• What do all these kayak terms mean?
  
• Aren't you afraid of getting stuck in the kayak?
  
• Do you have to know how to eskimo roll the kayak to go kayaking?
  
• Do you have to be able to swim to kayak?
  
• What in the heck is an ergonomist?
  

Whitewater kayaks are used for swift water such as rivers. Whitewater kayaks are short and designed to turn quickly, so you can maneuver quickly. Touring kayaks (aka sea kayaks, open water kayaks) are much longer than whitewater kayaks. They are designed for large bodies of open water such as bays or ocean paddling. They are effective in paddling through waves and move straight forward efficiently, but do not turn as easily as whitewater kayaks. Open-Top kayaks have no cockpit to sit inside. Some open top kayaks are used for surfing ocean waves. Other open-top kayaks are used as a platform for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving or sunning. Just think of them as big toys!

Is it hard to learn to kayak?

Kayaking can be as challenging or as easy as you choose it to be, depending on your choice of water sites. You can learn the basics for decked kayaking in protected waters in just a few hours. It's usually best to take a class with a qualified instructor, to get started quickly and safely. With a few basic paddle strokes and some safety skills, you'll be on your way!

How can I try kayaking to see whether I like it?

Many paddling shops will sponsor demo days on protected water in warm weather. This is a chance to test drive a wide variety of kayaks to see how you like it. Paddling clubs may have open houses or events to introduce people to kayaking. You can rent kayaks at many paddling shops and outfitters. Remember, never kayak alone. Taking an introductory lesson can also be a great opportunity to try kayaking and meet kayakers who are just starting out.

Aren't you afraid of getting stuck in the kayak?

Many people are afraid of this...until they try kayaking! If you paddle a decked boat and wear a sprayskirt, you learn quickly that you'll fall out of the kayak when you pull the loop on your spray skirt. In fact, learning to stay in the kayak is an acquired skill! As you feel more and more comfortable in the kayak, you outfit your kayak with foam for a snug fit which makes it easier to roll -- righting the kayak from the upside-down position.

Do you have to know how to eskimo roll the kayak to go kayaking?

Eskimo rolling is a great safety skill. For challenging conditions, such as whitewater or kayaking in large ocean swells, it is important to learn to roll. However, you can enjoy kayaking in less challenging conditions before your roll is perfected. You will normally be introduced to the roll when you take a basic kayaking class. Most people require additional rolling practice or lessons to learn this skill. Rolling is based more on balance and coordination than on strength. With patience and practice, rolling is not difficult to learn.

How much does a kayak cost?

Perception manufactures rotomolded polyethylene kayaks, which are very durable and cost substantially less than composite kayaks. Suggested retail prices for Perception polyethylene kayaks range from $399 for the Keowee up to $1200 or so for a touring kayak such as the Chinook Northwest.

Besides a kayak, what else will I need to get started?

For whitewater kayaking, you will also need a paddle, a helmet, a Personal Flotation Device (PFD), a spray skirt (for decked kayaks) and flotation bags. For touring or sea kayaking, you'll need a paddle, a PFD, a spray skirt and flotation bags. Sport and recreational kayakers (Keowee-type kayaks and open tops) will need paddles, PFDs and flotation too. (Spray skirts are optional for sport kayaks.)

How do you choose a paddle?

If there was a definite answer, we'd give it to you. But the fact is, choosing a paddle is largely a matter of personal preference. Our best advice? Try a number of different paddles and stick with the one that feels best.

Here are some general rules of thumb that may help your decision. Keep in mind, a paddle is an extremely important piece of gear that can make or break the pleasure of a full day on the water. So take the time to decide what works best for you...

When choosing a whitewater paddle:

• Shorter paddles work best for beginning boaters, squirt boaters, rodeo playboating, and shallow creeking.
• Longer paddles work best for advanced boaters or when you need more power on big water.
• If you're paddling a Torrent (which is wider than decked whitewater kayaks), you'll need a longer paddle (210+ cm).

• Paddle size is highly dependent on boat size. Wider boats often work best with longer paddles.
• Open top kayaks are often easier to paddle with a longer paddle.
• If you paddle fast (i.e., a high stroke rate), a shorter paddle may be more efficient.

Kids from nine to twelve years are at the ideal age to gain the best results. Young people in this age group have generally grown enough to fit smaller kayaks well and have developed the attention span, physical attributes, and fine motor skills necessary to see rapid progress in their skills development. Kids at this age are also mature enough to deal with the solo aspects of the sport, though kayakers should never paddle alone. Take Mom and/or Dad along, so you can teach them what you've learned. I hope this helps in your quest to paddle.

See our dealer page or call 1-800-KAYAK96, Ext. 118.

What is the weight capaciy of a touring kayak?

Many factors influence the amount of gear and the weight your sea kayak can hold. These include: weight distribution, weather factors, paddler weight and size, and skill level. That's why it is difficult to give a specific answer in number of pounds, because there are so many combinations of factors possible. (It's a bit like asking how much weight a backpack can hold.) The performance of your kayak, and your comfort in paddling it, will also be affected by the amount of weight and the way the kayak is packed.

As a generalization, sea kayaks which are trimmed, outfitted and packed properly can hold a combined paddler and gear weight of 200-250 lbs. Again, please keep in mind that this is a generalization. You should always practice packing your sea kayak and paddling a packed kayak prior to any trip. It is also very advisable to practice your self-rescue and rolling techniques with a loaded kayak prior to an expedition.

When packing a sea kayak, try to distribute the weight evenly and keep the weight low within the storage hatches. It is wise to strap down the load to prevent shifting in difficult waters, which may upset the balance. Again, practice, practice, practice!

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