How much do kayaks typically cost?
At a large outdoor retailer such as REI a recreational kayak can go for between $500 and $1200 USD. Meanwhile, at a paddling specialty store, recreational kayaks and a higher-performing next level called day-touring kayaks are as low in cost as around $500 and range up to almost $2000. Bottom line: 6-12 years is a pretty typical range for the life span of a kayak. That’s a huge range, you might say. And yes, that is true. An inflatable kayak might last you only a half dozen years; however, a well-maintained, quality kayak can last twice that or much longer – even a lifetime.Generally, the longer a kayak, the faster it paddles and the better tracking it has. But, longer kayaks are more difficult to store, carry and transport. Recreational kayaks are normally 9-13 feet long. Touring kayaks range from 12-15 feet long.An average person can kayak anywhere from 8 to 17 miles per day, depending on their physical condition and environmental factors.
What are the three golden rules of kayaking?
The 3 Golden Rules of whitewater paddling are a set of rules that all paddlers need to apply, regardless of the type of paddling being done. You need to separate your upper and lower body movements, use the power of your torso, and maintain control of your kayak with an active blade. Kayaking is a perfect activity as we get older – it’s low impact and can improve aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility.Canoeing and kayaking are low impact activities that can improve your aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility. Specific health benefits include: Improved cardiovascular fitness. Increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle.Kayaking can be done on various bodies of water, including rivers, lakes, and oceans. One of the characteristics about kayaking that make it a great option for seniors is that it is low impact exercise. This is desirable for older adults who want to stay active because it allows for minimal strain on the joints.It works all the major muscle groups. Kayaking builds strength across the shoulders and tones the upper back and arms. That repetitive side-to-side motion of paddling twists the torso, all the way down to the feet.
What is the best type of kayak to buy?
If you’re floating on a river, you want a stable, sturdy craft that turns quickly. That might be a short, stable recreational sit-in or sit-on-top boat or day touring sit-in kayak. Rivers and lakes: If you plan to use your boat in both flowing and still waters, go with a short recreational sit-in or sit-on-top kayak. The biggest downside of a sit-on-top kayak is the open design leaves the paddler more exposed to the elements. There is no cockpit to seal off from rain, wind or cold weather. The scupper holes that make them so quick to drain and easy to rescue may also allow water back up into the boat from beneath.If all other dimensions are equal, a sit-inside (open-cockpit) kayak is more stable than a sit-on-top kayak. In an open-cockpit kayak you’re sitting lower in the boat. Your center of gravity (aka rear-end) is at or near the level of the water.Sit-inside kayaks The most common type of kayak, or type we often envision, is a sit-inside or sit-in kayak. The biggest advantage to sit-inside kayaks is they can be sealed off from the elements with a sprayskirt. This means they are warmer and drier to paddle in cool weather or on cold water.