Choosing Your First Kayak
If I had a nickel for every time someone asked, “What kind of kayak should I buy?”, I’d have a healthy little retirement fund by now. I first wrote about this back in 2018, and the question hasn’t slowed down. It’s still one of the biggest decisions a new paddler makes, and it deserves a proper answer. The good news is we’ve come a long way since the twenty-five-cents-a-week era.
This question can also spiral into a “my opinion is better than yours” showdown. Is it sea-kayaker snobbery? Male bravado? Maybe. More often it’s just that nobody enjoys hearing their perfectly good thousand-dollar rec kayak package dismissed by some weekend warrior.
So here is my attempt at explaining my own journey into buying a kayak, and all the lessons learned along the way. Before we go any further, here is the most important picture in this post.
My Story
Like most adults who rediscover kayaking, my story starts in childhood. I used a kayak every summer at camp or at someone’s cottage and absolutely loved it. Then I turned sixteen, bought a truck, and I don’t think I said the word “kayak” again for years.
Eventually I realized I was a grown adult with disposable income. I could pick a hobby. I could even pick a fun one. So what did I buy? I bet you guessed wrong. I bought a sailboat.
When I was at the pinnacle of male brain development and logic, age twenty-five, I decided I wanted something that could do everything: sail, camp, motor, fly, party. And I found it. The MacGregor 26X. My first lesson in how not to buy a boat.
Pros: Sleeps ten, has a “bathroom,” a “kitchen,” a “king sized bed,” can tow a skier, wakeboard, host a dock dance party.
Cons: Sailing.
Yes, a sailboat that doesn’t really sail. I had fun with friends and I don’t regret the memories, but that boat never did what it was supposed to. Not for lack of trying or lack of money thrown at it.
Note: These boats have a cult-like following. People do wild modifications. But ask any sailor about them and watch for the facepalm.
The Jump Into Kayaking
Like everyone who starts kayaking as an adult, I bought a recreational kayak. Do I regret it? Not at all. It was the best sports decision I have made. Did I take it on a Great Lake? Absolutely not.
Recreational kayaking is awesome. You can take those boats up creeks, over rocks, to secret lunch spots, bring your dog, or even use it as a toboggan. But after a dozen outings, you may wonder if there’s more to the sport.
There is. And here’s the part people don’t say out loud: sea kayaking has one of the fastest learning curves of any sport I’ve ever seen. You pick up skills quickly, you build real competence fast, and then, like every Facebook expert you eventually hit a natural plateau.
Sports like hockey and sailing are lifelong pursuits where only the gifted and wealthy push the boundaries. Kayaking can be different. Without a doubt I am going to get a flood of feedback about what follows. Don't worry, I can take it.
Deciding What You Actually Want
The real lesson from the sailboat is simple. Decide what you want to do with your boat and pick something built for that purpose. If you buy a Swiss Army Knife kayak, you are going to get dusted by every specialist boat you meet on the water. Surfing, expeditions, camping, rock gardening — you will always be comparing.
So what are the options? On to the fun part.
Which Style of Kayaking Speaks to You?
Before we go on, here are some videos. One of these will probably speak to you. Remember which one.
Video #1: Surf and Rough Water
If this is the one that got you fired up, you need a full British style sea kayak.
Video #2: Greenland Style
Lower deck, designed to roll, elegant and technical.
Video #3: Coastal Touring
If this one resonated, you want something that is comfortable, efficient and carries gear.
Video #4: Rockgardening
The whitewater of sea kayaking. You need skills, sea time and a purpose built boat.
Video #5: River, Rapids and Local Creeks
If this is more than enough excitement for you, you may never need to upgrade from a recreational kayak. Enjoy it. Just wear your PFD.
Conclusion
Don't rush out and buy a kayak. Take time to think about where you want it to take you. Take lessons. Ask questions. Try different kayaks. Watch instructors demonstrate skills and equipment differences. Find the style that interests you and choose something that supports that.
Footnotes
1. All the kayaks above are great for paddling in a group. Some are faster than others.
2. Go to a real kayak store. They will fit you properly and guide you correctly.
3. Skeg vs rudder is debated. Neither is better than the other; just learn to use them properly.
4. Kayaks are not cheap, but used ones exist.
5. Some kayaks do more than one thing well. The Explorer is a solid example.
If you would like to support Kayak Ontario, consider attending our clinics, classes or events. You can find more information here.
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