Tips for getting into kayaking?

2020 was a record year for kayaking. With gyms closing temporarily due to Covid-19, many people would have to seek alternative ways to exercise and stay in shape. Outdoor individual sports like cycling and kayaking soared with new interest. In fact, 2020 brought on a shortage of kayaks with backorders and demand for used equipment leaving many would-be buyers standing on the shore. If you were among the lucky ones to either have a kayak already or those able to find one, you should count yourself fortunate. But what about those who are still wanting to get into kayaking? We have some suggestions for you.

Local Outfitters

Most cities located near a decent body of water will have a local outfitter. These are probably the best places to start. They are familiar with your local waters and know the right equipment to make your day on the water as successful as possible. Many of these outfitters will have rental kayaks or even demo kayaks for you to try before you buy. Today’s kayaks can compare in complexity to buying a car with all of the available accessories and options. These outfitters are passionate but kayaking and will be able sort through all of these complexities.

Friends and Family

It may seem obvious but your friends and family already established in kayaking can be a huge help. They will have done most of the leg work already and they also know you and your other interests. This is very helpful when you don’t know what you don’t know. Kayaking is one of those activities that can combine with other interests such as fishing, photography or camping. Just ask a lot of questions and see what they enjoy about kayaking. They may even be considering an upgrade in kayaks and you can get first chance on a great used kayak. Which bring us to our next point, used kayaks.

Used Kayaks

The 2020 surge in demand for kayaks will likely result in the 2021 surge in surplus of kayaks so be ready to start watching Facebook Marketplace. As we approach the end of traditional kayak season many first-time kayakers may decide to exist the sport and sell their brand new gently used kayak. This a great time to save some money on a boat that may have only been used a few times. Also some of those first-time kayakers will have fallen in love with the sport and are now looking to upgrade for next season. Whatever the case, 2021 will be a kayak buyers market with more used choices than ever before and some pretty amazing deals as well I suspect.

Try Before You Buy

Kayaking is not for everyone and it may not be for you. It does not matter the great price, most innovative design or most comfortable seat if you find kayaking is not for you. We have seen customers who absolutely loved the idea of kayaking and did all of the research only to find one unexpected thing that ruined it completely. For some it is physical strength and the ability to transport or even paddle a kayak. For others it is insecurity while on the water or maybe just getting in and out of a kayak while balancing on the water. For these reason and probably a dozen others, it is always recommended to try kayaking before getting too far along. All of the above tips can actually help with this. A local outfitter will be able to take you on a test paddle as part of a paid rental or free demo, Your friends and family will most likely let you try theirs and it is always recommended to take a used kayak out prior to buying. If they will not let you, the next seller probably will. Just be sure to get in a kayak on the water at least once and then decide whether or not to buy.