How to choose the right kayak among the many available on the market?

# Which to choose: canoe or kayak?

For starters, the kayak is thinner than the canoe, which makes it easier to transport if you live far from the sea, a river or a lake. Kayaks are made to be easily transportable, and there are many different models for each kayaking discipline.

As far as transport is concerned, there is the new INFLATABLE KAYAK technology. Compared to the rigid canoe, inflatable kayaks offer a huge advantage: they can be carried over the shoulder or in a backpack and are inflated with a pump (electric or manual).

However, for storage, the canoe is more popular - there is more volume inside than the kayak. In addition to the inflatable kayak there is a rigid one called Sit-on-top, here the interior space is limited and also the number of people who can sit. The kayaks can accommodate a maximum of 3 people and a child.

In general, therefore, the big difference between a kayak and a canoe is the capacity and shape.

Kayaking can be the best solution for occasional outings or regular outings even if you don't live near a water point, while a canoe is the best choice if you can move easily with a lot of material.

# How many different kayaks are there?

We can separate the kayaks into two large families, the Calme and Living Waters kayaks, which in turn are separated into sub-categories, there are 5 sub-categories of Calm Water Kayaks and 4 sub-categories of White Water Kayaks.

In the Calm Waters family you will find sit-on-top, leisure and touring kayaks, inflatables and pedal boats; For the Living Waters kayak family, you will find play boats, rivers, Creekboats, Old School and dinghies.

1 What is Sit-on-Top Kayaking?

Sit-on-top kayak is a so-called closed cockpit kayak, because you sit not inside, but on top. This type of kayak is practical for beginners because it is easy to get on and off, has several storage spaces (for the bag there is waterproof space), they are wider than touring models for example and smaller for the most part., which gives them more stability. They are therefore more practical to get started.

This type of kayak can weigh about 18 kilos for the little ones, it is easily transportable alone or accompanied, they are completely rigid, so it is essential to live close to the water point, or in any case be able to transport it, on the roof or on a trailer.

Sit-on-tops are kayaks for short trips of around 2 hours, but of course you can stay longer depending on your resistance. If you want to improve speed and stay on course, choose narrower and longer kayaks instead (kayak tours will have what is called a rudder, which allows you to keep a straight course).

The only drawback is that the sit-on-top, which is located above the water level, may not be ideal if you want to stay dry. Not being in the water, you will often get wet with splashes, which can be invigorating in the summer, but quite uncomfortable in the winter.

You will find smaller river kayaks that allow you to be more comfortable with a fishing rod.

Ask Sportmania for more details. We will be happy to give you all the specifications and help you in your choice.

                                     Kayak Bic Bornéo                                              Kayak Bic Bilbao Fishing (sur demande)

                                     Kayak Bic Tobago                                                              Kayak Bic Bilbao

2  Is the inflatable kayak reliable?

An inflatable kayak is a kayak that can inflate and deflate at will, allowing people who do not live near a water point, or who cannot move a rigid one. The inflatable kayak is comfortable because it can be moved in a backpack and you can take it with you for excursions.

The inflatable kayak is, for purists, considered a "toy", yet the inflatable kayak can be very durable and efficient depending on the model and brand. Sportmania offers you the BIC FULL HP model, the top of the range we offer, which will delight even the most demanding customers.

Among the features included in the purchase of a new kayak is the hand pump, as well as a paddle, a bag and seats.

The inflatable kayak is a powerful and easy to use tool, it only requires a little more preparation before putting it in the water, to inflate it (choose an electric inflator for less effort), and to prepare seats and oars.

Inflatable kayak - the right choice

Not all inflatable kayaks are created equal. It is therefore necessary to check some aspects according to these criteria before deciding:

• Weight: The lightest inflatable kayaks weigh 7kg, and some, capable of carrying more people, can weigh 25kg. This is to be taken into consideration for transport and navigation (normally the longer it is, the better the construction and the better the service life); 
• capacity: single, two-seater or 4-seater inflatable kayaks can carry up to 3 adults and 1 child; 
• Storage: Inflatable kayaks are usually sold with their own carry bag. Some brands have even developed an included carrying backpack; 
• the material: it is recommended to choose inflatable kayaks made with high pressure drop seams. This material, already proven in other fields, allows to make strong, rigid and light kayaks with performance similar to rigid sit-on-top kayaks .; 
• Hull: There are inflatable kayaks that have a reinforced PVC hull lining, the molded deep V shape of which provides them with excellent guidance and better penetration into the water. 
• Therefore, choose the High Pressure models for unmatched support and glide, the entry-level models will not be able to give you the same glide quality and durability. 

            Kayak Gonflable Aqua Marina Betta VT-K2                                Kayak Gonflable HP Aqua Marina Tomahawk 1

                     Kayak Gonflable Bic Kalyma                                                               Kayak Gonflable Bic HP 1