Choosing a Kayak

— How to Choose a Kayak —
Choosing a kayak is like choosing shoes: you need to find the style that fits your needs and the size that fits your body. Some of the questions will educate you on many of the options available on today's kayaks, while others will help you identify the type of paddler you are and therefore the type of kayak you might need.

What You Should Think About

Where might you want to paddle?

The type of water you wish to paddle will help you decide what type of kayak to buy. Think about where you want to paddle not just now, but also in the future after taking some classes to expand and improve your skills. Choose all that apply:
gentle rivers and small lakes
e.g. the Charles River from our Newton Boathouse
large lakes or protected ocean
e.g. Essex Marsh; or Squam Lake, NH
open ocean
e.g. trips to the Boston Harbor Outer Islands
whitewater rivers
e.g. Zoar Gap on the Deerfield River
Do you want to paddle your own kayak, or share a boat with someone else?
single kayaks (for one person) allow the freedom of paddling your own boat and have more storage space per person, plus you don't need to rely on a friend to go paddling
tandem kayaks (for two people) tend to be more stable and cost less per person, plus they're a great way to paddle together if the two kayakers are of different abilities.
How much storage space might you need?
Think carefully about how you see yourself using your kayak in the future, like whether you will mainly do day-trips or might like to kayak-camp regularly. Your storage requirements will be determined by how you use the boat.
many kayaks have hatches — storage compartments that are more or less watertight
kayaks designed for longer trips, like overnights, have more and bigger hatches
hatches also provide flotation when capsized to prevent the boat from sinking
it is much easier to perform rescues on kayaks with both front and rear hatches than on kayaks with only a rear hatch or no watertight hatches
Will you use your kayak for any specialized activities?
fishing
surfing
scuba diving or snorkeling
photography
paddling with your dog
What You Should Know
How does a kayak's hull shape affect boat performance?
The hull shape has many effects on a kayaks's performance, both in flatwater and ocean conditions. Two effects of hull shape that a paddler can readily feel are:
initial stability — how stable does the boat feel when it is flat on the water?
secondary stability — how easy is it to lean the boat on its edge, and how stable does it feel when leaned?
How does kayak width (beam) affect boat performance?
wider boats generally have more initial stability than narrower boats
wider boats are generally slower and less efficient than narrower boats
How does the size of the cockpit opening affect my paddling?
The two main classes of cockpits are "closed" and "open," based on how firmly your knees are braced inside the boat. This decision is largely one of personal preference.
in a closed cockpit, the paddler keeps the knees under thigh braces, allowing better transfer of movement from paddler to kayak. In a closed cockpit, the paddler might feel better balance and "connection" to the boat, which allows more control and better performance.
in an open cockpit, the paddlers knees are not constrained, allowing easier entry and exit from the boat from land and in the water. Open cockpits are ideal for someone who wants to fish, take pictures, or paddle with their dog, because of the increased freedom of movement and additional storage space right in front of you
in our experience, capsized paddlers not using spray skirts have little trouble exiting either type of cockpit.

What materials are used to make kayaks?

There are three principle materials used to construct most of today's kayaks. Your choice of materials is, again, a trade-off between several factors described below.
polyethylene
Inexpensive and very resistant to impact, polyethylene is used for most plastic kayaks and by Old Town in their Discovery and Guide series of canoes. The material is heavy and scratches easily. Because it lacks the stiffness of other boatbuilding materials, the shape of a polyethylene boat can become deformed as it ages. Choose polyethylene if you want to save money and are looking for high impact resistance.
thermoformed plastic
Lighter and stiffer than polyethylene, thermoformed boats are more expensive but have a longer life span and are less likely to deform. These boats approach the weight, look, lines, and lively performance of composite boats at a lower price. You'll hear different manufacturers calling their thermoformed material by different names, like Trylon (Hurricane Aqua Sports), Airalite (Perception), and TCS (Current Designs). Royalex is another thermoplastic primarily used in canoes that is lighter, stiffer, and more expensive than polyethylene.
composite: fiberglass, Kevlar, and/or carbon.

Made using cloth fibers impregnated with resin, these boats are the lightest, stiffest, longest-lasting, and easiest to repair, but at 1.5 to 2.5 times the price of polyethylene. The greatest advantage of composite materials is their liveliness and performance, which makes composite boats a real joy to paddle. Paddle a composite boat and you'll feel the difference.Fiberglass is the least expensive but heaviest composite material.Kevlar is stronger, lighter, and has greater impact resistance than fiberglass.Carbon fiber is the stiffest and lightest composite material. It has less impact resistance than other composite materials, and so is usually used along with another composite material in a hybrid layup like Carbon/Kevlar.
Why would I want a lighter kayak?

faster
easier to maneuver
easier to load on and off a car
easier to transport to and from the water
easier to carry when loaded with gear

In our experience, customers who purchase lighter boats paddle more often, because it's less of a chore to load and transport their kayak.

Why would I want a stiffer kayak?

Reduced flex for greater efficiency
If the power from your paddle stroke causes the boat to flex, that energy is being wasted. Therefore, stiffer materials that decrease flex are more efficient and, consequently, faster.
longer life span. When boats lose their shape, they lose performance. Therefore, a boat made from a stiffer material will have a longer life span. In fact, it is common for 20-year-old composite boats to paddle just as nicely as the day they were built!

better hull shapes

Stiffer materials can be molded into a wider variety of shapes, allowing kayak designers to create exactly the lines and curves they need to produce a high-performance kayak (see "How does a kayak's hull shape affect boat performance?" above).

Do I want or need a rudder or skeg?

All boats tend to turn into the wind (some boats more than others). Rudders and skegs help prevent this tendency, allowing you to keep the boat travelling straight when paddling in wind. Unless you plan to paddle only on flat-calm days, a rudder or skeg will be beneficial. There are important differences, however, which are detailed in the information below.
Whichever you choose, it is critical that you can paddle your boat without the aid of the rudder or skeg, if necessary. Rudders and skegs should be thought of as conveniences that can make paddling more enjoyable. Both rudders and skegs are retractable, so you can choose when to use them
a rudder allows direct control over steering using foot pedals that turn the rudder when you push them. In contrast, a skeg is stationary and does not allow direct steering. However, tracking is easily controlled by adjusting the height of the skeg: with less skeg in the water the kayak turns into the wind, and with more skeg in the water the kayak turns away from the wind. Because the skeg does not steer, the paddler must learn to lean the boat to make it turn because a rudder helps to steer a boat, ruddered kayak designs often track very strongly but are more difficult to turn without the rudder. Skeg kayak designs, on the other hand, are made to be easily maneuverable when leaned on their edge, allowing quick course corrections
a skeg takes up storage space in the rear hatch, while a rudder is mounted on the exterior of the boat. With proper maintenance, rudders and skegs are both very reliable
having a rudder or skeg is no substitute for good boat-handling skills.

Whitewater Kayaking and Rafting in Pennsylvania

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
White water rafting brings a large number of adventurers to Southwestern Pennsylvania each year. Check here for whitewater outfitters, tours, equipment, tips and guides for white water enthusiasts of all levels in southwestern PA, western Maryland and northern West Virginia. Report a Broken Link ~ Suggest a Site
Related: Canoe & Kayak
Whitewater Classification ExplainedLearn the difference between a class II and a class VI rapid, before you take your kayak down a whitewater river you can't handle.
Pittsburgh Ads
Kayak Tour Kayaking Trip Rafting WV Kayak Rental New River WV
Whitewater on the Gauley River - Beast of the EastWorld-class Gauley River is one of the most exhilarating and scenic whitewater rivers in the United States. Learn about the exciting spring and fall Gauley seasons and check for current Gauley release dates.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat CommissionRegister your boat or apply for a fishing license online; learn about Pennsylvania fish, lakes and waterways; get the scoop on PA trout and bash fishing; and find answers in the boating and fishing FAQs.
ACE Whitewater and Adventure CenterLocated in the New River Gorge National River in West Virginia, ACE Whitewater offers Class I to Class V white water trips on the New and Gauley rivers.
American Whitewater Safety CodeBe safe and be prepared with these safety tips from the American Whitewater Association.
Appalachian WildwatersAppalachian Wildwaters offers the widest selection of whitewater trips in the area on five rivers: the New, Gauley, Cheat, Tygart, and Youghiogeny.
Cantrell's Ultimate RaftingFamily owned and operated rafting company offers two WV base camps,(Fayetteville and Hinton), allowing a choice of river trips: mildwater, medium whitewater, and high adventure whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers.
Class VI River RunnersProfessional outfitters lead guided whitewater trips on West Virginia's New and Gauley rivers for all experience levels - from Class I to Class VI whitewater! Overnight trips, family trips, fall foliage trips, and more.
Dimple Rock Rapid - Ohiopyle State ParkMany people became concerned after three people drowned in the Dimple Rock area during the 2000 rafting season. Check here for the latest facts, recommendations and information on changes to ensure the safety of whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park.
Drift-a-Bit Whitewater RaftingOutdoor adventure company founded in 1983 offers guided whitewater rafting trips on two of West Virginia's most spectacular rivers within The New River Gorge National River and the Gauley River National Recreation Area.
Interactive Yough MapsDetailed river maps for the lower and middle Youghiogheny, including rapid closeups, from the CMU Explorers Club.
Laurel Highlands River ToursFamily-owned and operated by Linda and Mark McCarty, Laurel Highlands River Tours invites you to experience white water rafting at an adventure vacation level just for you. A variety of tours are available on the Youghiogheny River in OhioPyle State Park.
Mountain River Tours, Inc.Tour company offers a variety of whitewater rafting packages on the New & Gauley rivers. Web site includes Internet specials.
Mountain Streams OutfittersExperience the thrill of white water rafting on the Youghiogheny River with Mountain Streams Outfitters. Book guided rafting trips in MD, WV and PA on the Youghiogheny, Cheat, Tygart, Big Sandy and Gauley Rivers.
New River Scenic ToursLicensed guides lead you on a variety of whitewater trips from "mild to wild." Family trips on the New River allow children as young as five and fall trips on the Gauley offer world-class whitewater adventure.
North American River RunnersFor 27 years, North American River Runners in West Virginia has been offering whitewater adventure for enthusiasts of all ages and experience levels. Enjoy guided family trips on the Upper New River, adventure trips on the Lower New River and world class whitewater on the Gauley River.
Ohiopyle State ParkAn exhilarating park to see and experience, the focal point of this area is the more than 14 miles of the Youghiogheny River Gorge that churns through the heart of Ohiopyle. The famous Lower Yough, below the scenic Ohiopyle Falls, provides some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern US.
Passages to AdventureLocated in Fayetteville, WV, Passages to Adventure offers numerous paddling options (rafts, kayaks, duckies and canoes) on the New and Gauley rivers from March through October.
Raft WVA Inc.Raft West Virginia offers a variety of New River and Gauley River whitewater rafting packages for your enjoyment.
Rivers Whitewater ResortSince 1982, Rivers has been outfitting trips on the New & Gauley Rivers, sharing their love and knowledge of the outdoors with guests of all ages.
Sojourn on the YoughA Pittsburgh Post Gazette author shares his experiences of a 6-day sojourn on the celebrated Youghiogheny River. Don't miss the great photo archive!
Three Rivers Paddling ClubA regional club headquarted in Pittsburgh, PA consisting of over 400 (mostly whitewater) paddlers from Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, the Maryland panhandle and beyond.
Trucking the YoughioghenyThis grand-daddy of whitewater "runs dishes out sedate rapids in Pennsylvania to complement way-hairier headwaters in Maryland." From GORP.
West Virginia Whitewater LevelsGet the current whitewater levels for the New and Gauley Rivers from the U.S. Corp of Army Engineers.
Whitewater AdventuresWhitewater Adventures has everything you need for your own self-guided whitewater adventure. Guided tours are also available at all levels from Class I easy float trips to Class V whitewater at its finest. Trips are available on the Lower, Middle and Upper Youghiogheny as well as Cheat Canyon, MD.
Wilderness VoyageursFrom their very mild Historical Float Trip & Family Trips to the thrill of Class V + Whitewater, Wilderness Voyageurs has something for everyone in Ohiopyle, PA.
Youghiogheny OutfittersRent a raft and explore the Youghiogheny, the most popular stretch of whitewater in the eastern United States.
Yough Weekend Recreation OutlookGet the latest river stage and flow data as well as the weather report for the lower Youghiogheny, middle Yough and Cheat Basin. From the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers.
Youghiogheny RiverThe Youghiogheny [yaw-ki-gay-nee] River "provides some of the best whitewater boating in the Eastern U. S. as well as spectacular scenery," according to the Whitewater Sports Network.

Jason J. Burkos