The 5 most important things to consider when buying a kayak

Finding the right one when buying your first kayak can be a challenge. Here we would like to advise you on the 5 most important things that you should consider when choosing a kayak.

1. The stability

If you are a beginner, we recommend that you have a kayak that is stable, easy to maneuver and preferably shock-resistant ( plastic kayak ). The easiest way to determine whether a kayak is stable or not is, of course, to test sit and test paddle the kayak. Another way is to look at the shape of the hull (bottom of the kayak) – is it flat or not? The flatter and wider the hull, the more stable the kayak.

If you buy a kayak online , you should consult the staff regarding the stability and which type of paddler the kayak is intended for. A serious online retailer also gives you the opportunity to order the kayak home for test paddling, and if it doesn't fit you should be able to return the kayak with the money back.

2. Where are you going to paddle?

If you want a kayak that is suitable for paddling in different types of water, i.e. both in lakes and in archipelagos, it should be something in between a classic sea kayak and a lake kayak. Such a midship is about 5 m long and has a well-height cockpit.
When paddling in calmer waters, a kayak that is a bit shorter and with a lower cockpit is fine, although it works well with a longer kayak. If you will instead paddle in the windy part of the archipelago, we recommend a longer kayak (at least 5.20 m) for increased speed and course stability.

On shorter day trips, the kayak's packing space does not have to be a significant factor in your choice of kayak, but on slightly longer trips, with 1-2 days of overnight stays, it is good to make sure that there are luggage hatches that can handle both the storage of food, extra clothes and tents etc. that you want to be able to take with you on the trip.

If you are going to paddle on really long trips, you should make sure that your kayak has proper packing spaces with a large volume. With larger packing spaces and a longer kayak, you have to sacrifice the maneuverability of the kayak and you should be aware that the kayak can become awkward to handle on land.

3. Who will paddle the kayak?

The length, weight and body size are all factors that come into play when choosing the right kayak. For children, it is usually best to use a shorter kayak (approx. 3-4 m) to have good maneuverability, while adults can paddle kayaks that are between 4.5 - 6 m long. A kayak that is shorter than 4.5 m has poorer course stability, which causes you to lose speed in the water. The risk is that you will be paddled away by your friends and that you will quickly feel sad on the kayak.

It is important that the footrests, with which you control the rudder, can be adjusted to the desired length. The seat should be shaped in such a way that it feels comfortable to sit in the kayak and that there is the possibility to adjust the backrest vertically and laterally once you are seated.

4. Fiberglass kayak or plastic kayak?

The biggest difference between a fiberglass kayak and a plastic kayak is the appearance. A fiberglass kayak shines more and gives you a luxurious feel, while a plastic kayak is more user-friendly, shock-resistant and suitable for those who want to be able to pull their kayak onto the cliff edge/dock without worrying about causing damage to the hull. The vast majority of summer cottage owners and hobby paddlers prefer plastic kayaks, but in terms of paddling, there is no difference between a fiberglass kayak and a plastic kayak if you are a beginner.

5. Buying a new or used kayak?

Used kayaks you can usually buy at discounted prices from a lessor. Usually at the end of the season, but sometimes you can be lucky to find one even in high season. If you want to be sure that you won't be without a kayak, you can safely buy a new one. If you would like to sell the kayak in the near future to buy another model, you can feel safe knowing that second-hand prices on kayaks are usually very good.

Good luck with your kayak purchase!