Getting Started in Kayaking
Visit a Local Kayak Tour Service
Try Kayaks On the Water Before you Buy
Try Kayaks On the Water Before you Buy
- Look up a local kayak tour company around the NW and get a great hands on feel for some different kayak options. Sit on top vs Sit In Kayaks etc.
Try Kayaks On the Water Before you Buy
Try Kayaks On the Water Before you Buy
Try Kayaks On the Water Before you Buy
- Visit a "Localally Owned Kayak Shop and get the opportunity to demo kayaks before buying to make sure it's a comfortable fit on the water and stable for you !!
Go with a local Kayak Group or Friends
Try Kayaks On the Water Before you Buy
Go with a local Kayak Group or Friends
- A Local Kayak Group will be a great way to see what different people use everyday on trips. Some pack very light just a few essentials with a water bottle and snacks and dry box or bag.
Get a Great Fitting PFD (Life Jacket)
Get a Great Fitting PFD (Life Jacket)
Go with a local Kayak Group or Friends
- Waters in the Pacific Northwest are cold year round and do warm up in late summer but still cold water shock is a serious thing and wearing that PFD will aid in case of a tipover.
- Stohlquist, MTI, and more Custom Fit Kayaking Life Jackets will make the adventures much more enjoyable with proper fitting gear!
Get the Kayak Essentials
Get a Great Fitting PFD (Life Jacket)
Take a class or watch some videos
- Bilge Pump
- Dry Box (Keys, Phone, Wallet)
- Water Bottle Drinks and Snacks
- Dry Bag with extra change of clothes towel never hurts to have on hand.
- Sunny Days- Sunscreen, Hats, Glasses
Take a class or watch some videos
Get a Great Fitting PFD (Life Jacket)
Take a class or watch some videos
- Taking a local safety 101 class is a great way to get started otherwise lots of great helpful videos online about Entry and Exiting the Kayak where 90% of Swims take place.
- Great Into Video on Kayaks by Dan from Headwaters Kayak on Kayaks under $1000 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaiDabJIx3Y&t=668s
Finding a Deal on a Used Kayak
Check The Local Kayak Shop First and you might score a deal!!
Sometimes your local kayak shops take in kayaks on consignment or trade ins towards new kayaks and always priced to find a buyer!!
Check local Sales Websites Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp, Letgo
- Facebook MarketPlace
- Craigslist
- Offerup
- Letgo
- NW Kayaking Group Kayaks pop up from time to time from other group members and always a great way to see a trustworthy reputation if you know them from in the group
Always try to test out a kayak on the water before buying
Have seen it a number of times over the years where someone buys a kayak online only to find out when they go out on the water it's not the great experince they thought it would be and just like car shopping and cell phone shopping there's always lots of reviews to give you an idea of how a kayak will feel but on the water paddling it will be the deciding factor, is it roomy enough? Does it Track well? Is it fast or sluggish in the water to comparable kayaks your friends might have? Different Color Options? There is alot of factors more than just the low price to consider and as always spending just a few more dollars down the road might be a great long term purchase for the fun adventures with the right kayak!
Try to Demo from a Local Kayak Shop
Demo Options from Kayak Shops can be the best option to finding a kayak that fits like a glove!!
Renting A Kayak from a local outfitter
And if you have rented and love the feel of a certain kayak go get one from the local shop as they are happy to help you find the right kayak and accessories for adventures on the water!
Last but not least transporting the kayaks
A simple set of Foam Blocks with straps and Front and Rear Tie Downs will do the trick for around $25 if you don't have a roof rack, truck or trailer.
Getting that first kayak -- INflatable, Folding, Hardshell
Inflatable Kayaks
Hardshell Plastic Rec Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks
- Aquaglide Kayaks Based in the Northwest! M2S Aquaglide Website
- Advanced Elements
- Intek K2 and K1 Kayaks (Great Budget friendly way to get on the local waters)
Folding Kayaks
Hardshell Plastic Rec Kayaks
Inflatable Kayaks
- ORU Kayaks are growing as a popular option to get on the water and fit in the back of your car and not take up any extra storage at home . Check out the latest on their website
Hardshell Plastic Rec Kayaks
Hardshell Plastic Rec Kayaks
Hardshell Plastic Rec Kayaks
- Great starter kayaks for the local lake and easy going rivers.
- Idealy most adults will want at Least a 9 Foor to 12.5 Foot Kayak
- Longer is going to be faster.
- No Bulkheads so for added safety Floatbags are added by some paddlers to keep a kayak from sinking if it gets fully swamped.
Tandem Sit on Top Kayaks
Thermformed Lightweight Kayaks
Hardshell Plastic Rec Kayaks
- Popular in the summer months sit on tops are great for the lakes and river floats and even playing around in the Puget Sound. The downside is they aren't great for covering a longer trip vs a Sit inside style kayak.
Thermformed Lightweight Kayaks
Thermformed Lightweight Kayaks
Thermformed Lightweight Kayaks
- Eddyline Kayaks the Leader in Lightweight kayaks is based right here in Washington only 90 minutes north of Seattle and available through local dealers such as M2SOutfitters.com in Seattle and OlympicOutdoorCenter.com in the Bremerton Area
- Front and Rear Bulkheads added safety
Whitewater Kayaks
Thermformed Lightweight Kayaks
Thermformed Lightweight Kayaks
- With so many great rivers in the Northwest alot of folks like to give white water kayaking a try and always get started with proper safety training first with great instructors on hand to help you out and show you the ropes!
- Portland Area - White Salmon Wet Planet Whitewater
- Seattle -
- Bend
- Eugene
- Medford
Light Touing Kayaks
Fiberglass Sea Kayaks
Light Touing Kayaks
- Most light touring kayaks start off at 12.5 feet up to 15 feet.
- Longer Sleeker designs will travel through the water faster for longer trips.
- Touring kayaks will have front and rear bulkheads for sealed comparents to keep the kayak from getting flooded in case of a tip over and the water can be pumped out.
- Deck bunge cords for easy access to gear
- Check out the Feelfree Aventura Kayaks 11', 12.5', qand 14' at your local kayak shop in Seattle M2Soutfitters.com Alder ClackamasRiverOutfitters.com
Touing Sea Kayaks
Fiberglass Sea Kayaks
Light Touing Kayaks
- Most touring kayaks start off at 14.5 feet and longer .
- Longer Sleeker designs will travel through the water faster for longer trips.
- Sea Kayaks know as touring kayaks will have front and rear bulkheads for sealed comparents to keep the kayak from getting flooded in case of a tip over and the water can be pumped out.
- Deck bunge cords for easy access to gear
Fiberglass Sea Kayaks
Fiberglass Sea Kayaks
Fiberglass Sea Kayaks
- Fiberglass Sea Kayaks are generally lighter weight with different building materials than higher density poly kayaks.
- Some have Rudders to help assist turning
- Long sleek designs usually more tippy and more aquired balance control for the experinced paddlers.