A Kayak For Everyone

By Jason Albright

There are three basic classifications of kayaks. Rigid or hard-shell kayaks are made of plastic, fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber or wood. These are the type of kayaks that most people think of when they hear the word “kayak.” The rigid model kayaks range in price with plastic kayaks being the most cost-effective. Plastic kayaks are also the heaviest of the types, but they can take a lot of damage.

Fiberglass kayaks are more expensive, but are much lighter than plastic kayaks. This type of kayak can be damaged more easily but is simple to repair. For an even lighter kayak, try finding one in Kevlar or carbon fiber. The downside is these kayaks will be more expensive than the other types.

Wooden kayaks are in a class all their own. They can be purchased in a kit and assembled by the owner, or purchased as a complete kayak. Wooden kayaks can vary greatly in price and are easy to repair. They also require routine maintenance to keep the wood in top condition.

The second main category of kayak is the folding kayak. This type is easy to transport and store. Generally, a folding kayak is a collapsible boat that is made of fabric stretched over a wood or aluminum frame. Folding kayaks are more expensive than rigid kayaks, but they tend to last longer and retain a high resale price. Surprisingly, folding kayaks are actually more stable and seaworthy than their rigid counterparts. The drawback is that they lack the speed of rigid kayaks and can be limited in performance.

Finally, inflatable kayaks offer the best combination of portability, storage and price. They are the least expensive of kayaks and are easy to get in and out of the water. After they dry, they can be stored in a garage or basement area without taking up too much space.

© Cookgroup Marketing LLC - All Rights Reserved. This article brought to you by http://www.your-boat-portal.com/ . You may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice, author name and URL remain intact. Jason Albright is a contributing editor at Cookgroup Marketing LLC. His background is with lifestyle topics including: Gardening, Outdoor Living, Home Decor & Travel Destinations.

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