Fishing Frenzy

Kayaking is always a fun and rewarding sport. For the avid boater, this is one of the most versatile water sports since it can be done on most any types of water-on calm lakes, whitewater rapids and even surfing areas. It provides just the right kind of excitement with the possibility of spills and going under ever-present if you don't have the right skills or keep your wits about you.

While hard shell kayaks used to dominate the scene, inflatable kayaks are now getting more commonly used. In fact the Coast Guard makes these a part of their equipment, attesting to their safety and dependability. Recreational kayakers, meanwhile, prefer inflatable kayaks because they are more affordable when compared to traditional hard shells. Cost, however, isn't the only factor to consider when buying an inflatable kayak.

First of all, make sure that you buy a good quality kayak that is suited to your level of expertise and the kind of water course you will usually take your kayak in. If you are buying a kayak for your child or for yourself for leisurely paddles on a lake where there is hardly any ripple on the water, then you can very well go for smaller, cheaper inflatables. Take note, however, that these cannot withstand an environment that gets slightly tougher than this since they tear and puncture easily. For serious kayakers and those who don't want to get stuck in leisurely paddles by the lake but might want to graduate to more exciting waters, it would be worth the expense to invest in a high quality well-made kayak.

Are their ways of telling if a kayak is of high quality and suited to the kind of rough water you plan to bring it to? Yes and the price will always be the first thing to give it away-the stronger the materials used, the better the workmanship, the more they are going to cost.

See to it that the kind you choose is made of Hypalon or PVC with a Denier reinforced material of a thousand or more. Single-chamber kayaks are also inferior compared to those with multiple air chambers. With more chambers, the vessel is still kept afloat even when a certain part has sustained a puncture. High-quality kayaks also display solid workmanship with seams that are well put together so it is able to withstand the strongest rapids.

Before purchasing a kayak, make sure that you always compare the offers of each manufacturer and judge these against your needs and lifestyle. Because various kayaks come in different sizes, styles, load capacity and price, make sure that you get one that fits your needs so avoid needless spending on accessories or extra features that you might not even use. This is much easier done now with the Internet.

But, if you want to check out first hand the quality and workmanship of a particular kayak before buying it, then going on foot from one physical store to another will be a better option for you.

Safety must always come before price. Don't hesitate to spare a few dollars for a more expensive but better quality brand over what you had initially chosen. Nothing beats the confidence, relaxation and enjoyment of knowing that you are on the best kayak in the world.