| The popularity of kayaking as an adventure sport | | | | fiberglass kayak is the most expensive option and |
| is on the rise. It's difficult to pass up the prospect | | | | the lightest style. They can be damaged more |
| of getting outside and enjoying nature while giving | | | | easily than the other two options but are the |
| your upper body a workout. There are so few | | | | easiest to repair. |
| recreational sports that give that kind of | | | | It is important to determine the classification of |
| opportunity, it's no wonder kayaking is | | | | kayak you are looking for. This will affect the on |
| experiencing a growing status. | | | | board storage potential and overall shape and size |
| Compared to other types of water sports, | | | | of the kayak. If you will be handling the boat |
| kayaking is an intimate experience. You and the | | | | alone, weight will be an issue to consider. If |
| water in a symbiotic relationship that can become | | | | storage and transportation space for your kayak |
| spiritual, or the water can be a worthy opponent | | | | is a problem, the folding or inflatable type might |
| that you must conquer. Either way, the popularity | | | | be your style. |
| of kayaking cannot be denied. | | | | Just as you would a used car, always inspect a |
| If you've already been bitten by the kayaking | | | | used boat carefully. Look for any damage that |
| bug, you may be in the market for a boat that | | | | may need repair or damage that has already |
| meets your needs and style. Kayaks can be | | | | been repaired. Plastic kayaks are tough, but since |
| expensive. Good equipment is most certainly | | | | repairs are difficult you may want to steer clear |
| expensive when purchased new. But like a good | | | | of any suspicious body work. Fiberglass is easy to |
| car, a good kayak can be bought on the | | | | repair so look for paint patches and check the |
| secondary market at a good savings, still giving | | | | soundness of the repair. An inflatable boat repair |
| you the quality you want. | | | | can be tricky and should be considered carefully |
| You first need to determine the style of boat | | | | before purchase. An inspection of the hull looking |
| you're looking for. Kayaks fall into five general | | | | for uneven areas or divots is important to |
| classes: surf, whitewater, expedition models, day | | | | determine overall safety. |
| trip and general recreation. Within each class you | | | | Don't be afraid to look at the big name high |
| can probably find inflatable, folding and rigid models. | | | | quality used kayaks. You may find a real bargain |
| Rigid kayaks are made of several materials. A | | | | that is well worth the investment. Unless you are |
| plastic kayak is the most durable, least expensive | | | | planning to compete, race or learn some tricks, a |
| and heaviest option. Wood kayaks are often | | | | used kayak can be a better investment than a |
| beautiful. Many kayakers build wood kayaks from | | | | new one. |
| a kit, but they do need regular maintenance. The | | | | |