If you’re reading this, you’re likely ready to move on from renting your kayak. Maybe you want the freedom of being able to go for a paddle whenever you want. Or perhaps you are planning a long kayaking expedition. What ever the reason, we’re here to help you find the best sea kayak for you.
Here at The Adventure Junkies, we pride ourselves on making sure you get the most out of your outdoor adventures. Whether that’s kayaking in the Pacific or snorkeling in the Atlantic, we’re here to improve every one of your adventures.
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO FIND THE BEST SEA KAYAK
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SEA KAYAKS 101
6 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND THE BEST SEA KAYAKS
1. LOOK FOR A SUITABLE SINKAGE LEVEL
Whether you’re a beginner paddling through flatwater or an advanced kayaker capable of handling choppy currents, it’s good to have a kayak with high sinkage level. The sinkage level of a kayak is determined by how much weight is needed to make it sit an inch lower in the water.
The higher the capacity, the more weight the sea kayak can bear. If you’re using your sea kayak for sport, a lower capacity will suffice.
If you’re using your sea kayak for recreation, you’ll want one with a high value. That way, you can rest easy and not worry about tipping your kayak.
2. LOOK FOR BUILD MATERIALS
Most sea kayaks from popular brands are made from materials that can sustain different weather conditions. However, lesser known budget brands tend to cut corners when it comes to this aspect.
Even some major brands, which offer budget-friendly sea kayaks, have been known to use sub-par materials. Be on the look out for exposed steel and unsealed wood components.
Keep in mind that Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) plastics and polyethylene are great. Take a look at Kayarchy.com to see a full list of recommended build materials.
3. V-SHAPED OR ROUNDED HULLS
Since sea kayaks will be in more turbulent water, they need to be able to cut through those wakes with ease. Unlike freshwater kayaks, which can have rounded and flat hulls, sea kayaks should have v-shaped hulls.
This will ensure they can literally cut through waves, big and small. V-shaped hulls help with stability as well. But, rounded hulls are also acceptable under certain conditions like kayaking through closed coves, coastal flat waters and estuaries.
4. LENGTH AND WIDTH OF KAYAK
For open-ocean coastal kayaking, narrow, medium-sized kayaks perform best. Their slim widths allow them to navigate through calm and somewhat rough waters with ease.
Having a sea kayak between 11 and 14 feet will help keep it steady as well. Kayaks used for flatwater can perform fine at shorter lengths. Tandem style sea kayaks can measure upwards until 20 feet long. Check out this guide to widths and lengths for more details.
5. SMALL COCKPITS
Unlike other general purpose or modular kayaks, sea kayaks need to have small cockpit openings. In fact, the cockpit should be just wider than your waist.
It should be comfortable enough for you to sit in and move around about, but not too tight as to be uncomfortable or inhibit movement. These small cockpit shapes will help prevent seawater from coming in. Sea kayaks used for recreation in flatwater can have larger openings though.
6. FLATWATER VS. CHOPPY CURRENTS
The type of water you’ll be kayaking through plays a big part in your decision-making process. For flatwater, like the ones found around mangroves and closed-off coves, budget and sit-on-top kayaks are fine.
However, only kayaks with waist cockpits and V-shaped hulls should be considered if you plan to tackle choppy currents.
Photo by http://ift.tt/2m9Jyk7
SEA KAYAK REVIEWS
1. BEST SEA KAYAKS FOR OVERALL USE
DELTA KAYAKS DELTA 14
BEST FOR: Open-ocean kayaking, from flatwater to mildly choppy currents
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 340 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Thermoformed ABS Plastic
PROS: Fantastic for kayaking in open ocean waters where currents and swells change frequently
CONS: Can be hard to find outside of REI
ORU KAYAK BAY FOLDING
BEST FOR: Coastal kayaking and navigating to destinations where you have to walk on land
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 300 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Polypropylene
PROS: Ultra portable, can be folded and self-packed
CONS: Not ideal for rocky outcrops or kayaking over coral
EDDYLINE EQUINOX
BEST FOR: Taking out on a whim, even if the water conditions are somewhat rough
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 360 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Carbonlite ABS Plastic
PROS: Lighter than most sea kayaks for easy transportation
CONS: Often in high-demand and can be hard to get a hold of
DELTA KAYAKS 17
BEST FOR: Paddlers looking for a boat build for speed
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 410 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Thermoformed ABS Plastic
PROS: A fantastic sea kayak that allows for a custom fit
CONS: No day hatch
2. BEST SEA KAYAKS FOR ADVANCED USERS
EDDYLINE DENALI
BEST FOR: Navigating rocky outcrops and where maneuverability is key
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 400 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Thermoformed ABS Plastic
PROS: Great for those seasoned kayaker who want to take on treacherous waters
CONS: One of the more most expensive kayaks available
POINT 65 WHISKY 16
BEST FOR: Areas where you need to be nimble and cut through large swells
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 342 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: 3-layer Foam-core Polyethylene
PROS: Thin and light design, capable of turning on a dime
CONS: Because of the cockpit’s size, not much can come with you
WILDERNESS SYSTEMS TEMPEST 170 TOURING
BEST FOR: Navigating through coastal mangroves, rocky outcrops, and other coastal areas where you need to be flexible
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 325 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Polypropylene
PROS: Stable and made for long hauls in the auction, has extra storage
CONS: Skeg system can be difficult to learn for beginners
3. BEST BUDGET SEA KAYAKS
DAGGER ZYDECO 9.0
BEST FOR: Calm coastal flatwaters
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 220 lbs
BUILD MATERIALS: Rotomolded Polyethylene
PROS: Inexpensive way to get into kayaking
CONS: Lower weight capacity than most
EDDYLINE SKY 10
BEST FOR: Estuaries and calm fresh and salt waters
BUILD MATERIALS: Thermoformed ABS laminate
WEIGHT CAPACITY: 250 lbs
PROS: Fantastic build quality and above average storage compartments
CONS: One of the more expensive budget-minded kayaks out there
The post Sea Kayaks 101 appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.
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