Kayak Types – Recreational, Day Touring & Sea Kayaks

Kayaks have evolved considerably from their origins as Inuit hunting boats. Kayaks can now be categorized for the various modern purposes they fill, including recreational, sport or fishing, day touring and sea kayak. The kayaks in each of these categories have dimensions and features that optimize the boat for that specific use.

Kayaks can be further categorized by the materials from which they are made. These materials include wood, plastic, fibreglass, Kevlar, and carbon. Other types of kayaks include inflatable and folding.

Grouping the boats into categories helps a paddler choose a boat that will suit their most frequent intended use.

Recreational Kayaks

Recreational kayaks are designed to be used by novices, for lighthearted fun near a home base such as a resort or cottage. They are usually a sit-on-top design or have a large cockpit opening. The recreational style kayak has a wide beam for maximum stability. This limits their speed but allows for inexperienced paddlers to enjoy the sport with little skill and little risk\k of roll over. They are often built from polyethylene plastic and are inexpensive yet rugged. The seat is usually non-adjustable as it is part of the molded body of the boat. Height adjustment is instead often accomplished by a number of foot braces.

Sport or Fishing Kayaks

These boats are designed to take a fisherman or hunter into shallow waters and tight confines to pursuit the sport. They are broad beamed, as they need to have great stability for casting a fishing rod or swinging a shotgun. These kayaks are often similar in design to the recreational style in that they are a sit-on-top or have a large cockpit. They also come with specialized features including rod holders, an anchor and other purposeful stowage receptacles. They are often made from polyethylene plastic and come in camouflage colours.

Day Touring Kayaks

These boats are designed more for speed and straight-line travel. They are therefore longer and narrower than the above styles. This, therefore, affects the stability of the boats, and thus requires more skill. These boats will feature a smaller cockpit and spray skirt. Sealed storage compartments enable them to carry some cargo for a short tour.

Sea Kayaks

A sea kayak is long and narrow like a touring boat, and often features a turned up-bow for shedding waves. They are designed for rough open water far from shore. These boats have more capacity for cargo and are a bit longer than a day touring model. Like a touring boat they are designed for speed and straight-line travel. For many paddle enthusiasts, sea kayaking is a doorway to outdoor fun and fitness.

For more detailed information Please visit Frontenac Outfitters ‘Main Kayak Page’ and ‘CLICK -ON’ Recreational, Day Touring & Sea Kayaks