Getting Your Feet Wet

There are many factors that come into play when making the decision to buy your first kayak. Here is a short list that can help you and your dealer find the best boat for you.

1. Know your intended purpose for the kayak. There are several types of kayaks that have many different uses. The three big categories are fishing, recreation, and whitewater.

2. When talking to the dealer don’t be afraid to ask questions. Kayak store employees are there because they absolutely love the sport and are very knowledgeable about what certain boats can and can’t do. So mention certain types of trips that you want to do and they can help narrow it down to a few boats that fit your needs.

3. The most important step in my opinion is to demo a kayak before you buy. Most dealers have a fleet of boats you can take out for a test drive or maybe even rent for the weekend. Once you have a kayak picked out get it on the water to make sure you are comfortable in it and it does what you want it to do.

In most cases dealers become friends and valuable resources when planning new and exciting trips. Some shops even have a calendar of events that will make more friends and great memories on the water.

– Jeremy Deanda