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How To Choose Fishing Kayak
- The saying, “You do not sit in a Kayak, you carry it” is something you have to keep in mind when planning to buy a boat for your first uni alcohol / Kayak tour. Remember that you are connected via a splash deck. So, buy a boat that you can easily get off when you capsize, or roll back in if you know how to handle it.
- Alternatively, kayaks are a good buy for family outings and explorations. These types of kayaks do not require a splash deck, as you may be able to drive down quiet rivers or explore the caves in a sheltered bay.
- You’ll find that junior kayaks have a broad, stable base, while novice whitewater kayaks combine a relatively wide bottom with a narrow front and back for rapids.
- A narrow kayak is probably better for quick exploration, while inflatable kayaks are better for relaxed river cruises or sea cruises.
What makes a good fishing kayak?
- Well, some of the obvious hallmarks are rod holders and storage hatches designed and placed in perfect positions during fishing. You want to keep your live bait fresh and within reach, ideally right outside the headquarters. And if you’re good at catching fish, there’s plenty of room to cool the fish!
- Many options for attachments are also helpful. Slide rails are really well suited for this. You can attach additional devices such as fish finders, GPS, phones, etc. next to your rods.
- You may also want to consider a comfortable seat that can be adjusted into many positions. You will probably sit down for a long time, so a comfortable seat is in the foreground for you. Most seats fold away and are secured to the deck with straps that are tightened to your satisfaction. Some seats even have an adjustable lumbar support. This is definitely to be considered if you have back pain or need to worry.
Inflatable kayaks
- Inflatable kayaks are good for those who want to get on the water at home without having to worry about transportation.
- Air-filled kayaks compress into spaces small enough to fit in a backpack. There is no need for a trailer or roof rack with a dinghy. You can carry it around with you to your destination.
- Of course you have to inflate the kayak before starting. That costs a little effort. Not much, but it has to be taken into account. Depending on the yak, it may take up to 10 minutes to get started (with a little practice, kayaks may be under 5). If you need to fill several chambers (and we recommend doing so to ensure safety), you will need to inflate each chamber. And you have to empty them all when you’re done.
Sit-on-top Kayaks
- SOT kayaks (sit-on-top) are very popular today for a good reason.
- They appeal to newcomers and those who paddle for years. The biggest advantage is how easy they can get in and out. The cockpit is wide open. They do not sit like in SIKs (sit-in kayaks) in a shell. Kayakers love this, especially the newcomers. Nobody wants to climb into a closed cockpit to worry about falling into the water!
- SOTs tend to have more storage space compared to their SIK-encapsulated counterparts. This is because you, the paddler, do not sit in the kayak and take all the possible storage space. As you are trapped, it’s also harder to access anything than you can reach from your sitting position.
- A disadvantage of SOT kayaks is the weight. Sit-on kayaks are generally much lighter than SOTs.
- This affects the speed and how much power you have to use with the paddles.
Tandem Kayaks
- Tandem kayaks are for those who like to share … not just the experience, but the effort of paddling!
- As long as you work with someone willing to share the workload, a 2-person kayak is ideal for getting around with less effort and maybe even more fun.
- Kayaks for 2 people are a bit heavier than solo kayaks and therefore harder to carry. Of course, if you are a couple, this task is not a problem
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of maintenance is required for an inflatable kayak?
- You should always wash your kayak with fresh water and dry completely before storing it. You can also wash it with mild soap and water if you need something more than just fresh water.
Are inflatable Kayaks safe?
- While you should always practice good kayaking safety, inflatable kayaks are extremely safe and a ton of fun.
Are inflatable Kayaks stable?
- Absolute! Inflatable kayaks usually have a wider base than conventional hardshell kayaks and are therefore more stable.
Are inflatable Kayaks hard to paddle?
- Well designed inflatable kayaks have a great track and are super easy to paddle.
Are inflatable Kayaks good for fishing?
- Inflatable Kayaks are great for fishing, as they are much easier to transport and easier to get into the water.
Are inflatable Kayaks good?
- We think they are the best! Inflatable kayaks are extremely durable, stable and much more practical than hardshell kayaks.
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