Choosing a Kayak - Part 3 - Price Range and Buying Tips

One of the most frequent questions that I get asked is "I'm looking to buy a kayak, but i don't know which one I should get?" This is one of those questions that doesn't always have a simple answer.

So, here is some info to get you started, and to help narrow your search.

• 1) Plastic, Fiberglass, and Kevlar

• 2) Decide what type of paddling you are most likely to do

• 3) Price range and buying tips

Part 3: Price range and buying tip

Once you settle on a style of kayak, you then need to decide how much you will spend. Prices range depending on the style, age, and material of your kayak.

Some people, may be willing to spends almost any amount to get the new kayak they want. But usually, beginners are more hesitant to drop a lot of money on a sport they are still new at. Buying second hand boat is usually the route new paddlers go.

Checking the local Buy-and-Sell or Craigs List is a good start. If you decided that a Recreational kayak is what you want, then the prices and such that you may be able to get one new one for the same price as a second-hand expedition kayak. If you decide that you want an Expedition or Whitewater kayak and don't want to buy new, a good option is to go to your local kayak rental / tour outfitter and ask if they sell off old stock at the end of their season.

Buying from an outfitter can be a good way to get a cheep kayak. The benefits of this are that if you tell them that you want to buy, they will most likely let you try a few out first for free or at a discounted rental rate, just like test driving a car. One of the downsides may be that a kayak used by a rental shop may have been well-used and in need of some repair. If you know how to do kayak repair, this may not be an issue. But, if you don't, it will be an extra cost in getting you new kayak on the water.

If your a handy person, there is always the option to build a kayak. There are three popular types of do-it-yourself kayaks: Stitch and Glue, Cedar Strip, and Skin on Frame. There are many books available show how to do these,usually along with the designs and a list of materials needed. You can also purchase kits that come with pre-cut materials that you only need to glue/epoxy together. Deciding what style of kayak to build is the same as deciding what style to buy: Whitewater, Expedition, Recreational, or Greenland.

Approximate prices:

Second Hand: Recreational = $100 – 1000, Whitewater = $200 – 1500, Expedition / Greenland = $800 – 2000

New: Recreational = $500 – 2000, Whitewater = $800-3000, Expedition / Greenland = $1800 - 7000

Another Common Question I get asked is "what is your favorite kayak?" It's a hard question for me to answer. My usual answer is:

My favorite Guiding boat is the Telkwa, by Nimbus Kayaks. It has a huge storage volume.   I can fit all my camping gear, along with my professional guiding gear, plus a two-burner propane stove, gas tank, and the pots and pans inside this kayak. For a kayak of this size, it's surprisingly fast and maneuverable.

My favorite Personal Kayak is the Legend, by Seaward Kayaks. It has enough room to do a reasonable expedition paddle, but has some of the Maneuverability of a Greenland style kayak.

My favorite play boat is Romany, by Nigel Dennis Kayaks. This is more of a British or Greenland style kayak. It can be paddle on longer trips, and is very maneuverable, fast, and fun. It's a kayak that works well on flat days, battling winds, or surfing on the west coast.  But not suited as a guiding boat as it has less storage then the others.

The best advice I can give when looking for a kayak is to go out and try as many as you can. Going to the manufacturers themselves you may be able to test-paddle many different styles of kayaks for free. In the BC area my favorites are: Seaward Kayaks from Chemainus, Nimbus Kayaks from Maple Ridge, Feathercraft Folding Kayaks From Granville Island.

Good luck looking for your new favorite kayak. Go get out on the water and go have fun!