How to Choose Your Perfect Sea Kayak

Your sea kayak should choose you as much as you choose it. That is because the selection of the right boat for you involves a number of different aspects besides your personal preference. This means you should not pick out the sleekest, prettiest, shiniest, most tricked out boat you see on the rack. You must select a boat that fits your body, your skill level, and your intended use.

The right selection includes considering your height and weight, your skill level, your paddling goals, as well as your budget. These different factors combine to point to the boat that best suits you. In other words, there is very likely a boat that fits you like a glove. The challenge is finding it!

Frontenac Outfitters Kayak web site is a great place to start, for best results we suggest you use the following method:

First peruse: ‘Kayak Types’

Sea Kayaks, Day-touring, Recreational, Fishing, Tandem and Foldable & Inflatable. A brief history of each group is provided with advantages & disadvantages generally discussed.

Second browse: ‘Kayak Materials’

Each of the 3 main materials used to manufacture kayaks today; Composite, Thermoform and Polyethylene have pro’s & con’s which are reviewed generally so you can begin narrow your choice.

Third search by: ‘Kayak Companies’

We search the globe to offer you the best of the very best. Frontenac Outfitters offers product from 13- Kayak Companies from around the globe for the 2008 season. Read about what each Co.’s kayaks can offer you.

Note: Throughout your search 100 Kayaks are grouped and presented in alphanumerical sequence with complete Boat Specifications, Kayak Photo’s, Frontenac Outfitters Reviews, Suggested Retail Prices, Options and Paddler Skills… who else does that?

Fourth Our online: 'Kayak Wizard' is a fantastic place to finish your web search. Our wizard will take into account your weight, skill level, then gives you a selection of kayaks suitable for you based on the individual information you provide. Try changing the information slightly to widen or narrow your selection process.

The next step involves visiting our on-water Paddlesports Centre to discuss your needs and aspirations with the experienced and helpful crew at Frontenac Outfitters. You will find it a pleasant experience. Our team consists of paddlesports enthusiasts and instructor’s, who will take the time to listen to your needs, provide professional, low key, helpful advice.

The final step is the best part. It involves trying out a number of kayaks in repetition on our own pristine lake… you can’t do that at a downtown sports store. You wouldn’t buy a pair of shoes without trying them on first. You wouldn’t buy a car without test-driving a number of them. You should ‘NOT’ buy a kayak without test paddling a number at our unique facility. This is the part that really settles the issue and gives you what we call "purchase peace of mind".

Choosing Kayak Gear: Of course, there is more to selecting the kayak than just picking the right boat. The process also includes selecting the right kayak gear for you, and like shoes, pants, or most things, there is no such thing as "one size fits all". This is very true of paddles and PFD’s. Your height, body frame, and the even boat being used, all come together to affect your final choice. Again, our expert staff will show you the difference and help in this selection too. Then, if your still not sure do-it-right… go paddle with them.

Other items such as clothing and expedition gear can be selected and purchased over time as you build up your experience and abilities. The key to success, though, is getting the 3 most basic items right the first time: the right boat, the right PFD and the right paddle. Advice from our experienced staff plus hands on, test paddling can not be over emphasized as the best way to ensure the right choice.

Happy Paddling,

Larry & Chrissy

Frontenac Outfitters
Canoe & Kayak Centre, est. 1984
“Paddle With Ontario’s On-Water Experts, since 1984”