I need some advice about kayaks. Help?

Question

I'm going to buy a kayak in the next couple of weeks. Can anyone help me understand the difference that length makes. I'm thinking of getting either a 10, 12, or 14 foot kayak. I will mainly be using it for day trips down small rivers around Wisconsin and Minnesota. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

A beginner kayaker need match personal weight with kayak size. Fortunately there are many shops in Wisconsin and Minnesota that can advise you. A short kayak is usually very responsive (requires more skill) and a longer one is more stable (requires less skill). A sea kayak  or touring boat is usually longer than 14 feet.

Answer 2

Ask this guy.  He knows his stuff.  If he can't answer it, he will definitely point you in the direction of the best resource to answer it.

http://www.waterwilderness.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

Longer kayaks go faster. Longer ones are easier to put on top of the car.

Answer 4

The longer the boat the better the weight is distributed my 14.5 ft. will hold 350 lbs. for camping. A long kayak track,s better but takes longer to turn so on small river,s it,s little more work . A 9.5 ft. boat will respond better on small river,s but you don't get the capacity as a longer boat. but you can fish out of it easier. Happy paddling.