What sort of kayak should I buy?

Question

I really want to get a kayak for exercise on the ocean. Mainly for flat water but would not want it to break up in a wave. What is the best choice?

Answer 1

You definitely want a closed boat sea kayak (NOT a "recreational" or whitewater boat.)  These are longer and thinner  than the latter two types and are designed for open water (such as the ocean and Great Lakes) and flat water (rivers and ponds.)  Since you want speed and a workout, you want to look for a slender boat at least 15' long and probably use a 220cm paddle for power.  Having a rudder and/or skeg will help the boat track in crosswinds.

There is a wide range of prices -- I have two sea kayaks, one is a used rotomold plastic model ( Dagger Magellan) I got for $400 on Craigslist, the other is an aluminum framed, nylon/rubber skinned folding kayak (it packs down into a 35 lb backpack I can take on a plane) that cost me almost $3,000 new (Feathercraft Kahuna).  I have taken the Kahuna out in in the Atlantic and it pops over the waves like a cork.  Since you have a very good idea what you want to use it for, I recommend going to a good outfitter who carries a wide range of kayaks and see if you can try some out.  One of our local outfitters occasionally schedules "demo days" on a local river so folks can "test drive" models.  

The previous answer has a good strategy if you want a used boat to start out with.  Once you find a model listed for sale (like on Craigslist) go to



www.paddling.net

which is a non-profit site with good general kayking information and where you can search to read how owners of different models report on how their boats perform and rate them.  I found that very useful in buying both my kayaks.

Answer 2

I starred your question yesterday because I've been  interested in buying a kayak myself.  I kept stopping back to your question only to find you not getting any responses.  In the meantime I've been having some luck searching for kayaks on Craigslist.  I may as well let you search the list as well.  Just pick the closest city to your location and search under selling boats for kayak.  When they name a type of kayak I google it and see exactly what it looks like and costs new.  I think it's working great.