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Finding the right kayak can be a challenge when you are buying your first one. Here are the five most important things to consider before you choose.
If you are a beginner, choose a kayak that is stable, easy to manoeuvre and robust. The easiest way to judge stability is of course to sit in the kayak and try it on the water. Another way is to look at the hull (the bottom of the kayak): the flatter and wider the hull, the more stable the kayak. Inflatable kayaks are usually wide and very stable, which makes them a popular first choice.
If you buy a kayak online, ask the shop about stability and what kind of paddler the kayak is designed for, and check the return policy before you order.
If you want a kayak for different types of water – both lakes and the archipelago or coast – choose a middle ground between a classic sea kayak and a lake kayak: around 5 m long with a roomy cockpit. For calmer waters, a slightly shorter kayak with a lower cockpit works well, though a longer kayak works fine too. If you will be paddling in more exposed, windy waters, choose a longer kayak (at least 5 m) for more speed and better tracking.
For day trips, storage space does not matter much. For trips with one or two nights out, make sure the kayak has hatches that fit food, extra clothes, a tent and other gear. For really long trips you need large storage compartments – but a longer, more heavily loaded kayak is less manoeuvrable and heavier to handle on land.
Height, weight and body size all matter. For children, a shorter kayak (about 3–4 m) is usually best for easy handling, while adults can paddle kayaks of 4.5–6 m. A kayak shorter than 4.5 m tracks less well and is slower, so you risk being left behind by your friends and quickly getting tired of it. Make sure the foot braces can be adjusted to your leg length, that the seat is comfortable and that the backrest can be adjusted once you are seated. If you want to paddle together, a double kayak is a great option.
A hardshell sea kayak gives the best glide and tracking on longer tours and in open water. An inflatable kayak packs down small, fits in the car boot or on public transport and needs no roof rack or storage space – ideal if you want to paddle wherever your travels take you. Among hardshell kayaks, composite (fibreglass) models have a glossy finish and a premium feel, while plastic kayaks are tough and can be pulled up on rocks and jetties without worry. For a beginner, the difference in paddling performance is small – choose the type that suits how you will use and store your kayak.
A pre-owned kayak can often be bought at a good discount, especially at the end of the season. If you want to be sure of getting exactly the model you want, buy new. And if you want to change models later, it is reassuring to know that kayaks usually keep their resale value well.
See all our kayaks – and do not forget the paddle: read our guides on paddle length and how to choose the right kayak paddle. Good luck with your kayak purchase!
