When you are selecting your first kayak you might want to first think about the different types available. Would a folding, inflatable or rigid kayak be the best choice? You will have many questions and will need all the information you can find to make it easier to make the best decision. There are a confusing number of different types to choose from so let’s consider the different types of kayaks available.
What Types of Kayaks Are Available?
* Rigid – made of fiberglass, plastic, wood, Kevlar carbon fiber
* Inflatable kayaks
* Folding kayaks
Materials Used in Rigid Kayaks
These are the types of kayaks that most people are familiar with. The least expensive alternative here is a plastic construction but this will also be the heaviest. Kayaks made from plastic are reasonably robust and long-lasting but are virtually unrepairable if they are heavily damaged. Somewhat more expensive is a fiberglass material which will be lighter, easier to repair but also is damaged more easily. Further construction materials include Kevlar, carbon fiber or graphite composites which are lighter but also more expensive. While less popular, wooden kayaks are available, particularly in kit form for self-assembly. Although wood kayaks are easier to repair they need a great deal more looking after than most of the other types of boats.
Inflatable Kayaks
Inflatable kayaks are easy to transport and store. They are among the least expensive models available, easy-to-use and their performance is as good as a rigid kayak. Inflatable kayaks are also very buoyant and stable so easily stay upright, which makes them ideal for a beginner. They can be used for whitewater, calm water and surf kayaking so they are very versatile. You may perhaps be worried about their robustness but if you don’t select the cheapest and select a decent quality inflatable it will be as strong as a rigid boat. For most people, unless you are going in for serious competitions, an inflatable kayak will be the best choice.
Features of Folding Kayaks
Folding kayaks are usually much pricier than the rigid type but they are very long-lasting, durable, stable and flexible. They typically have a wood or aluminum frame that is covered with fabric. While they are more expensive they frequently have a higher secondhand value and are much more long-lasting than the other sorts of kayaks. On the other hand they are often slower and performance can be inferior to a rigid kayak.
Most folding kayaks use different materials for the deck and the hull. The decks are mostly made from a cotton/hemp blend or a man-made fabric. The materials usually used for the hulls is a synthetic plastic such as Hypalon, polyurethane or PVC covering a synthetic material such as Dacron. Folding kayaks typically have air chambers in the hull to increase buoyancy.
Conclusion
Once you have decided between a rigid, inflatable or folding kayak you now need to think about where it will be used. Yet again there are various alternatives between ocean, fishing, recreational, whitewater and more. The type you buy will be dependant on what you will be using it for. For additional information to help you choose and some good deals visit Cheap Kayaks for Sale
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