About choosing the right kayak

When choosing your new sea kayak, there are many things to consider.
But don’t worry – we’re here to help you.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the process and equip you to make the best choice, whether you’re a beginner or have been rowing for years.

How do you choose the right sea kayak?
When you’re faced with buying a sea kayak, it can be overwhelming with so many choices.
What width should it be?
Should you go for a long or short kayak?
Which material is the best choice?
And what about the cockpit – big or small?
Ocean or keyhole?
Should the kayak have a skeg, rudder or neither?

Read about the history and origins of the kayak HERE

There are many factors that come into play when it comes to choosing the right sea kayak, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
That’s why in this article, we’ll present you with some key considerations to help you make an informed decision.

What will your kayak be used for?
When considering buying a sea kayak, it’s important to understand your needs first and foremost.
What is the purpose of the kayak?
Will it be used for short trips to the coast, longer expeditions with overnight stays, technique and play, Greenlandic roll or maybe fishing?
If you’re a beginner, a more stable and maneuverable kayak may be a good idea, while experienced rowers may want to prioritize speed and performance.

Read more about the kayak’s structure, hull and design HERE

It’s also relevant to think about the types of water you plan to row in.
Will the kayak be used on calm lakes, on open sea with waves, or perhaps in areas with currents?
Different conditions require different kayak designs in terms of stability and maneuverability.
If you’re planning long trips, you should also consider how much storage space and cargo capacity you need so you can carry all the necessary equipment.

Finally, you should take your physique into account.
Your height and build, weight and strength all play a role in determining which kayak will be most comfortable for you.
Are you agile or perhaps physically challenged?
Choosing a kayak that suits your build, physical ability and rowing style will ensure you get the most out of your experiences on the water.

Find the sea kayak that suits you best
Below you’ll find an overview of the things you need to consider when choosing the kayak that’s right for you.
When finalizing your needs, it’s important to take a test ride before buying.

Types of sea kayaks
There are different types of sea kayaks – from models for calm rivers and lakes, to fjords and oceans, to expedition kayaks that can handle rough conditions and longer distances.
But which type is right for you?

Length and width
The length and width of the kayak has a big impact on both stability and the amount of energy used to propel the kayak to the resulting speed.
Longer kayaks are often faster, while wider models offer better stability.
What matters most to you?

Material and construction
Should you choose a solid polyethylene, PE kayak?
Should it be 1-layer or 3-layer?
Or maybe a lighter fiberglass or carbon fiber kayak?
The material plays an important role in both durability and performance.
We go through the pros and cons of the different materials.

Cockpit and comfort
Comfort is an important factor when sitting in a kayak – especially on longer trips.
The size of the cockpit and the type and settings of the seat can have a big impact on your experience on the water.

Rudder, skeg or neither?
Should your kayak have a rudder, fin or maybe nothing?
Each option has its pros and cons when it comes to maneuverability and control.

Weight and transportation
The weight of a kayak not only matters on the water, but also when transporting it.
How do you find the balance between weight and ease of use?

Price and budget
Sea kayaks come in many price ranges, but what do you get for your money?
We help you make the most of your budget.
What does a sea kayak cost and what should you consider?
A recreational kayak in polyethylene, PE, typically costs less than 10,000 DKK.
If you want a PE kayak with a more advanced hull design for the experienced rower, you’ll probably have to spend around 15,000.
If you prefer composite materials such as diolen, fiberglass and carbon, the price goes up.
Good quality fiberglass kayaks often cost between $20,000 and $30,000 and pure carbon often costs between $35,000 and $45,000.
Modern 3-layer PE kayaks and fiberglass kayaks weigh roughly the same, around 23-26 kg, while investing in a carbon kayak, which often weighs 16-18 kg, will save you a lot of weight.

Test and try before you buy
Before you buy your new kayak, you should take it for a test drive.
How does it feel and does it suit your stature and rowing style?
While you can do a lot of research before you buy a kayak, it’s a good idea to test it in real life.
Try different kayaks – perhaps at a local kayak club or at the retailer, where you can often try several models – to make sure you make the right choice.

Different types of sea kayaks
When looking for the right sea kayak, it’s helpful to know the differences between the different types of kayaks and their advantages in terms of stability and speed.
To make things easier, we’ve divided sea kayaks into three categories based on how easy they are to row for beginners.

There is no fixed classification of sea kayaks, so you will find that the designations can vary from place to place.

Recreational kayaks
Recreational kayaks are perfect for beginners or those who want a relaxed experience on the water.
They are typically wider and shorter, making them very stable on the water.
They are not the fastest, as the width creates more water resistance, but they are easy to control.
This type of kayak is ideal for short, calm trips – for example, for rentals, at the cottage or on quiet lakes and bays.

Day trip jackets
This type of kayak is aimed at those who want to spend longer periods of time on the water without necessarily having to bring overnight gear.
Day trip kayaks are longer and sleeker than recreational kayaks, making them more efficient over longer distances.
They offer stability even in waves, but require a little more experience to maneuver in demanding conditions.
If you’re planning longer trips and want a kayak that’s both fast and manageable, the day touring kayak is a good choice.

Expedition kayaks
This type of kayak is designed for long trips and can hold a large amount of gear.
The long, narrow shape makes expedition kayaks fast and efficient, while also having a large packing capacity.
They are designed to handle tough weather and water conditions and therefore require an experienced rower to get the full benefit.
For beginners, these kayaks may feel unstable in calm water, but for experienced rowers they are perfect for longer expeditions, such as island hopping in Danish waters.

Length and width of the sea kayak
The length and width of a kayak play a crucial role in its performance on the water.
These dimensions affect the kayak’s speed, stability and maneuverability.

The length of a kayak has a significant impact on the energy required to propel the kayak forward and thus its speed and ability to maintain direction.
In general, a longer kayak is faster as it has less waterline.
This makes long kayaks ideal for longer trips and open sea areas.
Expedition kayaks, which are typically over 5 meters long, are a good example of this.

Shorter kayaks, on the other hand, are easier to maneuver, making them better suited to narrow passages, rivers and coastal areas where quick turns and changes of direction are necessary.
Both recreational and day trip kayaks often fall into this category as they offer a good balance between maneuverability and stability.

Wide kayaks tend to offer better stability, making them ideal for beginners or rowers who prefer calmer rides.
The greater width makes the kayak less prone to tilting, which increases the feeling of safety.
Recreational kayaks are often wider to ensure maximum stability.

Narrower kayaks, on the other hand, often have a higher secondary stability.
This means they may feel less stable in calm water, but perform better in waves and changing weather.
They are also faster and better suited to experienced rowers who want to tackle more challenging conditions where edging the kayak increases the kayak’s steering ability.

In addition to length and width, the shape of the kayak’s bottom has a big impact on how it behaves on the water.
There are three main types: round, flat and V-shaped bottoms, each with different characteristics.

Round-bottomed kayaks have low primary stability but high secondary stability.
They may seem unstable when stationary, but are very stable when tilting in waves.
The round bottom makes them fast and efficient in the water, making this type ideal for longer trips.
Expedition and some day trip kayaks often have a round bottom.

A flat-bottomed kayak has high primary stability, making it very stable in calm water.
This makes it ideal for beginners as it is easy to steer.
Flat-bottom kayaks are best suited for calm waters, but can be less effective in waves.
Recreational kayaks are often flat-bottomed.

A V-shaped bottom, also known as a buckling frame, provides a good balance between stability and directional stability.
It makes the kayak more directional, which is an advantage on longer trips.
At the same time, the V-shape is effective in waves and countercurrents, making this type of bottom suitable for both day-trip and expedition kayaks.

By considering length, width and bottom shape, you can find a kayak that suits both your needs and the conditions you want to row in.
This ensures a comfortable and safe experience on the water, while giving you the performance you want.

Hope the above will help you choose the right kayak to meet your needs and may you have many unforgettable experiences on the water!
Adventure is right out there on the sea around Denmark 😊