10 minutes reading
By Sports Experts and Atmosphere - July 25, 2023
An Inuit creation, long ago the kayak was used for hunting and everyday getting around. Today, these small, self-contained craft are most often used for recreational purposes, to the great delight of the increasing number of outdoor adventure lovers.
In order to choose the right kayak, you must first ask yourself what kind of activities you will be using it for. Will you be taking it on a nice little spin around the banks of a quiet lake, paddling down a peaceful river for a few hours or going on a several-day-long whale-watching expedition in St. Lawrence River? The choice of a kayak also depends on whether it seats one person or several. Let's take a look at all these criteria!
There are four popular kayak ranges to choose from:
Recreational kayaks: These are perfect for small lakes, peaceful rivers and one- to three-hour jaunts. Because this type is shorter—no longer than 4 metres (13 feet)—and wider, recreational kayaks are extremely manoeuvrable and are ideal for beginners. They sometimes have a centreboard to improve steering.
Sit-on-top Kayaks: Loads of fun to use, these simple kayaks, open along their entire length, are a class apart. They allow you to spend an enjoyable summer day close to shore without worrying about getting wet! This is the kind of kayak that you can leave at the cottage and use on a lazy weekend day.
Touring Kayaks: This increasingly popular type of kayak can be 3.8 to 4.5 metres (12.5 to 15 feet) long and is ideal for large expanses of fresh water such as Lac Saint-Jean or the calmest parts of the St. Lawrence River, or for heading out on an overnight or several days’ kayak camping tour. These kayaks are shorter and wider than sea kayaks, they are steadier and more stable, especially if they come equipped with a rudder or centreboard.
Inflatable kayaks: just as functional as traditional kayaks, inflatable kayaks are the ideal alternative for discovering and learning about this water sports activity. As the name suggests, the kayak must be inflated before being launched for the adventure. Inflatable kayaks are designed to be rigid and robust, so they're practical and easy to transport and store thanks to the carry bags included. Solo or in tandem, there are several configurations of inflatable kayaks to choose from for your trips on the water.
Once the model has been chosen, those who always kayak in pairs should consider a tandem or two-seater kayak. Not only is it more economical to buy, but thanks to its large dimensions, it's easier to keep on course and maintain a steady pace if one of the two kayakers is less efficient.
To know whether a particular model will be the right size for a particular kayaker, he or she should try it out in the store.
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The cockpit opening should be snug enough so that the kayaker stays properly in place, but at the same time big enough to extricate him or herself quickly if the boat tips over.
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The interior should provide proper support for a kayaker’s bottom, hips, knees and feet.
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Given such support, the paddler will more easily be able to balance and control the kayak, which is important for rolling (righting the craft when it is flipped over) in situations where that is possible.
Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are available specifically for kayaking. Newer models of life jackets better accommodate the higher seat backs that are increasingly common in today’s recreational kayaks and canoes. By increasing the height of the rear mesh panel and sculpting the edges of the rear foam elements, the new models will not interfere with the seat backs.
Today, the vast majority of kayaks are made of polyethylene, an affordable, durable plastic requiring little maintenance, although it is heavier and less rigid than composites. If some people swear by the very expensive kevlar, others prefer fibreglass, a more fragile, but higher-performance material that is lighter and more rigid, and can be moulded in any way desired, resulting in bolder shapes and designs.
In terms of shape, the longer a kayak is, the faster and more capable it is of staying on course, as well as offering more storage space. But the wider the kayak, the more stable it tends to be and the greater its cargo capacity.
The shape of the hull also tells us something about the kayak's performance. An almond-shaped hull makes the kayak stable and manoeuvrable but hampers its ability to stay on course. If the hull is 'V' shaped, the kayak will be less stable, but more importantly it will be fast and responsive, which is perfect for more experienced kayakers. If the hull has an inverted keel, the kayak will be slower but more stable, while a sharp-chine hull is a good compromise between stability and speed, while making the boat more manoeuvrable than the average kayak.
The tread (the camber of the hull, from one end of the kayak to the other) also influences the boat's manoeuvrability. The tighter the hull, the easier it is to make fast turns. But the kayak is then slower and has more difficulty maintaining its trajectory.
Finally, the volume of the kayak influences its degree of buoyancy and the way it reacts in the water. A small kayak will be very easy to control in small waves but will tend to be submerged when the water surface is rough. Conversely, a high-volume kayak will give the kayaker a definite advantage in rough waters.
A sea kayak’s deck is more fragile than the one of a recreational kayak, so it is therefore advisable to carry it to where you are going on the roof of your vehicle, taking care to cover the cockpit so that rainwater will not enter the interior.
When securing the kayak to the roof, the straps should be adjusted firmly but not too tightly, to prevent the hull deforming in the event of prolonged exposure to the scorching sun. If the kayak is long and extends beyond the length of the vehicle carrying it, it's a good idea to secure the ends with cords and attach a brightly coloured pennant. Finally, beware of scratches: they can slow down the kayak if they are deep.
If it's made of fibreglass, it's best not to land the kayak directly on the beach, as this could damage the hull with small rocks. It's best to get out of the kayak while it's still in the water. Generally speaking, portaging is preferable in very shallow waters.
It is important to choose a paddle that is suited to your sport and use. There are two main categories of paddle, distinguished by the number of blades: double paddles and single paddles. They can also be removable. In kayaking, a double paddle is used, with a blade at each end of the shaft. There are also convertible paddles for SUP and kayak.
Ideally, a kayak should be stored in a closed area such as a garage or basement. If that is not possible, it can certainly spend the winter outside, placed upside down on a stand, as long as you make sure snow does not pile up on its surface.
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