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Return To Rafting FAQ Archive   How do I find the right kayak for me? Answered By Marty Basch It's like trying on a pair of shoes. Slip that body right into the cockpit. So there's no water... it really doesn't matter. The fit should be good. Be able to stretch those legs a little. The thighs shouldn't be too confined. Torso, arm length, instep, back and butt all have a say. After all, they're part of the propulsion system. With kayaking doing to paddlesports what the snowboard did to snowsports, lots of people are heading to the water to immerse themselves in a new boat. But which one is right for you? A recent visit to the 2001 New England Paddlesports Show had some answers. So returning to the hard wooden desks of college days, it was Kayaking 101 instead of psychology. Words such as volume, keel and polyethylene were tossed around routinely. But in the end, choosing a kayak comes down to a few basic questions. Where am I going to paddle? How am I going to paddle? What are my interests? Who am I going to be paddling with? These questions will help narrow down the size and style boat. Just like trying on a pair of shoes, make sure a kayak is the right fit. Though advertisers are quick to feature daredevil kayakers adept at navigating a waterfall or hell-bent rapids, the reality is that most paddlers prefer the recreational type of crafts used for maneuvering in a pond, lake or sheltered waters such as marshes. These are the paddlers out for a couple of hours. Then there are the sea kayaking and touring class out to test their mettle on the saltwater or on extended trips such as overnights and beyond. Others are happy paddling around a small pond, binoculars out for bird watching or fishing rod out for possible trout. 14 Feet Is The Magic Number A smaller boat used for the aggressive paddling and fast pace of a whitewater run, won't be much fun on a paddle out to a lake island for a picnic. Generally speaking, 14 feet is the magic number for single kayaks. Less than 14 feet is for recreational boats (with whitewater craft even smaller) and above is for the sea and touring kayaks. Length equals speed. A wide and short boat will be stable, but slow. A longer boat is narrower, not terribly stable, and faster. But a skilled paddler won't have a problem with it. Like starting out riding a bike, first it's wobbly and then it's easy. The cockpit width varies, too. Recreational boats tend to have cockpit widths from 25 inches to 30 inches while the sea kayaking vessels are narrower at about 24 inches. An open cockpit means a wetter experience. That might be OK on a hot August day, but not so fun in the waning days of autumn. Touring boats are the ones with the rudders. Their upswept bows help for better tracking, allowing more speed and proficiency. The boats also have hatches with sealed compartments for gear. The sealed compartments also help during potential disaster. The idea is that the areas won't fill with water so the boat stays afloat if overturned. Knowing whom you are paddling with also is a key element in choosing a kayak. If you are a couple with varying degrees of interest in the sport, a double or tandem boat could be the ticket. Both paddlers get to the same place at the same time. Then again, if you are out on a lake with friends who have upper end touring boats and you're fooling around in your entry-level recreation boat, you'll probably be left behind and won't have much fun on a day you should be. ----- About the Author: Marty Basch can be reached at rodeman@aol.com. American River Rafting American River Raft Rentals

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