Things To Consider Before You Buy A Kayak

So, you've decided to purchase a kayak...Now what?  Some questions you might want to consider are as follows:
 
What is my budget for kayaking?  How much money am I willing to spend on the sport?  Will kayaking require a massive cash outlay?  Should I buy kayak equipment new or used?  Will a cheap kayak, pre-owned kayak or used kayak meet my needs?

Some kayak makers offer seasonal clearance sales for kayaks and canoes.  Look for kayak sales that are real bargains, particularly the ones that offer free shipping.   Shop around and check out the deals.

How often will I be using my kayak?  It might in fact be more economical in the long run for the beginner/novice paddler or the infrequent paddler to rent a kayak for the day or hours of use.
 
Where will I most likely use my kayak?  Focus on whether you'll be in flat water, the ocean, surf, or whitewater.  Inflatable kayaks, ocean kayaks and surf kayaks are not the best for every type of paddling.  Your paddling environment will be critical to your kayak selection.
 
What type of kayak or paddling equipment do I need?  The basic types of kayak are as follows:  Sit on top (SOT) kayak, sit inside (SIS, SIK or SINK) kayak, stand-up kayak (SUK) for fishing or stand-up paddleboard (SUP).  There are so many quality kayaks and canoes on the market now, you really have a wide range of choices available.  Look at some of the quality kayaks, both rigid and inflatable.  Becoming increasingly popular are the stand up paddleboards and surf kayaks. 

  
How will I get my kayak to the water?  Will I require kayak racks for my vehicle, a trailer or some alternate method for hauling my kayak?
 
Where will I store my kayak and gear?  Do I have enough room in my garage, my carport, my apartment or house?  Kayaks usually aren't the focal part of an interior decorator's scheme.  Will kayak storage create difficulties with my spouse or significant other?

In these times of international economic uncertainty, it's good to keep things in perspective. Determine how much money you can afford to spend on recreational equipment. Whether you're shopping for recreational kayaks, tandem kayaks, fishing kayaks, whitewater kayaks, used kayaks, surf kayaks or stand-up paddleboards, go for quality not quantity when you buy.