When Is The Best Time To Purchase A Kayak?

The best time to buy a kayak depends on your preferences and the availability of stock. Early season shopping from May to June is ideal for seeing new models, while end of season sales in August and September can help you find good deals. Holiday and pre-season sales are also a good time to buy during these periods.

The prime kayaking season starts in spring when temperatures are pleasant enough for kayaking and typically lasts until autumn (late August and early September). If you’re looking for a brand new kayak, the best kayak on the market, or a used kayak at a reasonable price, shop for a kayak in May or June when retailers receive their season’s stock.

Off-season months (late August to February) and during holiday sales events are the best times to purchase a kayak for discounts. If you’re buying from a local dealer, the best time is at the end of the season. Keep an eye out at the beginning of the season for demo days.

In the Pacific Northwest, the most ideal time to buy a kayak for cheap is from late-August to February. Kayak dealers have sales on leftover stock in September, anticipating a low season ahead. Some of the best kayak deals offered by direct manufacturers and retailers coincide with two major holidays: Christmas and Memorial Day.

In the U.S., the peak kayaking season runs from around mid-spring to the end of summer (approximately May-September). There’s a basic rule of thumb that the best time to buy a kayak depends on your specific needs and budget.

What is the lifespan of a kayak?

Bottom line: 6-12 years is a pretty typical range for the life span of a kayak. That’s a huge range, you might say. And yes, that is true. An inflatable kayak might last you only a half dozen years; however, a well-maintained, quality kayak can last twice that or much longer – even a lifetime.

There are a number of things to consider, however, when judging how long you can keep paddling. The type/quality of material, level of maintenance, and frequency of use can all impact the lifespan of your kayak.

Kayaks are made from a number of different types of materials that have their pros and cons – heavy and durable to light weight and short-lived. Let’s look at some of the more common materials.

Are open or closed kayaks better?

Open kayaks have scupper holes where water can drain out, making them more self-bailing than a sit-in kayak. And because their center of gravity is higher, sit-on kayaks tend to be wider and more stable.

Because they’re more open, sit-on-top kayaks are great for fishing, as well. Not being confined to a cockpit offers a greater range of motion for casting. It also makes it easier to install a pedal drive, which comes with plenty of advantages of its own. Finally, the large, flatter surface of a sit-on-top kayak gives it extra room for storage space. There’s plenty of room for carrying gear and anything else you might need with you on the water.

Disadvantages of a Sit-On-Top Kayak. Sit-on-top kayaks aren’t right for every kayaker or every situation. There are a few drawbacks. Bear in mind that a pro for one kayaker might be a con for another. It’s all a question of what you need your kayak for, and what features are important to you.

One slight disadvantage is that without a cockpit and the protective skirt that surrounds it, you’re more likely to get wet as you paddle or pedal through the water.

Do sit-in kayaks flip easily?

Flipping a kayak over is much harder to do than you think. Many people are apprehensive about SIS because of the “flipping factor”. Truthfully, it really is not easy to flip your kayak over. Most recreational kayaks like Lifetime kayaks are made to be stable. Whether sit-on-top or sit-inside, the flipping factor will have more to do with kayak design and the shape of the hull than it being a sit-on-top or sit-inside. And don’t worry, if you do happen to flip it over, you will not get stuck. The paddler will pop immediately out of the kayak and to the water surface.

Sit-on-Top KayaksSit-on-tops, or SOTs for short, are quickly gaining in popularity. This style, like the Lifetime Lotus and Monterey, allows the paddler to sit on top of the kayak deck. There is not an “inside” that can be inhabited by the paddler. The only access, if any, to the inside of the kayak will be through storage hatch openings. Everything from the footwells to the seat back will be rigged on to the actual deck of the kayak. It is much harder to stay dry paddling a SOT. With each wave, riffle or splash the paddler gets increasingly more wet. There is no cockpit or deck area to stop water from splashing up onto the paddler’s body. Because of this, SOTs are extremely popular in warm weather and tropical areas. Another reason these kayaks are great for warm weather is because it is easy to slide into the water for a quick swim and climb back into the kayak. Unlike a sit-inside kayak, you can re-enter your SOT from the water. It won’t be graceful, but you can pull yourself back up onto the deck of your SOT and reposition yourself for paddling. For a slightly drier ride, you can get scupper plugs. Scupper plugs will cover the self-bailing drain holes found on SOT kayaks. The purpose of the scupper hole is to allow water that splashes on to the deck to drain back out and not pool underneath the paddler. Blocking these holes will keep tiny splashes from coming up from underwater through the holes but it will keep any water that makes its way onto the deck from draining back out.

Whether you choose a sit-inside or a sit-on-top kayak, you are sure to enjoy paddling. Both style kayaks are equally safe. Stability will depend on other design factors such as hull design and size. (see “how to choose a kayak”). The best way to decide if you should get a sit-inside or a sit-on-top is to figure out what water and weather conditions you will be paddling in and also, which style you feel more comfortable in. Find a friend or visit a dealer and check them out before making the final decision.

What style kayak is most stable?

Comparing the Performance Between Sit-on-top and Sit-in Kayaks. There’s no question that sit-in kayaks perform better than sit-on-tops. There are several reasons for this:

• Your center of gravity is lower, which allows the kayak to be narrower and still maintain stability. A narrower kayak moves through the water more efficiently than the wider sit-on-top.
• The sit-ins allow for more body connection with the kayak. You’re not just sitting lower, right on the floor in your seat—your thighs, knees and feet are engaged as well. Ken likes to compare it to wearing flip flops vs. running shoes.
• Sit-on-tops are made of, essentially, heavy molded plastic. Sit-ins, on the other hand, can also be made of higher-end materials that are lighter and faster.

Sit-on-top kayaks are designed for stability in their width, and so are great for anglers and others who value stability over performance.

Sit-in kayaks have something called edge stability, which means you can roll them onto their edge and they’ll stay there. This is important for those who value performance paddling over stability.

Is a longer or shorter kayak better?

A shorter waterline will result in a less streamlined passage through the water. Longer kayaks have a number of advantages: They are faster, glide farther, track better, are more stable, carry heavier loads, and are easier to paddle.

BASIC DESIGNS. There are 4- main categories of flatwater kayaks:Sea Kayaks,Day Touring Kayaks,Recreational KayaksandFishing or Sportsman Kayaks. (Please refer to theKayaks Pageon our website for in-depth information on Kayak Types).

BASIC CONSIDERATIONS. LENGTH. Given two kayaks of equal width, thelonger kayak will be the fastest. Why? As the kayak moves through the water, the hull must separate water at the bow and allow it to return to the stern as smoothly as possible. The longer the waterline, the smoother transition. A shorter waterline will result in a less streamlined passage through the water.

Longer kayakshave a number of advantages: They arefaster,glide farther,track better, aremore stable,carry heavier loads, and areeasier to paddle. If longer kayaks are more efficient and use less effort why would anyone want a short boat?Shorter kayaksarelighter, less cumbersome, areeasier to transport, and are oftenless expensive. A shorter hull will also turn andmaneuver quickerin narrow streams or tight places.

Is an 8ft or 10ft kayak better?

Kayak length. Before you ask the question “What length kayak do I need?” you should consider your goals in paddling. Kayak length is directly proportional to speed and handling: A long kayak will be faster and travel straighter than a short kayak; that’s the first thing to remember in choosing kayak length. So, if you’re a novice kayaker wishing to paddle short distances, a short kayak will be easier to handle. But if you want to progress your skills and travel long distances, a longer kayak will be better for you.

Paddling location also matters: smaller bodies of water, especially twisty rivers, demand shorter, more maneuverable kayaks. On the other hand, you will paddle more efficiently over longer shorelines in a longer kayak. A kayak length guide wouldn’t be complete without considering the size of the paddler. Obviously, taller paddlers should choose a longer boat, regardless of the type of kayak, for comfort. Meanwhile, shorter paddlers should choose below-average kayak length to improve fit and comfort in the boat as well as making it easier to handle.

Kayak width. Just like length, the average width of a kayak varies depending on the style of kayak. The width of a kayak is also a good measure of its stability: in general, the wider the kayak, the more stable it will be. So if you’re a first-time kayaker, you will benefit from a wider kayak. However, as your skills progress you may find a wide kayak is cumbersome and less efficient to paddle.

Do kayaks flip a lot?

Conditions that Cause a Kayak to Tip. Generally, kayaks are safe and don’t just tip over for no reason. Most of the time when someone experiences this, it’s due to a lack of balance or conditions on the water outside of their control.

For example, it’s rather difficult, even for a beginner, to tip over in a recreation kayak on a calm river. A sporting kayak going up against strong rapids or out on a choppy ocean runs a greater risk of tipping, regardless of skill level, because it takes more skill to navigate those conditions. It can also be more difficult to control your boat if it’s super windy out, as those winds affect the water significantly.

Aside from weather conditions, if you’re new to kayaking there is a learning curve in navigating how to balance and paddle on the water. If you’re in shallower water with a larger boat, you could run up against the river bed, and that stalling tends to throw newer boaters off balance. Without the experience on how to paddle out of getting stuck, especially if the current picks up a bit, one naturally runs the risk of tipping over.

Seasoned kayakers who are taking their first stabs at angling can also run into an issue with tipping. Having to multitask and focus on the mechanics of kayaking and fishing at once is a very different experience, and it throws some off. Especially if a bite is taking considerable effort to reel in, and one hasn’t anchored correctly, that angler could easily tip over, even in deeper water.

What are four mistakes in kayaking?

When new to kayaking, taking a few minutes to plan can help make your learning process go much more smoothly.Mistake #1: Launching in dangerous water. … Mistake #2: Attempting busy waterways. … Mistake #3: Choosing uncomfortable weather. … Mistake #4: Overextending or Overconfidence. … Mistake #5: Utilizing gear improperly.

The excitement of launching your kayak for the first time may make you a little quick to jump in without thought. Here are a few mistakes to avoid as a newbie in the kayak world. When new to kayaking, taking a few minutes to plan can help make your learning process go much more smoothly.

Mistake #1: Launching in dangerous water. One rookie mistake that new kayakers make is attempting their first paddle on ambitious waterways. Instead of tackling waves, rough current, or a rocky entry, choose your debut paddle on as quiet and calm a pond / lake as you can.

This isn’t weakness; it is wisdom. Let yourself get comfortable with the balance, strokes, and maneuvering of your kayak before you have to face rapids, rollers, or more.

Is a 10 ft kayak big enough for a 6ft person?

Best size kayak for a 6 ft person. A person of average height, say 5’8″ to six feet, will find they fit properly in most average sized kayaks. It’s hard to pinpoint an exact kayak size for this size of person. The typical average length kayaks—8 to 12 feet for a recreational kayak or 12 to 14 feet for a day touring kayak—will work well for a 6-foot-tall person.

The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference so try out as many options as you can—in the conditions you’re mostly likely to be paddling in—to find what’s right for you.

VIEW ALL 8–12 FOOT RECREATIONAL KAYAKSVIEW ALL 12–14 FOOT DAY TOURING KAYAKS.

How long of a kayak should you get?

Recommended Kayak Length by Paddler’s HeightHeightRecreationalFishing5′ or less8′- 10’10’5′ to 5’6″8′ – 12’10’ – 12’5’7″ to 6’10’ – 12’12’ – 14’Over 6’12’14’

Selecting the right size kayak is key to having a productive kayaking experience. But what size kayak do you need? Correct kayak size depends on a number of factors including your size and intended usage. The following kayak charts will help you determine the perfect kayak size and length for your intended use.

The above chart provides a visual guide of different types of kayaks and their average length.

• White water (6′-7′) – White water kayaks are the shortest of all kayak models. They are built for superior maneuverability in fast moving current. They may be as short as 4 feet in length or as long as 9 feed for larger kayakers.
• Youth recreation (6′-8′) – On average a kayak between 6 and 8 feet will be the ideal size for a youth between 8 and 12 years of age. Youth recreation kayaks of this size may be sit-in or sit-on-top, but are usually sit-on-top.
• Sit-in recreation (9′-11′) – Sit-in or sit-on-top recreational kayaks average about 10′ long. This is the most common kayak stype and size for recreational kayaking. These kayaks easy to transport and store.
• Sit-on-top tandem (12′-13′) – Will accomodate 2 people comfortably. For open water on a lake or the ocean, the sit-on-top tandem kayak is the most popular recreational model.
• Fishing tandem (13′-15′) – The average fishing kayak is 13 feet long. Tandem fishing kayaks are typically a few feet longer. Length is important for a fishing kayak because it provides better stability, storage space, bouyancy and room to stand up.
• Ocean Surf/Sea (14′-18′) – Entry-level sea kayaks start at about 14 feet in length and go up to 19 feet for more experienced kayakers. Tandem sea kayaks may be a foot or two longer.

Which kayak is better sit in or sit on?

Beginner paddlers who want to paddle over calm lakes or float down slow-moving rivers would probably be better suited to a sit-in top kayak, whereas paddlers who want to paddle through the ocean or choppy waters may prefer the benefits of a sit-inside kayak.

Which Kayak Type for Ocean Paddling?. If you plan on recreational ocean paddling far from shore, then a sit-on-top kayak would be the better choice. Their open deck makes them easy to climb back onto if you happen to capsize, and they also won’t fill with large amounts of water.

But, if you want to travel vast distances in the ocean, then touring kayaks are one of the best sea kayaks out there. Touring kayaks have bulkheads that prevent the cockpit from flooding if you capsize and these bulkheads also create flotation chambers which will keep the kayak afloat even if water does get inside.