchase will last you for a long time and see you through whatever activity you put it through.
Choosing The Right Type
There are two basic schools of kayaks: recreational and touring. Recreational is used more for beginners or for those who want to fish, do scenic touring, or any other leisurely activities. They are a better vessel for this type of usage because it has better stability.
Someone with little experience will do better in this environment because they will not have to worry about balancing. Touring is used for people with experience or people who intend to put it out on the ocean or on a river with strong currents.
The reason this type is best is because it has a better build for speed and is more manageable in the control seat.Within these two types are even more sub-categories, like single-use and tandem. Tandems are for those who require a two-seater vessel.
Single-use is for one person. Knowing this jargon will help you prepare when making a purchase. Think about your lifestyle, activity level, and intended usage to determine which one you would enjoy best.
Things To Remember
To really get the most enjoyment possible out of your kayak, there are some things you must remember about this wonderful activity. You will be sitting down for long periods of time. A comfortable seat is an absolute must. The foot pedals have to be able to conform to your feet. Check for measurements.
The cockpit is another area where you want to be sure you have the measurements. For your safety, you want it to be tight, but still able to move around. Look for useful additions or packages. Things like a life jacket, compass, or waterproof first aid kits are all accessories that can benefit you. Every kayak has its own special features that are meant for your comfort.
For example, owners of the Vapor 10 will find pleasure in the Stern Day Well, which provides a well raised above the water level, keeping personal effects dry. You will come to discover the surprises and features of your kayak as you become more familiar with it.
It might be tempting to just pick a kayak based on looks or cost alone, but it’s pivotal to make sure you’re purchasing quality gear. There are plenty of buying guides online that offer more information. Sporting equipment is one of those things that require the proper investment. Kayaks can offer lots of fun and excitement if you buy the right one for you.
In The Water
Whew! You’ve finally looked at all the information and decided which one is right for you. Once you’ve made your purchase, it’s all about enjoying the lifestyle. Are you the type that enjoys heart-pounding excitement? Grab some friends or look online for groups that you can join.
It’s much more fun (and safer!) to be with people who enjoy the same activity level as you. There are groups all over the country that can guide you through America’s beautiful and diverse waters. Adventure kayak tours, camping trips, and even themed rides are all out there waiting for you.
Maybe you’re the more leisurely type. There are plenty of options out there for you too. Some of the most beautiful sights in the world are meant to be seen from a silky smooth pond or a crystal clear creek. Grab a friend, your spouse, or even your dog, and enjoy the majesty of what the world has to offer.
Better yet, get out there on your own with a fishing pole or a good book. There’s nothing more relaxing than taking a quick snooze in the reflection of a sunrise.
Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember is that you will only get out of your kayak what you put into it. The first step to having an enjoyable experience with your kayak is understanding what will fit your lifestyle best.
Once you understand the language of the buying process, the rest is easy. Kayaking can offer you fantastic opportunities for sports, leisure, and friendship. It’s all out there. You just have to seize it!