Over the years kayaks have come a long way from what they once were. Now it seems as though there is a kayak type for just about anything that you want to do. So, no matter how you choose to get wet with your kayak, there is likely a kayak type you can use to take full advantage of the situation.
Here is a basic overview of the many types of kayaks that are on the market today:
• Ocean/Sea Kayaks: This type of kayak is designed specifically for the open bodies of water. This design is the closest to the ‘ancient’ kayaks and works well on any large and open body of water such as the ocean or even large rivers. Typically built long and smooth, these kayaks feature all kinds of room for storage and are really meant for calmer conditions.
• Touring Kayaks: Similar in design to the ocean/sea kayak, these kayaks are also made for open bodies of water. However, as the name suggests, these kayaks are meant for those who intend on spending an extended amount of time on that open body of water. These kayaks are designed to be faster than a typical recreational kayak and also allow for very efficient paddling to take place.
• Whitewater Kayaks: These stubby cousins of the other kayaks are made to take all the abuse that the whitewaters of the mountain rivers and streams dish out. Typically only five to ten feet in length they are much easier to maneuver, but this type of kayak gives up a lot of the creature comforts offered by the flat water kayaks. This is typically fine though as those who whitewater kayak are not usually interested in anything but maneuverability and durability.
• Recreational Kayaks: The next step up form a canoe, this type of kayak is for those who simply want to take it easy. Built long and sleek with lots of storage, they are designed with comfort first and performance second. They are easy to use and enjoyed by many a novice.
• Fishing Kayaks: Fishing form kayaks become so popular that there are now kayaks that are designed specifically for fishing. These kayaks have special compartments and other goodies all for the angler and are typically the SOT, or sit on top, type of kayak, which is more open. This is opposed to the traditional kayak which keeps the occupant more closed in. SOT types allow for easier maneuvering for the fisherman and will generally make the fishgig experience that much better.
• Other Kayaks: There are even more kinds of kayaks that are worth mentioning. These include inflatable kayaks, folding kayaks, and even tandem kayaks. These types of kayaks are less used, but do allow for even more people to enjoy the wonderful sport of kayaking.
It should be noted that there are several sub categories to each of the groups mentioned. These sub categories are determined by your skill level, the type of paddling you like to do, and of course how much money you wish to spend on your kayak gear.