Kayaking - Information and Resources

Ranked #2,190 in Sports & Recreation, #59,480 overall

Ask a lot of questions, then ask some more

As someone once said, "the only dumb question is the one not
asked." Don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't go with
any outfitter that is hesitant to answer them. Knowledge is a big
key to comfort, so ask any questions that come to mind, whether
they be about equipment, weather conditions, guide training, etc.
An informed traveler is a happier traveler. Some questions you could
ask are:



  • What experience
    do they have in the area you'll be? Do they specialize in that
    area?

  • What is their
    support staff like? What kind of service can you expect?

  • What kind
    of equipment do they use? What is their procedure for keeping
    it in top condition?

Kayaking DVDs

Recreational Kayaking DVD - The Essential Skills and Safety

Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $19.95

Recreational Kayaking provides new and developing paddlers with the skills and knowledge necessary to comfortably and safely enjoy kayaking. Whether your interest in kayaking stems from the desire to get outside and spend time with your friends and family or to explore the endless waterways that surround you, this DVD is a must-have for every kayaker.

Release Date: 02/01/2007

Links

Redfish Custom Kayak & Canoe Co.
Designer, and builder of wood strip sea kayaks, and canoes. Offers finished sea kayaks, or plans for home builders.
Point65°N
Sea kayaks from Sweden. View models, and find retailers, as well as tips, and kayaking news.
Tsunami Kayaks
California based manufacturer of strong, stable, sea kayaks.

Xstream Line
Makes kayaks and paddles. Retail store also carries windsurf and kitesurf equipment and offers lessons. Includes equipment photos, specifications, prices, and related links. Located in Wilmington, California.
Custom Inflatables
Maker of solo and tandem inflatable kayaks, located in West Virginia, USA. Site includes a message board.
Eddyline Kayaks
Washington state boat maker with a historical emphasis on sea kayaks. Builds kayaks using an atypical thermoforming process in addition to traditional composite layups.
KY'OE Watersports
Maker of a composite two-seat open-cockpit kayak. Located in British Columbia, Canada.
Necky Kayaks
Manufacturer of sea and whitewater kayaks. Product descriptions, articles, dealer locator, and pro-team bios. Located in Washington state.
Perception Kayaks USA
Manufacturer of whitewater, touring, sport, and recreational kayaks and accessories. Community forums, event listings and USA dealer locator.
Wave Sport Kayaks
Manufactures whitewater kayaks and paddling accessories. Find dealers worldwide. Lifestyle section updated monthly. Includes information on pro-team rodeo results. Located in Trinity, NC.
Ocean Kayak
Originator of the world's most popular sit-on-top kayaks. Includes product support, dealer locator and featured destination section. Order accessories on-line and request a catalogue.
Seaward Kayaks
Manufactures fiberglass and kevlar kayaks. Interactive custom color selector shows variety of options. Canada.
Hurricane Aqua Sports
Manufacturer of touring, recreational, and sit-on-top kayaks. Uses unique Trylon construction for all models. Includes dealer contact information. Located in Warsaw, North Carolina.
Joy Sports Co, Ltd.
Manufacturer of Feel Free sit-on-top and recreational kayaks. Located in Thailand; content available in Thai and English.
Rainbow Kayaks
Italian manufacturer of touring and whitewater kayaks.
Nimbus
Canadian manufacturer specializing in fiberglass and kevlar ocean touring kayaks and paddles. Dealer listings. Sells demo models.
Northwest Kayaks
Manufacturer of sea kayaks in Redmond, Washington. Includes dealer locator, owner registration and downloadable brochures.
Heritage Kayaks
Manufacturer of recreational and sit-on-top kayaks. Located in Bristol, Rhode Island.
Current Designs
Canadian maker of rotomolded and composite boats with an emphasis on sea kayaks. Located British Columbia.
Wilderness Systems Kayaks
Maker of touring, recreational, surf and sit-on-top kayaks featuring a unique 3-way adjustable seat system. Located in North Carolina, USA.
Perception Kayaking New Zealand
Manufacturer of all types of kayaks, clothing and accessories. Includes New Zealand dealer listing, community and team information.
Toquenatch Creek
Custom builder of high performance, cedarstrip, lightweight sea kayaks. Includes photos of completed craft and work in progress. Provides information about services provided and contact. Located in Powell River, British Columbia, Canada.
Voodoo Kayaks Inc.
Manufacturers of Riot whitewater, Sun touring and Azul sea kayaks. Includes company information, product specifications, news, and dealer locator.
Nigel Dennis Kayaks
UK Manufacturer of sea kayaks. International dealers, product descriptions, classes,and care and maintenance information.
P&H Sea Kayaks
Manufacturer of touring-class sea kayaks. Offers both polyethylene and composite construction. Located in the UK.
Liquid Logic Kayaks
Manufacturer of whitewater playboats and 'trekreational' kayaks. Site features discussion forums. Located in North Carolina, USA.
Eskimo Kayaks
Manufactures whitewater kayaks using a unique blow-molding process. Located in Germany; content available in English and German.
Advanced Elements Inflatable Kayaks
Maker of solo and tandem inflatable kayaks. Located in California, USA.
Innovex Kayaks
Manufacturer of transparent-bottomed recreational kayaks.
Pathfinder Kayaks
Canadian manufacturer of fiberglass sea kayaks. Also offers kayak rentals for ocean touring near Vancouver, British Columbia.
Hillman Kayaks
Custom handmade wooden kayaks for sale for calm water use.
Mirage Sea Kayaks
Mirage Sea Kayaks built with in flow-on rudder system, adjustable foot pedals, and electronic bilge pump.
Viking Kayaks
Provides pictures and descriptions of their kayaks. Gives contact information, a list of dealers, transport and care information, and FAQ.
X-treme Equipment
Provides photos and specifications for PFD's and accessories including throw and gear bags.
Leading Edge Kayaks
Makes and design handcrafted and customized Kayaks for recreational use. Canada.
Atlantis Kayaks, Inc.
Canadian manufacturer of composite kayaks.
Pacific Tailboats
Pedal-powered boats and propulsion units that swim like a fish.
Clear Blue Hawaii
Manufacturer of high-end transparent Kayaks and Kayak accessories.
Knysna Racing Kayaks
Manufacturer of kayaks, canoes, paddles and accessories. South Africa.
Loki Kayaks
Carbon fiber touring kayaks with smart track rudder systems. Canada.
Ozflyte Surfcraft
Australian manufacturer of surf skis and sea kayaks.
3 Dolphin Kayaks
Cedar strip kayak manufacturer.
Kayak Centre
Manufacturer of glass fiber and composite kayaks. South Africa.
Wavedance Kayaks Pty Ltd
Manufactures open top polyethylene and plastic kayaks. Victoria, Australia.

Useful Magazines

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Know your limits, but don't underestimate yourself

Like all outdoor activities, learning how to paddle a sea kayak can seem daunting at first, but in truth, given the proper training and conditions, it is amazingly easy to get the hang of. The equipment nowadays is designed to be very stable and very easy to use. Most people are paddling comfortably within the first 10 minutes on the water, and smiling ear to ear. There's nothing that quite compares to propelling yourself silently across the surface of the water, marveling at the beauty all around you. If you have general good fitness and can get in and out of a boat in shallow water, you can

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The rewards from sea kayaking are many. There's no better way to connect so intimately with marine environments in some of the most beautiful places on earth. Some prior planning, research and question-asking is crucial, but above all, approach sea kayaking with an adventuresome spirit and you'll come away with memories to last a lifetime.

Clear Blue Hawaii Haleiwa Fiberglass Paddle - Black 220 cm

Amazon Price: (as of 06/01/2012)Buy Now
List Price:

Napali is not only the sole transparent foldable kayak in the world; it is also among the very lightest, weighing only 26 lbs. The Napali masterpiece is an unrivaled blend of function and style.

Release Date: 12/31/1969

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Intex Challenger K1 Kayak

Challenger K1 Kayak is made of rugged SUPER-TOUGH more...0 points

Intex Challenger K2 Kayak

Intex Challenger K2 Kayak

Challenger K2 Kayak 2 person kayak is made of rugg more...0 points

Sevylor Inflatable Pointer K1 Kayak

Sevylor Inflatable Pointer K1 Kayak

Pointer K1, as the name implies has a very pointed more...0 points

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Inflatable Kayak

The AdvancedFrame is a hybrid of a folding frame k more...0 points

Sea Eagle 330 Kayak with Deluxe Package

Sea Eagle 330 Kayak with Deluxe Package

Everything about the SE330 is easy. Easy to carry, more...0 points

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak

Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame Convertible Kayak

The Advanced Elements AdvancedFrame%u2122 covertib more...0 points

Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier

Thule 835XTR Hullaport Rooftop Kayak Carrier

The popular J style carrier has been redesigned fo more...0 points

Kwik Tek Deluxe Kayak Paddle 2 sect Alum 84

Kwik Tek Deluxe Kayak Paddle 2 sect Alum 84" Curved Blade

PERFORMANCE KAYAK PADDLE - This 7 foot long kayak more...0 points

Clear Blue Hawaii® Molokini 2 - Person Kayak

Clear Blue Hawaii® Molokini 2 - Person Kayak

Transparent Molokini Kayak. Discover. Explore. See more...0 points

Building the Greenland Kayak : A Manual for Its Contruction and Use by Christopher Cunningham

Building the Greenland Kayak : A Manual for Its Contruction and Use by Christopher Cunningham

This step-by-step guide to building a lashed-frame more...0 points

Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide by Cory Routh

Kayak Fishing: The Complete Guide by Cory Routh

This guide gives you a quick, clear understanding more...0 points

Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide by Scott Null, Joel Mcbride

Kayak Fishing: The Ultimate Guide by Scott Null, Joel Mcbride

The 2nd Edition of "Kayak Fishing: The Ultima more...0 points

The Complete Kayak Fisherman by Ric Burnley

The Complete Kayak Fisherman by Ric Burnley

In saltwater and fresh, kayaks are the hottest cra more...0 points

Kayak Fishing the FLATS

Kayak Fishing the FLATS

Kayaks are at their most advantageous extreme in t more...0 points

Kayak Fishing: Game On

Kayak Fishing: Game On

Kayak Fishing: Game On is an epic, new fishing movie more...0 points

Kayak Fishing DVD

Kayak Fishing DVD

Kayaks are easy to paddle and can get anglers into more...0 points

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