Why Choose a Sea Kayak?

Most sea kayaks never see salt water. They are used primarily on inland water ways. Why is this the case? Why would a fresh water paddle enthusiast choose a sea kayak over another kayak or a canoe? The answer lies in the features and advantages of the sea kayak design.

A sea kayak, sometimes called an ocean kayak, is a type of touring kayak that can be used out in open water as found in large lakes or even the ocean. This means that they are designed to be very seaworthy, fit for use in even rough open water far from land. Experienced kayak enthusiasts have been known to embark on expeditions lasting days or even weeks. Others have used sea kayaks for long distance, open ocean voyages. Probably the most remarkable of such voyages was the cross Atlantic journey by Franz Romer way back in 1928!

Unlike a canoe, which is an open boat, a sea kayak has a completely covered deck and provision for a spray deck or skirt to prevent water from entering the hull through the cockpit opening where the paddler sits.

Sea kayaks are very graceful in appearance. They sit low in the water. They are long and narrow which gives them superior straight line tracking. That long and narrow hull also allows them to slide through the water easily and quickly. Sea kayaks often feature an upturned bow for wave shedding and better handling into waves. The low profile of a kayak makes it easier to handle than a canoe in windy conditions especially with regard to tracking. In general, a kayak is easier to handle effectively on the water than a canoe, especially solo. They also travel faster through the water.

Typically a solo sea kayak is 14 to 19 feet in length. A tandem model may be up to 22 feet in length. They vary in width from 22” to 30”. Narrow craft offer more speed but less roll stability. For heavier paddlers, a wider beam is necessary to carry the extra weight.

Sea kayaks are less maneuverable than other kayak types. They are primarily designed ease of straight line paddling, for cargo capacity, and crew comfort during extended use. This type of kayak can accommodate internally a relatively large amount of cargo necessary for a long trip. Below deck storage is provided through sealed hatches on the deck fore and aft of the cockpit. Models are produced in solo configuration with 1 cockpit for a one person crew, or tandem, with 2 cockpits, one in the bow and one in the stern, for a 2 person crew.

The modern kayak can trace its origin to the native craft of northern Canada, Alaska and Greenland. These small craft were originally build from a wood frame with a water tight fabric skin of animal hide stretched over the frame. This primitive design has since been overtaken by more modern materials of construction including plywood, canvas, fiberglass, polyethylene, nylon, Kevlar, carbon fibre, and combinations of these. The advantages of these modern materials are lower cost, lower weight, economy of manufacture, and ease of maintenance.

Sea kayaks are often categorized into 2 design classifications: the British style (sometimes called the Greenland style); and the North American style. The British style kayaks feature more of a curved hull design, shaped like a banana when viewed from the side. The North American style has a more conventional, straighter styled hull.

North American designed units are often equipped with a foot pedal operated rudder that can often be retracted up out of the water when necessary. A British designed model will often feature a skeg, a retractable fixed blade, instead of a rudder. Both of these components, rudder or skeg, are intended to assist the crew in maintaining a straight track through the water especially in a cross wind. A rudder has the added ability to help turn the craft. While that may initially seem to be a winning advantage, rudder pedals actually present a challenge to the paddler in bracing the legs and steering simultaneously. Since a kayak can be turned using paddle and weight shift technique, many purists decry the need for a rudder. It really comes down to which style you prefer and feel most comfortable using.

Sea kayaks are popular with paddlers who want to combine the paddling sport with other activities such as viewing wildlife and scenery, photography, fitness, hiking, and camping. Overnight, weekend, and even weeklong expeditions are attainable for enthusiasts with relatively limited experience. The large internal capacity for cargo enables the boat to carry the necessary supplies. The kayaks natural speed through the water enables long distances to be covered in a relatively short time though it is advisable for a beginner to practice with loaded boats on shorter day trips first. It is for these reasons that sea kayaks are steadily gaining popularity with paddlers far inland from the world’s oceans.

Does the sport of paddling a sleek beautiful sea kayak through picturesque waterways appeal to the outdoor lover in you? Are you looking for a fitness program that will be exciting and enjoyable, one you will look forward to? See some of our customer testimonials about Sea Kayaking on the “About Us” page.

Click on “Sea Kayaks” on our Kayak selection page to view the range of boats available. Even better, make the short trip to our showroom and try one on! That’s part of the Frontenac Outfitters difference. We are ourselves avid paddlers with over 25 years of experience. We have the best selection of boats anywhere. We are happy to explain further about the boats and their features and show you them to you first hand. We can help you select a boat that will fit you and your needs like a glove. You can even test paddle the boat before you purchase so you will be 100% confident in the choice you make.

Frontenac Outfitters trusts you enjoyed our Why Choose a Sea Kayak Article. Please email us any changes or suggestions you may have.

Happy Paddling!