River Kayaks

At the very beginning, decide how you would use the river kayak. The water body you will use it on is significant, if you go for a smooth stream you have one choice, if you go for a narrow winding stream then you have an alternative choice whereas if you go for a sea you have some other option and the list keeps growing. You must also think of the purpose of buying the kayak , family outings, downriver racing, slalom racing, day trips, overnight camping trips, or fishing.

There are different aspects you want to think about before buying river kayaks. Some vital aspects you need to consider are mentioned below :

1. comfy seat.
Look for good back and hip support, and take the canoe out for a try before buying. If the seat isn't cosy, you'll regret later .

2. Cockpit or sit on top.
Sit on top canoes are great for amateurs who fear to be surrounded in a cockpit, and for fishing. And they won't swamp if it rolls. Whereas, cockpit kayaks are great for those who loves wild currents flowing against them.

3. Fishing kayaks.
Fishing canoes should be 12 - 16 ft long and wide enough to be stable and as discussed earlier, is better to have sit on top sitting arrangement.

4. Weight issue
The kayak for a 150 lb male may not be the right size for someone 220lb. Weight is an important issue for canoes as it is about stability.

5. Slalom canoes.
Also called whitewater river kayaks, these are shorter, with a tighter turning radius for navigating more "active" waters.

6. Touring canoes.
Also called sea kayaks and these are the best for travel on open seas and lakes.

7. Experience matters.
Stick with the long established canoe makers for the best tradeoffs of stability and performance.

8. Rent a canoe.
If you can hire different models, you will have a better feel for what works best for you. This is ideally one brilliant idea before buying a canoe.

Kayaks are very personal and I'll recommend you try many types in numerous conditions. For me, a season pass to a kayaking centre is the most inexpensive approach because I don't have to store or transport the ship , I can employ a new state of the art canoe each year and test many alternative designs.

For more help, you should visit: http://selectyourriverkayaks.typepad.com/blog/2010/02/how-to-select-your-river-kayak.html