The word "kayaking" often conjures up images of extreme athletes rolling their rodeo boats in class IV white water, while hoping their helmet protects them from rocks and they are able to roll back up before they lose their breath.
Most kayaks sold today don't fit that image at all. Many of todays kayaks are comfortable, wide, and best of all, they're designed to stay upright. If you do happen to turn one over somehow, you'll fall right out of the boat and into the water (dispelling the myth that you can get stuck in a kayak).
I got into kayaking about ten years ago as the result of a knee surgery. No longer able to run like I was used to, I was looking for some form of recreation that would provide a good cardiovascular workout without hurting my knees. I found so much more!
My first kayak was a used one I found in the paper (I could have gotten a nicer new one for just a couple hundred more dollars). I'll never forget how excited I was the first time I took the boat out into the water. It seemed a little unstable at first, but after a couple of hours I had it gliding across the water without much effort. It's surprising how fast kayaks can go. That began what I'm sure will be a life-long love.
If you've ever looked at kayaks and gotten a little confused about what you might want, you're not alone. At Lewis & Clark alone, we carry over 30 different models of kayaks, each with their own benefits. To put things as simply as possible there are three basic kinds of kayaks: Recreational, Touring, and Whitewater.
Recreational kayaks are what most people buy. These kayaks range in length from 9 feet to around 14 feet in length are made to be extremely stable (some of them are almost impossible to turn over). Some of these kayaks are more at home in lakes and calm streams, while others are more suited to class I and II white water. They are easy to maneuver, extremely durable, and relatively inexpensive with prices ranging from around $350 up to $1000.
They are great for photography, hunting, exercise, and just cruising around lakes and rivers. They are fun! Lewis & Clark always tried to keep demo models on hand so you can take one out on the water to see if kayaking is an activity you might be interested in (it's a scam - we know you'll be hooked once you try).
The next type of kayaks are the touring kayaks. These boats range in length from around 14 feet on up to almost 20 feet. Narrower than recreational kayaks, touring boats don't feel quite as stable as their wide-bodied cousins. What they give up in stability, however, they more than make up for in speed and efficiency. Touring boats feel at home in any of our local lakes, while many of them are even sea-worthy - having crossed all of the major oceans at one time or another. These boats require just a little more skill to get comfortable in, but most people find them worth the extra effort.
Prices for quality touring boats range from around $800 to almost $3000 for composite fiberglass versions. Our most popular models are $1000 to $1400. Many touring boats have enough built-in storage to supply week-long adventures.
White water kayaks are the kind you see on TV in the class IV rapids. They are usually 8 to 10 feet long and made for acrobatic moves in the water. If you are in it for the adrenaline and willing to spend a few hours learning how to roll, one of these might be just the ticket. Expect to spend $1000 to $1200 for a this years' models.
Most people who try out kayaks end up loving them. I think kayaks provide the best exercise in the world because you're having so much fun paddling you forget you're getting a workout. Don't be confused by a good selection of models. Ask any of our sales associates for help finding out which boat is right for you. We can have you enjoying the water in no time at all. Get a kayak, then go out and play!